DISCLAIMER: This story was started for the DarkNN first anniversary story challenge. Well, needless to say, the story had a mind of it's own and it took 5 months to write. Such is life. Anyway, I don't own any of the characters of Forever Knight. They are the property of Sony/TriStar/Jim Parriott. I'm only borrowing them for a little bit of fun. The songs used are from the Jim Brickman Destiny CD. No infringement is intended. I just like this style of music. The songs used were 'Love of My Life' by Jim Brickman with Michael W. Smith and
'Destiny' by Jim Brickman with Jordan Hill and Billy Porter.

This story is for the N&N Nuts. This if for all their encouragement through some rough times of late. You guys are the best IRC gang around! Thanks to constant nagging, e-mailing, harassment, encouragement and support the story is finally finished. *G* NiteMar,
TexasBrat, NiteLady, MicSnutty, MadShelia, Wilz...stand up and take a bow...you made me finish it.

HUGE thanks and hugs to NiteMar and TexasBrat for the excellent beta job they did. I know it was a long story and took lots of time. You guys are the greatest!

Permission given to archive at DarkNN web site, N&N Packers web site, Mel's fkfanfic web site, the FTP site, and the JADFE archives. Anyone else please ask.

Madness of Love
By: Lisa a.k.a. KnightOwl
May 2000

**********
Chapter 1
**********
8:45 p.m. Saturday Night
Alley behind the Raven

The two men looked cautiously around as they carried their heavy bundle from the trunk of their car. The red and blue checkered blanket dragged the ground as they worked their way further into the dimly lit alley. When they reached the dumpster, the younger of the two men groaned as his back strained against the weight of their heavy load. They heaved the blanket and its contents unceremoniously on the ground.

The older gentlemen turned with his long coat swirling with the breeze. He grabbed the lining of his dark gray duster and pulled it tightly around his midsection, fastening the belt as he stalked toward his protégé. His footsteps echoed with an eerie click as his eyes locked on the younger man, freezing him in place. He towered over his protégé growling, "Will you keep quiet!"

The younger man looked around as he pulled the collar of his miserably inadequate coat around his neck. The bitter bite of the winter winds nipped at his skin through the thin material of his jacket. He pulled the zipper up on the coat as he looked one way, then another. Not a soul could be seen in the alley. The only sign of life he could detect was the loud music coming from the club. He gestured over his shoulder with his thumb back at the door leading to the bowels of the popular nightspot. "Quiet? With all the noise coming out of that place, I doubt anybody will hear me." He cupped his hands in front of his face to blow heat into his sore, reddened hands.

It was a Saturday night and the Raven was filled with hundreds of people trying to drown their sorrows from the week's tension. Little did they know they were drowning their sorrows along with many of Toronto's night inhabitants who were looking for some small thrill to enliven their centuries of existence and boredom. The music pulsated through the
exterior stonewalls of the club, deafening the patrons to the scene taking place outside.

The older man grabbed the youngster by the collar and looked on past him at the back door to the Raven. He shook the young man in his grasp, lifting the youngster's feet off the ground, and said with a taunting menace in his voice, "I'm not worried about anybody hearing us. I'm more worried about somebody looking for a snack. You wouldn't want to
become a permanent resident here, now would you?"

The younger man trembled as his feet were planted firmly back on the ground. He looked up, alarmed at the man over him. "What? Why should I worry? You're with me."

The older man shook his head as he let out a disgusted sigh. In an act of frustration, he grabbed his young protégé by the back of the neck, jerking him along with his steps. "Come on, before somebody sees us."

The younger man stumbled trying to pull back, but found his neck held tightly in a vice grip. His face winced in pain as he spoke, "Hey, that hurts."

The older man turned, his eyes now a golden hue, his patience was wearing thin with the young man before him. The vampire sneered, "Then, you better keep up!"

End Chapter 1


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See Disclaimers in Chapter 1.

**********
Chapter 2
**********
9:00 p.m. Saturday Night
Natalie's Apartment

Natalie sat at her computer with a CD in the drive, her headphones on, and the volume cranked to the roof. She loved loud music at times, but her neighbors did not appreciate it as much as she. As the next song began to fill her mind, she clicked the mouse and brought up the next web page. Grace had told her about a couple of sites on the net that offered sexy lingerie...it was good for a laugh, so she decided to check them out. She took a sip of the diet soda and grabbed another hand of popcorn while the page loaded.

A crooked smiled formed on her face as the perfect body of a blonde, green-eyed woman appeared on the screen. The woman was dressed only in a white teddy with stretch netting inter laid with beautiful velvet-blue lace appliqué. A matching sheer robe of the same material hung off her shoulders. Natalie stared at the perfect picture before her, and then looked down at her own body. What the woman wore on the screen was a far cry from her college sweatshirt and jeans. Her lopsided smile turned into a frown as her brow furrowed. Why had God decided that some women should live a simple, plain life, while others of them would be wined and dined simply because they looked sensational in a bikini...or less? She sighed, took another munch on the popcorn, then continued to click her way through the site...leopard, black lace, sparkles, red velvet, body suits, garter belts, bustiers, and gowns. She clicked away, oblivious to the world around her, as the music blared through the headset.

She clicked again and stopped as a white, 100% silk, back lace-up gown with chiffon inset began to appear. She cocked her head sideways staring at the gown, and then noticed it came in different colors. She clicked the option...red, ivory, and black were available. She looked at the picture again and grinned. "Very nice." She said to no one in particular. "I think black is my color." Her eyes glazed over as a vision played in her mind. She was dressed in the gown with Nick slowly running his hands down her sides. His hands gliding easily over the silk as his arms began to wrap around her. She could imagine him
beginning to kiss her softly on the side of the neck working his way down as an incredible warmth - one like she'd never before known - began to fill her...she shook her head from her reverie and smiled wickedly. 'Where the heck did that image come from?' she thought to herself. 

She made her selection and waited for the next screen to appear. As the price rolled up the screen, she nearly choked on her soda as a kernel of corn hit the screen. She placed the can on the desk and wiped the screen as she gasped, "$600 for a gown!" Natalie leaned toward the screen hoping she wasn't seeing the price she saw. Maybe it was $60? She slowly leaned back in her chair wiping her hands together. "Nope, $600...that's unreal. If you're lucky, you'd only wear it for 30 seconds."

Natalie startled suddenly as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She shot out of the chair, yanking her headphones from the monitor. Her bowl of popcorn lost on the floor. She turned quickly to find Nick standing beside her chair with his boyish grin plastered on his face. "NICK!" She took a few deep breaths and reached down to turn the volume down on
the computer.

"Nat, I'm sorry. But...I knocked...you didn't answer."

Natalie put her hand to her chest trying to calm her breathing. "Knocked? You did?" She looked at the head set now in her hand as she shook her head. "I'm sorry, Nick. I guess I had the music too loud. I didn't hear you."

The grin faded as he shuffled, uncomfortably twining his fingers together. "I knew you were here. I could sense you, so I used my key." He held his hands out before him, beseeching her understanding, "I thought something might be wrong." He looked down at the mess now on her floor. "I'm sorry, Nat." He shrugged his coat off, throwing it into the chair. Leaning down, he began to pick up the kernels, offering, "I'll help you clean it up."

Natalie should have been furious with him, but Nick had only come into her apartment out of concern for her well being. Besides, the sight of him cleaning was worth it. She put the headset down and placed a hand on his shoulder to kneel down beside him. She scooped a handful of kernels into the bowl. "That's okay, Nick. I guess I learned a little lesson."

Nick looked up intrigued at the screen as another handful of corn landed in the bowl. "Shopping?"

Natalie followed his gaze upwards and began to blush a deep crimson when she saw the gown on the screen. She slowly reached up and over to shut the monitor off. She thought back to her earlier dream of Nick holding her. Perhaps, unconsciously, she had smelled his after-shave or something and that is what had made her mind wonder? "Um...sort of.
Daydreaming is more like it."

"I see." He frowned as he watched the picture of the gown disappear from sight.

After they finished cleaning up the corn, he handed the bowl to Natalie and helped her up. Once on her feet, Natalie placed the bowl back by the computer. She turned back to him with a question, "How long have you been here, Nick?"

Nick cleared his throat and Natalie could tell he was a bit uneasy. He quickly sputtered out, "Um, ever since...just before the bridal bustier went by?"

Her eyes widened as she realized Nick had been standing behind her for nearly five minutes. "Nick! Why didn't you say something sooner?"

He only shrugged with a lopsided grin on his face. "Nice view?"

Natalie slapped his chest as she walked by him into the main living room. She moaned, "Men." 

Nick rubbed his chest lightly where Natalie had swatted him. He looked down at the now black screen and smiled. He turned to follow her to the couch. "Did you forget we were going to go over some of your test results tonight?"

Natalie turned, as Nick nearly ran into her. His arms flew up in a protective gesture and he quickly took a step back. "Sorry, I didn't expect you to stop so suddenly."

Natalie took a step toward him and took hold of his arm. "No, that's okay. I'm the one's whose sorry, Nick. I forgot all about you coming over tonight. I guess my head's been somewhere else lately. So much is happening now."

He placed his hand over hers and rubbed it gently. He had noticed the weariness in her eyes of late. She had been thrilled at first with Grace's news, but as the reality of it sunk in, her attitude had changed somewhat. He had noticed her distancing herself from her friend, as if trying to detach herself from her emotions. What had bothered him more was her attitude toward him had also seemed to change. The warmth of her hand on his arm was a welcome reminder of her closeness, but lately...her playful banter with him had taken a more *professional* attitude. He gave an understanding nod. "It's okay, Nat. I'm sure
losing Grace is causing you some emotional turmoil. I know she's a dear friend of yours."

A bittersweet smile flashed back at him. He always seemed to know her pain. Her hand instinctively went up and caressed his cheek. "You always know what's wrong." She bit her bottom lip and released Nick, then turned away from him. Without realizing what she was doing, she placed the wall between them again. "It's going to be difficult. I'm so used to having her around. Her jokes, the way she makes me laugh. On a bad night, I could always count on her doing something to cheer me up. I should be thrilled for her, it's wonderful." Natalie looked over her shoulder at him then continued to walk away. "I should be excited that she's getting married, but all I can think of is my own loss. I'm
losing my best friend, Nick." She stopped and turned to him, the emotions raw on her face, "Is losing someone you care about always so hard?"

Nick wanted to reach out to her. To soothe her, to comfort her in her time of turmoil. Losing Grace was causing her so much grief. But he could sense the wall being thrown between them again. He closed his eyes and bowed his head. How could he comfort her? He knew the bitter answer to her question. His soothing voice tried to calm her, "It's always hard, Nat. You never get used to it." He raised his head and opened his eyes to look deep into her soul. "All you can do is make sure that the time you had with them will always be remembered. After all, in time...that's all you'll have are your memories."

Natalie wasn't sure if she appreciated Nick's blunt honesty, but she had asked the question, even if she didn't like the answer. She turned from him murmuring, "Memories." She walked around the couch and over to the window, standing with her arms folded across her chest and staring out into the night. In the reflection of the glass, she could see Nick
approaching from behind her. Things had gotten so confused between them lately and she knew it was of her own making. Her emotions were spiraling out of control and she couldn't leash them. Grace had told her, that once she was married, she and her husband were moving to Edmonton to his practice. Grace had met Terence at a convention, the
very same convention Natalie had backed out of, giving Grace the opportunity to go in her stead. She couldn't help but wonder...if she had gone to the convention...she wouldn't be losing her friend. She slowly lowered her head. "I'm being selfish."

Nick hesitantly placed his hands on her shoulders. "No, Nat. Not selfish. Human."

Natalie turned to him. "Human?"

Nick smiled as his hand gently caressed her shoulder. He reached up and tenderly brushed away a lock of curl that had fallen across her face. His hand traced her cheek down to her jaw line. "Yes Nat, human. Emotions. You love Grace. You're just in pain from the impending loss. But Nat, Grace will always love you too. You'll keep in touch." He rolled his eyes toward the ceiling. "I hate to think what your phone bill is going to be now. You two will be on the phone constantly with gossip." Nick chuckled trying to lighten her mood as his gaze once again captured her eyes. "Hey, you both have computers, you could chat
every night in one of those chat rooms. I've heard of people that do that, you know, chat all hours of the night. Telling secrets to one another. Next thing you know, you'll be traveling around the country with some group."

Nick's jovial tone lightened her mood. She laughed, raising her hand and rubbing her nose. "Yeah, you got a point."

He placed his finger under her chin and raised her eyes to his, "You've still got me, Nat. I'm not going anywhere."

Nick noticed the smile fade from her face as a frown appeared. Natalie pulled herself from him and turned back to the window. Nick could sense her breathing and heart rate had increased slightly.

Natalie's voice quivered, "Not for long, though."

He now understood. The *professionalism*...the distancing...he had done it himself a thousand times. He knew her fear. The fear he was leaving her soon. He had been in Toronto for nearly four years now. Nick had explained some things about being a vampire to Natalie in that time. One of them being his having to move on in the past before the people around him noticed that he never aged. He wrapped his arms around her holding her tight. He placed his cheek against her hair and spoke softly into her ear, "I don't want to leave, Nat. I want to stay here. We're working to find a cure. I still have faith in you...in a cure...that someday we could...." His voice trailed off. Nick was still afraid to admit what he wanted if he became mortal. He wanted her. But to voice it aloud may jinx it - it would never come true. He held her tighter trying to convey his feelings in the only way he could
now. He rubbed his cheek against hers as he felt the warm tears between them. "I don't want to leave you and I'm not. Not now."

Natalie couldn't hold back the flood of emotion. She leaned back into his embrace and sobbed quietly. She turned her head toward him and gently rubbed her forehead against his cheek. "I don't want you to leave either." Nick tenderly placed a kiss on her forehead and held her.

Natalie's sobs began to subside. She sniffled and relished the feeling of being held in his arms. She closed her eyes and tried to memorize every nuance of the moment. His soft touch, the smell of his after-shave, the way he slowly rubbed her arms with his thumbs. Nick slowly began to sway with her in his arms. A smile formed on his lips as a playful thought crossed his mind. He placed a light kiss at the base of her ear and whispered, "Black, eh?"

Natalie turned slightly and looked at him puzzled. What was he talking about now? Then suddenly it hit her like bolt of lightning from the blue. Her face turned a deep red as she realized he had heard her comment about the gown on the Internet. She stammered, "Nick...I...that web site was Grace's idea. I need a gift...she told me...I mean...she...I..." She saw the playful glee in Nick's eyes at her discomfort. She smiled and slapped playfully at his arm. "You!" 

Just as Natalie was thinking of a come back, two beepers went off simultaneously.

End of Chapter 2


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************
Chapter 3
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10:00 p.m. Saturday Night
Alley behind the Raven

Natalie wrapped her coat around her as she placed her medical bag on the ground and knelt down. She looked around her briefly. She couldn't believe where they were...back alley of the Raven. As she grabbed for her latex gloves, she noticed Nick off to the side asking questions of the crowd that had gathered. She wondered to herself *how many people in the crowd were mortal?* She was almost afraid to begin the examination, afraid of what she might find. If the body had been found in any other part of Toronto, the ideas that were whirling in her mind wouldn't be there. But the uncertainty, their location, the question was screaming in her head...cause of death? She snapped the latex gloves on her hands and said a silent prayer as she slowly began to lift the sheet from the victim's face. As she looked down at the dead woman, Natalie suddenly froze...but only for a moment. She felt herself moving in slow motion as the shock began to wear off. Gently, she ran her hand down the young woman's face - a face very like her own. It was uncanny...unreal.

Nick had been questioning a couple of witnesses when he looked over at Natalie. He noticed her pale expression as she hovered over the body. She was barely moving. He quickly excused himself to go to her side. As he approached, he noticed the woman on the ground. Her unmistakable features, they were so familiar to him. He now understood why Natalie was entranced. He knelt down beside her and placed his hand on Nat's back. Barely able to take his own eyes off the haunting site, he spoke gently into her ear, "Natalie."

Natalie turned to him. Her features were drained of all color. She slowly shook her head and looked down at the body before them. She whispered, "It's like looking in a mirror, Nick."

Nick took the sheet from Natalie's hand and let it drop back into place over the victim. He had to admit, the resemblance of the woman on the ground to Natalie was unnerving him. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him. "Maybe you should let somebody else handle this one, Nat?"

Natalie blinked blankly at him, then just as quickly recovered as her professional persona fell back into place. She began to shake her head. "No, Nick. I can handle this." She turned and looked down at the sheet-covered corpse. "I am a professional. I can deal with this." 

Nick wished he could be as confident as her, or at least sound as confident. He only shook his head, it was no use arguing with her once her mind was made up, but he could give her the option. "Are you sure? I'm positive if you asked, someone else would handle this. You have to admit...it is a little spooky."

Natalie continued to shake her head. "I'm fine." She pulled the sheet back again and began her examination of the body.

Nick stood up knowing he had lost this battle. He stepped back looking down at the body, imagining his worst nightmare. The woman lying on the pavement could have been Natalie's twin. She was approximately the same height and build, but what affected him most were the auburn curls that framed her face. This picture was one he had dreamed of so many times. Only in his dreams, it *was* his Natalie he held lifeless in his arms. It was her life force which had been drained by him in a moment of weakness. The price she had paid for their passion. He closed his eyes and looked away as the guilt consumed him.

Natalie looked up for a moment. She saw Nick close his eyes as he clenched his teeth together. The war with his emotions raging once again. What was he thinking? Was he as unnerved as her? She continued to ponder the resemblance of the woman lying dead on the ground. She wondered what this woman's life had been like before it had been snuffed
out at such an early age. And once again, now that the initial shock of her twin had subsided, the nagging uncertainty gnawed at Natalie's insides...she had to know the answer. Upon her initial exam of the body, she was unable to determine a cause of death. She slowly reached up for the woman's chin and began to turn her head to the side. Natalie's eyes grew wide as her deepest fears became reality. She gasped. "No."

Nick heard Natalie's gasp and looked back down. When he saw the marks, he quickly returned to her side. "Can you hide this?"

Natalie gently prodded the wound with her fingers and turned a white face back to Nick. "I think so."

Nick looked back out into the crowd. He could see several patrons of the Raven in the street looking on. Would one of them be so stupid as to make a kill this close to the club and then not even try to cover it up? His eyes continued to scan the crowd until his gaze locked with a pair of icy blue eyes. He whispered to Natalie, "Do what you can, Nat."

Natalie looked at Nick, but noticed his gaze elsewhere. "Nick, I'll do what I can. But it won't be easy." Nick was rising to his feet as she continued to speak, "Where are you going?"

Nick slowly answered, "I'm going to try and get some answers." Natalie nodded as she watched him walk away.

As Nick walked toward the crowd, he was stopped suddenly as a hand grabbed his shoulder. "Hey Partner, what's Nat got?"

Nick broke his stare with his master and turned to his partner. He was unable to hide the irritation in his voice, "Hey, Schanke. You're late."

Schanke threw his hands up in the air as he began to explain, "I know, I know. I was taking Myra to her mother's when the call came in." Schanke quickly looked around only noticing a couple of other men, and then huddled close to Nick. "Thanks, though, for covering for me with the Captain."

Nick looked at him questioningly, "Covering?"

Schanke nodded as he continued explaining, "Yeah, by not letting her know I wasn't here right away."

Nick began to grin, as he enlightened his partner. "Schanke, Cohen is in Florida on vacation...remember? Second honeymoon or something like that."

Nick looked quickly back into the crowd, only to discover that LaCroix had vanished. He tried to reach out with his mind to find his master only to have his senses bombarded with a spine tingling sensation. He quickly blocked out any more of the emotions he felt invading his mind. They were that of a jumbled, evil, tormented soul. They were unlike anything his senses had touched before.

Schanke's expression grew blank as he felt a hand grab his shoulder. "Glad you could finally join us, Detective. I hope your mother-in-law is doing fine."

Schanke slowly turned around. He had to do a double take when he finally recognized the man standing in front of him. "Captain Stonetree?"

The Captain chuckled, "Yes, Detective."

Schanke couldn't believe the man standing before him. He hadn't seen Captain Stonetree in a couple of years, but he had to admit...he looked great! "Captain, what happened? Have you been sick...I mean...you're so slim? I almost didn't recognize you."

The Captain unconsciously puffed up his chest with pride. "Why thank you, Detective. But, my Doctor will have to take the credit. I had a slight spell a while back with my heart. It was either straighten up and fly right or measure me for a pine box. I decided to fly right."

Schanke continued to shake his head with disbelief. "Well, for whatever reason you did it. You look good, Cap."

Captain Stonetree looked over at the crowd, then back at Schanke. "Well, seeing as how we are old friends Schanke, I'm going to let this little tardiness slide. Just don't let it happen again while I'm on watch?" He nodded at Schanke.

Schanke grinned ear to ear, "No problem, Cap."

As Captain Stonetree looked at Nick, he noticed his ex-star detective was somewhat distracted. It was nice to know some things never change. "Nick, as to what Schanke was saying earlier...what has Nat got?" 

Nick shook himself mentally, his mind rejoining the two men standing next to him. "We've got a white female, approximately 30-35 years of age. Not much to go on so far. Natalie's still trying to determine a cause of death."

Stonetree turned his head as he pointed to the crowd. "Any witnesses?"

Nick looked back at the crowd. He wondered if one of them was the reason for his distress. "Well, I was just getting ready to question some of them again. So far nobody saw anything. Now that Schanke is here though, we can speed things up a bit."

Stonetree agreed with Nick's suggestion. "Fine. Just keep me informed of your progress. I'll be working between the precincts, but you guys have my number if you need it."

The detectives watched as Stonetree made his way over to Natalie. They turned back to the crowd. Schanke looked at them, then at Nick. "Which side you taking?"

Nick looked over the crowd again, this time he saw LaCroix and pointed in the general direction, "I'm going that way." He pointed in the opposite direction where he knew the mortals were, "Why don't you start with those and we'll just work the crowd."

Schanke nodded, then proceeded in the direction Nick had indicated. Nick turned and walked directly to LaCroix. He took his master somewhat forcefully by the arm and led him away from the others to a discrete location. Once he figured they were a safe distance he began questioning him, "LaCroix, the woman we found over there was killed by a vampire. Do you know what might have happened?"

LaCroix glanced over at his wayward child with an obstinate eye, "Good evening to you too, Nicholas. It is nice to see you again."

Nick seethed with anger, "This is no time for pleasantries, LaCroix. We have a serious problem. Do you know what happened?"

The master vampire looked past Nick and into the crowd. He yanked his arm from Nick's grasp and brushed at an imaginary piece of lint. "Nothing out of the ordinary has occurred to my knowledge. No one here would be foolish enough to risk a killing this close to the club."

Nick turned to look at Natalie. She was still working over the body. "Natalie is going to try and cover this up in her report." He turned back to LaCroix. "We owe her yet again for keeping our secret."

LaCroix eyed the coroner as she continued to work on the body. He snorted in Nick's face, "So?"

Nick turned cold blue eyes to his master. "So?" he repeated. He could barely believe what he was hearing. "She has put herself on the line more times than I care to admit for us. She has earned the right to your respect...as well as the community's, LaCroix."

LaCroix radiated with rage, "I owe her NOTHING! I was not the one who committed this crime. And as for the Community...remember this Nicholas, it is a very fine line your doctor walks. The Enforcers could snuff her life out in a millisecond and not give a second thought as to what she has done. *Remember* that." With a final sneer, LaCroix launched himself off into the night sky.

Nick turned back to the crowd, hoping LaCroix had been discrete in his departure. No one seemed to have noticed his master's leaving and his eyes settled once again upon Natalie as she worked. He knew deep down that LaCroix was right. He had seen it so many times in the past. Regardless of how much a mortal may help the community, if that mortal were ever perceived as a threat, their life would be forfeit with no questions asked. He began to walk back over to the crime scene when the cold chill ran down his spine for the second time. Nick quickly surveyed the crowd. Nothing looked out of the ordinary, but he could not help but feel the odd sensation. It started at the back of his neck and ran all the way down his spine. A madness he cared not knowing. He looked once again into the faces. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something wasn't right with what he was feeling.

*******

From across the street, the man watched Natalie work. His young protégé sat with his back up against the wall drinking a hot cup of coffee. "Man, it's cold out here. How much longer we going to wait?"

A smile began to grow wide on his face as he leaned against the ledge. "Could it be?" The vision of the woman before him was breathtaking. He sighed, "My wait is over." His eyes turned a golden hue as he continued to stare at Natalie. "Soon, my love...no one...no *man* will come between us."

The odd feeling struck him once again and he looked down into the street and saw the blond man scanning the crowd again. He was a vampire, but somebody he was unaccustomed with. He had watched him interact with the woman, loathing the familiar touches and glances they shared with one another.

He quickly yanked his young friend to his feet as the coffee cup splattered to the ground. He pointed down at the street in the blond man's direction. "While I'm resting today, I want you to find out all you can about that man. But be careful, he's one of *them*. Then..."
he pointed toward the young woman, "Get her name and her address. I'll take over from there."

End Chapter 3


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Chapter 4
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5:30 a.m. Sunday Morning
Coroner's Building

Grace finished placing the vial of blood into the evidence container for pick up. She looked over at Natalie and smiled. "Are we finished yet?"

Natalie looked up from her report. "Um, almost...why?"

Grace closed the fridge and walked over with a smile on her face. "I have a breakfast date. Terence is coming by and taking me out."

Natalie raised an eyebrow, snickering, "OH? *Just* breakfast?"

Grace laughed, "Maybe...maybe not."

Natalie nearly dropped her pencil as she gasped, "Grace!?"

Grace smiled evilly and wriggled her eyebrows. "I'm a big girl."

Natalie placed her pencil on the desk and leaned back in her chair and questioned, "So what does it feel like knowing your going to spend the rest of your life with one man?"

Grace perched herself on the edge of Natalie's desk as her eyes began to glaze over. She slowly sighed, "Heaven."

Natalie sat up straighter in the chair and leaned toward her. "Heaven?"

Grace broke her reverie and looked at her friend, "It's a warm, peaceful feeling Nat. Like...well...how you feel when you're with Nick."

Natalie laughed out loud, "What do you mean when I'm *with* Nick? I've never been *with* him. We're just...friends."

Grace crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Natalie. Disbelieving her ears, Grace challenged, "Friends?!? Come on, Nat. I've seen you two together. It's *more* than friends."

Natalie looked away and blushed slightly as she coyly responded, "Is it that obvious?"

Grace laughed and placed her hands down on the desk, "Girl, you have been in love with that man for *years*. Why don't you tell him?"

Natalie sighed, "It's complicated, Grace. It won't work. There are too many barriers in our way."

Grace let out a long breath, "Barriers? Nothing is that strong. Break them down!"

Natalie chuckled a little, "I *wish* it was that easy, Grace. Believe me, I wish it were so. But..." She thought for a moment, then relented and agreed, "I promise, Grace, someday it might be possible and you'll be the first one to know.... well, besides Nick that is." Natalie
looked up with a devilish gleam in her eyes and smiled.

Grace had the feeling that Nat was trying to pacify her in order to drop the subject. She watched her reactions closely, and then decided to let it slide. Natalie was a well-educated woman, who knew what she wanted. If Natalie needed more time, who was she to say otherwise? "Okay Nat, I expect you to keep your word." Grace looked up at the clock. "Okay if I head on out?"

Natalie looked at the body on the autopsy table, and then down at her paperwork. "Sure Grace, there's not much more to do. I can finish it up. Tell Terence hi for me."

Grace rose from her desk and began to pull her scrubs off. "Will do." She was heading for the door and suddenly turned back. "Hey Nat, don't forget about the dress fitting tomorrow."

Natalie's head snapped up from her paperwork, as her voice cracked, "Tomorrow? It's tomorrow?"

Grace turned and placed her hands on her hips as she scolded, "YES, it's tomorrow. I told you a week ago."

Natalie looked down on her calendar and saw the date circled with DRESS written in all caps. She looked coyly up at Grace, "No problem."

Grace finished removing her scrubs. "Now don't you come whining to me when your Maid of Honor dress doesn't fit." Grace turned to leave, but suddenly remembered something. Turning back to Nat, she prodded, "You are asking Nick to take you to the wedding?"

Natalie blushed, "Well, I *thought* about it."

Grace smiled wickedly and decided to have a little fun with her long time friend. She raised an eyebrow and matter-of-factly stated, "Because, if you don't, it's my responsibility to get you a date. I know a nice...."

Before Grace could finish Natalie quickly coughed up, "No problem, I'll ask him."

Grace eyed her suspiciously and queried, "You sure? Dale is a wonderful man."

"Dale?" Natalie swallowed hard. This was all she needed, to be set up on a blind date for Grace's wedding. "No, that's okay. I'll ask Nick, next time I see him."

As Natalie was finishing her sentence, who should appear walking through the door. "Ask me what?" the familiar voice questioned.

Natalie suddenly felt as if she was trapped.

Grace wiggled her eyebrows as she watched Nick's nervous smile. She walked over to him and laced her arm through his as she stated, "I believe our young friend has a question to ask you." Nick looked at Grace questioningly as she led him over in front of Natalie's desk.

Natalie wished the floor would open up and swallow her. Instead, Grace planted Nick firmly in place in front of her. "Okay, ask him."

Nick looked at Grace, and then cautiously turned his head toward Nat. He had never seen Natalie turn so many shades of red.

Natalie, in turn, was watching Nick. He looked like a poor deer that had been caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. Why was Grace making her do this? She had never known her friend to be so bold. She cleared her throat, "Um Nick, I need a date for Grace's wedding and I was wondering if...."

Nick smiled warmly at her uneasiness, before she could finish asking the question, he quickly reached over and placed his hands on hers. "Yes, Nat. I'd be honored to escort you." Natalie looked up into his sparkling eyes.

Grace clapped her hands together. "Good! Now I can work on more important details...flowers...cake...dancing...it's going to be a wonderful night and everybody there is going to love it! It's going to be the grandest party ever!"

As Natalie lowered her gaze from him, Nick released her hands and turned to Grace, asking, "A real blow out, eh?"

Grace nodded enthusiastically, "You bet, Detective. No expense spared. A gal only gets married once in her lifetime and I want everyone to talk about this affair for years to come." She looked back at the clock and quickly began to turn to leave as she stated, "Oh, I'm going to be late." She turned back to them and pointed a warning finger at Natalie. "Nat, don't forget that fitting."

Natalie weakly nodded as Grace headed towards the door. "See you in a couple of days. Bye!"

Nick could feel the electricity leave the room as Grace went out the door. From behind him, he heard a sigh, then a thud. He turned to see Natalie slowly pounding her head against he desk. He quickly walked around, knelt beside her, and then grabbed her shoulders to stop the next descent of her forehead. He eased her into his arms as he pulled
her back against him. "Nat? Are you all right?" 

Natalie sniffled and Nick could see the tears forming in her eyes. "Nat?"

"Oh Nick." She turned in his arms and wrapped her arms about his neck as she laid her head against his shoulder. "I'm never going to make it through this wedding. I might have to kill her."

The corners of Nick's mouth twitched as he tried to not laugh. He knew that if he did, Nat might decide to kill him along with Grace. He slowly stroked her hair as his soothing voice tried to calm her. "It might be bad form for the Maid of Honor to kill the bride, don't you
think?"

She pulled back away from him with red swollen eyes, her voice trembled, "Look, Nick. If you had something else you were going to do, I can always go to the wedding by myself. Don't feel obligated just because Grace...I mean...she had no right to trap you like that."

Nick cupped her face in his hands. "Nat, I wasn't trapped. I could have said no." He noticed the look of sorrow in her eyes, he quickly corrected himself, "But I didn't. I meant it, I would be honored to have you by my side." He slowly ran his thumb down her cheek to wipe away a stray tear. He saw the smallest of twinkles return to her eyes. He barely whispered, "I'll be the luckiest man there, because I'll have the prettiest woman in all of Toronto draped on my arm." He leaned forward and planted a small kiss against the tip of her nose.

Natalie felt her face flush as his lips touched her. She closed her eyes and placed her forehead against his. "You're too good to me."

He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. "It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it."

He felt Natalie trembling in his arms, but soon realized she was laughing. "I never knew I posted for the position, but I'm glad you answered the advertisement."

Nick reached out to stroke Natalie's hair as Schanke came barreling through the doors asking, "Does anybody know why Grace..." He cut himself off short when he noticed Natalie in Nick's arms. A small smile formed on his face as he chuckled, "Hey look, I can come back later."

Natalie quickly untangled herself from Nick and straightened her face as best she could before she turned to Schanke. Nick rose up and smoothed his jacket, explaining, "No, it's okay Schanke...just a small dilemma. It's over."

Schanke eyed them both carefully. "Yeah right." He had just walked in on something, but he wasn't exactly sure what. Maybe they were finally beginning to work on those repressed feelings the whole precinct knew they had for each other, if they would only express them.

Nick moved further from Natalie and leaned back on the front of her desk questioning Schanke. "What were you saying, Schanke?"

Schanke paused for a moment, trying to remember. "Oh, yeah! Why did Grace give me a big hug, then mumble something about a plan coming together as she was headed out the door?"

Nick shrugged, and then he heard the thud again. He looked back and Natalie's head was once again on her desk. She whispered, but only Nick could hear her, "She's toast." He couldn't help but repress a small laugh.

Schanke pointed at Nat and questioned Nick, "Is she all right?"

Nick let out a small chuckle, "Yeah, she'll be fine."

Natalie's head was still on her desk as she whispered, "I just want revenge. Is that so wrong?"

Nick replied, "Yes."

"Huh?" Schanke looked puzzled as Nat's head shot up off the desk.

Nick turned to Schanke as he heard from behind him a disgruntled voice protesting, "Party pooper."

Schanke just stared at the two of them and wondered, "Did I miss something."

In unison, Nat said, "Yes," while Nick said, "No." They each locked eyes on each other.

End Chapter 4.


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Chapter 5
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6:00 a.m. Sunday Morning
Coroner's Building

Schanke scratched his head. "Okay, whatever." Sometimes, Nick and Nat reminded him of an old married couple. It was just too bad they didn't have the paperwork to go with it. He decided it was best to drop the subject before they got into an argument. "Anyway, the reason we came over, Nick?" He waited until his partner's gaze left Natalie's, then Schanke looked at her and asked, "You got anymore on our Jane Doe, Nat?"

Natalie shot one more fiery gaze in Nick's direction, only to find he had already turned away. She frowned, then pushed her chair back from her desk and grasped gratefully at the change of subject that Schanke offered. She walked toward the autopsy table and pulled the clipboard from beside it. She flipped a couple of the pages and gave them a
narrative report. "I don't have a lot at this point, but..." She looked tentatively over at Nick, then to Schanke, "time of death was approximately around six this evening. She's missing *a lot* of blood and her neck was broken. There was some bruising in the neck area...also on her wrists, like she had been restrained at some point. Um..." She walked over and stood between the two detectives. "The blanket she was wrapped in was nothing special, no identifying marks." She turned the page down and held the clipboard to her side. "Frankly, I don't know. The evidence indicates she wasn't killed in the alley, I'd say she was dumped there afterwards. There just wasn't that much blood at the scene. We're sending fingernail samples and blood for analysis, but I don't expect those results back for a while."

Schanke rubbed his chin, and then turned to Nick. "We better check with missing persons. See if they have anybody matching her description.

Natalie was walking over to put the clipboard back beside the autopsy table when she remembered. "Oh, Schanke, we did send her fingerprints over to missing persons already. You never know, we could get lucky."

Schanke smirked, "Yeah, anything is possible."

Nick moved from his position on Natalie's desk and moved closer to Schanke. "I'm going to go back to the Raven and see if I can learn anything else. Janette might remember seeing somebody earlier in the evening or if they've had any problems in the club earlier."

Schanke snorted, "Good luck there, partner. From what I saw earlier this evening, either nobody is talking, nobody cares, OR nobody saw anything."

Natalie's posture stiffened at the mere mention of the Raven and more importantly, at the sound of Janette's name escaping Nick's lips. Nick called Janette his *sister*, but she suspected they had been lovers at one time, especially after she had walked in on them once at the loft in a heated embrace. They never discussed what she saw that day or Nick's relationship with Janette after that. Her eyes darkened as she stared at Nick. Did he still care for this sultry vixen that had condemned him to walk in this darkness forever? What could she possibly offer him that Janette seemed so willing to give him? But what bothered her more was the fact Nick seemed to accept all Janette was willing to offer,
while pushing her affections aside. Whenever Nick seemed to get closer to her, his excuse was always the same...it was too dangerous. Although, Natalie was beginning to believe she might be willing to accept the danger, if that was the only way she could have Nick.

Natalie startled when she felt Nick's hand grasping hers. "Nat?"

She noticed both detectives were staring at her, but she came up with a quick recovery. "Sorry, I was thinking about when the blood work would get back. What did you say, Nick?"

Nick studied her face; she seemed a bit distracted if not disturbed. "I said I'm going to drop Schanke off at the precinct, then go talk with Janette. I'll call you later at home to see if any results get back early."

Natalie slowly nodded in a mechanical fashion, "That's fine, Nick. I'll be home later."

Nick squeezed her hand, and her eyes met his again. "You okay, Nat?"

She smiled, then pressed her fingers to the bridge of her nose as her eyes closed. She gently sighed, "Just tired, Nick. I'm going to head on out myself as soon as I tuck my customer away for the day." Natalie's eyes popped open at the sound of Schanke clapping his hands together.

Schanke eagerly stated, "Okay then, as soon as Nicky boy here gets me back to the precinct, I'm headed home for a little shuteye myself. Man, I feel like I've been up for days! I need sleep." 

Nick slowly looked away from Nat and caught his partner's hint. "Okay Schanke, we're leaving." He looked Schanke intently in the eye and nodded towards the door. "The bus leaves in five minutes whether you're on it or not."

Schanke caught Nick's little suggestion and quickly took his cue to leave. "Hey, I'll just grab a quick snack for the trip. I'll see you at the bus, Nick!" He turned, waving his good-byes and was out the door in a flash.

Natalie couldn't help but chuckle, "You have him trained well *and* you didn't even have to whammy him."

Nick's brow furrowed as he stared at the spot where his partner had exited the room. "Yeah, but he's still getting a snack and going to eat it in my car."

Natalie patted his upper arm, as she teasingly sympathized, "Ah, poor baby."

Nick turned and huffed, "Not funny, Nat."

She only laughed, "Oh, *yes* it is."

At the site of her smile and hearing her laughter, his heart lightened. Okay...so Schanke was going to eat something in his car. Big deal. It was worth it if Natalie would keep smiling at him like this. But since he only had five minutes, he took on a more serious tone, "Nat, was there anything else I should know about the autopsy, that *isn't* in the report?"

Natalie's gaze told him all he needed to know. She cleared her throat, "How about we discuss that when you call me later? It's going to take a lot longer than five minutes and Schanke could come back if you're not at the *bus*, so to speak."

Nick frowned as he took her hand in his. He had a feeling that whatever she needed to tell him...the news was not going to be pleasant. "Later. I'll call." He squeezed her fingers then released her as he placed a light kiss to her cheek. He turned from her and headed toward the door. Nick remembered something Grace had said and turned back to Natalie. "Hey Nat, just to save you some grief later..."

Natalie looked at him puzzled as his voice took on a playful note, "...don't forget the dress! Or you may really have to kill Grace when she comes after you."

Nick barely escaped behind the closing door as Natalie grabbed the closest object and flung it toward his retreating form.

End Chapter 5.


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Chapter 6
**********
6:30 a.m. Sunday morning
Bar area of the Raven

Miklos finished pouring the last of the red blood wine from the green bottle into her glass before placing the empty bottle in the crate with the others for recycling. He watched as her slender fingers wrapped gracefully around the stem of the goblet and raised it to her ruby red lips to sip the delectable mixture.

Her eyes closed as she savored the vibrant emotions emanating from her finest vintages, a peasant girl from the late 17th century. She could almost sense the fresh air of the countryside, as the girl went about her daily chores. The girl had led a serene and simple life. She had guessed the girl's age was all of sixteen summers, just beginning to blossom into her womanhood and discover the world around her. In fact, that very summer, she had received her first kiss from a neighbor boy as he had whispered terms of endearment and promises of a long joyful life with him by her side. It had only been her sad fate on that very night to cross the path of the merchants and have the last of her sweet innocence drained from her frail body for future nourishment.

She placed the now empty glass on the bar and Miklos quickly took it to place it with the others for wash. The emotions from the young girl's blood coursed through her veins. She had remembered purchasing the bottle during one of her side trips with Nicola to Venice. It was one time in her life they had managed to slip away from LaCroix's watchful eye and steal away a few days for themselves.

Nicola had been apprehensive of her purchase from the merchant, but she had explained to him their necessity. Hunting would not always be bountiful and purchasing bottles of blood would help them when pickings were slim. The 'merchants', as they were called, were vampires who roamed the countryside draining mortals only to bottle their blood and
sell them for profit. Unlike Janette and Nicola's bountiful fortunes of wealth, when some had crossed over, their means of support were quite measly.

Janette sighed as she remembered the days of old. It was a far cry from the modern times she now lived in where blood donations were offered freely. Merchants were no longer allowed in the community for fear of discovery. She had several bottles of *donated* blood, but the vintages, such as the girl, brought back happier memories for her. The
memories of the hunts, lust, and the love her and Nicola had shared at one time.

Her reverie was broken as a cold bitter chill ran through the air. The large metal door of the Raven slammed closed and he stood there staring down from the upper balcony at her.

Nicola drank in the sight of her sitting at the bar in a soft luxurious burgundy velvet long gown, with laser cut roses in front and back with sexy sheer net angled flounce. Her hair was swept up and pinned with an elegant diamond clip, which bared her long, creamy, delectable neck to his admiring stare. 'As beautiful as ever,' he thought to himself as he
took a deep breath.

Janette turned with a sultry smile, obviously pleased with his reaction to her appearance. She continued watching as he walked down the staircase and crossed the floor, his deliberate gaze drawing and imprisoning her own. She noticed his unruly golden hair, ravaged by the winter winds. She couldn't help thinking to herself, 'Ah, but only if I could run my fingers through his hair again to cause the same effect.'

His mouth curved up into a seductive smile as he stalked closer toward her. Never once did his eyes leave her. Nicola stopped to stand in front of her and his fingers reached to entwine with hers. As he leaned forward and placed a feather light kiss against her lips, he whispered, "Janette."

Janette looked back over her shoulder and dismissed Miklos with a pointed glance.

Miklos quickly grabbed the last of the glasses and stepped through the side door into the back rooms of the club.

Janette returned her attentions to Nicola, glancing down at their interlaced fingers and smiled. She slowly released his fingers, ran her hands up his jacket, and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pressed her body fully against his as her fingertips played in his hair. "I was just thinking of you."

Nick's eyes closed as he leaned his head back into her hands. The magic her fingers could work on his scalp sent shivers down his spine. "Really? Where were you this time?"

Janette could hear the small growls emanating from deep within his chest. She leaned forward, placing her head there, and heard his heart beat once. She turned and tipped up on her toes as her tongue gently traced across the base of his neck. She whispered into his ear, "Venice."

Nick's perfect vampire memory raced back into the past. He relived the lazy, sensual summer nights of Venice - the air laden with scented flowers punctuated the sound of a waltz as the gondola gently glided down the canal beneath the Ponte Rialto Bridge. His nostrils began to flare as he ravaged her willing body beneath the moonlit sky. They made
passionate love to one another, oblivious to everything around them. At the height of their passion, Nick's eyes had glowed red with lust and the gondolier had screamed in terror. The gondolier crossed himself and yelled for help from the Church of Santa Maria di Salute, but his cries were soon silenced as Janette dined on his fear. Once she had subdued
his cries, Janette had turned to Nicola and asked, "He is quite tasty, sure you won't join me?" Nick clenched his teeth as he felt the guilt of the memory. He had lost control and another life had been claimed due to his lack of constraint.

Janette could feel the memories haunting Nicola through their link. He reached up and gently took her hands from his hair and brought them to his lips where he placed a light kiss on her knuckles. A bittersweet smile greeted her. "Venice was nice."

Janette frowned at his somber mood as she stated flatly, "It is what we *are*, Nicola."

He quickly tried to block her out of his mind as he moved away from her. "Not any more, Janette."

Her features darkened as she approached him from behind. Her hands grabbed his upper arm and shoulder, holding him tight. Her voice trembled with emotion, "Why must you deny what you are, Nicola? You know this only angers LaCroix...and you know how he is when he's angry. You will only lose *again*!"

Her words stung deep within him. She was right. He could never withstand a confrontation with his master. After years of denying his true nature, the bovine mixture he nurtured his body on was inadequate to keep his vampire senses at their peak. He sighed deeply as he turned to face her with a saturnine expression. "You're right. I can't win." His hand gently touched her cheek. "But I can't stop fighting."

Janette could not fathom this quest for his mortality he had pursued so valiantly for the past century. Her features softened as her hand covered his and brought his fingers to her lips. "My crusader," she whispered, "always fighting for one cause or another." She kissed the tips of his fingers gently, and then released his hand. She turned away from him, his sorrow through their link incomprehensible. Why couldn't he accept this eternal *gift* from LaCroix? For centuries he had been happy by her side, but now...she felt as if she didn't know him any longer. Was mortality worth the price he was willing to pay?

She walked back over to the bar and leaned against it, trailing her long painted fingernail down the top of the mahogany's smooth finish. Nick looked down and away, as he stood back with his hands stuffed deeply within his jacket pockets. It was an old argument between them. He could never make her understand his loathing of what he had become. His feet shuffled, then he straightened. "Janette, I have some questions for you."

Her finger stopped its lazy circle as her eyes met his again. "So I take it this was not a social call?" A bittersweet smile crossed her lips as she sighed, "Pity." She gazed down at her finger as her nail scratched a deep gash into the fine finish. His mortal occupation was
what had brought him into her arms tonight. Her eyes closed as her anger seethed just beneath the surface. She spoke through clenched teeth, "What are your questions, Nicola. My time is precious."

He hadn't meant to anger her, but he could feel her contempt for him. At one time, they had meant the world to each other, but now they only caused each other pain. He walked over closer to her and cleared his throat, "It's about the body we found earlier. I didn't see you when I was here before. I was wondering if..."

Before he could finish his question, Janette's eyes widened with a golden hue as she turned to face him. Her fists clenched at her sides as she hissed, "IF *I* killed her?"

Nick immediately took a defensive stance as his hands grabbed for her upper arms and argued, "NO, I wasn't *implying* anything. I only..."

She bared her fangs as she spat at him, "Only what!?! In the past, I admit I lost control, but I can't afford for that to happen now. Especially in my own club! That's absurd! I'd lose everything."

Nick stared her straight in the eyes trying to convey his meaning. Janette's temper was getting the best of her and he needed to calm it. She was struggling against his hold as he touched her mind gently through their link. She refused his invasion at first, but soon her
posture began to relax as Nick's thoughts eased into her consciousness. A smile began to form on his lips as he could feel the tension begin to ebb between them. He slowly released his hold on her arms and gently caressed the bruises he had caused.

His eyes conveyed his sorrow at causing her physical and emotional pain. "I'm sorry, Janette. I didn't mean to hurt you."

She held her head high and huffed, "It is not the first nor the last time you will hurt me."

Janette's statement sliced through his heart like a double-edged sword. His eyes narrowed as he pulled her close. "What do you mean? I never meant to hurt you."

Nick held her tightly to him, but her body did not respond. He pulled back to beseech an answer in her eyes. His heart broke when he saw the loathing and contempt she held for him, apparent in her features. His thumb gently caressed the side of her face, as his voice quivered, "Janette, I never intentionally meant to harm you. I'm sorry."

Janette bitterly spat, "You never do."

He lowered his head as his hand rested at his side.

She turned away from him and grabbed for the pack of cigarettes lying on the bar. Her mortal addiction helped to soothe her during disturbing times. She removed a cigarette from the package and lit it, quickly taking a long drag and holding it in her lungs. After a time, she released the smoke and Nick watched as it drifted past him. Her fingernails clicked against each other as she held the cigarette near her face. "But, I am used to it. There is no reason for you to tear yourself up over it. I will survive. I always do."

"Yes, you do." His voice was barely above a whisper, as he turned from her unable to look her in the eyes.

Walking through the decor of chains, he made his way to the back and sat at a remote table. He ran his hands roughly through his hair and stared at the sultry woman across the room. Their eyes locked on each other and Janette could not help but cross the room and take the seat beside him. She placed the cigarette in the ashtray and placed her hands over his on the table and sighed, "Eternity is long enough without spending it constantly bickering at each other, Nicola. We each know this."

His thumb gently traced her finger. "I know." He sighed and leaned back in the chair releasing her hands. After a moment, he regarded her again with sincerity, "I'm truly sorry, Janette. I *do* trust you. It's just this case...the woman. She was killed by a vampire."

Janette's brow furrowed. "So I heard."

Once again, his detective instincts kicked in, probing, "Have you had any problems in the club lately?"

Janette thought for a moment, taking another drag on the cigarette before crushing it into the tray beneath her fingertips. As the ring of smoke surrounded her, she responded, "Nothing more than usual. A small disagreement now and again, but nothing Miklos could not handle. And none of them involved our kind. It was usually the mortals. Boyfriend
and girlfriend disagreeing about one thing or another. They are *quite* amusing to watch." She could see the frustration mounting in his facial features. "I am sorry, Nicola, but nothing out of the ordinary has happened here."

He shook his head and raised his hands in resignation as he sighed, "It's okay, Janette. I was just hoping for a quick answer, but it looks as if I'm not going to find one. This vampire could be a rogue. I tried to question LaCroix earlier but..."

Janette raised an eyebrow as her voice rose in tone and pitch, "Was *that* what I felt? My, you did irritate him earlier, didn't you?"

A small sheepish grin appeared on his face as he coyly responded, "I think I did. But he'll get over it."

"Tsk...tsk...tsk Nicola, you are playing with fire." She rose from the table and headed toward the door to the lower chambers of the club. She stopped and slowly stretched like a cat preparing to nap, "I *am* tired today." She tilted her head back and stifled a yawn. Her arms landed gently on the doorframe as her head descended gracefully onto the back
of one of them. She raised an eyebrow to Nicola with a small suggestive grin on her face. "The sun will be rising soon, Nicola. You may not have time to make it back to your place. Would you care to join me for the day?"

Nick rose from the table and walked to stand beside her. She stood before him with her emotions bared to him. Their link hummed with an instinctive and palpable sensual awareness. Janette had once thought she may have won him back into her arms, but as misfortune should happen, his mortal pet had disrupted her plans one day in the loft with
an untimely visit. She was as starved for his attentions as he was for expressing his. His urges had been kept under wraps for so long because of his fear for expressing them would injure or kill Natalie. Janette gasped as his hands gently caressed her shoulders. His touch was exhilarating to her and she leaned back against him wanting to feel him
completely. He could not resist the temptation, kissing her on the shoulder and tracing a way to her jaw line. His voice rasped, "I meant what I said earlier."

Nick watched as she turned her head slightly, looking at him puzzled. He placed a kiss on the tip of her nose, whispering, "I'm sorry. I've never meant to hurt anyone, especially you." His lips found hers and devoured them completely. He felt secure in knowing he could release his passion without consequence.

Janette responded by turning into his embrace, returning his passion with an urgency of her own. Her hands slinked up his chest against the soft silk fabric of his shirt and pushed the leather jacket from his shoulders. The jacket fell to the ground as his fingers entwined in her hair. The diamond clip which had held it in place, landed on the floor as her hair cascaded to her shoulders.

End Chapter 6.


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Chapter 7
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7:15 am Sunday morning
Natalie's apartment

Natalie opened the door to her apartment and was met with a resounding "MEOW!" She walked in and threw her coat onto the back of the chair. Once she had stopped, her feet immediately became a rubbing post for one Sydney Lambert.

Natalie chuckled to herself. "Oh great! A foot rub. Just what I needed, Syd. Thanks." Natalie reached down, picking the feline up and carried him toward the kitchen. As they approached the cupboard, he became fidgety with anticipation. Natalie, being unable to control the bundle of fur in her arms, plopped the feline onto the floor while she grabbed for his food.

After feeding Sydney and making a pot of fresh hot coffee for herself, she walked back into her living room with a cup of the warm brew in her hands. She sat in the chair and faced her window as the morning sun had begun to show the early glow of the morning sky. The impending warmth of the sun's rays was a sad contradiction to the reality of the winter winds that still kept an icy touch to the air.

Natalie placed the coffee cup on the table and began to stretch back, reclining into the chair. She was exhausted. She had worked on the autopsy of Jane Doe most of the night, but it had revealed no more information. The lack of blood had killed the woman and a vampire was to blame. She had hoped the woman's fingerprints would offer some sort
of possible identification. She shivered as she remembered the haunting sight of the autopsy. The part that had bothered her the most was when she had discovered older fang marks. She hadn't noticed them in the alley due to the bad lighting, but once the woman was on her examining table, the marks were unmistakable under the intensity of her exam
lights. This was not the first time the woman had been attacked.

Natalie unconsciously began to run her own hand down her throat. She began to wonder, what would it feel like? Nick had never explained the exchange of blood to her completely, but she knew something was exchanged. How much of yourself do you lose in the process? Surely, you retain most of your morals, but how much of the host do you gain?
She had watched Nick struggle with his own feelings and the turmoil he continued to experience. She knew he could sense others of his kind, but he seemed particularly connected to *family* as he called it. She couldn't imagine someone else knowing her thoughts. Just the idea of someone else in her head terrified her...not that her own thoughts didn't scare her as much at times. But could the other person manipulate your actions as well? If they could read your thoughts, why not control you too? She quickly discarded that idea. If that was the case, LaCroix would have taken Nick back years ago. No, they could not control your actions, but they did seem to have an influence on them.

Natalie sat comfortably in her chair as Sydney found his way into her lap, curling up as she stroked his fur. Her head lulled to the side as her eyelids began to close. She was exhausted. So many questions whirled through her mind, but the fatigue had finally taken its toll as she began to doze off to the purring of her faithful companion.

Natalie was jolted out of her peaceful slumber by the sound of insistent pounding on her door. Sydney immediately jumped from her lap and ran down the hallway as she tried to shrug off the morning haze that had claimed her. She had just found her footing when she heard him. 

"NAT!"

Her heart lurched in her chest as she quickly glanced out the window. She was horrified to discover the morning sun had already crested on the horizon. She quickly closed the drapes and ran for the door. She threw it open to find him slumped against the frame. Natalie exclaimed, "Oh God, Nick!"

Nick's mind barely registered his name being uttered. His head was lowered and he held onto the molding for dear life, keeping himself upright.

Natalie quickly wrapped her arm around his midsection and led him into her apartment, closing the door behind them. The heat from his jacket was almost unbearable and she could have sworn she saw a fine mist emanating from his skin. She stopped for a moment, considering putting him on the couch, but instead lead him down the small hallway to her
bedroom. Once there, she sat him on her bed and peeled his jacket from him, tossing it unceremoniously to the ground. She held his shaky form for a moment as she adjusted the pillows behind him, and then helped him lie back onto the downy comforter.

She stood back for a second, trying to analyze their situation. He was hot to the touch and his skin had a reddish tinge to it. It reminded her of a really bad sunburn, but in his case, she knew his skin was literally burning. She went into her bathroom, grabbed several towels and threw them on the floor. She reached over into her bathtub and turned the cold water on high. She waited until the tub was half full, and then shut the water off.

The whole time she was preparing the bathroom, she wondered what had caused Nick to misjudge the sunrise so badly. But she knew exactly where he had been before landing on her doorstep. Nick had told her at the morgue he was going to the Raven to speak with Janette. She had gotten a good whiff of Janette's perfume from Nick's clothing as she had
helped him to her bedroom.

She grabbed two more towels, throwing them into the water and smoothing them against the bottom of the tub to help his footing. Once the bathroom was prepared, she returned to her bedroom, made a quick check on Nick, and then went down her hallway to the kitchen.

Natalie walked over and opened the freezer door, grabbing the ice cube containers and two bottles of blood from the fridge, which she hadn't told Nick she kept at her apartment. She returned to the bathroom, placed the bottles on her vanity and dumped both trays of ice into the tub. She got down on her knees and swished the water around with her hand. "Burrr...if this doesn't cool him down, I don't know what will." Once her preparations were complete, she returned to her bedroom to retrieve her patient.

She hesitated for only a moment before she chided herself mentally, 'You're his doctor. *This* is an emergency.' She grabbed for his belt and undid it, then unfastened his pants. She walked to the foot of the bed and removed his shoes and socks. Grabbing his pant legs, she took a deep breath then pulled with all her strength. She landed with a thud
on the floor as she sat holding up her trophy, but she quickly threw them to the side with his shoes.

Even though Nick seemed oblivious to his surroundings, every now and again he would mumble, although it was nothing Nat could decipher.

Natalie returned to his side, but hesitated as her hand touched the upper button of his blue silk shirt. She reached over and gently rubbed the reddish substance on it. It only took a moment before she realized what it was. Her heart broke into a million pieces as her mind spun with possible images that had more than likely happened earlier. But she couldn't think about that now. She quickly swiped at a tear that had threatened to roll down her cheek and continued to work on Nick with clinical detachment. She finished unbuttoning his shirt, then put her arms around him and leaned him against her chest. She removed his arms from the shirt and tossed it on the floor. Her hand gently wrapped around his neck as she placed his head back on the pillow. She leaned in close to his ear trying to get his attention. "Nick, listen to me."

Nick barely registered his name being spoken.

She carefully grabbed his arms and began to pull him against her. "Nick, I need you to help me. I can't carry you. You are going to have to help me get you in the tub."

Nick's head slowly nodded up and down as he hoarsely whispered, "Tub." His clumsy attempt at grabbing Natalie's shoulder nearly knocked her onto the floor.

"DAMN IT NICK! HELP ME!" She knew he was hurting, but her patience with him had just worn out. The lipstick had drawn a very fine line with her tolerance and he had just crossed it. "You either help me, or so help me, I'm opening all the blinds and watch you sizzle you...s.." She bit her temper back and stared into his startled eyes. She took a
couple of deep breaths before continuing, "Now come on. You can help me."

Natalie's harsh tone had struck a chord deep within his mind. He couldn't believe the words that had nearly spilled from her lips. He concentrated and soon found himself on his feet with her encouraging him forward. He realized his weight was almost too much for her to bear. He tried to straighten, but just as he thought he would tumble over, she was helping him to sit on the side of the tub.

"Now Nick, I need you to swing your legs over and we'll place you in the water, okay?"

With her help, Nick soon felt the comforting coolness of the water encasing his body. Leaning his head back against the cool tile, he could feel Natalie trickling water down his neck and chest.

"Nick, can you hear me?"

Nick slowly nodded his head as he raspingly responded, "Yeah."

"Good." She turned from him for a moment and grabbed one of the bottles from the vanity. She jerked the cork from the bottle and held it to his lips. "Drink this, Nick. It'll help."

Nick felt the cool liquid slide over his tongue and down the back of his throat. His hand instinctively went up and grabbed the bottle from her.

Nat sat back on her heels and watched as Nick nearly drained the bottle in one gulp. She reached back and grabbed the other bottle from the vanity. "I have another one if you need it? But this is all there is." 

Nick lowered the bottle from his lips and held it against his chest. "No, save it for later. I'll make do with this." His arms now rested against the sides of the tubs as Nat continued to splash the water on him.

He was making more sense and Natalie could see the effects the blood was having on him. The reddish color was nearly gone and his skin was cooler than before. They sat in silence as Natalie continued to trickle the water against his skin.

He looked over and admired her with a small smile. He knew she must be exhausted after being up all night, but here she was seeing to his needs. Granted, he had left her little choice in the matter when he'd landed on her doorstep without as much as a hello.

Natalie sat on the cool tile floor with her head cradled in her arm against the tub. Her eyelids were closing as her other hand dipped into the water and lazily lifted to trickle the water over Nick's skin. As she scooped the next handful, she was jolted from her slumber as Nick took her hand in his and held it. Her head lifted and she noticed his smile. She quietly asked, "Feeling better?"

Nick lifted her hand to his lips and softly kissed her fingertips, mumbling, "Um...much. Thank you." He was surprised when she pulled her hand from his and began to stand. "Nat?"

She turned away from him unable to comprehend his boldness. He had been with Janette and he now had the audacity to kiss her hand? She pretended to look for something in her small bathroom closet. "Nothing, Nick. We just need to get you out of that water. I need a dry towel."

Nick looked down at the bathroom floor covered with towels and pointed. "What about one of those?"

Natalie looked back over her shoulder, dismissing his suggestion. "No, those won't do. I have a huge towel in here somewhere...ah ha...here it is." Natalie turned with a giant, fluffy towel in her hands. 

Nick frowned at the towel in her hands. "Nat, you'll be able to wrap that around me at least four times."

She held it up in front of her and snickered, "Yeah probably, but it'll do the job better than those." She walked over to the tub with the towel, asking, "Can you stand on your own?"

Nick placed the bottle on the rim of the tub, and then lifted himself from the water. He stood there and Natalie wrapped the towel around him. He stepped out of the tub and she grabbed another towel from the vanity and dabbed at his hair and neck.

She placed her hand against his cheek. "You feel much cooler. How do you feel?"

"Better, except..." he shifted slightly and winced, "you could have at least taken off my shorts."

Natalie blushed, "Um, *no* I couldn't."

Nick chuckled at her shyness. It was one of her traits that made him admire her so. "I wouldn't have minded. It *was* an emergency."

Natalie never responded to his statement. He stood silently as she continued to pat the water from his body. Once he was dried, she led him into her bedroom with the towel wrapped around him.

"Okay, Nick. I think I have a huge shirt over here you can wear. It was one of Richie's that was left here once when he stayed over." She walked over to the dresser and dug in the bottom draw. She pulled a maroon T-shirt up for his inspection. "Will this do?"

Nick nodded and she walked over and placed the shirt in his hand. He was grateful for all her help and held onto her fingers as she placed the t-shirt in his hand. "Nat..."

Natalie's cheeks blushed as she pulled her hand away from his touch. She quickly turned away from his worshipping gaze and walked over to the closet, stating, "You can sleep in my bed and I'll take the couch. The drapes in here are thicker and will protect you better." She grabbed a spare pillow and blanket for herself from the bottom of the closet.

Nick walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, watching her. He looked back at the bed, then at her, suggesting, "Nat, there's plenty of room for both of us here."

Natalie froze at his suggestion as her temper rose a couple of degrees.

Nick could sense her apprehension toward him, but he only figured it was just her nervousness. He rose from the bed and walked up behind her placing his hands on her shoulders. "Nat, please, stay with me." He chuckled, "I promise, I won't bite."

She whirled around at him and he could see the emotions in her eyes. Her jaw was clenched as she carefully controlled her anger. "TAKE the bed, Nick. I'll see you tonight." She turned with her pillow and blanket in hand, leaving the bedroom.

Nick stood in stunned silence as Natalie stormed from the room. He walked back over and sat on the edge of the bed with the shirt in his hand. He didn't know what had happened, but he would find out tonight.

End Chapter 7.


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************
Chapter 8
************
5:00 p.m. Sunday Evening
Vacant House on the Outskirts of Toronto

The young man had found it relatively easy to get the information his master had desired. Natalie Lambert, the coroner, was a woman who everyone seemed to like very much. He had gone downtown asking to speak to the young woman, using the cover story of a college student seeking career advise. They had informed him she was not in and she works mainly the night shift. They had told him normally Sunday night was her night off, but she was coming in later that evening and they would be happy to give her his name and number so she could contact him. He had politely excused himself and said he would try to contact her at some other time due to his class scheduling.

Since he was batting a 100, he also asked about a blond detective he had seen with her. He had said if coroner's work didn't seem to suit him, perhaps the detective work behind it was more up his alley. They were more than willing to give the young college student the name he desired, Nicholas Knight.

With very little effort, he discovered Nick worked in the 96th precinct and also worked at night. But this did not surprise him, considering his master had told him that Nick was *one of them*.

He now sat at the wobbly table trying to quickly finish his evening meal, which consisted of a bowl of warm potato soup and a half a sandwich, ham and cheese. He took a swig of the soda and heard a creak from the room behind him. He rose quickly when he heard his name being bellowed.

"Jacob!"

Jacob quickly ran into the other room in time to see his master rising up from the coffin. He went over and held the lid so the creature inside could stretch off the sleep of day.

As the master vampire stretched his muscles, he observed the young man standing near the coffin and asked, "Did you do as I instructed?"

Jacob enthusiastically shook his head and replied, "Yes master, I have all the information you require. You will be very pleased."

The vampire huffed, "I doubt it, but it will have to do." He levitated himself from the coffin and his feet touched firmly down on the dust-covered floor of the shanty they occupied. He brushed at his sleeve and strode into the adjoining room. His eyes flashed red as he
immediately crossed the room and toppled the table that held Jacob's meal. "How many times have I told you to be finished with your meal *before* I arise?"

Jacob bowed his head expecting his master's full fury to be unleashed. "I'm sorry, I was running behind trying to get all the details you required. It was late, I tried...but..."

The man strode over to Jacob and put his finger beneath his chin until their eyes locked, "I *may* be in a forgiving mood if your information pleases me." He released the young man and walked over to the fireplace, holding his hands up to the warmth of the flames. Without turning to Jacob, he merely commanded, "What did you learn?"

Jacob breathed a small sigh of relief. He straightened his shoulders and walked to stand beside the man at the fire. "His name is Nicholas Knight, a detective at the 96th precinct. I looked it up in the phone book, he lives down in the warehouse district."

"Hummm..." His eyes stared, with intensity, into the fire, mumbling, "Nicholas Knight, I have heard of him. I believe he is one of LaCroix's." His gaze locked on Jacob, asking, "And the woman?"

"Natalie Lambert." Jacob grew uneasy at his master's glare and took a step back. "She's going to be downtown tonight at the Coroner's building. I don't know what time, but I did find out where she lives. I drove by it earlier."

His master raised an eyebrow, inquiring, "You didn't, by any chance, have any brains in your head and take care of the situation, did you?"

For once, he knew he would please his master, he began grinning from ear to ear as he excitedly replied, "Oh yes! I did indeed, I thought you might like to begin tonight."

A broad smile appeared upon the man's face as his hand grasped the dusty mantle of the fireplace. "Good. Bring the car around front. We'll leave as soon as the sun sets. I don't want to miss my chance." 

Jacob quickly ran from the room as his master gazed down into the flames and whispered, "Tonight, my love. Tonight will be the beginning of our new life together."

End Chapter 8.



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***********
Chapter 9
***********
5:30 p.m. Sunday Evening
Natalie's Apartment

The door creaked as the light from the hallway filtered into the room and Natalie cringed, hoping the sound wouldn't disrupt the sleeping form on her bed. She entered and closed the door behind her, breathing a small sigh of relief as her back pressed against the wooden frame. Nick was still sound asleep beneath the downy comforter.

Quietly she walked over to her closet, examining her clothing choices and selecting a pale blue top with a darker pair of pants. She reached down into the bottom of the closet and pulled out a pair of black heels. She closed the closet door, looking over her shoulder to check on Nick when she thought she heard a small mumble. He still lay flat on his back with his hands folded across his chest. She tiptoed toward the bathroom, the nap of the carpet soft beneath her bare feet. She stopped, for only a moment, at her dresser to retrieve her underwear and then continued towards the bathroom. Once inside, she closed the door behind her.

She flipped on the light and placed her clothing on the small table. The mess on the floor had reminded her of the early morning adventures or misadventures, depending on how Nick would respond to her decision later. One by one, she picked the towels up and threw them into the hamper. Once she had straightened the bathroom, she filled the basin with water and splashed her face. She pushed the sponge beneath the water's surface and then wrung it out. She had opted for a quiet sponge bath in her sink instead of taking the chance of disturbing Nick with the sounds of the shower running. Her emotions were still a jumbled mess, and if she didn't put some distance between the two of them, she might be tempted to stake him where he laid.

Once Natalie had washed and dressed, she clicked the light off and reemerged from the bathroom with the spare bottle of blood in hand. She was amazed to still see Nick dosing soundly. She knew sunset was fast approaching and knew Nick always seemed to awaken just before it did. She walked over near the nightstand and placed the extra bottle of blood
on it. She moved closer and bent over him, gently placing her hand against his cheek. She was relieved to feel the coolness of his skin. It was quite a contrast to the warmth she had felt earlier. She felt his forehead, and then gently touched his hand. 'Everything seemed
fine,' she thought to herself, 'he must just be exhausted from his ordeal this morning.'

Natalie was still unsure of her feelings of what had happened earlier. She knew he had gone to the Raven and spoken with Janette. She *definitely* knew about the lipstick on his shirt, speaking of which, she noticed the jumbled clothing at the end of her bed. She walked over, picked up each piece, and gently folded them in a pile, laying them on the foot of the bed. As she folded his shirt, she couldn't help but reexamine the smudge again. It was definitely *her* color. She stared at his sleeping form. How could he? After last night in her apartment and later in the morgue? Things seemed better between them and now *this*? She snorted to herself, 'Must have been one *hell* of a talk.'

She placed the shirt with his other clothing and walked out of the bedroom, closing the door behind her. She went down her hallway with Sydney weaving between her feet as she went. Once in the kitchen, she gave him his nutritional supplement for the day and stopped for a moment to scratch his head. "You'll never disappoint me, will you, Syd?"

The feline's only response was a muted, "mrow."

Natalie went into the living room and walked over to her computer desk. She opened a drawer and took out a piece of paper and a pen. She sat down and quickly scribbled a note on the paper, then folded it in half. She sat for a moment staring down the hallway to her bedroom door. He'd be disoriented and hungry when he awoke, but she wouldn't be here to
help him. She arose and went back down the hallway and reentered the bedroom. She walked quietly over and placed the note by the bottle on the nightstand. She checked him once more, her finger lingering on his forehead as she gently wiped a lock of his golden hair to the side. She brought her finger to her lips and pressed a kiss to it, then placed her
finger against his lips. She felt like such a fool, but her feelings for him were *real* and she couldn't ignore them. She looked at the note; her decision was made. She exited the room and went back down the hallway.

She grabbed her coat, purse, and the present on the table beside the door as she left.

************

The black sedan crept slowly down the street and parked in front of the apartment complex. Jacob placed the car in park and turned the key in the ignition until the motor came to a complete halt. The man, hunched in the back seat, peered over the passenger seat through his thick sunglasses. He slowly slid them down his nose, gauging the sunset.

Jacob looked in the rearview mirror, and then took a quick glance around the area. "Looks like a pretty quiet neighborhood. There doesn't appear to be much going on." He turned to the man cowering behind him. "Is it time yet?"

The slightest amount of sun's rays was harmful to him. In vampire years, he was quite young. He mumbled, "Almost, another few minutes and I'll be able to move about."

Jacob suddenly stiffened in the seat when he saw Natalie coming out of her apartment building and announced, "There she is."

The man behind him only watched in fascination as she went to her car and began to drive away. He hunched back behind the seat for safety as he commanded, "Follow her."

End Chapter 9.


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*************
Chapter 10
*************
8:30 p.m. Sunday Evening
Coroner's Building

Natalie handed Grace the eloquently wrapped package as she hugged her dearest friend. Nat's voice cracked with emotion, "I am going to miss you, Grace."

Grace wiped a tear from her eye as she pulled back from Nat, holding the package, her emotions running as deep as Natalie's. "I'm only moving a little ways away, Nat. You can still come visit us."

Natalie nodded her head in agreement, "I know. But it won't be the same. I won't see you every evening so you can try to analyze my love life or give me the latest dating tips. You'll be too busy taking care of that new husband of yours." Natalie smiled with a wicked glee and rolled her eyes, teasing, "Not that I'm envious or anything."

Grace stared at her with mock modesty, and then chuckled, "Listen, Nat. They have the perfect cure for that...it's called a phone!"

Natalie began to laugh and hugged Grace even harder this time as she whispered in her ear, "I know, but it won't be the same."

Grace lightly rubbed Natalie on the back as she returned her affections. "I know."

Several of the women's coworkers began to snicker at the two of them as they bared their souls in front of the whole world. Natalie pulled away from Grace as a faint blush crossed her cheeks. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to make a scene at your bridal shower."

Grace held Natalie's hand. "You can make a scene anytime you like. I understand, hon."

Grace returned her attentions to the package Natalie had handed her. She began to tear the paper back on the package when she heard a *snap*, she looked at Natalie with her mouth wide open in amazement. "I've *never* heard of hiding the ribbon on the *inside* of the package." Grace pulled the pink ribbon from its hiding place and held it high for
the room to see. "Oh well, I guess that means we'll have a girl." Grace smiled and winked at Nat, "I think I already have a good idea of what her name will be."

Grace laid the ribbon down and opened the box. She carefully lifted the musical carousel from the box. Grace turned the carousel over, as Natalie reached over to give her a hand by winding the key. Once it had been wound, Grace sat the carousel on the table and everyone listened as it began to play a lullaby.

Grace smiled as she listened to the tune. "Well, I guess I'll have to have a baby now. Somebody will need to enjoy this music."

As the laughter in the room settled, Grace looked round. "Well, I think that was the last one."

Natalie stood and summoned everyone's attention, "There is plenty of cake and punch in the back. Please help yourself and enjoy the party."

The guests began to mingle as Natalie sat back down beside Grace. "Did you enjoy yourself?"

Grace laughed as she picked up the carousel, "Yes, this is the best shower yet. I can't believe that in just two weeks I'll be Mrs. Terence Winthorp." Grace laughed and shook her head. "I still can't believe you had them page me as if this was an emergency. Poor Terence, I left him a little *indisposed* shall we say?" Grace wiggled an eyebrow at
Natalie as she laughed, "To think a year ago I had resigned to spending the rest of my life alone and now..." Grace stopped as she noticed the sadness in Natalie's eyes. Grace smiled and took Natalie's hand in hers. "Hey, I expect to be throwing one of these for you in the next year or two. You need to work a little harder on that detective of yours."

Natalie frowned as she shook her head and sadly stated, "No, I don't think that will ever happen Grace."

Grace eyes narrowed in confusion as she probed further, "But...after what I saw this morning? Nat, he loves you."

Natalie began to speak, but stopped. She knew her eyes and heart weren't deceiving Grace. How could they? Grace had worked by her side long enough to know she held a special place in her heart for Nick Knight. How could she deny it herself? But, deep down, she knew the answer to that...Nick Knight was a vampire. Plain and simple. And unless she could find a cure, he would remain a vampire, which meant Janette *would* be a part of his life. Natalie looked around the room to try to break Grace's gaze upon her. "I don't know, Grace. Maybe...someday."

Grace shook her head, repeating, "Someday?"

Natalie nodded and sighed, "Someday, perhaps."

Natalie was relieved when a friend of Grace's from her college days came over and grabbed Grace by the hand. "Come on, Grace. We need you to cut the cake."

Grace was puzzled; everything had seemed to work perfectly last night when Nick had accepted Natalie's invitation to be her escort to the wedding. Yet, now Natalie seemed disturbed about something and she was positive Nick was the reason. Grace wanted to talk more with Nat, but her guests needed her. She gently squeezed Natalie's hand as Nat nodded a silent understanding. Grace rose with a demanding tone, "Okay, lead me to that cake."

Natalie sat in her chair and watched as Grace enjoyed her moment in the spotlight. An hour had passed and Grace's fiancé, Terence, arrived to help Grace load her packages into the car. Natalie watched as Terence held Grace's hand and gently pecked her on the cheek. To Natalie, it had seemed like a whirlwind romance when Terence entered Grace's life only three months ago, but she could tell Terence was good for Grace and vice versa. Natalie had watched their love blossom from the first time Grace had told Nat about her date with him. Grace had told Natalie aspects of her relationship with Terence and it had warmed Nat's heart to know that *normal* romantic relationships still occurred.

Once again, Nat watched as Terence stood beside Grace. Terence took Grace's hand in his and gently raised it to his lips and kissed her engagement ring as the camera flashes exploded. Grace was radiant. The love she held for Terence was obvious as she reached up and lovingly kissed him on the lips.

Natalie sighed; she couldn't help but feel sorry for herself. Grace and Terence were going to work side by side, be husband and wife, and Natalie longed for that kind of happiness in her own life.

Without even realizing it, Natalie's mind envisioned images of a life she only dreamed of. She could see herself busily preparing dinner, waiting for her husband to return from work. She had fed the kids and sent them to a friend's house so she could spend a romantic evening alone with her husband. She imagined him walking through the door and lifting her off her feet, as he would carry her to the couch, kissing her every step of the way. She could hear the loving whispers as he caressed her back and held her close. She leaned in and kissed him once, then pulled back and opened her eyes to see his warm blue ones
staring back at her. She ran her hands through his blond locks and he whispered her name in her ear. "Natalie."

Natalie smiled, until she realized...someone was tapping her on the shoulder.

"Natalie. Natalie."

Nat shook her head, and then realized Grace was now standing beside her.

Grace laughed, "Must have been some dream. That smile on your face speaks for itself."

Natalie's cheeks blushed a deep crimson when she realized what she had done. "I'm sorry, Grace. Did you need something?"

Grace chuckled, "No. But it is time to go."

Natalie looked around and realized that she was the only one left with the happy couple. "Oh, I didn't..."

Grace only laughed and waved her hands at her. "Don't even try to explain where you were. Come on. We'll walk you out."

Natalie gestured over toward the table. "The presents...we need to get these in the car."

Just as Natalie was about to help hand a load of gifts to Terence, the phone in her office could be heard from the other room. She seriously considered not answering it, after all it *was* her night off, but if it was important she would never forgive herself. "Hold on Grace, I'll just be a minute."

Grace placed another gift on top of the stack, which Terence was already carefully balancing, then waved to Nat. "Take your time. We'll take these on out, and then come back for the rest. We'll walk you out then."

Natalie walked into her lab and quickly crossed the room to grab her phone on the fourth ring. "Lambert."

There was a small pause before he spoke, "Nat."

Natalie felt the knot in her stomach almost immediately. She placed a hand on the desk to steady herself, she was *not* ready for this conversation. Perhaps it was better to try to keep this conversation on a professional level. She stated calmly, "Nick, how are you feeling?" 

He seemed to hesitate for a moment, and then responded, "Better. When will you be home?"

Okay, so much for the professionalism. He wasn't going to let her off the hook that easily. She turned and leaned against her desk as she folded an arm across her midsection. She bowed her head and shuffled her feet against the floor. "Nick, where are you?"

"I'm still at your apartment."

She closed her eyes, she shouldn't have written that note. "Nick, go home."

His voice was flat, but determined, "No. We *need* to talk."

She opened her eyes, the tears were starting to form, her voice cracked, "Nick, I..."

Before she could finish, he had cut her off, "I'll be here when you get home, even if it takes all night. Nat, *please* come home soon."

His voiced pleaded with her and her heart melted in her chest. Perhaps it was better if they brought it all out into the open. She looked at her watch, and then relented, "I'll be home in half an hour, Nick. I just need to finish loading the presents into Grace's car."

"Okay." Nat could hear the breath he had been holding release as he continued, "I'll be waiting, Nat. Hurry home."

Natalie straightened as she softly spoke, "I will. Bye Nick." She placed the receiver back into the cradle and clutched it for dear life. In half an hour, she would be walking into her apartment and having the most important conversation of her life. Either Nick would want to stay with her, or he would want to move on. She wasn't sure which he'd pick. In the past, he had told her, in no uncertain terms, a relationship with a mortal was not possible. His only other choice would be to return to Janette's waiting arms, which unfortunately meant, LaCroix would win. She shook the image of him with Janette out of her mind. This was going to be one of the most unpleasant moments of her life. 'Why couldn't he just do as I had asked in the note?' she thought to herself as she turned and walked out of the lab into the hallway.

Natalie's head was lowered as she stood in the hallway pulling on her gloves, thinking of the confrontation to come. Her mood lightened, somewhat though, when she saw Grace coming back in the outer door shaking the snow off her coat. Natalie grabbed her coat and purse from the chair and walked down to join Grace, putting on her coat as she went. Nat chuckled, "You look like a snowman. Are there any more packages to carry out?"

Grace took her hat off and shook it violently, Natalie yelped as the cold ice pellets landed on her skin. "Grace!"

Grace evilly grinned and sneered, "Oh! So sorry, Nat. I didn't see you."

Nat noticed the playful glee in Grace's eye as she stated jokingly, "Yeah right."

Grace laughed, "Nope, they're all out in the car, which by the way, happens to be in about seven inches of snow!"

Natalie's eyes grew wide as she exclaimed, "What! You've got to be kidding? Seven inches?" Natalie walked past Grace and wiped the window on the door to look out. She couldn't believe it. In the time they had celebrated, Toronto had become a skating rink. She turned back to Grace insisting, "I think we better get out of here."

Grace nodded her agreement. "My sentiments exactly. Terence is cleaning your car off for you. Let's go."

************

Natalie flipped the defroster on high and wiped at the windshield as she drove with her gloves on. She had told Nick half an hour, but it was going to take her half an hour to just reach the first turn to her apartment building. She sprayed the windshield again with the
non-freezing wiper fluid and flipped them on high. Driving in a blizzard was *not* her idea of fun. She was slowly creeping along when she heard a loud *pop* from her engine. Her car rolled to a stop as the red light on the equipment panel flashed 'check engine'.

"Oh great!" She clutched her steering wheel, telling herself, "This is *not* happening." She took a deep breath to calm herself and watched as the snow blew madly around her car. The wind and snows were too fierce for her to try walking any distance, and with great trepidation, she decided it would be best if she called Nick to come and get her.

Nat grabbed her purse and pulled out her cell phone. She began to dial, but then gradually slumped back into the seat cursing, "PERFECT! JUST PERFECT!" She threw the phone into the passenger seat beside her and stared at the 'low battery' light blinking at her. She rested her head against the back of the seat and closed her eyes to take a deep breath.
"It's fine. Everything will be okay. I just need to find a phone."

She opened her eyes and peered out the right side of the car to see if there was a phone booth nearby. After she spotted one about a half a block away, she straightened in the seat, bundled her coat tightly around her and exited the car.

As the door slammed shut, Natalie was startled by a tapping on her shoulder. She turned around to see a man standing there. He was in his mid-thirties, brownish hair with dark eyes. He was dressed in a dark gray, three-piece suit, with what appeared to be a cape flowing about his shoulders. In his left hand, he held a walking stick with a gold wolf's head handle, making him appear to have cultivated the movie vampire look. She took a step back from the eerie sight before her as the man placed the walking cane to the ground and bowed a greeting, "Good evening, Miss Lambert."

Natalie could barely see him as the wind whipped her hair about her face and the snow blinded her. As the wind howled again, she shouted, "Who are you? How do you know my name?"

Natalie held her hand above her eyes, trying to block the snow to get a better glimpse of him. She blinked, but before she knew what happened he had grabbed her shoulders and pushed her against the car. She screamed as she saw his reddened eyes descend toward her, but with the howling of the wind, she doubted if anyone would hear her cry. She
struggled against him, but his strength overwhelmed her. She only managed to have the breath crushed from her lungs as her head was yanked to the side exposing the column of her throat. The last thing she remembered was the searing pain of the man's fangs penetrating her neck.

End Chapter 10.


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Chapter 11
*************
Midnight
Natalie's Apartment

Nick paced around the room for what seemed like the hundredth time. She had said 'half an hour'. He stopped and pulled the drapes back again and watched as the snow swirled in a fury outside. The radio commentator had said eight inches of the white stuff was on the ground and they were expecting four more before morning. A freak winter storm had snuck up on the weather forecasters when two air masses had collided and the results had been an unforeseen blizzard.

He should have gone after her, but at the time, he hadn't known about the weather outside. Instead, he had insisted on her coming home as fast as she could. Only after half an hour had passed since calling her, had he looked out the window. Why hadn't she called back and told him about the weather? Instead, she was in her car trying to reach him. He had read the note and had regretted his decision to come to her apartment earlier in the morning. He should have taken his chances and tried to make it to the loft. He held the note in his hand, her penmanship shaky, yet her thoughts were clear:

Nick,

When you read this, I'll be gone. I had planned a surprise bridal shower for Grace downtown this evening and I'll be late if I don't leave now. I've left this bottle of blood for you to drink before you leave. You'll need your strength after your ordeal this morning.

Nick, I'm not exactly clear on what happened earlier, but I have a fairly good idea from the lipstick on your clothing. Only this morning, did your words finally sink in. You could never love a mortal. You're incapable of it and I was foolish to think otherwise. Your ties with
Janette are strong and I wouldn't want to come between you. I had told you once that solving a puzzle was it's own reward, and in the beginning, perhaps that's what it was...but Nick, over time the feelings grew. I couldn't help them, they just did and I'm sorry.

I'm still willing to work on a cure for you, but perhaps, it would be better if you moved on, putting distance between us. As you said, with today's technology, we can always keep in touch by e-mail, fax, or phone. You could always ship the blood samples I need. You would never have to see me again. If I find a cure, I'd contact you. I just want you to be happy, Nick, and to accomplish that, I think you should leave. I don't want to know where you are, so I'll leave the details to you. You've dealt with this in the past and if you think cutting all
ties is best, I'll do as you wish. 

Just remember, I loved you once. Think of me...hopefully, we made some fond memories for you to remember for an eternity.

Love Always,
Natalie

He crumpled the note in his hand as he paced again. Sydney's meow broke through his concentration as he stopped to pet him on the head, "You miss her too?" He heard a car and quickly went to the window again, his hopes dashed when it wasn't hers. He ran his hand through his hair as the frustration overwhelmed him. "Where could she be?"

Just then, the phone rang. He was relieved that she was finally calling him to tell him where she was. He picked up the receiver and frantically yelled, "Nat!"

There was silence for a moment before the woman registered whom she was speaking to. "Nick?"

Grace's voice sent an alarm through him. "Grace, do you know where Nat is?"

Grace was stunned. "You mean she's not home yet? She left before we did...and she lives closer."

Nick closed his eyes, praying to the God he had given up on long ago, praying that she was safe and well. "She's not here yet, Grace. I'm getting worried."

Grace thought for a moment, and then asked, "Perhaps, Terence and I should back track?"

Nick emphatically disagreed with her. "No Grace, you're home, safe and sound. I'll find Nat. I don't want both of you out in this blizzard. I'll let you know when I find her."

Grace reluctantly agreed as she told him she'd stay put, waiting for his call.

Nick grabbed his jacket, stuffing the note in the pocket. He was out the door in a flash and was soon standing at the bottom of the steps of Natalie's apartment building. He cautiously looked both ways before taking to the skies.

He flew the direction he knew Natalie normally took between her home and the office. The winter winds and snow decreased his vision somewhat and he had to concentrate carefully on every little nuance he could see. In the ten minutes he had been flying, he had only seen one other vehicle on the road. He flew on for another couple of minutes, and then he
spotted it. Her car was pulled over on the side of the street. He landed on the sidewalk and wiped the snow from the passenger side. He peered inside the car, but she wasn't to be found.

He only took a few steps before he was assaulted with the smell of blood...Natalie's blood. His nostrils flared as the scent of it beckoned to him. He reached out with his senses and could detect her weakened heartbeat. He followed the hunter instincts tingling within him and walked around the car. His heart froze when saw a huddled mass covered by snow. He ran to her side and lifted her into his arms. He was immediately fighting his own beast. The sweet scent of her blood called to him, but he would not yield to its demand.

There was blood everywhere. It was on her clothing and the ground where she laid. Nick cradled her in his arms as his eyes changed to a golden hue. He spoke softly, "Nat...can you hear me?" The winds whipped around them as he tried to sweep the hair from her eyes. As his fingers brushed her neck, he felt the mutilation on her throat. He turned her
head to the side and saw the puncture wounds in her neck.

Nick yanked her roughly to his chest, as he wailed, "NO!!!" He held her tighter, burying his face in her hair, as his emotions were unleashed, "No, not Natalie." He cradled her in his arms, rocking back and forth, as his hand clenched a fistful of her hair. He refused to let death claim her, "You can't have her! I won't let you take her!"

Nick held her against him as he felt her begin to shiver and wrapped her coat tighter around her. He spoke softly to her, "Hold on, Nat. Please hold on." Touching his forehead to hers, he felt that she was cold, but the beast hadn't brought her across. Why? The vampire had taken her blood, but not enough to threaten her life, only to prolong her agony. She would recover if he could get her to a hospital for a transfusion.

Nat began to tremble in his arms, her eyelids fluttered, as she mumbled, "Nick?"

Nick stroked the side of her face, soothing her. "I'm here, Nat. I'm going to take care of you."

Natalie could *feel* Nick's presence. She could smell him as well as sense him. Her body craved something, but she was unsure of what? She tried to relax into the feel of Nick's hand stroking her cheek, but the smell. She turned her face into his hand. She could feel an urge building within her, but she was unsure of what it meant.

Nick could sense a turmoil building within Natalie. Her reactions to the vampire's attack were unlike any he had ever encountered before. He began to panic and for once in his life, he almost wished LaCroix was here to tell him what to do.

Natalie's trembling became more violent as a sweat broke out upon her forehead. She began to toss her head back and forth in his arms, moaning softly, "Nick, help me, please!"

Nick was mortified as he stammered, "Nat, I don't know what to do. I've never seen this sort of reaction before." He continued to stroke and caress her face trying to soothe her. "Just hold on, please. I'll get you to the hospital and they'll give you a transfusion, that should take care of it."

Natalie began to convulse in Nick's arms. "Nick, I need..."

Before Nick knew it, Natalie had bitten into his hand. He yelped in pain as she bit down hard. *His* blood was trickling into her mouth and his eyes flew open in fright as he screamed, "NO NAT!"

Nick tore his hand away from Natalie's mouth, but not before his blood had entered her system. Her eyes shot open and Nick could see the fear within her. Her hand grabbed his jacket as her voice cracked with fear, "Nick, I don't want to die." A small tear trickled down her cheek as she sobbed, "Please Nick, help me?" With a final breath, she collapsed
in his arms. 

End Chapter 11.


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Chapter 12
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5:30 a.m. Monday Morning
Mercy General Hospital

The door of the elevator opened and Schanke emerged with a cup of coffee in one hand and a doughnut in the other. After waiting with Nick for nearly three hours in the emergency room, he had gone down to the cafeteria for a quick pick-me-up.

Nick had phoned him earlier in the evening, shortly after Natalie had been admitted to the hospital. It had been Schanke's unpleasant task of phoning Captain Stonetree and telling him the news that Natalie seemed to be the next victim in their murderer's eye. The preliminary report had come back on their Jane Doe victim and Schanke had been on duty this evening working on it. Nat had been right about possibly 'getting lucky' when a positive identification had come back on the girl. He had been studying the case file and had finished staring at the woman's photograph, noticing the resemblance to Natalie, when Nick called.

The doctors had given Nick and him very little information about Natalie, except that she was in stable condition. Schanke had tried to talk his partner into going down with him to get a bite to eat, but Nick had refused. Nick was determined he would be there in case Natalie needed him. Schanke had to admire his partner; even though Nick and Natalie denied there was anything between them, they were always there for one another.

Schanke opened the door to the waiting room and saw Nick bent over, sitting with his head in his hands...exactly the way he had left him.

Nick raised his head when he heard the doors open, hoping it would be one of Natalie's doctors. Recognizing Schanke, rather than someone he so desperately wished to see, Nick managed a half-hearted smile at his partner.

Schanke walked over and sat down beside him. "Any news?"

Nick sadly nodded his head. "No. Nothing."

Schanke placed his coffee and doughnut on the table beside the couch. "Well, no news is good news, right?"

Just as Nick began to respond, a man came through the doors placing a stethoscope in his lab coat pocket. Nick recognized him from earlier in the evening and rose to his feet. He rubbed his hands together nervously as the doctor approached. "Dr. Lynn, how is she doing?"

Dr. Lynn stopped in front of him and began to flip through some papers on a clipboard he held. "Much better than when she arrived. We've given her three units of blood. Her pressure is almost back to normal. It's odd, but she does seem to be healing faster than I'd expect." He looked up from the clipboard, "She's a fighter, though. She's conscious
and talking some."

Nick felt the relief wash through his body. She was alive and fighting. But the doctor's words hung heavily on his mind, 'she was healing faster than he'd expect.' He hesitantly asked, "Can I see her now?"

The Doctor began to say no, but he could see the anguished expression on Nick's face. "Okay, but only for a little bit. She needs her rest."

Nick nodded and turned to Schanke. "Call the Cap and let him know Nat's okay. I'll be back in a bit."

Schanke nodded as he responded, "Sure thing."

Nick turned to follow the doctor down the hallway, only stopping when he heard Schanke call after him.

"Hey partner, let her know I'm here for her will you?"

Nick waved and smiled at him. "Sure thing, Schanke." Nick hurried to follow the doctor down the corridor.

They had woven up and around a couple floors and hallways when the doctor paused in front of a door and turned to Nick. "She's lost a lot of blood, but we've given her a transfusion and she seems stronger. Try not to excite her and let her take it at her own pace. Her body will slow her down if she tries to do too much."

Nick nodded his understanding as the doctor opened the door and let him enter the room.

Nick stood silently once the door had closed. Natalie lay in the bed with tubes and wires dangling from several machines beside her. He cautiously approached her by walking beside the bed and placed his hands on the railing. She looked very fragile and small lying there. Her extremely pale complexion sadly reminded him of the twin wounds covered
by the gauze bandage on her throat. Nick never believed it would be possible for him to deliberately harm Natalie, yet he'd had to keep others from seeing the bite marks. He'd been forced to disguise the marks on her neck by slashing the slender column of her throat.

He had used his pocketknife and cut several incisions across the bite marks, hiding them from any possible detection before carrying her in the hospital emergency room door. No one would think twice about the blood on his hands with all the blood that was already there. His eyes closed as he remembered the fresh blood oozing from the newly opened
wounds. He had beaten his own beast back in order to save her life. 

When his blue eyes reopened, he noticed the bag of blood hanging beside her bed. She had received three units of blood, according to the doctor, but what worried him more was the small amount of his blood that had entered her system when she had bitten him. He couldn't understand what had happened. In all his years, he had never encountered such an event. He reached down and gently stroked her cheek, noticing the bite marks on his own hand that had not completely healed. What was going on? He examined his own hand again. The wound was still visible, but after five hours, Nick knew it should have vanished by now.

A small moan escaped Natalie's lips and Nick leaned closer, whispering, "Nat."

Natalie's eyelids fluttered and she groggily opened her eyes. She could hear her name being called, but she couldn't make out the figure standing over her.

Nick softly brushed her cheek again with his finger, calling to her again. "Natalie, please wake up."

She blinked several times as her eyes tried to focus. Finally, she recognized him. She tried to speak, but only a hoarse squeak came from her lips.

Nick quickly poured her a glass of water from the pitcher setting beside the bed. He held her head as he helped her take a sip. "Easy, Nat. Not too fast."

Natalie could feel the cool liquid sliding down the back of her throat. She closed her eyes and savored the feeling, but quickly began to gasp and cough.

Nick pulled the glass away, his concern over her reaction, caused his voice to quiver, "Nat, are you okay?"

Her coughing soon stopped as she shook her head, sputtering, "It's not right."

Nick could feel the knot in his stomach. What had her attacker done to her? He placed the glass on the table and turned worried eyes back to her. "What do you mean *it's not right*, Nat?"

Natalie wearily looked him in the eyes as she cleared her throat. "Tastes funny."

He leaned down and gently stroked her hair as he quietly whispered in her ear, "Nat, he didn't bring you across, but I'm not sure *what* he did to you."

Natalie's hand closed over his on the railing. Nick smiled warmly and concentrated on her rhythms. He could sense her breathing and heart rate were slowing as her weariness consumed her. Other than that, everything seemed normal, apart from her reaction to the water. Nick shook his head in frustration and continued to whisper, "Nat, I've never
seen this before. It's like he's infected you somehow."

Natalie's head lulled to the side as her eyelids began to close. She smiled at him and squeezed his hand. "I trust you, Nick." Her eyes closed and soon she had fallen asleep.

Nick held on tightly to her hand as the machinery hummed and bleeped beside her bed. After a few moments, he decided it was best to let her rest. He leaned over and placed a kiss on her forehead, then whispered his promise in her ear, "I'll find him, Nat. I'll find a way to reverse whatever he's done to you. *Somehow* I'll make this right." He placed
a light kiss against her lips, as his fingers brushed against her cheek. He continued whispering against her lips, "I can't let you enter this darkness, it would consume and destroy you. I couldn't bear that." Nick closed his eyes and placed his forehead against hers as he confessed, "I do love you, Natalie, but I can't let you become what I am no matter how much I would wish it so."

End Chapter 12.


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Chapter 13
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6:30 a.m. Monday Morning
Mercy General Hospital

Terence dropped Grace off at the hospital on his way to the airport. He hated to leave her with the stress of the wedding, but now on top of everything else, her Maid Of Honor had been attacked by some lunatic. He held the car door open for her and helped her out. "Are you sure you don't want me to stay?"

She pecked him lightly on the cheek. "No, you would just be another body getting in the way." She squeezed his hand and reasoned, "Besides, you're going to be taking three weeks off for our honeymoon soon, so you need to get back and take care of some of those patients of yours before we leave. I'll be fine."

He was still hesitant to leave. "Be careful driving home in this mess."

Grace nodded, reassuring him. "I will."

He gave her a gentle kiss, handed her the car keys, and then turned to leave. Grace watched until he had entered the awaiting taxi before she headed on up to the wing where Natalie's room was located.

******

Captain Stonetree punched the button for the third time, realizing that just because it was lit, it didn't mean it really was. He watched the lights above the door on their descending journey when a familiar voice greeted him, "Hello, Captain Stonetree." He turned to find Grace walking up beside him.

He held his hand out to hers and shook it enthusiastically. "Why, hello, Grace. I haven't seen you in a while."

She smiled as she answered, "No, it's been some time." They released hands and she noticed the light on the elevator doors, and then asked him, "Are you here to see Nat?"

He nodded his head sadly. "Yeah, poor kid. To have something like that happen. She was lucky Nick found her when he did. There's no telling what might have happened if he hadn't."

Grace shuddered. "I don't even want to think about that. She's safe and sound now. I know Nick Knight, he won't let anything happen to her."

The elevator opened and Stonetree motioned Grace to enter before him. Once inside, he punched the button for the third floor as he thought about what Grace had said. His eyebrow rose. "You know, I believe you have a valid point there. I can't believe those two still aren't *together*, so to speak. I thought something was going on when Nick worked for me, but when I saw them together the other night, it was very apparent."

Grace shook her head. "I know. I'm still working on the two of them, but who knows. Natalie only says it's *complicated*."

Stonetree chuckled, "That sounds familiar."

The elevator door opened and they soon found their way to the waiting area. Schanke was just finishing his doughnut when they entered. He wiped at his face with the napkin as he tried to clear his throat, "Cap...Captain Stonetree, I tried to call you but they said you were
already on your way here."

Stonetree held his hand up to calm the detective. "No need to worry, Schanke. What's the news on Natalie?"

Grace quickly chimed in, "Yeah, is she okay?"

"She's fine, she's fine. The doctor was here a little while ago. He said they had given her some units of blood and that she was recovering quicker than he thought she would." Schanke crumpled the napkin and tossed it into the trash.

Grace sighed in relief, "Thank goodness."

Stonetree placed his hand to his chin. "That's great news, Schanke." He looked around the empty room noticing Nick was nowhere to be seen. "I take it Nick is with her?"

Schanke grabbed his suit jacket from the back of the chair and began to put it on. "Yeah, he's been with her for about an hour now. I just found out a little while ago which floor she was on. I've been down in the ER most of the night."

Just as if on cue, Nick walked into the room. His eyes were weary as his friends greeted him. Grace walked over to him, took his arm and lead him to the chair, asking, "How is she, Nick? Can we see her?" 

Nick slumped into the chair and sighed, "She's better, Grace. She's sleeping now, so it would probably be better to see her later. The doctor says she needs her rest."

Grace patted his hand sympathetically. "I understand. I can come back later tonight." Grace noticed something odd and raised his hand to inspect it more closely. "Nick, what happened here?"

Nick quickly jerked his hand away and held it against his chest. "Nothing."

Grace raised an eyebrow, probing, "Nothing? Nick, that's a bad bite. It could get infected if you don't clean it. Do you want me to..."

Nick quickly shook his head, resisting, "No, it's fine Grace."

Her mind raced with possibilities as she countered, "How did it happen?"

Nick rubbed at his hand as he slowly explained, "Nat...she must have thought I was her attacker." His eyes met Grace's, continuing, "She must have lashed out in self defense or something. She had bitten me before I could get her to realize it was me trying to help her."

Stonetree and Schanke sat in the chairs across from them. As they listened to his explanation, Stonetree took out a pad of small notebook paper and checked something with his pen. "Nick, I read the preliminary statement you gave the officer last night just after admitting Natalie. Do you still think it's a mugging?"

Nick shrugged, "I don't know, Cap." Nick closed his eyes as his head and body leaned back in the chair against the wall. "I don't know anything anymore."

Stonetree noticed the way Nick sat in the chair. He appeared to be exhausted. He was used to Nick giving him one-line answers, but the uncharacteristic behavior Nick was displaying worried him. "Nick, why don't you go home and rest some yourself?"

Nick rubbed at his eyes and immediately sat forward, insisting, "No, I'm not leaving."

Grace glanced at her watch. "Nick, it's early morning and the sun will be up soon. How do you expect to protect yourself? Natalie would never forgive me if I let something happen to you."

Nick began to shake his head and refuse her offer, but Grace eased his resistance with a touch of her hand on his. He lowered his head into his hands. Grace's soothing voice tried to reason with him, "I know about your allergies, Nick. You should go home where you'll be
protected. I can stay here with her today and call if anything happens."

Schanke agreed, "Yeah Nick, I'll give you a lift home. I can bring you up to speed on the case from last night on the way there." Schanke looked to Stonetree before he would continue. Stonetree nodded and Schanke stated quickly, "Nick, I think Natalie's attack may be related to the woman found last night."

Nick shook his head in his hands. That was all he needed was their connecting the two cases together. He nonchalantly raised his head and narrowed his eyes as he questioned, "What would make you think that?" 

"Well," Schanke said as he cleared his throat, not exactly sure he liked the way Nick was staring at him. "I got the preliminary report back on her last night. Nat was right; we 'got lucky' so to speak. There was an open file on her in Alberta. Her name was Melissa Jo Alrod, the victim of a stalking case and was under protective custody. She was discovered missing three days ago when her guards were found strangled to death in the safe house. There was no trace of her until last night when she was found dead."

"Protective custody?" Nick adjusted in his chair giving Schanke his full attention. He didn't like the sound of what he was hearing.

"Yeah, seems she was attacked in much the same manner as Nat. Missing blood, the whole nine yards." Schanke scratched his head and thought for a moment. "Yeah, she was attacked twice before she disappeared." 

"Twice?" Nick's brow raised. "Was blood missing both times?"

Schanke nodded his head, "Yeah, Nick. She was in pretty bad shape after the second attack. She was in the hospital for nearly a week. Seems as though the guy nearly drained her dry."

Grace waved her hands in the air as she shook her head, unable to believe what she was hearing, she asked, "Wait a minute, wait a minute. Drained her dry? How?"

"Man, I left the report at my desk. I don't think they knew. But there were marks on the neck. Holes or something." Schanke tried to remember more. "I can't remember without the file."

Stonetree shook a finger at Schanke as he reasoned, "This sounds a lot like that case you guys had when I first paired you two up. The one about the homeless murders. I think they all had type O blood or something?"

Schanke nodded and pointed back agreeing, "Yeah, yeah, I remember that. But that guy's dead. He died in that fire at Nick's place."

Nick sat in the chair disbelieving what was happening. Natalie had been attacked by a vampire. He was the only one who knew this, but he couldn't tell the mortals around him. He listened as they tried to pull pieces together that would never fit. But perhaps, he could use it to his advantage to throw them off the trail. He was purposely going to lead Schanke down a dead end street. "Schanke, perhaps you should check the blood types. Maybe see if there have been any other murders of this fashion, could be we have a copycat?"

Schanke shook his head disagreeing, "No, not a copycat and I don't think the blood will match."

Nick's face darkened, this wasn't what he had wanted to hear from his partner. He angrily questioned, "Why not?"

"Well," Schanke straightened and adjusted his tie. Nick was giving him *that look* again and he could feel his insides flipping as his eyes locked on his. "I think it's more a case of look alikes."

Grace had been intently listening to the detective's analysis of the situation. It was a new perspective for her, always being on the tests and analysis side of the cases. The actual detective work seemed fascinating to her as she questioned, "Look alikes?"

Schanke broke his gaze with Nick. Grace was a more friendly target so he began talking with her, "Yeah, I was looking at the photo of Melissa last night and I couldn't help but notice the resemblance to Nat."

Grace nodded her head, agreeing, "Yeah, I remember noticing that too. She did look an awful lot like her."

Nick had to admit Schanke may be on to something, even if the killer was a vampire, there had to be some reasoning behind his attacks. He realized he would soon be confined for the day, whether he went home or stayed at the hospital, somebody would need to go back to the precinct and check the computers. Nick knew he would need to rely and trust
Schanke's instincts as a detective if he was to help Nat. "Schanke, why don't you go back to the precinct and check for cases with the same characteristics. The multiple attacks, missing blood, what the women looked like and such. Who knows maybe we'll get lucky again." A small smile formed on his face as he regarded Schanke. He really did like his
partner, but the stress of the past 24 hours was beginning to take their toll. His smile faded as he closed and rubbed at his eyes.

Schanke stood, took his car keys from his jacket pocket and jingled them in his hand. "Sure thing, Nick. But I'll go after I take you home."

Grace put her hand on his shoulder, pleading, "Nick, please, go home and rest. I can stay with her today."

Nick emphatically shook his head as he stared between the two of them, insisting, "No, I'll be fine Grace. There is plenty of protection here in the hospital and we can close the drapes in Natalie's room, but I will not leave her."

Grace shook her head. Nick's mind was made up and she could tell she was not going to budge him. "Okay then, we'll take turns. You stay here and rest and I'll go to her now and sit with her. I'll come back in two or three hours and get you."

Nick lowered his head as he took her hand in his. "Thanks, Grace."

Stonetree now stood beside Schanke as he stared at Nick with trepidation. "Nick, if you need anything...you know where to call."

Nick seemed paler than normal as his head lulled back against the wall again, mumbling, "Thanks, Cap."

Grace grabbed the blanket from one of the other chairs in the waiting area and placed it on Nick. She flipped the light off as the three of them left the room, noticing Nick had already fallen into a restless sleep.

End Chapter 13.


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Chapter 14
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5:00 p.m. Monday Afternoon
Vacant House on the Outskirts of Toronto

She stood against the fireplace, the backlight causing her auburn curls to glow around her features. His hand touched her shoulder as she stared deeply into his eyes. She was drawn to him like the moth to the flame. Her hands went around his neck as he continued to feel the building connection between them. He had waited so long and now, finally, he believed she would be his perfect match.

He smiled as she rubbed her head against his chest and moaned, "Please, make me what you are. I need to be with you completely." Her head lifted and her blue sapphire blue eyes pleaded with him before she tipped up on her toes and kissed him.

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her roughly against his body as he deepened the kiss. She would be his soul mate for all eternity. He ravaged her mouth until she whimpered for breath. He released her lips to blaze a trail of feather light kisses down the side of the slender column of her throat. He heard her moan again as his hands tangled in
her hair, "*Please*, make us one." His head reared back from her throat as his eyes turned to a reddened fire. He struck swiftly and began draining her to the edge of existence.

The elixir of her blood soothed him as he drank in her devotion. She was perfect. The one he had searched the world over for years. He savored the fine delicacies her blood offered as her mind merged with his. He could feel her wants and desires as they coursed through their bond. He was lost in an abyss of warmth until the blood took on a bitter taste in his mouth. He choked, but held on to the emotion she was feeling. He pushed into her mind and found her true feelings of revulsion and contempt for him. In the blink of an eye, she had sealed her own fate as he unleashed his beast to devour her completely.

She gasped as her eyes opened wide. She tried fighting by digging her fingernails into his shoulders as the intensity of his rage filled her mind. Her mind screamed to him, "Why? I did as you asked, please why?" The woman slumped in his arms, as she felt the life ebbing from her veins. He continued drinking until he had crushed the light of her eternal soul.

Holding her lifeless form against him, he removed his fangs from her and lifted his head. He looked upward and yelled as his arms wrapped around hugging her tighter, "Why!!!!!????? Why did she betray me???!!!!" The blood red tears streamed down his face as he looked into her now lifeless eyes. His hand gently closed them as he placed a farewell kiss on her cheek.

He held her for a few moments before lifting her gently in his arms. He turned and handed her lifeless form to Jacob. "We will dispose of this tonight."

Jacob practically jumped out of his bed as the sweat ran down his face. The dreams haunted his days as he continued to relive the murder of another young woman they had taken from her home. He threw the covers away from him and sat on the side of the cot. His trembling hands ran through his matted hair as he released the emotions he had withheld for so long. So many women had died and he had been a witness to each grizzly death.

He rose from the cot, wiping the sweat from his brow. Soon his master would awaken and be eager to check on his latest conquest. 'Conquest,' he thought to himself. 'Another murder.' Jacob knew that no woman could possibly live up to the expectations of his master. They had come so close with the last one, only to have her true fears surface in the final seconds of her life.

He knew his master had mesmerized them in some way, which made them *seem* willing to become one with him, but in their true hearts they were terrified and despised the man. Once his master felt this, Jacob knew it was only a matter of seconds before he would be handed another corpse. Another sleepless day would follow, another woman would be
found, another night would fall...another life destroyed.

He never heard the coffin open, the steps on the floor, or the hand reaching for him. A blow to the side of the head and Jacob soon found himself looking up at his master from the floor. His eyes were ablaze as he bellowed at his servant, "Why do you pity them? I offer them the greatest gift imaginable, only to find them weak and deceiving!"

Jacob shakily rose to his feet, stepping backwards and wiping at the blood on his lip. His master followed him, and never breaking his gaze, continued, "I offer them an eternity of youth and love."

Jacob soon found himself backed up to the wall as his master grabbed for his collar, insisting, "They only need love me, Jacob. That's *all* I ask."

The vampire placed his hand on Jacob's throat and began squeezing as he questioned, "Is it? Is it so much to ask?"

Jacob coughed and grabbed for the hands restraining him. He hoarsely coughed, "No."

The vampire was enraged and squeezed tighter as Jacob's eyes rolled into his head. Jacob swung out desperately and began beating the vampire's chest, but his master only picked him up off the floor and tossed his body like a rag doll across the room.

The dilapidated table crumbled as Jacob smashed head first into it. The pain was immediate as his limp body twisted and entangled with the wooden structure. He slowly began to rise, but yelled out in agony as a sharp pain shot through him. The pain traveled through his body as he turned despising eyes toward his master, whimpering accusingly, "You don't have to kill them all!" Jacob tried to move again as another twinge brought him to his knees, the sprain to his leg clearly affecting his maneuverability. He grabbed a piece of wood from the smashed table, and then held the stake high and looked at his master with hatred in his eyes.

His master only sneered and laughed, "If you think you're strong enough. TRY IT!"

Jacob thought long and hard as he stared at the stake in his hand. After a moment, he closed his eyes and let the stake fall to the ground, then slumped back into a chair admitting defeat. 

His master sneered as he turned to leave the room, "I thought not."

Jacob clenched his fist and kicked at the remains of the table on the floor.

*******

An hour later, the vampire reemerged from his room. Jacob was sitting quietly near the fireplace staring into the flames. His master walked closer, carefully regarding his companion. "They must die. It's the only solution."

Jacob was apprehensive as the vampire came within striking distance. He slowly lowered his head as he spoke, "But why? Why not just erase the memory? Let them live?"

Jacob trembled as the vampire placed his hand on his shoulder. His master lowered himself to his knee and looked closely into Jacob's eyes. Jacob could feel the faintest of tugs on his mind as his eyes locked with him. His words were silk as he smoothly calmed his fears. "You need not worry about them. They are in a better place."

Jacob tried to break the hold as he shook his head and shakily disagreed, "But why?"

The vampire's grip tightened on his shoulder as he concentrated and grabbed Jacob's will with his mind. "You *will* do as I bid. This is your only purpose in life. If you disobey, you *will* die."

Jacob could feel his eyes growing heavier as the voice touched his will. His only purpose in life was to serve the being that held him. His mind clouded as he responded, "Obey or die." 

Once he was satisfied, the vampire broke his gaze with Jacob. He stood and walked back to his bedroom door, commanding, "Bring the car around, I believe I should visit the hospital tonight."

Tears formed in Jacob's eyes as his head automatically nodded and obeyed. It was another night.

End Chapter 14.


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*************
Chapter 15
*************
7:00 p.m. Monday Evening
Mercy General Hospital - Men's Room

Nick held his hand under the running water while he examined it. All day long, he had dozed off and on while keeping an eye on Nat. Working shifts, he and Grace had never left her alone. One of them had always been by her side. Nick had noticed that when he wasn't in the room, Nat seemed more restless. Even though she had slept the entire day, he
could sense her uneasiness and relief as he would either leave or enter the room.

He rubbed the antibacterial soap onto his hands as he gently washed the encrusted blood away from the wound. After thoroughly cleaning it, he used a gauze bandage, which he had graciously charmed from a nurse, and wrapped the wound tightly. The bandage wound around his hand until he had completely covered the mark. He tossed the paper wrapping into the trash, then carefully regarded his reflection in the mirror.

His hand rubbed at the beard stubble on his chin. He noted that he looked as scruffy as he felt. He really needed to go home and clean himself properly since he was still wearing the same clothes from Saturday night, but he couldn't bring himself to leave Nat. Not now.

As Nick studied the reflection, he heard the slight tapping on the bathroom door. He felt her before she even said hello. He walked over and held the door open. "Janette."

She stood in the hallway wearing a black stretch ottoman dress suspended by sparkling rhinestone straps. The front and back were cut dramatically low with a scoop neck in the front. Nick couldn't help but stare at the lovely creature before him before he commented, "Aren't you a little formal for a hospital visit?"

She nearly rammed the package she was holding into his chest as she turned her nose into the air. He was greeted with a knowing eye as she huffed, "I would not be talking if I were you. You look like something the cat has dragged in."

Nick's eyebrow raised as he flashed a teasing lopsided grin, holding the package protectively to his chest. "Yeah...and it's nice to see you too."

She failed miserably at containing her enjoyment as she turned away from him and looked down the hallway. She took a deep breath to calm the laughter that threatened to overwhelm her. Nick stepped out of the restroom and kissed her gently on the cheek as she stifled a giggle. She chuckled, "The least you could do is offer a lady a drink after
running your errands for you."

He pushed the package away from him as if it were about to bite. Suspiciously, he asked, "You didn't?"

Janette nonchalantly waived her hand in the air as she responded undaunted, "Only one bottle, Mon Cher. The rest is as you requested...that swill you insist on drinking. I don't understand how your palate can tolerate it."

Nick put the package under his arm as he took Janette by the other arm and led her down to the waiting area. He jokingly imitated LaCroix as he responded, "It's an acquired taste, my dear." 

Once inside the waiting area, Nick locked the door and closed the shades in the room to give them some privacy from the peering eyes at the nurses' station. Janette stood quietly holding her cloak over her folded arms. She examined the meager furnishings of the room as Nick opened the package wrapped in brown paper and grabbed one of the green
bottles tightly in his hands. In one swift movement he had removed the cork, tossed it in the paper, then began to devour the nourishing liquid.

Janette turned up her nose, uttering a disgusted grunt, "Ugh." Then she turned away and quickly began examining the artwork on the wall. "Let me know when you are finished. The smell alone nauseates me." 

Nick had drained two bottles and was nearly finished with the third when he had finally satiated his hunger. He placed the bottle on the table as he began to rummage through the package, removing the fresh clothing she had provided for him. She heard the paper rustling and turned to him. "You didn't say which ones, so I chose for you. Really Nicola,
you must let me take you shopping like we used to. Your wardrobe could *definitely* use a pick me up. They are so....plain."

Nick held the black jeans and blue silk shirt up as he chuckled, "I'm a working Toronto Detective, Janette. They are supposed to be plain. I don't have a huge salary, remember?"

She rolled her eyes as she scolded, "Really Nicola, why you *insist* on living like this is beyond me. You could afford clothes that would suit you much better than these."

Nick nodded his head in agreement, as he replied, "Yes, but then I wouldn't be Nicholas B. Knight, Homicide Detective, now would I?"

She shrugged, questioning his choice, "And *that* would be so bad?"

Exasperated with Janette's questions on his choice of lifestyle, Nick turned from her as he began to unbutton his shirt. He had undone three buttons when he looked back over his shoulder and noticed Janette watching him. He questioned, "Do you mind?"

"Not at all." An evil glee sparkled in her eyes as she smiled and purred, "The view is very appealing."

Nick frowned as he scolded, "Janette!"

She pouted as she turned around, "I don't see what the big deal is. I've seen you in *much* less." As she looked back over her shoulder raising an eyebrow, she couldn't help but sigh as the form of his torso was revealed. He caught her looking and grabbed the shirt to cover
himself. She quickly turned away from him again and giggled.

As she examined the fake fig tree, she decided it would be only fitting and proper in asking about Natalie's condition. "How is Natalie?"

Nick hesitated a moment as he noted a hint of sincerity in her voice toward Natalie. He sympathetically responded, "She was awake briefly this morning, but she's been sleeping the rest of the day."

Janette raised an eyebrow as she mused, "Really?" Nick had told her on the phone about Natalie's attack. She knew the mortal had been bitten, but had not been brought across. She couldn't help but wonder why.

Once Nick had changed clothes, he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "Thank you for your help."

He placed a kiss against her neck as she leaned into his embrace. She closed her eyes and allowed herself the luxury of losing herself in his arms. "You are quite welcome."

As he held her, Janette noticed the bandage on his hand and asked, "Playing at being mortal again, are we?" She held his hand in hers as she turned to face him, continuing, "How long will you carry on this charade?"

Nick pulled his hand from her and cradled it against his chest. "It's no charade, Janette. I don't know how...I mean I don't understand, but..." He lowered his head unable to comprehend what was happening to him. If he couldn't understand it, how could he explain about the wound to Janette?

Janette stared at him curiously as she placed her hand on his. His confusion was flooding their link as she questioned, "What's wrong, Nicola?"

Nick's eyes met hers and Janette could see the sadness and despair in them. Nick suddenly found himself releasing his emotions in an enraged tone, "I don't know what's happening, Janette. To me or to Natalie." As he uttered Natalie's name his voice softened as he emphasized, "Natalie is *different* since her attack. When I found her last night I
could sense something odd, but I didn't know what it was." Janette placed her cloak on the chair, then led him over to sit as he continued, "I could feel her turmoil; she was craving something. Before I could stop her, she had bitten my hand." Nick lowered his head as he wrestled with his emotions. The agony of the memory was etched clearly in his
eyes as he looked up pleading for her to understand. "Janette, she drank some of my blood."

Janette shook her head in disbelief and gasped, "No."

Nick could only nod as he choked back his tears. "I don't know what it will do to her. She wasn't missing enough blood to bring her across. But the vampire who attacked her *did* something. I tried to give her some water this morning and it repulsed her."

Janette took his chin firmly in her hand and forced him to look at her as she demanded, "You *must* speak with LaCroix."

Nick yanked his chin from her grasp and strongly refused, "No! I will not bring him into this!"

Janette glared at him, insisting, "You *have* no choice, Nicola! Do you know what will happen if the Enforcers hear about this?" She placed her hand against her temple as she continued, "That is if they don't *already* know. You already found one body behind my club and now Nat? They *must* know. If they come here, it will be a blood bath. You MUST speak with him."

As the word Enforcer wrenched Nick's heart from his chest, he knew Janette was right. He needed help and whether he hated to admit it or not, LaCroix was his only hope. Nick placed his head in his hands and begrudgingly relented, "You are right. Where is he?"

Janette realized Nicola had finally come to his senses, and sat back in the chair. She calmly answered, "He returned to the club early this morning. He was still in a very *bad* mood from your earlier confrontation. He had completely blocked me from his thoughts."

With his head still lowered and in his hands, Nick moaned, "He'll never help me. He detests Natalie. He would rather see her dead then help me."

Janette placed her hand on his shoulder and rubbed gently, trying to soothe him. "He'll help because you are his son. He can't refuse you."

Nick turned his head in his hands to look at her, stating coldly, "I'll pay dearly for it."

She nodded her head and frowned, agreeing, "More than likely. His punishments can be..." Unable to finish her thought, she shuddered as her eyes closed.

Nick turned and pulled her into an embrace. He rubbed her bare back gently as he whispered into her ear, "Go back to the Raven and tell him I'll be by later tonight to talk."

Janette stiffened and pulled away from him, confessing, "I am afraid for you, Nicola." She nodded toward the door. "And your Natalie."

His hand caressed her cheek as he tried to ease the tension building within her. "We'll survive."

Just as he was about to kiss her, there was a banging on the door. "Nick are you in there?"

Nick recognized Grace's voice as he held Janette's cheek in his hand and answered, "Yes, Grace."

Grace leaned closer to the locked door and yelled back, "She's awake!"

End Chapter 15.


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************
Chapter 16
************
8:00 p.m. Monday Evening
Mercy General Hospital

Nick placed a kiss on Janette's cheek as he took her hand to help her stand. They both walked over to the empty bottles and crumpled clothing and Nick quickly packaged them and handed them to Janette.

Janette took the package from him and quietly asked, "May I see her?"

Nick hesitated for a moment until he looked into Janette's eyes. He could see the genuine concern for Natalie's well being. Nick placed his hand on her elbow as he grabbed Janette's cloak from the chair and offered, "Perhaps you can wait out in the hallway until I let her know you are there?"

Janette took the cloak and could sense an uneasiness from him through their link. She had already suspected that Natalie was apprehensive of their relationship. When Nick hesitated, she was pretty sure it was true and agreed, "Oui, I wouldn't want to do anything to upset her. I'll wait until you think she's ready."

He was relieved Janette understood his concern. Nick took her hand in his, and then smiled as he led her over to the door and unlocked it.

Grace was bouncing with excitement as he exited the room. She grabbed his hand and began to pull him toward Natalie's room chatting excitedly, "She's awake and asking to see you." Her joy was overshadowed with confusion when she noticed the lady following behind him. Grace stopped pulling on his arm and stared at the dark haired beauty holding his hand. She quickly remembered her manners and introduced herself, "Hello, I'm Grace Balthazar." Her eyes traveled between the two of them as she continued, "I'm a friend of Natalie's."

Janette nodded an acknowledgment and smiled at her as she graciously introduced herself, "Janette Ducharme." She too looked at Nick, then back at Grace explaining, "An old friend of Nick's family." 

"How nice." Grace smiled politely and felt a bit awkward as Janette wrapped her arm through Nick's. Nick placed his hand on Janette's arm and gave her a sideways glance warning her to *be careful*. She smiled coyly as she shrugged, then released him.

Nick returned his attentions to Grace, explaining, "I asked Janette to stop by the loft and bring me some fresh clothing."

Grace looked him up one way and down the other and commented, "I thought you seemed different, but my mind is in a fog today." Grace had noticed the exchange between the two of them and she noted to herself that Nick seemed to have a lot of *friends*. Grace dismissed the thought and turned as they all walked towards Natalie's room.

Inwardly, Nick sighed as he tried changing the subject. "How is she, Grace?"

"Well," Grace shrugged as they neared her room, "She awoke with such a start a few moments ago. I tried to calm her, but I think she hissed at me."

Janette placed her hand on Nick's shoulder as she felt the shudder through their link. She was strongly concerned what effect all of this was having on him. Janette knew how deeply Nick cared for Natalie, yet she had only truly realized that bitter truth this morning. She, too, loved the tormented man and hated to see him suffer.

Once they reached Natalie's room, Grace entered as Nick hesitated outside with Janette. He turned to her and gently placed his fingertip beneath her chin. "I'll call when I think she's ready." As Janette nodded, he placed a kiss on her forehead and then moved away from her to enter Natalie's room.

As Janette leaned against the wall, she sighed and juggled the cloak and package in her arms. An intern walked past as she was adjusting the strap on her dress and she smiled invitingly at the young man as he collided with a gurney in the hallway. She snickered to herself, 'Men, they are all the same!' Her attentions were soon distracted and she looked coldly past him down the hallway as she sensed a presence.

*******

As Nick entered the room, Grace had walked over to the window to open the drapes so Natalie could see outside into the night. Her back was to the couple as she fumbled with the cord. "Perhaps a different view will help."

Nick stopped cold in his tracks when Natalie turned her head to him. He felt an electricity pass between them as he saw the specks of gold flash in her eyes. As Natalie held his gaze, he walked over beside her bed and put his hands on the rail.

Grace turned to the two of them and Natalie quickly blinked her eyes removing the golden hue from them. Grace began to laugh, "You know, I've never heard of going to such lengths to get out of a dress fitting."

Grace walked toward the bed as Natalie closed her eyes and sighed, "I'm sorry, Grace."

Grace frowned, she hadn't intended on hurting Nat's feelings. She reached out and stroked her cheek. "It's okay, hon. Fittings can always be rescheduled."

When Natalie's eyes opened again, golden flecks were visible. Natalie captured Grace's hand in hers and stared at her friend. "Thanks, Grace."

Grace found herself staring blankly back at Natalie as the smile faded from her face. Grace felt a slight tug at the back of her mind as her eyes clouded over and responded, "You're welcome."

Nick, unbelieving what he was witnessing, quickly grabbed their hands, breaking Natalie's concentration. Nat glared at him as Grace shook the cobwebs from her head. Grace looked at Nick as he patted her hand and flashed her a lopsided smile, calmly stating, "Yes, thanks Grace." 

Grace looked hazily at Nick and noticed a determination in his eyes as he studied Natalie. Grace stammered, "Why don't you two talk awhile? I'm going to run down to the cafeteria and catch a bite to eat. It's been a long day."

Nick couldn't believe what Natalie had done, but he knew he needed to get Grace as far away as possible. Just as Natalie had done, Nick caught her will with his gaze, suggesting, "Perhaps it would be better if you went on home and rested. I can watch Natalie tonight."

Once again, Grace's eyes clouded over as she stared into the blue depths of Nick's eyes. She nodded her head and repeated, "Go home...rest."

Once Nick was sure Grace would obey his suggestions, he released her.

Grace again shook her head and laughed as she rubbed at her temple shakily stating, "I must be more tired than I thought. I think I'll go home and rest up." She smiled at them both and turned to grab her purse and coat from the chair. As she left the room, she waved. "I'm glad you're feeling better, Natalie. Night."

Nick smiled and waved as Grace left the room. He swayed suddenly when he felt the contempt flood through his link. At first, he thought it was Janette, but soon he realized it was Nat. He couldn't believe it; he could sense Natalie through his link. He turned to find her staring harshly at him as she sat up in the bed and yelled, "How dare you! You won't stop me!"

He placed his hands on her shoulders as he tried to calm her. "Stop what? Nat, calm down. You're not thinking clearly." His mind was spinning. How was any of this possible?

Natalie lashed out and struck the side of his face with her hand. In a daze, Nick held her forcibly in the bed as she struggled against him. He could feel the pain flowing through her body as the golden flecks flashed in her eyes. She screamed, "I have to go to *him*."

Nick couldn't understand at first, but then he felt it. The same feeling he had had at the crime scene on Saturday night. The tingling started at the base of his skull and he could sense a beckoning. Natalie stopped struggling as the tears streamed down her cheeks, her
eyes glazed over as she stared into nothingness. Somehow, Nick knew the other vampire was close and he was trying to summon Natalie to him. He yelled for Janette to come and assist him.

Alarmed, Janette pushed her way through the door, unprepared for what was to greet her. She stopped suddenly, when she saw Natalie sitting up in the bed with Nick trying to restrain her. As Natalie stared coldly at her, Janette gasped when her mind was flooded with the feelings of loathing and hatred that Natalie felt for her. She swayed and dropped
her cloak and package to the floor. The unopened bottle inside smashed to the ground as she grabbed the nearby chair to steady herself.

Nick shook Natalie to break her concentration. "Nat!"

Unexpectedly, Natalie tried to break free of Nick. She could smell the blood as it covered the floor. Natalie's eyes flashed again as she desperately struggled against him.

Nick's own senses tingled as the smell assaulted him. His hold faltered, he couldn't believe the strength she was exerting and he yelled, "Janette, help me hold her!"

Janette pushed aside all the hate and anger Natalie was aiming at her as she rushed over to the bed. She placed her hands on Natalie's shoulder while Nick held the other side. Her troubled eyes met his as she questioned, "How is this possible?"

Now that he had help, Nick ignored Janette's confusion as he tried to concentrate on where the other vampire may be. He reached through his link with Natalie and tried to follow the fragile hold he was having on her. Carefully, he reached out and suddenly felt the demented, twisted mind of the other man. The vampire screamed in anguish when he realized Nick was honing in on his whereabouts and quickly broke his connection with Natalie. Nick felt the final thoughts pass between the vampire and Natalie as he promised to return and take her for his eternal mate.

Once the vampire's hold on Natalie was broken, the golden specks left her eyes and she closed them, crying uncontrollably. She was scared, more scared than she had ever been in her life.

Nick could feel the tension and strength draining from her as the last strands of the link of emotions flooded him. He released her shoulder and motioned Janette to do the same. He reached over the railing, taking Natalie in his arms and cradling her to his chest as she sobbed. "It's okay, Nat," he whispered softly. "I won't let him have you." Nick crushed her to him as his hand soothingly ran through her hair.

Natalie responded by grabbing hold of his shirt and holding on tight. Her voice trembled, "I'm scared, Nick."

Janette stood silently back and watched the tender exchange. She couldn't help but feel a tad bit of jealously of the other woman in Nick's embrace.

Nick could feel the emotions from Janette and looked over at her as he held Nat. The worry and confusion of what had just happened unnerved him. Nick closed eyes and sighed, "Janette, tell LaCroix I will come to see him tomorrow night. I'm taking Natalie to the loft where I can protect her. Tonight."

Janette began to protest, but Nick shook his head as he pleaded, "I'm going to need both of you to help me if I'm going to save her."

Natalie sniffled and pulled away from him, protesting, "But, Nick..."

He silenced her by placing his finger on her lips. "No. No argument."

He looked intensely at Janette as his frustration built. "I could feel him. He was close."

Janette placed her finger to her lips and nodded. She agreed, "Yes, I too, felt something. He was definitely somewhere inside the hospital."

Nick closed his eyes in anguish as he stated in frustration, "I *knew* it, but he shut me out before I could find him."

Janette noticed the blood on the floor and disgustingly sighed, "I'm not very good at domestic tasks, but I had better clean that up before an orderly or somebody finds it."

In spite of the situation, Nick couldn't help but chuckle when he heard Janette's words. Meeting her eyes, he said, "*This*, I have to see."

She shot an evil glare in his direction and warned, "Don't tempt fate, Nicola."

As Janette began to clean the mess, Nick's concentration returned to Natalie. Now that the other vampire was gone, Nat seemed more like her old self. The *powers* she appeared to possess while the vampire was controlling her apparently vanished once he had released her. Nick placed his hand on her cheek and leaned close as he smiled at her
worried expression. He released the railing as he leaned closer, kissing her on the forehead whispering, "Get dressed, Nat. I'm taking you home."

End Chapter 16.


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**************
Chapter 17
**************
5:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning
In Route to Loft/Loft

Nick needed to readjust the seats before Natalie could enter the Caddy. Earlier, he had been brave enough to ask Janette to drive it to the hospital when she had brought his clothing. He had been apprehensive at letting Janette drive his cherished treasure. He had witnessed her driving in the past and he *knew* the results of those episodes. Too bad they would never find the one car at the bottom of Lake Ontario and the other car had only required a week in the body shop. Once he was satisfied that the Caddy seemed to have arrived in one piece, he started the engine and pulled out of the hospital lot. He would need to remember later to compliment Janette on her accomplishment.

On the way back to the loft, they had stopped by Natalie's apartment for her to pick up some clothing. While she had packed her bags and changed into a fresh sweater and jeans, Nick had phoned Grace. He told Grace he had discharged Natalie from the hospital and was taking her to his place to protect her. He had asked Grace if she would take care of Sydney for as long as Nat needed to be with him and Grace had eagerly agreed to help in any way she could.

After speaking with Grace, Nick sat on the couch contemplating what Dr. Lynn had told him before they had left the hospital. Nick cringed inwardly as he remembered the way he had *encouraged* the doctor into releasing Natalie into his care. Dr. Lynn had protested verbally and had very strong opinions of Nick's course of action. Nick had been in no mood to argue with the man and had simply bent the doctor's will to get his way. Natalie had watched Nick as Dr. Lynn signed her release forms. Nick could sense she was scared that he had been worried enough to use his powers so freely.

The ride to the loft was troublesome as well. Nat had simply stared out the window into the night, and every now and then, she had unconsciously touched the bandage on her neck. Nick could sense the confusion within her. She didn't understand fully all that was happening to her. The strange sensations and cravings were more than her system could handle. In order to break the tension between them, Nick had casually turned on the radio and LaCroix's voice had filtered into the car. Mistake. He mentally chided himself and had begun to change the channel, but Natalie placed her hand on his and pulled his hand away from the knob. She held his hand tightly in the seat between them.

The Night Crawler's voice echoed through the car. "My children, what is the difference between wants and desires? What is the difference between the feeding of the soul and the nourishment of the body? Does not one supply the other? Does not the richness of a full heart feed the mind with the madness, with hunger? With the need to feed off the
closeness of another, the warmth of their body and the scent of their skin?"

Nick carefully glanced over at Natalie as she sat in silence. She was intently listening to what LaCroix was saying. He couldn't help but notice her beauty as she sat quietly in the seat. His hand left hers and he softly stroked her cheek, causing her to look his direction. He noticed her nervous smile as her hand captured his again and placed it back in the seat. The warmth of her hand entwining with his triggered a longing within him that Nick could not explain. 'So beautiful,' he thought as his attention was focused once again on the road.

"We all desire what we cannot have. But will you still desire it after satiating your passion? After you fill your soul to the brim with only the most basic hunger, left unfulfilled? Will you still satisfy that basic need or will you pull back, leaving your soul yearning for that which you are afraid to touch, that which you cannot control?"

As Natalie's fingers entwined with Nick's, she looked over at him. She felt Nick gently squeeze her hand, then lift it to his lips to place a soft kiss on the back of it. Her heart fluttered as he looked at her again with a strange longing she had never noticed before.

"You will feel the warmth. You will touch the sensation but never the heart. Humans, always separate, alone in the shells they call life. Never able to truly taste the desires they create. You need only to taste the heart to be one with it. Or forever live with the knowledge that the one desire, the one taste of the richness of the soul in complete ecstasy, will be lost to you forever."

Natalie was trying desperately to decipher all the mixed signals she was receiving from Nick. Could she ever truly touch Nick's heart? Nick had told her he could not feel love, but the emotions that sparked between them seemed real. Her heart was wrestling with the questions, but one thing was certain. Nat had told him earlier to leave. She had kicked
him out of her life, yet here he was risking everything to save her. Did he really care for her? Or was he only trying to cover up the vampire's attack...to save the community?

Nick released her hand and turned the radio off. He had noticed the seriousness of her expression and questioned, "Nat? Is something wrong?"

Nat shook her head and stared out the window pulling her coat tightly around her, replying, "No, I'm fine." She noticed the snow piled up high on the sides of the road and asked, "How much snow did we get?" 

Nick casually responded, "I think we were supposed to get 11 inches or something. They've done an excellent job at cleaning the streets. There are only a few icy patches."

Natalie continued watching out the window, as Nick turned the Caddy toward the entrance to the garage. The garage door engine ground as it lifted up and Nick drove the Caddy inside. As the engine engaged closing the door, Nick turned the motor off and turned to Nat. "Home, safe and sound."

Nick noticed the sadness in Natalie's eyes and placed his finger under her chin, turning her face to him. He softly spoke, "I promise, Nat, nothing is going to happen."

His words only seemed to upset her more as her eyes filled with unshed tears. She tried smiling for him as his hand cupped her cheek. Nick knew that unless he could try and get her life back to some sort of normal routine, she would make herself ill from worry. "Come on," he said enthusiastically, "You must be starving. I think there is some left over Chinese from your visit on Friday. I'll warm it up and pop in a movie for us to watch."

Natalie knew what he was trying to do; she had seen his concern for her in his eyes. Bravely smiling, Natalie pulled her strength together and wholeheartedly agreed, "Sure Nick, sounds like fun."

*************

The movie was ending and Natalie had barely touched her Chinese, which she noticed seemed to cause Nick some concern. The movie had been an old romantic love story she enjoyed watching called 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir'. It was about an impossible relationship that had developed between a ghost and a living woman. In order for the woman to move
forward with her life, the ghost had decided to walk away from her. Why was she always drawn to hopeless causes or situations?

As Natalie thought about her own situation, she could no longer contain her emotions and Nick was taken unaware when she released them. Nick had gone over to put the tape away when she slumped back in the leather couch and the tears had begun to fall down her cheek. She sobbed, "He'll find me, Nick, no matter where you take me."

Nick quickly went to sit by her side, taking her hand in his as she sniffled. He knew she was right, there was no way to prevent the vampire from finding her.

As Nick wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, Nat continued to sniffle, "Remember the woman we found on Saturday night? He had attacked her three times. That's what I never got to tell you. I found previous bite marks on her neck during the autopsy."

Nick soothed her by rubbing her back, stating, "I already know, Nat."

Nat sniffled and pulled away. Staring blankly at him, she asked, "How?"

He grinned, "Schanke."

She crinkled her nose as her head cocked to the side. "Schanke?"

"Yeah," he chuckled, "you were right, we got lucky. She had an open file from Alberta. Melissa Jo Alrod, they had her listed as a stalking case and the report had the previous attacks noted in it."

Nat rubbed at her nose as she stood and walked over to the fireplace, commenting, "Well, I guess that takes care of that question."

Nick rose to go and stand behind her. "What question?"

Natalie placed her hand on the mantle as she stared into the fire, responding, "Whether or not I was going to mention it in the *official* report."

Nick placed his hand on her shoulder as the other hand stroked her hair. His voice was sorrowful as he commented, "Nat, I'm sorry you feel as though you need to lie for the community. I never meant to put you in this position."

Natalie took pleasure in the feel of his hand in her hair. She leaned her head back into his hand, answering, "I made up my own mind, Nick. I could have pretended I didn't recognize you on the street that night four years ago, but I chose to confront you instead." She turned to face him and continued, "I *knew* what I was doing." She placed her hand on his shoulder and noticed the bandage on his hand. She took his hand in hers and turned it to examine it. "I'm so sorry, Nick. I couldn't stop myself."

"It's okay, Nat." He took his hand from hers and found himself softly touching the bandage on her neck. "You didn't know what you were doing."

She bowed her head, murmuring, "And the hospital." She looked up in anguish at Nick, adding apologetically, "I didn't...I never..." She leaned into his chest and sobbed, "I never meant to hurt you. I'm sorry I hit you." She pulled back and her teary eyes met his as she
confessed, "I *need* you, Nick."

He was lost in her essence when she looked into his eyes. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. He slowly rocked her in his arms as his emotions overpowered his mind. He cared so much for this woman, but he couldn't risk harming her.

She snuggled her head against his shoulder, savoring the security she felt wrapped in his arms. Natalie turned her head and gently kissed him on the neck causing a shiver to surge through his body. She whispered, "I can feel you."

His eyes closed as he moaned. Nick lowered his head and gently kissed her on the lips as he panted, "Nat."

She moaned into his mouth, "I can feel everything about you."

Nick finally registered what she was saying. He held her close as his eyes looked into hers and questioned, "How can you feel me?"

She smiled as she looked at him, whispering, "Little things. I know when you are near me or when you leave. I know when you are sad. I can feel your emotions...your desires." Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled up and kissed him on the lips. With little effort, she gained access to his mouth as his tongue caressed hers.

He responded eagerly, pulling her deeper into the kiss and crushing her body against his. His hands explored down her sides. He yearned to know every secret, every curve of her body. His body ached for this woman and he was on fire as his desire to possess her consumed him. Yet, in the back of his mind, his conscience was screaming for him to
stop and he came to his senses as his hands captured the sides of her waist and pushed her away from him. He panted, "Nat, wait." 

Her heart raced as her lungs drew the breath into her gasping, "No!" She tried to reach him again, but he held her back.

"Please, Nat. Listen to me."

Her tears began to fall as she tried to remove his hands from her waist, pleading, "I know you want me, Nick. I can feel it. Why won't you let me be with you?"

His heart ached, what he had never spoken with words, his blood was telling her now. The blood she had taken during the bite had made a connection between them and there was no way he could break it. Nick didn't know what to say to her to make her understand.

Still, Natalie could sense his turmoil and turned her back on him, walking away. She couldn't hide the feelings of longing and loneliness in her eyes from Nick's intent gaze as she stood near the staircase. "I'm going up to bed, Nick." She placed one foot on the step on the staircase, and then looked sadly over her shoulder at him. "I'd rather not be alone while I sleep. I promise, nothing will happen if you join me." She went up the staircase without saying another word. Once she had reached his bedroom, she turned and looked beseechingly back at him.

Nick stood silent for a moment as the automatic shutters engaged, signaling another sunrise. He stared up at the bedroom as he wrestled with his own desires. She was alone and scared; he would not abandon her. He went to the kitchen and finished off two bottles of blood before feeling safe enough to join her for the day.

End Chapter 17.


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Chapter 18
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5:00 p.m. Tuesday Afternoon
Nick's Loft

Natalie felt safe and secure wrapped in his arms. She was spooned against him as his head gently rested against hers. For the first time in two days, she had been able to sleep peacefully. She smiled in her sleep as Nick nudged her tenderly with his nose.

Nick was enjoying the warmth and comfort he was feeling from Natalie's body beside him. Her hair was smooth and silky against his face as he snuggled closer. His arms had wrapped around holding her close to his cool body. At first he had wondered if it might be too cold for her, but when he had tried to move away she had whimpered in protest pulling
his arms back around her. Now he was dreaming of her, but a growing annoyance flooded him. At first, he didn't respond, but the sound seemed more insistent as he emerged from his deep sleep.

He opened his eyes and noticed Natalie was hearing it also, although she was still sleeping, he would see her eyelids flinch with each incessant buzz. Nick finally realized somebody was punching the hell out of his buzzer and decided he had better find out whom. He untangled himself from her embrace as she mumbled a silent protest, but she soon rolled
over and fell back sleep.

Nick went down the staircase, pulling his robe tightly around him. He walked over, looked up at the monitor, and saw Don Schanke standing in the cold, blowing warm air into his hands. Before Schanke could pound his buzzer again, Nick quickly released the latch to the door so Schanke could enter.

When the lift stopped, the door slid open and Schanke poked his head into the darkened loft. "Hello, Nick?"

Nick moved from the wall beside Schanke and smoothly responded in a deep tone, "Yes."

Schanke's skin crawled as his hair stood on the back of his neck. He whirled around to find his partner mere inches from his face, and Schanke ranted, "Will you STOP THAT! You know that gives me the willies when you sneak up on me!" He grabbed his chest for emphasis, continuing, "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

Nick chuckled lightly, "Sorry, Schanke."

Schanke snorted and slammed the lift gate shut.

Schanke began to shed his coat as he walked over toward the dining table. "Is Nat here?"

Nick walked over beside him and cast a sideways glance, slowly responding, "Yes, and you already know she is, so why ask?"

"Just being polite. I have to admit...it startled me when I called the hospital for you and found out she had been released into your care." Schanke eyed him carefully. He noticed that the couch was not made up into a bed, yet Natalie was here and Nick was in his pajamas with his hair rumpled. "She upstairs?"

Nick had to admire Schanke's detective work as he snapped back a little annoyed, "Yes, Schanke, she's upstairs sleeping."

Schanke grinned from ear to ear. "Just curious. Don't get all bent out of shape. I think it's great she's with you. She'll be safer here with all your security gadgets and gizmos."

Nick sighed as he pulled the chair out from the table and sat down. He noticed the manila folders in Schanke's hand. "What's this?" he said as he pointed to the folders.

Schanke held the folders up and waved them in front of Nick's face, "*This*, my friend, is disturbing." He took a seat beside Nick as he fanned the folders on the table.

Nick noticed that a photograph was partially visible from one of the folders. He reached over and pulled it the rest of the way out. He looked at it, and then looked at Schanke.

Schanke was already talking before Nick could get a word in, "I know, it's weird. But they are ALL like that!" Schanke reached down and emptied the contents of the folders on Nick's table.

What Nick saw caused him to panic. He picked up several of the other photos and leafed through them, stating, "This can't be. It's got to be a mistake?"

Schanke shook his head agreeing, "That's what I thought too, but I had them rerun them, Nick. They are the real McCoy."

Nick thumbed through the pictures again. He couldn't believe his eyes. "Schanke, how did you come up with this? These cases were in the States."

Schanke looked through some of the pictures himself. "Dumb luck actually."

Nick looked at him puzzled.

Schanke got up to get some water. "I was talking with a buddy of mine who had transferred to Metro from the states a couple of years ago. I mentioned the odd marks on our victim and he said it reminded him of a case he had heard of at his old precinct down in Texas. He made a couple of calls, called in a couple of favors and voila...pictures."

Nick turned the pictures over and noticed the markings on the back of them. "Schanke, these aren't just from Texas though, they are from all over the U.S." He held the pictures out toward Schanke, questioning, "What did they decide about the cases down there?" Nick's mind was reeling...what he saw in the photos terrified him, they were all victims
of vampire attacks. And even more eerie, they ALL had a striking resemblance to Nat.

"Inconclusive. Apparently, some of them ended up in the morgue, but oddly enough, some of them just...disappeared. There was no trace of them ever again. It was like they vanished off the face of the Earth." Schanke placed the water glass back down on the sink and walked toward Nick.

Nick placed the photos on the table as he ran his hand through his hair. "Maybe..." He stopped and changed his train of thought. He needed to meet with LaCroix tonight and find out if he could help. Surely, multiple vampire attacks had been noticed in the community and somebody had to know something. He looked up as Schanke was going over to grab his coat. "Schanke, I'm going to be with Nat tonight. I will not leave her alone."

Schanke nodded as he shrugged his coat on, admitting, "I figured as much." Schanke walked back over to the table and twirled his keys in his hand and asked, "Anything you need?"

Nick rose from the table and led Schanke to the lift. "No, well yeah," he began, "let Stonetree know what you've found and about Nat staying here. If I need anything else, I'll call."

"Sure thing, Nick," Schanke said as he opened the lift door and pointed toward Nick's bedroom. "You take care of her."

Nick nodded, "I will. Nothing is going to happen to her. Not if I have any say in the matter."

Schanke slapped Nick's shoulder and smiled as he entered the lift. "Later."

Nick waited until he knew Schanke had exited the garage. He needed to have some protection for Natalie tonight while he spoke with LaCroix. He walked over to the phone and placed a call to the Raven. 

When Janette answered, he could tell he had more than likely awakened her. She groggily responded, "Hello?"

"Janette, it's Nick." He held the phone away from his ear while a few choice French phrases were flung at him through the line. Once she had finished her rant, he pleaded, "I need your help. I need someone to stay with Natalie tonight while I meet with LaCroix. Can you do it?" 

Janette thought for a moment before she responded, "Nick, I got a very good impression earlier of what your Natalie really thinks of me. It may not be wise to put us in the same room together." 

Nick closed his eyes as he sympathized with her. "I know, Janette. But I'm the blame for that. I have no one else I can trust to stay with her. She needs a vampire to protect her from a vampire. Please say you'll do it?"

Janette thought again, she had promised Nick she would help him if he needed it, and she reluctantly answered, "Oui. I will be there around 8 tonight?"

Nick sighed with relief, "Yes, that will be fine. Thanks, Janette." After he had hung up the phone, Nick double-checked the security system before he returned to the bedroom.

Once in his bedroom, Nick took off his robe, and then stared down at Natalie's sleeping form. She was lying on her side with her arm resting where he had been previously. He lifted her arm carefully as he lay down beside her causing Nat to curl instinctively up to him, wrapping her arms around him. Nick carefully pulled the blanket up around both
of them as she snuggled against his chest. His hand gently stroked her hair as she nudged her face against the crook of his neck. The pictures he had just seen haunted him. All those women had died because of this madman. His hand tightened in her hair as he held her protectively and whispered, "I won't let him have you."

Natalie stirred at his words as her eyes fluttered open, asking, "Nick?"

"Shhh Nat, I didn't mean to wake you." He soothingly stroked her hair. "Go back to sleep."

She stretched in his embrace and looked into his eyes. She could see the worry and concern in them and asked, "Nick, what happened? Where did you go?"

He didn't want to worry her, but he couldn't hide anything from her now. With her new connection, she would know if he was lying to her, so he placed his hand on her cheek, admitting, "Schanke came by. He had some news he needed to tell me about the case. That's all."

"Oh." Schanke was one friend she knew Nick could always count on. She soon became distracted as she felt his thumb rubbing her cheek. She leaned into his hand, cooing, "That's nice." 

Nick gave her a warning glance, stating, "Nat, you promised."

She coyly smiled as she kissed his neck. "I know. I promised we wouldn't, but what is wrong with a little kiss?"

Nick pulled her away from his neck, stating firmly, "Nothing...except for when it is in a very erogenous zone for a vampire."

She chuckled, "Really? I didn't know. I'm sorry." She placed a gentle kiss on the tip of his nose. "And how about there?"

He chuckled as he pulled her closer. "That's fine. You're safe there."

She kissed him again on his cheek. "There?"

He nodded as he closed his eyes.

She kissed him on his lips and pulled slightly away, whispering against them, "And there?"

Nick could feel his chest rattle with the moan of his beast. He roughly pushed her back into the bed rolling on top of her as his lips found hers. He crushed their lips together as his eyes changed to a golden hue, his fangs descended with his lust for her as his beast surged forth wanting to claim its desire. After he had taken her breath away, he released her lips and made her look at him. He spat at her through his razor sharp fangs, "See Nat, this is the vampire. This is what wants you, what craves you. I can't control its hunger for you. It will devour you completely until nothing is left. Please honor my wishes. Stop tantalizing it. Now is not the time." Nick had tried to reason with her, he closed his eyes and clenched his jaw tight as he concentrated on leashing his beast back into submission.

Natalie reached up and touched his face. She could feel his fear of harming her. Nick had intentionally let his true nature surround and engulf her mind as she felt the blood lust consume him, obliterating all logical thought and reason. She slowly nodded her head, apologizing, "Nick." Tears formed in her eyes and she looked away from him, continuing with her voice shaking, "I'm sorry...it's just the desires I feel from you are so strong."

Nick gently stroked her hair as he turned her face back to him. His eyes had returned to their clear blue color as he tried to smile. "Nat, there will be a time. Believe me, I long for the day I can share all the passion of those desires with you." He kissed her gently on the
cheek. "Someday, we will. I promise." 

She couldn't help but sniffle, and then smiled at him as she teased, "You, my dear sir, are making a lot of promises. I expect you to fulfill each and every one of them."

He smiled as he rolled from off top of her, confirming, "I don't think I'll have any problem fulfilling that promise, Nat. You know it's what I want."

She rolled on her side facing him with her head propped up on her elbow. "I know, Nick. It's what we both want." Nick was now lying on his back and she cuddled up next to him. She placed her hand gently on his chest as she mumbled, "Someday."

Nick wrapped his arm around her and ran his hand through her hair as he felt her drifting back off to sleep. He could feel her body relax against him as her breathing and heart rate slowed. He placed a light kiss against her hair as he thought about their future. He was having a hard time trying to imagine it though, with a vampire wanting her for his own. He was truly afraid for her, he didn't know what the outcome of this whole mess would be, but he knew his Natalie would never be the same again.

End Chapter 18.


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Chapter 19
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5:30 p.m. Tuesday Afternoon
Vacant House on the Outskirts of Toronto

The vampire had felt her stirring through their link. He could sense calmness within her and a warmth growing and building inside her. Her thoughts comforted the vampire as he reached through their new link to caress her mind. The vampire could tell she was no longer in the hospital, that her surroundings were pleasant and familiar to her. As she slept, she was content and peaceful as she enjoyed the protection she felt emanating from the man's arms she was wrapped in. Another man's arms? With a roar, the vampire smashed his fists against the lid of his coffin, causing it to fly from its hinges and sail across the room.

Jacob came running from the other room as he heard the lid smash against the wall. The sight that greeted him terrified him. He stood back and watched as his master leapt from his coffin and began smashing everything in site.

"How dare he! He hadn't claimed her; it's my right. She's mine!" Another chair sailed through the air just missing Jacob as he cowered beside the wall, pulling the door back for protection. His master cried out in anguish as his eyes changed to a blood red. His anger had completely devoured him as he toppled another table, smashing the bottles of blood Jacob had placed there for his evening meal. The vampire screamed into the air, "I *will* destroy Knight and I will still have her for myself."

Jacob decided his master would need to work things out for himself. Very quietly, he rose up from his hiding position and tried to quickly go out the door, pulling it behind him. He froze solid in his tracks when he heard the low, gravelly tone of his master's voice, "Jacob."

Jacob straightened and turned to face him. He could feel his own heart thundering in his chest as he found his eyes locked on the vampire. "Yes, Master?"

The vampire calmed as his protégé turned at his command. His eyes were now only a golden hue as he stared coldly at him, hissing, "Where are you going?"

Jacob fumbled for an excuse, his mind was telling him to run out of the house and never look back, but the hold the vampire held on him was too strong. Even if he would manage to escape, he knew it was only a matter of time before his Master would track him down and kill him for his disobedience. His eyes averted to the ground, then he remembered the
bottles smashed on the floor. He rung his hands together as he pulled his courage together to look at his Master, frantically explaining, "To get more blood for your meal."

The vampire laughed loudly and crossed the room in the blink of an eye. He held Jacob by the back of the neck and bent his head up to look at him. "Liar."

Jacob's arms flung out as he felt his feet leaving the ground. He grabbed onto his master's coat as he desperately tried to appease him, "No, I swear...I'm here to serve you."

He eyed Jacob carefully in his grasp, then lowered his head and licked at the side of his neck, taunting, "It would be so easy to put you out of all the suffering you feel you are going through, Jacob. Perhaps I should end your tormented existence now." He let his razor sharp fangs scrap along the side of his neck.

Jacob's eyes opened in horror as he felt the sharp fangs slicing into his skin. He screamed in pain, "But you need me. You need me to get to her."

The vampire licked at the blood from the flesh wound he had inflicted on Jacob's neck. Jacob had a point. In the past, it had never been a problem getting to the women he desired, but here in Toronto, he was facing another vampire and he needed all the extra help he could get. 

Jacob felt his body lowering as his feet touched ground again. The hold on the back of his head lightened. Once Jacob felt his Master release him, he slowly took two steps away from him as the vampire continued to stare at him. His Master's eyes finally changed from their golden hue and back to the soft brown he knew. He smiled ruefully at his protégé.
"Yes Jacob, I will need you, but I also have a weapon that even Nicholas Knight does not know about."

Jacob questioned, "What?"

His master walked past him and into the other room. He walked over to the roaring fireplace as a smile escaped his lips. "I have tasted her blood. I know her secrets, but I also know what Nicholas has done to her. I felt it in her blood. He has suppressed a part of her memory. I wonder what would happen if I released that memory?"

Jacob cautiously approached him and probed, "Was it a painful memory?"

His master shook his head, explaining, "No, not necessarily, but it was something they both desired." His master looked him in the eye and continued, "He took it away from her without even discussing it with her. If I can twist what happened to my advantage, I think Mr. Knight will have more on his hands than he bargained for."

Jacob stammered, "You intend to make her turn on him? On your second bite, you're going to manipulate her memories? Change them?"

The vampire returned his gaze to the fire and smiled, "Yes."

Jacob held his hand to his head as he tried to fathom what this would do to her. "She'll go mad."

His master held his hands out to the fire as he pondered, "Perhaps, but it won't really matter. I haven't decided on whether or not I will keep her." A small chuckle escaped him as he thought of her aloud, "Although, she has piqued my curiosity."

Jacob raised his voice as his arms flew about. "Then why pursue her?! Let her go, let's just leave this place and let them be."

The smile left his lips as the vampire turned to Jacob. The gold flecked in his eyes as he hissed, "Because, Jacob, that is NOT how the game is played!"

End Chapter 19.


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Chapter 20
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7:45 p.m. Tuesday Evening
Nick's Loft

Grace placed the huge box on the table as she and the man behind her examined their surroundings. She had never been to Nick's loft before and had only known about it from what Natalie had told her. She had to admit, she was impressed. "Nice place, Nick."

Nick cordially accepted her compliment, "Thanks, Grace. It's taken me years to decorate."

Nick was just about to call Natalie down, when Grace stopped him by placing a hand on his arm, commenting softly, "Wait, Nick. Are you sure she's up to this tonight? We can always do this later."

Nick patted her hand reassuringly. "I'm sure, Grace. Don't worry." He walked over to the staircase and yelled up, "Nat, come down. Grace is here with the dressmaker."

Natalie emerged from his bedroom dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans. She waved down at them, and then started down the staircase while placing her hair up in a scrunchy. "Hi Grace." She arrived at the bottom of the stairs and crossed the room to hug her, emphatically stating, "You didn't have to do this. I could have gone down to the shop in a day or two." She whispered in her ear, "This has to be costing you a fortune for a private fitting."

Grace released her and held her at arms length, countering, "It doesn't matter." She turned to introduce Natalie to the dressmaker. "Nat, this is Mr. Irving Cogsdale."

Natalie studied the man for a moment. He was quite handsome in his three-piece, dark blue suit and tie. Mr. Cogsdale bowed to Natalie as she took his proffered hand and introduced herself, "Hi, I'm Natalie." When Nick walked to her side, placing his hand on her elbow, Natalie turned her head toward Nick and continued, "And this is Nick Knight."

Mr. Cogsdale placed a light kiss on the back of her hand. "Charmed, Miss Lambert. It will be an honor being at your service, madam." He released her hand and cocked his head towards Nick. "Mr. Knight, a pleasure."

Natalie felt the slight tremor through her connection with Nick. She had to snicker to herself; she couldn't believe he was actually jealous of an innocent kiss on her hand. She rolled her eyes as she returned her attentions to Mr. Cogsdale, trying to contain her amusement. "Yes, well...um...what do you need me to do first?"

Mr. Cogsdale was full of energy and excitement as he walked over and took the box from the table. He approached Natalie, explaining, "Please, if you would, put this on and I can begin the alterations."

Just as Natalie took the dress from him, the buzzer sounded again. Nick released her elbow and walked over to see Janette standing down in the street. He could tell she was annoyed, but he was pleased she had used the buzzer instead of just landing in the middle of his living room. He nodded to Natalie, stating, "It's Janette."

Natalie held the box protectively against her chest. Nick had told her about Grace phoning an hour earlier and asking if it was all right for her to bring Mr. Cogsdale by, but he had not mentioned a visit from Janette.

Grace couldn't help but watch the eye contact between the two of them. Perhaps this wasn't such a hot idea of her bringing the dressmaker over tonight.

As the lift ground to a halt, Nick crossed the room and released the gate admitting Janette into the room. She was dressed all in black leather with a cape wrapped about her shoulders. She took off her dark glasses and examined the other three people in the room staring at her. Her eyes soon found Nick and she questioned, "Are we having a little
party?"

Nick placed a kiss on her cheek and helped her remove her garment as he explained, "No, you remember Grace." Grace nodded toward Janette who in turn nodded back. "And this is Mr. Cogsdale. He's going to fit a dress for Nat to wear at Grace's wedding in a couple of weeks."

Janette glared at him again, as her voice rose slightly with annoyance, "I see." She lowered her tone, so as only Nick could hear, "How am I supposed to protect her with all these mortals around?"

Nick quickly took her by the arm and led her toward the bathroom, turning to request, "Would you all excuse us for a moment? I need to have a talk with Janette." The bathroom door slammed behind them. The other three people in the room just stared at one another, unsure of what just happened.

******

Janette took her glasses, pushed them right into Nick's chest, and asked accusingly, "What is going on here, Nicola? What are all these people doing here?"

Nick placed his hands on her shoulders, and assured her, "It's okay." Janette spouted something at him in French that he cared not repeating. He rubbed his hands on her shoulders trying to calm her. "Janette, listen to me. The way I figure it, this guy won't make a move with so many people around her. It'll be easier for you to protect her and you
yourself said it probably wasn't a good idea for you two to be in a room alone together. Besides, how long can it take to fit a dress?"

Janette snorted, "Well, if he was a master dressmaker it would take hours, but in this town, 45 minutes tops."

Nick could remember Janette's dress fittings from the past. He knew she had a point, "Well, be that as it may, you'll have help for at least 45 minutes. I'll hurry and talk with LaCroix and I'll try to be as brief as possible."

Janette placed her hand on his cheek as she purred, "Ah, ever the optimist, Nicola. You know nothing is ever simple with LaCroix. You will need to be lectured first, Mon Cher. Then you will need to be chastised for your lack of faith in him. Then he may finally decide to give you what you need. Or not. Nevertheless, it will not be quick and simple."

Nick sighed, "Well, maybe. I'll be as quick as I can."

He nodded toward the door handle, checking to see if she was ready. She only replaced her glasses and sighed, "Oui."

The door opened and Nick noticed the three people in the room huddled together. Nick led Janette back to the little group and smiled. He tried to sound as upbeat as possible, "Janette is going to stay for awhile. I need to run a quick errand."

Natalie's eyes opened wide. He was going to leave her. Nick could see the fear flash in her eyes as he walked over and took her by the arm leading her toward the stairs. "Come Nat, I'll take you up so you can change into the dress for Mr. Cogsdale." Nat let Nick lead her up the stairway and into the bedroom.

The other three people in the room awkwardly milled about. Grace and Mr. Cogsdale finally settled near the dining table, while Janette went over to sit by the fireplace.

Once inside Nick's bedroom, Natalie placed the box down on his bed and lowered her head. Nick came up behind her and gently wrapped his arms around her waist. He nuzzled her neck as he whispered, "I won't be gone long."

Natalie turned in his arms and placed her head on his chest, pleading, "Why Nick? Why are you going?"

His heart ached, hearing the fear in her voice as it cracked. Nick embraced her tighter and tried to release some of his strength into her. He placed his cheek on top of her head, softly explaining, "Because I have to meet with LaCroix. I'm hoping he has some answers I
need."

Natalie wrapped her arms around him and squeezed with all her might. She looked up into his eyes. "I don't think LaCroix likes me very much and if you're going to him to get help for me..." she said shaking her head. "Be careful, Nick."

Nick placed his finger under her chin as he watched the worry and concern cloud her eyes. He vowed, "I will be. Janette is here to protect you. I'll return as quick as I can."

He captured her lips with his and kissed her with a passion that caused her heart to flutter. When he released her, he turned away quickly and left her standing there. Natalie stared at the doorway he had just left through and uttered softly, "Be careful, my love."

End Chapter 20.


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Chapter 21
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8:10 p.m. Tuesday Evening
Raven

LaCroix sat at the bar drinking his fill of blood wine. The club was not due to open for another hour or so and Miklos was busy stocking the bar for the evening. LaCroix poured himself another goblet of the red vintage as he felt his son approaching.

He picked up the goblet and swirled the liquid in the bottom as he tipped it toward Miklos. "Ah, children, Miklos. What are we to do with them?" Miklos only shrugged and continued about his duties. LaCroix snickered, "Exactly my sentiments, my friend."

Nicholas would need answers and LaCroix knew he could provide them. The question remained, was he willing to help this wayward child of his? Janette had already told him why Nick was coming to see him. She had told him about the attack on Natalie and the incident at the hospital. He took another swig of the red elixir as he considered his options. Nicholas was involved in a dangerous game, and even though Nick despised his sire, he would need help dealing with it. But was LaCroix willing to let Nick's debt go unpaid? Obviously, his son had lied to him.

LaCroix motioned to Miklos to place another goblet down on the bar. The husky bartender did as requested and LaCroix grabbed for the bottle of blood wine. LaCroix turned to the door as Nicholas entered.

In order to save time, Nick had opted to fly instead of drive. It was the fastest mode of transportation and he wanted to return to Natalie as soon as possible. He landed in the alley beside the Raven and couldn't help but think that this was where the whole mess had begun. He ran his hands through his hair and straightened his jacket as he walked around
to enter by the front entrance. He opened the door to the Raven and walked in. Nick wasn't surprised to see LaCroix sitting at the bar, holding a bottle out to him.

"Cheers, Nicholas. Care to join me?"

Nick was apprehensive as he nodded toward his master. He took hold of the railing and slowly made his way down the stairs. He crossed the room and placed his hands on the bar once he reached LaCroix's side.

LaCroix placed the filled goblet in front of him and held his own glass in the air. "What shall we toast to, Nicholas?"

Nick just stared at his master as his eyes narrowed. He questioned, "Why don't you tell me?"

A rueful smile formed on his lips as LaCroix replied, "The past, my boy. It always catches up with us when we least expect it."

"And what past has caught up with you, LaCroix?" sneered Nick as a slight feeling of trepidation ran through him.

LaCroix took a sip from his goblet, and then placed it gently on the bar. He stared straight ahead ignoring Nicholas' question. When LaCroix asked his next question, Nick was taken totally off guard. "Do you love her?"

Nick soon realized it was his own past that had caught up with him. He began to say something, but closed his mouth. Nick was trapped; the lie had caught up with him and LaCroix held his future in his hands. Natalie's life. The thought of Natalie being harmed by his master caused a tirade of emotions to run through Nick. He had not intended for his panic to show, but it was too late. Nick knew his father felt it through their link as a knowing smile formed on LaCroix's lips.

"As I suspected, Nicholas. It seems as though you are very good at acting." With cold, hardened eyes, LaCroix turned and captured his son's gaze as he mocked, "Perhaps, that should be your next reincarnation?"

Nick fumbled with the stem of the goblet that had been placed before him. He was at a loss for words and didn't know how to proceed. He closed his eyes as he pleaded, "Please, LaCroix. Yes, I deceived you, but I never intended on any of this happening to her. I fully intended on walking away from her in a year or two. Why would you want to inflict revenge on her? Wouldn't an eternity of knowing I walked away from her be sufficient to repay the debt?"

LaCroix raised an eyebrow as he thought of that prospect, agreeing, "Yes, that pain would have been just as real. The heartache, the grief. The many lonely nights of tossing and turning in your own bed as your dreams were filled only with her memory." He growled, "As *mine* were."

Nick opened his eyes and beseeched his father/master, "Please, tell me what I must do to save her. I'll do anything you ask, just let her live."

LaCroix steepled his fingers, his elbows resting on the bar, and repeated thoughtfully, "Anything? Ah, what a tangled web we weave, once we practice to deceive. Perhaps, I should have begged you all those centuries ago to let me bring your sister across."

Nick looked coldly at LaCroix and insisted, "You know I would have never allowed her to be brought across."

LaCroix's eyes flashed gold as he sneered, "Different rules for the parent and the child?" He flooded Nick with the pain he had carried nearly 800 years since he had left Fleur behind.

Nick grasped at the bar; he had never really realized that LaCroix truly did love his sister. The pain he felt from his master was identical to the pain he was feeling now at the prospect of losing Natalie to this madman. All those years ago, he had figured LaCroix was only going to use Fleur as a pawn against him, a way for LaCroix to control him, but
the feelings he felt from LaCroix were nothing but pure love for his sister, a love that had touched his heart. It was the first and last time a woman had ever moved him so. As the emotions subsided, he looked at his father through new eyes, uttering completely dumbfounded, "I never realized. You had always said you could never love; break free of
your mortal bonds. Those were your words. Not mine." 

LaCroix turned to him as he spat his contempt, "I had told you that very day that I loved your sister."

Nick shook his head, explaining, "I didn't believe you. I thought it was just another tactic you were going to use against me."

"So, the question is now between us." LaCroix took another sip of blood wine and placed the goblet back down on the bar. "Should I help someone who once took everything from me?"

"I took...from you?" Nick nearly choked on his own words. Janette had been right when she warned this was not going to be quick and simple. His frustration was beginning to build. He needed to get back to Natalie. Nick grabbed LaCroix's jacket sleeve as he stated adamantly, "I refuse to play your mind games any longer, LaCroix."

LaCroix's smile faded as he looked down at Nick's hand on his coat sleeve. LaCroix's eyes carefully looked up into his foolhardy son's and Nick could feel the contempt flood him.

Nick quickly released LaCroix's sleeve and apologized, "I'm sorry, but I don't have time for these games we always seem to be playing. She needs me now more than ever."

LaCroix's gaze left his son as he once again fixated upon his steepled hands. "It is a game, Nicholas. It's always been a game."

Nick looked curiously at him. LaCroix noticed his son's disturbed look, perhaps now was not the time for games. Just as Nick was ready to begin another tact in questioning, his father began to open the line of communications between them. "This vampire, he's only been around since 1935."

Nick's attention was focused completely on his father as he carefully probed his father for more, "You know him?" With the elder vampire's reaction, Nick knew he must have hit a sore spot with LaCroix. 

LaCroix's head bowed as his eyes closed. His forehead rested against his steepled fingers as he confessed the truth, "Yes."

Nick waited, but LaCroix said nothing further. As Nick's panic grew, he frantically tried to get him to continue, "Then, tell me. I need to know everything if I am to save her."

LaCroix raised his head and took a deep breath. He motioned Miklos to give him a new bottle and then grabbed his goblet. Taking the new bottle in hand, LaCroix motioned Nicholas to join him at a table near the back of the club. Once LaCroix and Nick had been seated, Nick listened to his tale.

***************
Flashback 1935
Brookview Sanitarium

LaCroix had enjoyed his visit with his long time friend, Claudius Traydon. LaCroix had been a general in the Roman army and Claudius had been one of his captains. As luck should have it, at the time Pompeii had exploded, Claudius had been away on an official diplomatic mission. LaCroix had run into him approximately five years after the destruction
of Pompeii. Divia had taken an instant liking to the Captain and, given the obvious opportunity at hand, had encouraged LaCroix to take the Captain as his first child, one of his own to care for.

"Why not?" Divia's hand captured his. "He's one of your own *kind*. He will provide us with comradery and entertainment. It should be exhilarating to have one of your captains beneath your thumb for all time."

LaCroix had thought about his daughter/maker's idea. "It could be amusing. Could it not?"

She stared at him through golden eyes and hissed, "Yessss, Father. Make him one of us."

LaCroix's reverie of the past was broken as Claudius returned to his office after his rounds. Claudius now worked as a doctor at the Sanitarium studying the minds of humanity's tortured souls. He acknowledged LaCroix's presence and walked over to sit at his desk. As
Claudius sat in his chair, he placed his clipboard of papers on the desk. "Lucien, it is good to see you again."

"You too, Claudius." LaCroix looked around at his surroundings and began to question, "Why do they interest you so? They are quite mad, you know. What could you possibly hope to learn?" 

Claudius leaned back in his chair as a smile formed on his lips, confiding enthusiastically, "I'm so close, Lucien. I'm about to try my theory out."

LaCroix stiffened in the chair as he leaned forward to whisper his caution, "You can't be serious? The Enforcers will track you down for even attempting it."

Claudius rose from his chair and boldly stated, "I don't care about the Enforcers. It's an experiment I've dreamed of trying for centuries. The human mind fascinates me, especially the minds of the people in this sanitarium. They have blocked out real life and have built their own little worlds. What would it be like to bring one of those minds across? Can I control their minds, so to speak? Make them normal as vampires? Or would their little worlds follow them into this one? It fascinates me, Lucien. What would happen?"

Lucien eyed him closely as he guarded his response, "Some things are better off if we don't know the answer." LaCroix could remember his own experience with The Barber and whispered, "Be careful what you wish for, Claudius."

Claudius came around the front of his desk, sat on the edge, and continued to explain his plan, "I've already picked out the perfect candidate for my experiment, Lucien. I intend to bring him across this very night."

LaCroix rose from his chair and came eye to eye with Claudius, growling, "Are you mad?"

Claudius placed his hands on LaCroix's shoulders. His excitement showed in his eyes as he reasoned, "On the contrary, I'm quite sane. Benjamin Davis, a mill worker from New Jersey. His fiancé had walked out on him after he had caught her in an...indiscretion, shall we say. Once she walked out, he turned inward on himself, unable to believe she did not love him. He created his own fantasy world, and WHAT a world Lucien. He already *thinks* he's a vampire!"

LaCroix snorted, "You must be joking. You want to bring someone across who thinks he's already a vampire?"

Claudius couldn't help but laugh, "YES, but it gets better. He has this Bela Lagosi complex. Thinks he has to attack women three times to bring them across and he sleeps in a coffin. He even insists on wearing these outfits like you see in those B rated movies with the capes and cane." 

LaCroix couldn't believe his ears. He shook his head as he walked away from him. "How do you expect to control such a creature?"

Claudius rose to stand beside him and suggested, "With your help of course?"

LaCroix turned as his eyes widened and he resisted loudly, "My help? I think not!"

Claudius pleaded with him, "Come on, Lucien. It'll be fun. Once we've finished with him, we'll destroy him. No harm will come to the community. The Enforcers will never know."

LaCroix backed away from him and headed toward the door, strongly maintaining his stance, "I will not be a party to this, Claudius. I will not help you."

LaCroix left and Claudius stood, watching the door close on his retreating form. Claudius stiffened his resolve as he yelled, "FINE! I'll do it myself then!"

End Flashback

End Chapter 21.


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*************
Chapter 22
*************
9:15 p.m. Tuesday Evening
Nick's Loft/Raven Mix

"It's too big."

"No, it's not."

"Yes, it *is*!"

As she argued with Mr. Cogsdale, Janette went over and grabbed the material at the waist of the dark blue gown Natalie was wearing. "It needs to be brought in another inch and a half at least in order to show off her figure."

Grace rolled her eyes as the argument continued. She came up beside Janette, looking carefully at what Janette was showing the dressmaker and had to agree, "I think she may be right, Mr. Cogsdale. How about just making it a little bit tighter?"

Mr. Cogsdale pushed his glasses up on his nose as he tried not to lose his temper with Janette. He had never met such a woman with so many ideas on women's fashions. He calmly reiterated, "The dress will tear if I pull it in that much tighter."

Janette released the material and placed her finger on her chin as she addressed him, "Mr. Cogsdale, I have had several gowns over the years and I will guarantee you, if you bring this gown in as I say, not only will it *not* tear, but Natalie will be the most stunning woman at the wedding." Janette could feel the envy from Grace and she quickly placed her arms around Grace's shoulders, rebutting, "Besides the bride, that is. No one can outshine a bride on her wedding day, my dear." The smile returned to Grace's face as Janette's comment soothed her. 

Natalie's feet were becoming numb and she began to fidget. This argument about the waistband had already carried on for nearly ten minutes. Exasperated, she exclaimed, "How about somebody making an executive decision? I'm getting dizzy up on this chair and my feet are killing me."

Mr. Cogsdale pulled at the material at Natalie's waist again and he was out-voted, two to one. "Very well then, I will tuck it in."

Janette nodded her head as a knowing smile formed. She smugly responded, "Good." She backed a few feet away from Natalie as she studied the gown. "Natalie, turn for me please."

Natalie didn't know exactly when it had happened, but Janette had taken charge of her fitting. Grace had had some ideas, but was at a loss on the modern fashions. Natalie had noticed Janette sitting by and watching the scene with great interest. After a while, Natalie had politely asked her opinion. Needless to say, Janette had several opinions, but Natalie had to admit that the dark blue crushed velvet dress was coming together very well. Mr. Cogsdale pinned and pinched Natalie in the dress in several places that were now definitely showing off her womanly figure. She smiled as she turned gracefully on the
chair for Janette. "See anything else?"

Janette smiled as she admired her handiwork and surmised, "I think you've got it."

Grace clapped her hands together as Natalie had decided she had had enough of spinning like a ballet dancer in a music box. Unable to contain her joy, Grace squealed, "Oh Nat, Nick will be falling all over himself when he sees you in that dress."

Grace stopped her hands in mid-clap as she stared at Janette. She wasn't exactly sure about Janette and Nick's relationship, but hoped she just hadn't trampled on some forbidden territory between the two women.

Janette sensed the uneasiness Grace was feeling and as the seductive smile formed on her lips, she agreed emphatically, "Yes, he *definitely* will fall all over himself."

Natalie's bare feet touched the loft floor and she began to raise her arms up to arch her back. She stopped in mid-stretch as Mr. Cogsdale panicked, "No! please...wait!" The gentleman came up beside her and placed his hands on her slightly raised elbows. "Please mademoiselle, take the dress off first. Then stretch to your heart's content. If you stretch now, not only will all the pins be loosened, but you could cause yourself some bodily injury."

Natalie slowly lowered her arms and soon knew what he was talking about. She winced as she felt one pin sticking into her side and pleaded with a whimper, "Uh, Grace. Help!"

Grace walked over and saw her friend's dilemma. She carefully pulled the pin so as not to loosen the position, but removed the sharp point from Natalie's side.

Natalie sighed with relief. She glanced sideways at Grace and said, "Thanks, Grace. Maybe you had better come up and help me take this off? I don't want to be a pin cushion by the time I come back down."

Grace laughed as she grabbed part of the flowing gown and commanded teasingly, "Lead the way."

*******************

Nick had listened with interest as LaCroix explained about Claudius. He sat silent for a moment before asking, "So Claudius brought this man across?"

LaCroix nodded affirmatively.

Puzzled, Nick couldn't help but ask, "You said Claudius was going to destroy him though, after he had finished with his experiment. Why is he still around then?"

LaCroix picked up the glass of blood wine and took a long drink as his eyes noticed their surroundings. The club was beginning to fill with patrons for the night. Motioning, he suggested, "Perhaps, we should finish this conversation in a more private location. Shall we go to the back?"

LaCroix grabbed the bottle and goblet, as Nick grabbed his own. LaCroix led him to Janette's back office and closed the door behind them. Nick had taken a seat in one of the overstuffed chairs as LaCroix walked over to sit behind the desk. "You see, Nicholas, Claudius' little experiment is against The Code. My own discretion with The Barber was overlooked, because it was deemed an *accident*. Claudius, on the other hand, intentionally chose to break The Code. As you know, this cannot be permitted. The Enforcers learned of his little plan and were soon...breathing down his neck, shall we say?"

"But not before he had brought Benjamin across. What happened? Where's Claudius?" Nick sat and intently listened to LaCroix. As he placed his glass on the table, Nick could sense a sadness pass between them. 

************

Natalie paced the loft as Janette sat in the chair, tapping her fingernails against the leather. Grace and Mr. Cogsdale had been gone for nearly half an hour and the two women had quickly run out of small talk.

As Natalie glanced at Janette, the thought of what had happened Sunday morning gnawed at her. Nick had been with *her*. Nick. The man she loved, where was he? Her mind was processing hundreds of doubts and questions a minute, as the tension between Natalie and Janette began to grow. Did Nick truly love her as she had felt in his blood, or was it Janette he wanted? The doubt and confusion was overpowering her as she crossed Janette's path again.

Growing quite agitated at Natalie's mood and manner, Janette spat, "Will you *sit* down? You're making me dizzy with all this pacing."

"No, I can't. I'm worried." Natalie turned fearful eyes to Janette. "Nick said he'd be right back, but it's been nearly 2 hours since he left. What if something's happened?"

Janette gently nudged her link with both LaCroix and Nick, and looking up at Natalie, she smiled and informed her confidently, "Nothing has happened, my dear."

Natalie knelt down beside her, worriedly asking, "How do you know? Nick could be hurt..."

Janette silenced her, "Our link. Nothing is wrong except in your imagination. They are both well."

Natalie grasped Janette's hand as her words turned harsh, "Then why can't I feel him? Since I tasted his blood, I've been able to sense his emotions. I can't feel *anything* from him now!"

Janette studied her carefully as Natalie's anger began to erupt. Janette thought for a moment, and then commented as she tried to calm the situation. "Perhaps, it's the distance? Even I, with my direct connection to both LaCroix and Nicola, have problems if we are separated by long distances. You have only tasted Nicholas' blood, so your link
may not reach as far or be as strong as you think. Why don't you sit down and relax? I assure you everything is fine."

The aggravation Natalie was feeling grew as she glared at the dark haired woman and yelled, "I will not! You can't tell me what to do!" Natalie rose from beside her, stalked back over to the fireplace and grasped the mantle.

Natalie gripped it so tightly, that Janette noticed her knuckles turning white. Janette couldn't help but hiss at her, "You will not speak to me in that tone!"

Natalie's voice raised another decibel as she turned on Janette screaming, "I will speak to you in any tone I want!"

Janette could feel her beast rising. What the hell was Natalie thinking? Janette rose from the chair and was in front of Natalie within the blink of an eye. Her eyes flecked as her temper flared, "You will *not*, Natalie."

Natalie stood toe to toe with the Janette as she sneered, "You won't do anything, because you know Nick would never forgive you."

Janette's posture softened as she studied Natalie. Janette knew Natalie had to be fatigued from her ordeal of the past couple of days and perhaps, this was her only way of releasing the steam that had built up. Janette tried to calm herself while trying to defuse Natalie, "You are right, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun while we..."

"Fun?" Natalie rubbed at her temple as she snorted, "Is that what it was Sunday morning. Fun?"

Taking a few steps back from Natalie, Janette looked at her curiously as she thought, "Sunday morning?" She recalled the day in her perfect vampire memory. As the small smile curled her lips, her eyebrow raised as she sighed, "Oh...Sunday morning, when Nicholas was with me." 

The anger and contempt Nat felt for Janette flooded Janette's mind as Natalie's eyes flashed. Janette's smile immediately faded as she realized what was happening. The other vampire had control of Natalie just as he did in the hospital and she knew with their connection, Natalie would be a handful. Janette quickly ran to her and wrapped her arms around her as Natalie snapped at her.

"Let me go!"

"It's for your own good!" Janette reached out with her senses, he was nearby. She pushed Natalie over and shoved her forcibly on the couch. Janette's eyes flared red as she pointed at her and demanded, "Stay there!"

Natalie landed on her knees, clutching the back of the couch. She recovered quickly, spinning around and sitting on the edge as she snapped at Janette, "You can't win."

As Janette concentrated on zeroing in on the other vampire's location, Natalie took off in a dead run. With a speed Janette had not expected from her, Natalie tackled her in the midsection causing her to fall backwards hitting her head against the mantle as she went down.

As Janette slumped to the floor, Natalie looked overhead to the skylight. Up above, she could see Jacob and his master peering down at the scene below.

End Chapter 22.




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***********
Chapter 23
***********
11:15 p.m. Tuesday Evening
Raven/Nick's Loft Mix

"Claudius." LaCroix's finger ran around the rim of the goblet he held in his hand as he leaned back in the chair remembering his friend. "I'm afraid the Enforcers were not in a forgiving mood the day they caught up with him and his *creation*." LaCroix placed his goblet down as he steepled his fingers with his elbows resting on the rails of the chair.
He stared past Nicholas as his mind clouded with images of the past.

*********
Flashback
1935 Brookview Sanitarium

LaCroix could feel his arm breaking as the Enforcer shoved his arm higher behind his back, holding him immobile. Even through the excruciating pain, LaCroix continued to plead Claudius' case to them. "But why? If he destroys him, why not let him live?"

Claudius' arms were being held tightly behind him as the second Enforcer yanked his head back. The third Enforcer approached him snarling with bared fangs, a stake griped tightly in his hand.

LaCroix struggled against the one holding him as he pleaded, "Let him go. Let him destroy the monstrosity. Once it's destroyed...there'll be no need..."

The third Enforcer turned and touched LaCroix's mind with his own. Without speaking, he reiterated to LaCroix, in no uncertain terms, the punishment for breaking The Code. Even though Claudius had been around for as many years as he, his age did not protect him against their wrath at his disobedience in this matter. The Enforcer turned back to
Claudius, clutching the staff tightly as he lifted it above his head.

Through the corner of his eye, Claudius saw the Enforcer coming and cried out defiantly, "Lucien! *I* will have the last laugh. They'll never find him!" Claudius began to laugh hysterically as the Enforcer raised the stake and drove it into Claudius' chest, piercing his heart.

Within seconds, the laughter had ceased as LaCroix watched Claudius' limp body fall to the ground. LaCroix bowed his head at the loss, but was soon rousted from his remorse as he felt the finger of the third Enforcer lift his chin. The Enforcer looked deep into LaCroix's eyes, his mind screaming for an answer to his question. LaCroix closed his eyes tight as he tried to block him, yelling, "I don't know! He didn't tell me!"

The Enforcer continued the interrogation for nearly an hour before he believed LaCroix had told him the truth. Since LaCroix had had no part in the planning or participated in Claudius' experiment, they had let him go with a warning.

End Flashback
***********

"What question could you not answer?" Nick asked.

LaCroix swiveled in the chair and rose to his feet. "You see, Nicholas. Claudius knew the Enforcers were coming for him. Instead of running, he chose to do the unthinkable." LaCroix stood beside him as he placed his arm on Nick's shoulder and continued, "He released Benjamin before the Enforcers arrived. They were asking me if I knew where he had gone. Since I had not been there when Claudius had released him, I honestly did not know the answer to their question."

Nick shook his head as he looked up into his master's eyes, asking, "If he knew they were coming then *why* did he stay? Why didn't he flee with Benjamin?"

LaCroix released his shoulder and walked back to his desk, sitting on its edge. "That is a very good question, Nicholas. I can only guess at the answer. My theory is because I believe Claudius was as mad as the patients he treated."

Nick rose to stand in front of him and asked accusingly, "You were his father. Why didn't you help him? If you thought he was mad, then why?"

LaCroix placed his hand on Nick's shoulder as he spoke solemnly, "You are my *only* son, Nicholas."

Nick let the words sink in as his confusion shown on his face. Wanting to understand, he persisted, "But you said Divia wanted you to bring him across?"

LaCroix nodded as he rose from the desk. "Yes." He walked back behind the desk and sat down in the chair. "She did. I tried." LaCroix looked away from Nicholas as he whispered, "I failed."

Nick stood staring at his master and repeated in his surprise, "Failed?"

LaCroix turned saddened eyes toward Nick as he explained, "I told you once, Nicholas, it takes practice to bring someone across successfully. Claudius was my first attempt, I...couldn't."

Nick could feel the emotional strain it was taking for LaCroix to make this confession to him. Nick turned away deep in thought. If LaCroix had not brought Claudius across then...Nick slowly turned back to LaCroix as the realization dawned on him, "He was your brother." 

LaCroix rose from the chair as he came around the desk again, confirming Nick's deduction, "Yes, Divia's son, my brother." He looked Nick straight in the eyes, offering the next logical step in the deduction, "Benjamin is your cousin. Family bonds, Nicholas, they are very strong indeed."

***********

Janette moaned as she felt the back of her head. She looked through reddened eyes and saw her own blood covering her hand. She blinked trying to find Natalie and saw her racing for the security system. Before Janette could get to her feet, Natalie had released the security code for the loft. As Janette scrambled to her feet, the vampire descended from the skylight and blocked her path. Janette stopped and stared coldly at the man.

He was in a three-piece gray suit with a cape about his shoulders. As the cane tapped against the palm of his hand, he queried, "My, what have we here?"

Janette growled deep in her chest as she stared at him coldly, "More than you can handle, considering you look like something from a bad horror film."

He chuckled, "My dear, I think you may find that I am more than you can handle. Regardless of my appearance, no one comes between me and what I possess."

"Possess?" Janette hissed, "No one possesses her." Her own pain of someone thinking they owned her at one time filled her with rage. This man would have one hell of a fight if he thought he would take Natalie against her will.

Meanwhile, since Jacob could not fly as his master had done, he had gone to the roof entrance and was now making his way down into the living room. As he began to descend the staircase, Janette stared at him. She lunged toward him, but soon found a cane crashing against her midsection. Janette doubled over falling down to her knees, and pushing the pain aside, reared her head back as she hissed at him.

The vampire studied her carefully, "It would be a pity to have to dispose of you, my dear."

As Janette rose to her feet, laughing, "You? Dispose of me? I think not!"

Jacob carefully approached his master, keeping his eyes firmly on Janette, as she followed his every move across the room.

Once Jacob was by his side, his master asked, "Where are they?"

Jacob opened his jacket and pulled out a stake, cross, and a bottle of clear liquid. He watched as Janette winced at the cross flashing in her eyes, and she involuntarily stepped back.

The vampire held his cape up to block his view of the items Jacob held and warned, "Jacob is quite capable of using the items he is holding, my dear. The bottle, if you haven't already guessed, holds holy water." He motioned Jacob to give a demonstration.

Janette tried to avoid the fluid as it splashed her skin, the pain she felt ripped through her body and through her link as she screamed for help.

End Chapter 23.


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***********
Chapter 24
***********
Midnight Tuesday Night
Raven/Nick's Loft Mix

Nick sat quietly in the chair for a long time as LaCroix sipped from his goblet. Nick thought long and hard about everything he had just learned. He turned toward LaCroix and said, "One thing still bothers me. The women he attacks, why do they all look the same?"

LaCroix raised an eyebrow, replying, "Because they resemble the one woman who scorned him most."

"The fiancée."

LaCroix nodded and confirmed Nick's assumption, "Exactly, she was his first victim when he was released by Claudius." LaCroix chuckled, "Not a bad piece of detective work, ever thought of doing it professionally?"

Nick ignored his master's sarcasm as he concentrated. He placed his head in his palms as he rubbed his eyes and pleaded for a solution, "Then what are my options, LaCroix? How can I reverse what has happened to Natalie?"

LaCroix sat up and took a more serious note with his son. LaCroix knew his answer would only cause his son more grief. "You have only two options, Nicholas."

Nick raised his head and questioned, "Which are?"

LaCroix ticked them off on his fingers. "One - kill her."

With that answer, Nick vehemently shook his head and responded insistently, "No, that is *not* an option. What's the other?"

LaCroix cocked his eyebrow and continued, "Two - bring her across."

Nick's eyes widened, as he opposed LaCroix's suggestions, "No! There has to be another way? I can't, she...I can't!"

LaCroix looked him sternly in the eyes, stating firmly, "Nicholas, the women he has attacked before Natalie, they have all either been destroyed by him for not living up to his expectations or have been destroyed by the Enforcers. Unfortunately, he has always managed to elude their wrath." LaCroix settled back in his chair as he continued,
"It was decided long ago that he would not be permitted to procreate his madness. And believe me, the ones he does successfully bring across are stark raving mad, same as he. If you do not bring her across and he does, her life is automatically forfeit. It's The Code."

Nick closed his eyes as his heart shattered. He remembered what Schanke had told him, the victims had either vanished or ended up in the morgue.

LaCroix motioned to Nick's hand and asked, "I noticed your hand has not healed from where she bit you. You do know why?"

Nick looked at his hand as if he was just remembering it. "No."

"Love is a circle, Nicholas, very intricately woven together. What is taken must be given back or surrendered in turn, else the circle is broken. The threads unravel and rip apart. You were once told when the cold heart of a vampire is warmed by love there is a danger." LaCroix nodded toward Nick's injured hand as he continued. "It appears that your heart has been touched, my son, and that Natalie is your other half. Natalie began the cycle when she took your blood. She took from you, but you must take a part of her as well. You must complete the circle by taking her blood."

Nick softly touched the bandage on his hand, as he whispered, "She is my life, LaCroix." Nick looked up into his father's eyes as he painfully asked, "How can I condemn her to this darkness?"

LaCroix sighed as he tried to explain, "A vampire..." LaCroix stopped for a moment and carefully considered his next words as he corrected himself, "You, Nicholas, have been touched, you have a need for *her* blood. You have felt it. The compulsion to take her. You have no choice, she has already become a part of you, nourishing your spirit and
body. Your body already desires her...needs her. It is already no longer an issue of *how* can you condemn her, but *when* will you bring her across?"

Even though Nick hated to admit it, LaCroix was right. He had no choice, the decision had already been made for him decades ago when The Code was written. As Nick thought of Natalie, he could feel his blood ache with a hunger...a hunger he now understood that only her blood could calm. He looked to his father and nodded his understanding as he
softly spoke, "I believe you, Father." 

As the look of self-satisfaction grew on LaCroix's face, both he and Nick's conversation was abruptly interrupted as they felt the anguished cry for help from Janette resounding through their link.

************

Natalie walked up beside the vampire and stood with her eyes lost in a distant haze. The vampire turned to her and reaching up into her hair, removed the scrunchy. As her hair cascaded about her shoulders, she turned to look at him.

"My, you are a lovely creature, Natalie. So full of spirit and life," the vampire murmured lustfully in her ear.

Janette spat at him, "Leave her be! Nicholas will kill you for even touching her!"

He ran his finger down Natalie's cheek as he smiled wickedly at Janette. "I intend to do more than touch her, dear lady."

Janette sneered, "You wouldn't dare!"

As he laughed at Janette's comment, the vampire took Natalie's arm and pulled her in front of him until her back was against his chest. He smelled the fragrant scent of her hair as he ran his fingers through it and brushing it to the side, whispering, "So exquisite." His fingers
trailed down her neck, pulling the bandage away as he went. As it fell to the floor, he noticed the skin beneath it showed the scaring from where she had been bitten earlier.

Janette screamed at her, "Natalie! Snap out of it! Natalie!"

Jacob stood watching Janette closely with his cross in front of him. He gripped the stake tighter as she inched closer. She scowled at him with a loathing and disgust that made him quiver from head to toe. He knew if she could reach him, he would be dead in an instant.

The vampire nibbled at Natalie's neck as he savored the smell of her blood. He was basking in her sweetness, but was soon repulsed by the discovery of an unexpected intruder. The beast rumbled deep in his chest as his arm tightened around her waist. He could sense Nick's blood had somehow mingled with hers, linking her to Nick's emotions. He now understood how Nick had almost tracked him through his link with Nat at the hospital. The vampire's jealousy and rage consumed him as his head reared back with his fangs fully descended. He vowed, one way or another, he *would* tear Natalie away from Nicholas Knight. 

Janette tried to advance when she noticed the slight hesitation in the vampire's movements, but she was thwarted as Jacob held the cross higher and pointed the stake in her direction. She could only watch in dismay as the vampire's fangs descended toward Natalie's neck. Janette could sense they were close, but would Nick and LaCroix be in time? 

Natalie gasped as the fangs penetrated her neck. She could feel a power surging through her veins as the vampire drank from her spirit. A maelstrom of odd sensations and feelings flooded her mind; she could tell this time was different. Her mental link with him strengthened and she soon felt him sifting through her memories, searching in the
deeper subconscious. She felt dormant memories rise to the conscious level.

As the vampire drank, he had to marvel at his own handiwork. He wondered how Nick would react to her now. Just as he was about to release her, the vampire felt a pair of hands grab his neck choking him. The constant pressure caused him to release Natalie's neck.

Natalie's unconscious falling form was caught by LaCroix, as the other vampire found himself spun around to come face to face with Nicholas Knight.

End Chaper 24.


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************
Chapter 25
************
1:00 a.m. Wednesday Morning
Nick's Loft

Jacob had been distracted when the two vampires had flown through the skylight. He had turned, and for a fatal moment, his concentration at holding Janette at bay had faltered.

Seizing her opportunity, Janette quickly advanced and threw Jacob against the brick wall of the loft. As his body slid down the side, his instruments of protection scattered about the floor of the loft. She reached toward him, grabbing his shirt and pulled him to his feet. She quickly turned his back to her, pulling his body against hers.

Jacob was dazed, but he knew what was to come next. He said a silent prayer as Janette jerked his head aside, exposing his neck to her. 

Janette reared her head back, and then sank her fangs deep into his neck. In his blood, she could feel his remorse for all the pain and suffering he had been a party to over the past five years. As Janette released his dead body, she realized she had just done him the biggest service of his life. As she drank the last of his blood, she had tasted his thanks to her as his heart stopped beating. She had released him from Benjamin's hold, his soul was now forever free and he was eternally grateful to her.

LaCroix had not felt this much hatred and loathsome behavior emanating from his son in centuries. As LaCroix watched the competitors determine their fates, he placed his arm beneath Natalie's knees and cradled her to his chest. LaCroix backed away from the two vampires as they began to circle one another.

As LaCroix backed away, Janette's hand gently touched his arm. She checked Natalie, and then turned to watch the scene unfold before them.

Nick growled through a red haze, "Benjamin!"

Benjamin swung his cane out trying to hit Nick in the upper body as Nick moved quickly sideways averting the blow. As Benjamin's cane connected with the chair and table, Nick rushed forward grabbing him by the throat. Nick curled his lip as his eyes caught Benjamin's and he vowed, "I'm going to do to you what should have been done long ago!" His hands tightened on the throat he held.

Through a gasping breath Benjamin gagged, "Why? You didn't want her." Benjamin brought the cane backwards, knocking a hard blow against the back of Nick's skull.

Nick cried out in pain as he blinked his eyes, trying to focus.

Benjamin brought both his arms up and effectively broke Nick's hold on his neck as Nick staggered back shaking his head, trying to clear his mind. Benjamin lunged toward him screaming, "You should not have interfered!"

Nick braced himself as Benjamin made contact by hurling them both backwards. Nick's body hit the wall, knocking all the breath from his lungs.

Benjamin took a step back and brought the cane up, blind siding Nick across the face. Nick's head jerked to the side as his body followed. He felt the bricks against his cheek as he slid down the side of the wall.

Benjamin hovered over him with the cane held high. His maniacal laugh filled the loft, "Now whose going to get what they deserve?"

Janette began to run to Nick's rescue, but she felt a subtle warning touch her mind from LaCroix. Her eyes met his as she pleaded, but LaCroix only shook his head. "This fight is Nicholas'. Let him finish it," LaCroix insisted and Janette turned away, unable to watch as the cane came crashing down.

As the cane descended toward him, Nick looked up at the right moment and rolled toward Benjamin. Benjamin, losing his footing, came crashing down over the top of Nick and landed face first on the floor. Nick swayed sideways as he attempted to stagger to his feet. His hand instantly went to his lip, as he tasted his own blood in his mouth.

Benjamin rolled to his back holding his cane across his chest. Nick looked at the blood on his hand, then down at the cowering form before him. Nick's fangs had fully descended as he growled at the simpering fool before him, "All those lives you've taken...for once I have no remorse in taking a life of my own."

Benjamin held the cane up, expecting Nick to pounce, and spat out his curse, "You may take my life, but you will never have her."

Nick's chest rumbled as he roared, "She's mine! Now and forever just as it was meant to be!"

Benjamin sneered, "Natalie will never be yours! With all the lies and indiscretions you've had, she'll never trust you, Knight. You're better off destroying her."

Nick lunged toward Benjamin, howling, "NEVER!"

As the fight ensued, Nick soon felt a presence behind him. He shook it off as he descended down upon Benjamin. Nick grabbed the staff as his legs straddled Benjamin on the floor. They both struggled against each other as the staff rose up and down between them. Nick pushed down with all his strength and held the staff down to Benjamin's throat.

Panicking, Benjamin planted his feet firmly on the floor and shifted his body. Before Nick knew what had happened, he and Benjamin were rolling across the floor snarling and clawing at one another as tables toppled and vases smashed. They only stopped rolling when their bodies hit forcibly against another wall.

Nick landed on top of Benjamin with the cane against his throat and looked around for anything that could give him an advantage. As fate would allow, he spotted the stake Jacob had been gripping so eagerly earlier. He threw the walking cane aside, as his hand swooped down and grabbed the stake.

Benjamin's eyes widened, as he shrieked at Nick, "No!!!!" Without hesitation, Nick brought the stake down and planted it firmly in Benjamin's heart.

Nick's breathing was labored as he looked down at the ash now covering the loft floor beneath him. The energy he had unleashed during the fight was beginning to take its toll on him. Bowing his head and closing his eyes, his arms dropped to his sides. He brought one arm up as he absently swiped at the blood on his lip as he tried to regain some control. His rage had totally consumed him, as his beast had been unleashed. He had forgotten how powerful and hungry the beast could be and he knew he needed to regain control quickly. He needed to focus and harness the feelings raging through him so he could help Natalie.

A movement from behind him caused Nick to stir. He opened his eyes and looked over his shoulder back at LaCroix. The panic rose suddenly within him as he saw the Enforcers standing on either side of LaCroix. Nick rose from the floor of the loft, turning to them with his hands held out before him, pleading. "Please, don't hurt her."

Janette had gone over to stand beside the couch. She watched curiously as LaCroix, with Natalie cradled in his arms, walked forward and placed her limp form in Nick's waiting arms.

LaCroix took hold of Nick's hand as Nick rocked Natalie back into his chest. LaCroix looked him sternly in the eye and said, "It's your decision, my son. They will listen to you. I gave you the choices, you must choose now. She lives or she dies."

Nick held Natalie protectively in his arms. His chin rubbed against her cheek as she slept. A small blood tear fell down his cheek as he was faced with the worst decision of his life. He had to choose, but he couldn't, not without Natalie having some say in the matter. Nick
closed his eyes tightly as he tried to think of a way out of their situation. The Enforcers were waiting and he was scared. Scared for Natalie's life and scared for himself. He opened his eyes and placed a light kiss on her lips, then whispered, "Natalie."

She didn't hear him, she couldn't. Natalie was caught in a whirlpool of confusion and doubt. Her mind swirled about in a fury as the images tormented her thoughts. How could he have? Why had he? Her mind was swimming with images long lost and forgotten. The words were echoing in her head as if they had been spoken yesterday, 'I do not *love* this
woman.' She wanted to claw and scratch her way out of the abyss she was sinking in, but there was nothing to grab hold of. She tossed her head, mumbling into Nick's chest.

A glimmer of hope radiated in Nick's eye as Nat stirred against his chest. He looked up and beseeched the Enforcers, "Please, give us some time."

The two Enforcers looked at each other. No words were spoken, but Nick could understand them. They turned back to him, he wasn't sure which one was projecting his thoughts at him, but Nick understood his message loud and clear. Nick clutched Natalie against his chest and screamed, "NO! You can't have her!" He stepped back away from them, but soon felt a hand against the small of his back.

Nick's fangs dropped as he turned reddened eyes to whoever had stopped him. LaCroix merely chuckled at him, "Calm down, Nicholas. There are ways around any situation."

Nick spat at his master, "Then help me to save her."

LaCroix wiped at the spit that had landed on his cheek from his son's rather eager request. LaCroix studied Nicholas closely as he watched his actions. LaCroix knew that if he couldn't stop the Enforcers from taking and killing Natalie, he would lose his son as well. LaCroix's hand gently traced down the side of Natalie's cheek as he questioned, "Is she really worth all this trouble, Nicholas?"

The Enforcers began to walk toward Nick, as Nick's voice roared through the rafters of the loft, "YES! She is everything to me."

LaCroix sighed as he pulled his hand away from Natalie's face. He knew what he must do as he walked in front of Nick blocking the Enforcers' path. The Enforcers stopped and stared at the impudent man in front of them. LaCroix could feel the brush of the query against his mind, as he asked silently, "I would like to request a postponement."

They merely stood and stared at the man. As they questioned LaCroix's reason for such a request, Nick stared down into Natalie's face. Her breathing was getting stronger and he knew she would awaken soon. As long as LaCroix was dealing with the Enforcers, he had no idea what was happening. He only hoped his father had his best interests at heart.

"I believe my son has done you a great service tonight. He has destroyed the thing which your kind has not been able to in over 60 years." LaCroix paused to let them absorb what he was telling them. They each looked at each other, then back to him. "Give them a day - 24 hours. Is that so much to ask?"

The Enforcers looked around the loft and noticed Jacob's body on the ground. There were so many loose ends and this insignificant man was requesting that they leave this mess?

LaCroix cleared his throat, gaining their attention, "I assure you. I have a plan. Do not worry about what you see here, or the *official* reports filed. With a little quick action and play acting, I am sure we can make all this disappear."

One of the Enforcers took a deep breath as he approached LaCroix, placing his hand on his shoulder as he stared into his eyes. LaCroix didn't say a word as they just stood staring at one another. 

Nick figured something must be happening, but he was unsure. After a few moments, he noticed the Enforcer release LaCroix's shoulder. The Enforcer looked at Nick, as Nick felt a slight touch against his mind. Relief flooded Nick's face as he nodded his head and whispered, "Thank you." When Nick looked up again the Enforcers were nowhere to be seen.

Janette came over to his side and questioned, "Mon Cher, why were you thanking them?"

Nick looked down into Janette's eyes as he sadly responded, "They are giving me the 24 hours to decide her fate. If I don't bring her across within that time, they *will* kill her." Nick buried his face in Natalie's hair as he held her firmly in his arms.

Janette placed her hand on Nick's arm and sympathized, "Oh, Nicola."

End Chapter 25.


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***********
Chapter 26
***********
7:00 a.m. Wednesday Morning
Nick's Loft

It had been a restless night since the Enforcers had left. LaCroix had taken Janette, along with Jacob's body, to put his plan into motion. LaCroix had promised Nick, that if everything went as planned, his partner, Schanke, would probably be filling him in on the details later. Nick had been apprehensive and had wanted to help, but LaCroix had reminded him that he had more important things to worry about. Nick needed to take care of Natalie and come to a decision before it was too late.

Before LaCroix had left, he had gone up to the bedroom where Nick had sat tending to Natalie's injuries. LaCroix had walked over to the bed and stared down at Nick while he held Natalie against him cleaning the wound on her neck. LaCroix gazed at the couple, while Nick ignored his father's presence and carefully concentrated on cleaning and
disinfecting the marks from Benjamin's second attack. LaCroix folded his arms across his chest as his hand rubbed his chin, commenting, "I think she will make a fine addition to the family, Nicholas."

Nick closed his eyes at LaCroix's words as he realized the futility of her choices. "She doesn't really have a choice does she?" he admitted in his despair, not really needing an answer.

LaCroix stated firmly, "She has two, but as you said Nicholas, one of them is *not* an option."

Nick slowly turned his head to look at his father, but LaCroix had already departed. Nick figured LaCroix had said all he intended on the matter, now it was up to him and Natalie.

As the hours had passed, Nick had cradled Natalie's head in his lap as he took the washcloth from the basin beside the bed and dabbed at her forehead. He spoke softly as he tried to coax her to awaken. He ran the cloth down the side of her face and over her neck as he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and whispered, "Nat, please wake up."

Natalie felt the cool cloth as it eased her aching head. Something or someone wanted her to wake up, but she was so tired. She didn't want to. As she felt the cool finger against her cheek, she leaned against it. As she did, she soon found her cheek cupped in a hand. Natalie resisted by mumbling, "No, don't want to. Leave me alone."

Nick softly patted at the side of Natalie's cheek and whispered encouragingly, "Come on Nat, you have to wake up. I can't make this decision alone."

Natalie clenched her jaw as the aggravation persisted. Her eyes tightened as she fought her way out of her abyss. The voice still called to her, she had finally found something to hold on to as she grabbed for the voice. The voice soothed her, yet she didn't want to care. Her mind ached as she fought to find a plateau on which to stand upon.

With a jerk, her eyes opened wide as she breathed deeply and lunged straight up in the bed. Natalie was unsure of where she was. She wondered to herself as she looked around. How did she get in Nick's bedroom? Why was she in Nick's bed? Nick. Nick! Nick was holding
her. Nick had been so happy to see her waken, that he had captured her in his arms and embraced her. The cause of her pain and anger was touching her. Natalie pushed him violently away and yelled, "Stay the hell away from me!"

Natalie scrambled from his arms and from beneath the covers, leaving Nick holding air where she had just been. She slinked off the bed pointing her finger at him, ranting and raving, "Don't touch me! Don't you ever touch me! How could you? Why would I want you holding me? After all the grief you caused me and now this?"

Nick sat stunned. He hadn't expected such a reaction. He couldn't understand her hatred towards him. Benjamin had been destroyed, but was there some connection he was unaware of? Once Benjamin had vanished, his hold on Natalie's emotions should have ceased. Nick began to rise from the bed to walk towards her, but Natalie bolted.

She ran for the bedroom door struggling to open the knob. "Let me out!" She kicked in frustration and the knob turned.

Nick had just missed grabbing her sleeve as she darted out the door and scrambled down the staircase. Nick decided he had better cut her off when she ran for the lift. Once out of his bedroom, he levitated faster than Nat could run and descended standing in front of the lift gate. 

Natalie slowed and pointed again, demanding, "Get out of my way, Nick.
I mean it...MOVE!"

"Nat, please, what's wrong?" Nick asked in confusion, walking toward her again. He stopped when she backed away. He decided he was going to have to figure this out from long distance. He stepped back and leaned against the lift gate. "Nat, tell me what's wrong. What do you think is happening here?"

Natalie buried her face in her hands as she rubbed at her temples. Her head hurt. Her body hurt. She looked up only to see that he was in her way. Her frustration built as she looked around the loft. Move him. Need to move him. Hate him.

Nick folded his arms as he watched her carefully. She wouldn't even respond to his questions. He was reminded of a caged lioness with her agitation and confusion. She was penned and she would do anything to be free. But why did she want to run away?

Natalie had wandered away from him in what seemed like an aimless stagger. She was looking for something, but he had no clue what. Her eyes darted from object to object as she touched nearly every item she could. She would glance back at him over her shoulder to be sure he hadn't moved. She searched in desperation as her mind continued its tormenting tirade. His fault. Doesn't love you. Made you forget. Kill him. Natalie's eyes widened as she spotted the stake on the floor. She reached down and gripped it tightly in her hand.

Nick's stance stiffened as he saw her pick the object up from the floor where he had dropped it earlier. "Nat, put that down. You're not yourself."

Natalie turned to him and screamed, "I mean it, Nick...move or I *will* kill you."

"Please, Nat. Listen to me. We need to sit down and figure this out." His voice pleaded with her, but she only shook her head trying to erase his voice from her head.

"No. No. No. No. Let me go." She walked toward him with the stake raised above her head, threatening him, "Let me go."

"Nat, you're not going anywhere like this." Nick held his hands up as she neared him. He couldn't help but watch the bloody tip of the stake as it trembled in her hand. "Nat, listen to me. You're confused. Nothing is making sense right now. Let's sit down and we'll sort it
out." 

Natalie felt as if her head would explode as she neared him. Her hand trembled as she slowly lowered the stake. She doubled over, holding her head in her hands crying. Nick tried to reach her though the link she had with him earlier. He tried to project his worry and concern for her well being, but once Natalie felt his feeble attempt at calming her, she
cried, "LIE! It's a lie! I remember. I remember it all." She quickly straightened up and yelled, "LIAR!"

End Chapter 26.
Continued in Chapter 26A. 


***********
Chapter 26A
***********
7:00 a.m. Wednesday Morning
Nick's Loft

Nick couldn't fathom where all this hostility was coming from, then he remembered Benjamin's words about how she would never trust him. He could only figure that Benjamin must have done something to her during the second bite. He needed to figure out a way to end her confusion. He slowly approached her with his hands out in front of him, pleading
for her cooperation, "Nat, come sit with me on the couch. We'll talk. I need to know what you remember. What have I lied to you about?" 

Nat tensed as he moved closer, gripping the stake and holding it up toward him. Her voice trembled, "Stay away, do you hear me...stay away."

Nick stopped and motioned toward the couch, stating, "Fine, you lead and I'll follow, but we are going to talk, Nat. You're not leaving here."

Nat bit her lower lip as she looked at the couch and then back at Nick. She knew Nick was watching her. Indecision raced through mind as she tried to sort through what was happening. She held the stake up, pointing it at him as she slowly walked towards the couch.

Nick decided not to push his luck and waited until she had reached the arm of the couch, and then slowly walked a circle around her, stopping near the fireplace. Nick realized she was trembling as she stood there watching him come closer. Nick motioned her to sit and she hesitantly did. He started to walk toward her to sit beside her, but she quickly jumped up. 

"No! Over there." She waved the stake toward the chair as she moved as far away from him on the couch as she could. Nick nodded and sat in the chair as she eased back down onto the couch.

Nat lowered the stake to her lap as she watched Nick studying her. After a moment she snapped, "Will you stop that!"

Nick cocked his head sideways as he questioned, "Nat, I'm not doing anything to you. I just want you to talk to me and tell me why you think I lied."

"I don't think, I know. I remember it all." Natalie felt the tears forming in her eyes as she cupped her face in her hands and started to explain, "I remember the things you told LaCroix."

Nick couldn't help but be more confused than he already was. Exasperated, he asked, "What things?"

Natalie lifted her head from her hands and looked him square in the eyes as she recited from memory, "I do *not* love this woman. If she happens to have an infatuation for me, is it not in my best interest to humor her?" She waited for her words to sink in before uttering, "Valentine's Day."

Nick sat up straight in the chair as he realized what Benjamin had done. Benjamin had released the hypnotic suggestion Nick had placed in her mind that night. Nick rubbed his hand against his chin as he stared at her and asked, "Is that all you remember? You don't remember the way I held you and the words I whispered into your ear after LaCroix
left?" 

She rose from the couch and screamed, "I remember how you erased my memory, so I'd never know you were just using me to help you find a cure! I'm such an idiot for believing you." 

Nick saw Natalie clutching the stake at her side. He rose from the chair and tried to soothe her, "Nat, that's not all that happened. Benjamin has changed your memory somehow. You're only seeing bits and pieces of what happened. There was more. If you'll let me, I can release it all, then there will be no more secrets. Please Nat, give me a chance to prove it to you. Let me release the hold I placed on you." 

Natalie shook her head violently and shouted, "No! You'll trick me, just like you've done all along. You've twisted my memory the same way you've twisted my heart."

Nick couldn't keep up with her, her mind was running a mile a minute and he was sprinting, trying to catch up. "I've never twisted your heart."

A cynical laugh escaped her lips as she spoke only one word, "Janette."

He couldn't believe it, first Valentine's Day and now Janette. He sighed heavily and sat back down in the chair hanging his head in his hands as he admitted, "Okay, I can give you Janette. But I never meant to hurt you."

She looked smugly at him as he admitted his indiscretion with Janette. Her voice trembled as she recalled, "I'm not going to be there to put you back together like I did Sunday morning. If you think you can go and make love to her and then come running..."

Nick's head snapped up as he heard her words. He cut her off quickly, "I did *not* make love to Janette Sunday morning."

Her eyes popped open as she countered, "I saw the lipstick on your shirt, Nick. How the hell do you explain that?!"

Nick felt strangely small and insignificant as Natalie's accusing eyes bored into him. He hadn't realized Janette had smudged his shirt. He probably didn't deserve Natalie's love, but he was willing to fight for it. He sat back in the chair and sighed, "Janette can be very
seductive. It's her nature. Yes, she was close to me. Yes, I thought about it." He noticed the sideways glance Natalie gave him and insisted, "But we didn't. Something Janette said made me realize what I was doing to you."

Natalie huffed, "OH? And what, pray tell, would that be?"

Nick motioned once again for Natalie to sit. She looked disgusted at him, but did as he requested. He sat forward in the chair fidgeting with his hands. "I had gone to the club that morning to ask her some questions about the victim that night. I had asked her where she had been earlier, but I had gotten side tracked with her questions and concerns."

Natalie snorted, "I'll bet."

Nick ignored her sarcasm and continued explaining, "While I was *apologizing* to her, I asked her the question again. Her answer shook me in a way that made me realize what I was doing to you." He looked over at her and noticed her attention was focused completely on him. He continued, "She told me she had been with another man. I...well...Janette told me that she couldn't wait around forever for me and had been seeing this other man to help *fulfill* her needs."

Natalie sarcastically queried, "Hey, now that's a good idea. Why didn't I think of that? Perhaps that's what I should do."

Nick felt the barb she aimed at him tear through his heart. He rose from the chair and was at her side in an instant. He grabbed her hand as she brought the stake up and held it over her head. "No Nat, don't say that. I realized what I was doing to you when I was running to
Janette. I was hurting you and I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you." He hesitated as his other hand cupped the side of her face, declaring, "I love you, Natalie, with all my heart and soul."

Natalie felt her anger rise as she cried, "They are pretty words, Nick, but I don't believe you, not after Valentine's Day."

Nick could feel the frustration building within him. As an act of desperation to gain her trust, he grabbed the hand she was holding the stake in and placed it against his own heart. He held her hand with the stake tip firmly against his chest. Full of confusion, Natalie stared at him as he looked her square in the eyes and stated, "Natalie, I love you. I trust you implicitly. Trust me now. Let me release your memories." He looked down at the stake pointing to his heart, then deep into her eyes. "Or stake me now, because if I can't have you and your love, I'd rather die in your arms right now."

As Natalie's hand gripped the stake tighter, Nick could feel the tip beginning to tear through his shirt and pierce the outer layer of his skin as she pressed it harder against his chest. He reached through the link she had with him and whispered words of endearment and love, as he saw Natalie's lower lip begin to quiver as the first droplets of his blood began form around the stake's tip. Nick closed his eyes and raised his head upwards as he whispered aloud and through their link, "I love you, Natalie. I don't blame you for any of this. I'll love you forever." He looked again into her eyes and with the pain of the stake
penetrating his chest, he leaned forward and placed a kiss on her lips.

End Chapter 26A. 


************
Chapter 27
************
8:00 a.m. Wednesday Morning
Nick's Loft

Once he released her lips, Nick held his breath as he felt the stake against his ribcage. The slow pain of the stake penetrating his skin was almost more than he could bear, but he would not flinch from her. He spoke through clenched teeth, "I forgive you, my love. End it quickly."

Natalie's resolve was weakening as she looked into his face. Was she doing the right thing? Was he telling her the truth? What if she was killing an innocent man? She knew that if he had wanted, he could have killed her and saved himself. Why wasn't he? Instead, he was helping guide her hand to end his own life. He trusted her with his existence and she was willing to kill him as he whispered words of love and forgiveness to her. She hesitated as her eyes began to tear and her hand trembled. The doubt of her actions began to tear her apart as she cried, "I can't." 

The stake fell to the floor as she collapsed against his chest crying uncontrollably. Nick sighed in relief as he wrapped his arms around her pulling her close, murmuring softly, "Shhh Nat, it's okay."

"I don't know what to believe anymore, Nick. I'm so confused, things are rattling around in my head and I don't know which thoughts to believe. Help me." she begged. She pulled away and looked up into his eyes as her own eyes filled with tears. "You trusted me with your life, now I'm trusting you. Release me, Nick."

Nick cupped her face in his hands as he captured her lips with his. Her eyes closed as he kissed her passionately, taking her breath away. His hands traveled down the side of her throat and around her shoulders as he pulled her closer. His lips trailed soft kisses to her eyes and continued down the side of her face to her neck. 

Natalie was breathless as her emotions spiraled with an urgency of his touch and taste. She opened her eyes as Nick pulled back, staring at her through a golden haze.

He concentrated on her heart rhythm as his eyes captured hers. He stared deeply into the blueness of her eyes as his hand gently caressed her cheek.

Natalie felt a slight nudge against the emerging memories she had so long been denied. She concentrated on the words Nick spoke to her, "Listen to me, Natalie. I need you to think...think back to Valentine's Day. Remember the white roses delivered to the morgue. 
You thought the invitation was from me for dinner at Azure, but you discovered too late that you had been tricked by LaCroix. He was there instead. Remember the sound of his voice as he captured you in his spell, the way he ran his hands over your body and how he ran his
hands through your hair. Remember him pulling your head to the side before he was going to strike and end your life. There was a crash, I landed beside the table and threw LaCroix from you. Words were exchanged as I tried to convince him he was wrong about my love for you. I had to convince him I did not love you or he would have taken your life in repayment of my debt. LaCroix forced me to chose, bring you across or let him have his way with you. I pulled you to me and kissed you."

Natalie gasped as the emotions from his kiss that night flooded her memory. She had remembered being carried away in the passion of the kiss as it caused her desires to surge through her veins. In her own mind, she had wished Nick would bring her across. She had longed to know more about this man that had excited her so, with only his touch. The strength in his hands as he held her roughly against him, she had felt his love for her flow between them as he had tried to protect her from LaCroix.

Nick's voice once again touched her mind as the memories emerged, "I was about to strike when LaCroix realized he must have been mistaken and released you from being the bargaining chip of my debt. LaCroix left and I turned you in my arms. I held you tightly against my body as I caressed your hair and back. I whispered words I thought you would never hear from my lips again, then I erased all memory of them as I hypnotized you. You fell into my arms and I carried you out of the restaurant."

Tears were streaming down Natalie's face when he released her. She sat staring at him as all the emotions and feelings of that night flooded her body. He had lied. He had lied to LaCroix, not to her. He had done it to save her life. Natalie couldn't breathe as she remembered him coming to her in her apartment. Nick had made the first move by admitting they had feelings for one another. He had kissed her not once, but twice before their beepers signaled they needed to go to another crime scene. 

Nick held tightly to her hands as Natalie tried to process all the information and emotion she was feeling. He squeezed her hands to convey his sorrow at having put her through this.

Nat nodded at him and said, "I believe you."

Nick leaned over and kissed her on the lips, whispering, "Feel me,
Nat. Touch me the way you did earlier. Reach out and feel everything
I love about you."

As she held his hands, she looked into his now blue eyes and concentrated. She could feel a warmth engulf and surround her, making her feel safe and wanted. She immersed herself in the tide of emotion and knew that she could never again endure a life without Nick. She
released his hands and threw her arms around his neck as she kissed his face. "I love you, Nick," she whispered between kisses. "I love you so much."

Nick's heart rejoiced as he heard the words she murmured to him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him, returning her affections. He lowered them back onto the couch pulling her on top of him as his hands roamed down her body. He loved the feel of her as she pressed against him. His hands gently caressed her sides and soon he had dared to let them slip beneath the sweatshirt she wore and touched the warmth of her skin. 

Natalie didn't want the feelings to stop. She loved every little touch and caress of his hands on her body. A shudder ran through her when she felt the cool touch of his hands upon her bare skin. She pushed her hands into the couch on either side of his head and pulled back from him. She grinned evilly as she looked down into his sparkling eyes. Her tone was playful as she raised an eyebrow and teased, "This is usually when you push me off saying we can't do this."

Nick's hands tightened around her waist as his smile turned into a frown. 

Natalie's heart sank as her smile faded. No! Not again! She wasn't going to let him push her away. She pleaded, "Nick please, forget I said that...I was joking. Please don't push me away again." 

He reached up and traced her nose with his finger, promising, "No, Nat. I won't push you away, but we need to make a decision."

She looked curiously down into his face.

Nick reached up and pulled her face down to him so he could kiss her. His hands ran through her hair as he memorized every nuance of this vibrant woman in his arms. He couldn't get enough of the feel and touch of her against his skin. He craved more. 

Regretfully, Nick slowly pushed her back as he looked up into her bewildered eyes to disclose the nature of the decision to made, "Nat..." This was harder than he thought it would be. He cleared his throat and tried again, "Nat, be with me completely."

Nat nodded and smiled, "That's what I've been saying. I *want* to be with you."

Nick shook his head as he tried to make her understand, "No, Nat. The only way we can be together is if you come across." He decided he might as well give her all the bad news at once, and taking a deep breath, he told her the rest, "If you don't come across by 2 a.m.
tonight, the Enforcers will be back to kill you."

************

Natalie had sat beside Nick on the couch for hours as he had explained why she had to choose between a life as a vampire or death by the Enforcers. 

Once he had finished explaining all LaCroix had told him about the past and why it was affecting her future now, she stood up and walked over to the fireplace. She turned back to Nick and questioned, "But Nick, I'm not crazy, am I? I mean, yeah, when I first woke up I'll admit I was confused, but I'm not nuts!" Not really wishing to hear an answer, Natalie turned away from him as her frustration and anger grew. She snorted, "All because of some silly Code written years ago. It isn't fair!"

Nick walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her as he commented softly, "I know it's not fair, Nat. You seem fine now, but I don't know what long-range effects Benjamin will have on you. He had a tormented mind and he enjoyed inflicting his pain on others. Whose to say what might come up later."

She turned in his arms placing her hands on his chest, asking with worry, "Nick, if you bring me across, will I be okay?"

Nick traced his finger across her forehead as he considered. He needed to be careful so as not to alarm her, and cautiously explained, "Nat, the Enforcers have given you the choice, which means in a way they are breaking their own rules. I won't lie to you. You have to
be very careful bringing someone across. So many things could go wrong. For one, you've been under Benjamin's influence. I don't know what effect that has had on you and what will happen if I try bringing you across. Two, if I do stop in time and Benjamin hasn't left any barriers, you could still choose to walk into the light instead of coming back to me. Or, three, I could take too much and then you wouldn't even have the option of coming back. It's risky."

She placed her hand against his cool cheek and assured him, "I won't leave you, Nick. Not if I have a choice. I've dreamed of being with you...of loving you without the fears that we both have." She pulled him closer as she reached up and kissed his lips. Her hands tangled in his hair as she whispered against his lips, "I want to taste all of you." She rubbed her nose against his as she desperately moaned, "I love what I'm feeling from you now, and I want you to be able to feel me as completely as I can sense your arousal at the prospect of bringing me across."

'Yes!' his mind screamed. The prospect of finally having Natalie as his own was exciting him more than he cared to admit. Nick hadn't intended on that little piece of information slipping through their link, but he realized he couldn't hide anything from her. It was his
one dark desire. To possess her totally. A low, guttural growl escaped his lips as he hungrily declared, "Mine!"

Natalie nipped at the base of his neck as she felt his control waiver through their link. She softly pleaded, "I want to know what other areas excite you, Nick. Show me. Teach me how to pleasure you."

Nick needed to be careful. Without realizing it, Natalie had ignited a flame and he was trying desperately to put it out. Nick knew that if he didn't have complete control of his beast, Natalie wouldn't have the option of coming back to him. He needed to prepare if he was to do this right, but first he needed to simmer them both down. As the rumble escaped his chest, he grabbed her shoulders and pushed her tantalizing teeth away from his neck. His eyes were golden with his desire and he stated, as he desperately tried to control his lust, "Nat, if you're positive, then I need to prepare. I can't just bite you and bring you across. I need to do a few things before hand. As long as you understand, I'll be your father and your teacher, but most of all...your lover."

Natalie stood absolutely still and, as the passion sparkled in her eyes, she asked dryly, "Death or an eternity of loving you?" She pondered the question for a quick two seconds, and then wrapped her arms around his waist as he eagerly embraced her. "I'm sure, Nick. I
want to be with you, even if it means an eternity of darkness. Death is not an option here."

Nick placed his cheek on top of her head as she held him close. He couldn't help but think that the approaching night would be the first of many which he would spend with Natalie. He kissed the top of her head as he closed his eyes tightly and whispered, "Please God...forgive me."

End Chapter 27.

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************
Chapter 28
************
5:45 p.m. Wednesday Afternoon
Nick's Loft

Nick lay on his back in the bed, as Natalie's warm body lay sleeping draped across his chest. It had taken some time, but now she slumbered peacefully beside him. He ran his hands through her hair as he memorized the sounds she was making. He smiled to himself and quietly chuckled at what their closeness had revealed; she was a mumbler. Although, he couldn't understand a single syllable she was uttering. He mused to himself, 'At least we'll have lots of time for me to figure this little secret out.' He looked over at the clock and knew the sun had already set. Natalie had only a few hours left as a mortal and the prospect of him having to be the one to bring her across terrified him.

He untangled himself from Natalie's embrace as she protested in her sleep. He leaned over the bed and placed a kiss on her forehead, softly suggesting, "Sleep, my love." A smile crept upon her face and she went back to softly mumbling. He chuckled to himself. 'Must be one heck of a dream.'

He grabbed his robe from off the side of the bed and went downstairs. He rubbed at his eyes and ran his fingers through his hair as he padded down the stairway thinking. He looked around the loft and wondered, 'How could things change so much in four days?' As he sorted out the details of the past few days, he walked over, grabbed the remote control, and clicked the button. The window shutters slowly ground upwards as he watched the Toronto skyline emerge to his view. The white crystalline snow sparkled over the entire city. The world outside had gone on it's merry little way, while his and Nat's had crashed around their ears. But was it really so bad? 

He threw the remote back down on the coffee table and walked back towards the kitchen. After a small yawn and stretch, he opened the refrigerator and grabbed for the green bottle. He uncorked the bottle and began to upend it, but stopped himself before taking a drink. 
"No, not this." The cork was thrust back in the bottle and he opened the refrigerator again, placing the bottle back on the shelf. Studying the contents of the refrigerator for a moment, his decision was made. He reached to the very back and took out a bottle he had
kept in case of emergencies.

Examining the bottle in his hands, he closed the refrigerator door and walked over to remove a goblet from above the sink. He went over to the dining table, pulled out a chair, and sat down placing the goblet and bottle in front of him. He sat for a long while with his hands folded, while he considered what lie ahead of him tonight. Nick looked up at the bedroom door and tried to touch her. He closed his eyes and concentrated. He could sense her heart rate and breathing were still slow as she continued sleeping, but he wished he could feel her the way she could feel him now. 

Nick opened his eyes as a tear escaped down the side of his cheek and regretfully whispered, "I will feel you tonight. All of you." He picked up the bottle and uncorked it. The smell assaulted him and he grabbed the table to steady himself. His eyes flashed golden specks as his body reacquainted itself with the aroma of the vintage he held in his hand. Even though he had denied himself for so long, his beast remembered. It yearned for what he had denied himself. After he had steadied somewhat, he grabbed the goblet and filled it to the rim. He placed the bottle on the table and carefully ran his fingers around
the base of the stem. 

Nick knew he would need to do this if he was to have any control for later. He took the glass and upended it, drinking the contents in only a few swallows. He closed his eyes as the nuances and flavors assaulted his palate and mind. His hand rubbed across his lips as the memories of the donor flooded his consciousness. A woman, donating blood for the first time. She had been so scared of the needle when they came at her with it. A husband...a small boy. Hospital. She had given blood in case her child had needed it for surgery. 

As the images faded, Nick opened his eyes. He grabbed the bottle and poured himself another glass. This time as he drank, the shock to his system was not as severe. By the time he finished the bottle, he had been grateful to the lady who had given it. She was living a rich, fulfilling life and Nick had enjoyed sharing some of it with her. 

He took the now empty bottle and glass over to the sink and rinsed them out. He turned and leaned back against the sink and thought, 'This won't be enough. I need to be sated if I'm going to control myself with Nat.' He looked over at the phone and knew what he must
do. Without hesitating, he walked over and dialed the number instinctively.

The phone was answered on the third ring and her voice calmed him, "Hello."

"Janette."

"Nicola."

Nick fumbled with the phone in his hand as he spoke, "I need a favor."

Janette could hear the tension in his voice and responded soothingly, "Anything, Nicola. What do you need?"

Nick walked around and sat on the couch as he tried to think of everything he'd require. "I'll need several bottles of your best stock, Janette. Not only for Natalie, but for myself."

"You?"

"Yes, if I'm going to bring her across, I want to be positive I won't harm her. I need to become accustomed to it again and I don't have much time. Can you have Miklos bring it right over?" He rose from the couch and walked over to stare out the window.

Janette sighed, "Oh Nicola, I do hope you and your Natalie will be happy together."

Nick could hear the disappointment in her voice. He ran his hand through his hair as he spoke, "I will always have a place in my heart for you, Janette. You know that. I love Natalie, it's different than what we had."

Janette chuckled playfully, "Hot wild sex?"

Nick couldn't help but laugh himself as he fumbled with the tie of his robe and admitted, "It was nice."

Janette cleared her throat as her emotions began to get the better of her, and she confided, "Nicola, I should have stayed with you. I should never have..."

Nick spoke quickly, unwilling to let Janette consume herself with regret. "No, you were right. We didn't love each other enough. I thought I had enough for both of us...you were right to walk away, Janette."

Janette was quiet for a moment as she wrestled with her feelings. Once she was sure of her voice again, she reiterated, "Right then, I'll have the bottles sent over right away, Nicola." She paused, taking a deep breath, and then sighed, "I will miss you, Mon Cher. 
Bring your Natalie by once you think she is ready. I will be proud to meet my new niece."

Nick knew the personal sacrifice Janette was making. She had released him to let him love and care for another. Nick smiled warmly and promised, "Thanks. I will." It was his turn to pause as he gripped the phone tighter and he softly told her, "Good bye, Janette."

He hit the button to end the call and walked over to place the phone in the cradle. At one time, he thought Janette was the most important entity in his life, but after finding Natalie, he realized Janette had been right walking away those many years ago. 

He stared up at the bedroom and considered returning to Natalie's side. 'Return to her side.' The thought couldn't help but bring a smile to his face, as if he had done it all his life. As he walked to the railing to ascend the staircase, he stared at the closed bedroom
door. As each footstep brought him closer to her, he thought of Natalie and their future together. His hand ran over his face noticing the slight growth of the past few hours as he contemplated what lay ahead. Tonight she would become one with him forever. That
thought...both excited and scared him. 

End Chapter 28.

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************
Chapter 29
************
7 p.m. Wednesday Evening
Nick's Loft

After a shave and quick shower to wash away the grime of the past couple of days, Nick was feeling a little more confident as he thought about what would happen this evening. He patted himself down with the towel as he walked over to the mirror and wiped the steam away and stared at his reflection. Confidence. He needed to build confidence in himself if he was to accomplish bringing Natalie across. He was going over it step by step in his mind about how he would approach Natalie to bring her across. He knew that if the person being brought across was comfortable and relaxed, things would go much easier on him. Anxiety...tended to cause him to lose control, he didn't want Nat to panic. As he went over the steps in his mind again, he startled when he heard the scream from the bedroom.

"Nick!"

He threw the towel around his waist as he emerged from the bathroom yelling, "What's wrong, Nat?!"

Natalie was in the bed with the sheets pulled up to her chin, screaming and pointing at a figure by the door. Her frightened eyes locked on Nick's, pleading for him to protect her. 

Nick took a couple of steps from the door of the bathroom to stand near the bed when he saw a man standing in the shadows of the doorway. As the figure moved into the room, Nick moved forward ready to defend Natalie if he had to. Nick's fists clenched at his sides as the light descended upon the face of the intruder. 

The intruder sternly reprimanded Nick as he approached, "Really Nicholas, you must embrace your true nature again if you are to succeed tonight. You should have known I was here long ago." 

Nick realized LaCroix was right. His mind had been so preoccupied with his planning and preparations that LaCroix had literally been able to sneak into the bedroom without his sensing him. This was not good. Nick needed to embrace his dark side again if he was going to bring Natalie across. Nick released a frustrated sigh as he greeted his master, "LaCroix."

LaCroix stood in the light of the doorway with a very content, smug look on his face. "Am I intruding? You did order these to be brought over post haste...or so I thought?" LaCroix motioned to the crates setting on the floor by the door.

Natalie came to her knees on the bed and inched over toward Nick as the memories of LaCroix's hatred toward her at Azure ignited her fear. She grabbed at Nick's arm and he looked down into her face, reassuring her, "It's okay, Nat." 

She looked from Nick to LaCroix, then back at Nick, "But...he wanted me dead?"

LaCroix took a step toward them and Nick placed his hand protectively around Natalie's shoulders. Nick looked down into her frightened eyes and smiled, assuring her further, "It's okay. He's going to help us." 

"Yes, my dear." LaCroix smoothly cooed, staring at Natalie as he placed one crate of the bottles near the bed and backed away. He looked at Nicholas and sneered, "He will do *anything* to have you safe and sound, so I have agreed to assist him in your little
endeavor." 

Nick looked sternly at LaCroix and stated firmly, "Why don't you take the other crate downstairs, I'll be down in a few minutes." Nick motioned to his attire, stating the obvious, "After I dress."

LaCroix raised an eyebrow at his child's appearance and agreed, "Yes, perhaps you should dress." He turned with the other crate tucked snugly beneath his arm and walked out of the bedroom, closing the door behind him.

Natalie rose up on her knees and wrapped her arms around Nick's waist as she buried her head against his chest, worriedly asking, "What did he mean by you would do *anything* to keep me safe?"

After Nick untangled her from around him and sat down beside her on the bed, Natalie curled up next to him and slowly ran her hand over his chest. She sincerely stated, "Nick, I don't want you to regret bringing me across. If it means you have to make a bargain with
LaCroix, then the price is too high. I couldn't..."

He placed his finger against her lips to silence her as he whispered, "But I can." His hand ran through her unruly mane of hair as he kissed her on the lips. No matter what price LaCroix may expect of him later, he was not going to lose her now...not when they were so
close to being together. He released her from the kiss and noticed the small tear trailing down her cheek. He brushed the tear away with his thumb as he soothed, "Please Nat, don't cry."

"I'm frightened, Nick." Nat confessed as she buried her head against his shoulder.

"Shhh, it'll work out, Nat." He wrapped his arms around her, embraced her and confessed to himself, 'Me too, Nat. Me too.'

**************

While he waited for Nicholas to emerge from the bedroom, LaCroix had poured two goblets of the blood he had brought with him and now sat in the chair beside the couch. He stared out the open windows and considered how he would handle Nicholas. LaCroix knew that if
Nicholas would fail in bringing Natalie across, more than likely, he would lose his son with the first sunrise. 

His musings were interrupted when he heard Nicholas closing the bedroom door and descended the staircase. LaCroix turned and held his goblet up to his son. "Bon Appetite, Nicholas." 

Nick walked toward him and saw the filled glass on the coffee table. He picked up the glass and gulped it down. 

LaCroix studied him before stating, "You've already had some this evening, I take it?"

"A bottle," Nick stated coldly as he turned and walked to the kitchen to grab the rest of the open bottle. He poured himself another glass and upended it.

LaCroix watched silently as Nick drained four more bottles just as quickly. As LaCroix contemplated his son's actions, he slowly sipped at the vintage in his hand and commented, "Easy Nicholas, you wouldn't want to founder yourself on your first night reclaiming your heritage."

Nick turned reddened eyes to LaCroix and spat, "I'm only doing this for Natalie!"

LaCroix was alarmed when he noticed his son's state of mind and warned, "You must gain control, Nicholas. If you don't, you *will* kill her."

Nick closed his eyes and tried to rein his beast within him. He screamed with an anger and doubt that tore through his chest, "I can't!"

LaCroix rose from the chair and was at his side in a heartbeat. He took Nick by the shoulders and shook him, as he growled, "You will! You must!" LaCroix released him and Nicholas sagged against his father's chest. LaCroix ran his hand through Nicholas' hair, sighing, "Then perhaps, I should..."

The very idea of LaCroix tasting Natalie's blood infuriated him. If anyone were to know Natalie as intimately as the blood would allow, it would be Nick. He pulled away from LaCroix and growled, "No! If anyone is going to touch her, it will be me! Do you hear! You will not go near her!"

LaCroix laughed evilly as Nick grabbed his lapel, "That's better, my boy. You want her; then take her. That is all you need to remember."

A door closed as Nick felt his desire for Natalie surge through his veins. He released LaCroix and looked up at Natalie standing at the top of the staircase. 

Natalie had showered and dressed in a sweater and jeans. She stared down at the two below her and could tell she had interrupted something. She carefully watched Nick as she descended the staircase. He seemed different somehow.

As Natalie neared, Nick released LaCroix's coat and lifted his hand to cup Natalie's cheek. Nick pulled her to him and kissed her passionately on the lips. His hand entwined in her hair as he found himself drowning in her warmth and love for him.

Natalie couldn't tear her eyes away from him as she approached, her link with him humming with his desire and need for her. As his lips and hands touched her, Nat felt the desire to rip his shirt off him right there and devour him completely. Even though she had tasted the blood that stained his lips, Nat was surprised that it hadn't repulsed her.

LaCroix watched them closely, he could tell Nicholas had some control over his beast at Natalie's closeness, but he was walking a very fine line. LaCroix cleared his throat and Nick released Natalie from the kiss. As LaCroix held Nick's gaze, Nick questioned his father/maker with his eyes. LaCroix solemnly stated the facts, "It is time. You need to do this now, before the Enforcers return." LaCroix took Nicholas' hand in his and offered, "If you wish, I can stay nearby. It could be different bringing her across than any others you've ever tried. With Benjamin's influence running through her veins, you could run into obstacles you may need help with. If I sense you're in trouble...I could always help?"

Nick looked back down into Natalie's sparkling eyes and considered his offer. He traced Natalie's cheek saying, "Yes, please, stay nearby. If anything were to happen to her, I'd never forgive myself." 

LaCroix nodded, accepting his request, "As you wish, Nicholas." LaCroix turned to leave, but felt a tug on his elbow. He turned and found Nick standing beside him.

Nick lowered his head as he squeezed LaCroix's arm and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, LaCroix. Not only for this, but for everything you did earlier today."

LaCroix let a small smile curl his lips as he accepted his son's praise. "You're welcome." LaCroix motioned back at Natalie and repeated his offer, "Remember, if you need any help?" Nick nodded his understanding as LaCroix made his exit through the skylight. 

Natalie had watched the exchange between the two of them with great concern. She could tell by their conversation, they were both worried about the possibility of her not making it through the cross over. She walked up behind Nick and wrapped her arms around him trying to soothe his fears. "I *will* come back to you, Nick. I won't lose you now."

Nick turned in her arms and embraced her tightly. "I love you." 

End Chapter 29.

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*************
Chapter 30
*************
10:00 p.m. Wednesday Evening
Nick's Loft

Nick held Natalie against him as his hand ran through her hair. With Natalie's breathing and heart rate both so rapid, he knew he needed to calm her if he was to have any control bringing her across. He kissed her lightly on top of the head and slowly ran kisses down the side of her face. As he neared her neck, he couldn't help but notice her trembling in his arms. Nick pulled away from her and smiled as he assured her, "It's okay, Nat."

Natalie took a few deep breaths and turned away from him, walking toward the couch as she confided, "I don't know why I'm so nervous, Nick. I've wanted to be with you for so long, but now that it's here...I can't stop shaking." 

Nick walked up behind her wrapping his arms around her. Trying to lighten the mood he chuckled, "You have got to relax, Nat. It's only me." He kissed the side of her neck whispering, "The one who adores you," and kissed her neck again before adding, "loves you," and again pressing his lips to her neck, "desires you." He finished his attentions to the creamy flesh of her neck by gently nibbling against its softness.

Natalie felt his teeth against her skin and spun out away from him, but Nick quickly held onto her hand not letting her get far. She felt Nick entwine their fingers together as he approached her again, his other hand entangling in her hair.

Nick loved the feel of her hair as his hand gently stroked downwards. His fingertips never lost contact as they traced down the side of her neck, over the swell of her breast, finally coming to their resting place around her waist. His hand tightened and he pulled her against him. He began to sway with her soothingly as he felt her trembling in his arms. "Dance with me, Nat."

Natalie looked up into his eyes and asked, "But there's no music, Nick?"

As he smiled down at her, Nick began to softly sing a song he had heard recently. He remembered how he had thought of Natalie instantly when he heard it for the first time.


<<I am amazed
When I look at you
I see you smiling back at me
It's like all my dreams come true

I am afraid
If I lost you girl
I'd fall through the cracks
And lose my track in this crazy lonely world

Sometimes it's so hard to believe
When the nights can be so long
And faith gave me the strength 
And kept me holding on>>

As Nick's hands caressed her back, Natalie began to snuggle against his chest, relaxing somewhat. She loved the sound of his voice and the way his chest vibrated against her cheek. The fact he was singing just for her made her heart soar with happiness. 

<<You are the love of my life
And I'm so glad you found me
You are the love of my life
Baby put your arms around me
I guess this is how it feels
When you finally find something real
My angel in the night
You are my love
Love of my life>>

Nick could feel the tension draining from Natalie as she listened to his voice. He snuggled her closer as his lips brushed against her ear. He loved her more than his own life and he wouldn't harm her by rushing into this, deadline or no. He would make this as enjoyable for her as possible. Nick placed a quick chaste kiss against her ear as he let his voice vibrate to her soul.

<<Now here you are
With midnight closing in
You take my hand as our shadows dance
With moonlight on your skin

I look in your eyes
I'm lost inside your kiss
I think if I'd never met you
About all the things I'd missed

Sometimes it's so hard to believe
When a love can be so strong
And faith gave me the strength
And kept me holding on>>

Natalie closed her eyes as she gently nestled her cheek against Nick's face. His skin was cool to her touch, but she knew he had a passion that burned deep within him. She began to wonder what it was going to be like for her as a vampire. Their passion was an everlasting flame that would warm both their hearts, regardless of their physical conditions. She had remembered hearing this song one night when she was alone in her apartment. She had ached for Nick when she heard it. 'Funny,' she thought, 'how a song could hold your whole life in its words.'

<<You are the love of my life
And I'm so glad you found me
You are the love of my life
Baby put your arms around me
I guess this is how it feels
When you finally find something real
My angel in the night
You are my love
Love of my life>>

Nick could sense her breathing and heart rate had eased as his voice lulled her. He moaned as her caressing hand slid up and reached around the back of his neck, her fingers gently twisting the golden locks. Nick whispered to her, "Place your feet on mine, Natalie." 

Natalie was lost in the depth of Nick's love, her eyes closed as she lost herself in the emotions she was feeling from him. After wrapping his arms around her waist, Natalie felt herself rising upward as if floating. She opened her eyes and saw that Nick was levitating them up towards the bedroom. She looked deep into his warm blue eyes and smiled at him.

<<You are the love of my life
And I'm so glad you found me
You are the love of my life
Baby put your arms around me
I guess this is how it feels
When you finally find something real
My angel in the night
You are my love>>

As Nick was landing beside the bedroom door, he reached behind him and opened it. He placed both his hands back on her waist, as he began to slowly twirl them into the bedroom. Nick kissed her gently on the lips and Natalie could feel the love flow from him.

<<My angel in the night
You are my love
Love of my life>>

With one final twirl, they had ended up beside Nick's bed. Breathless and smiling, she looked up into his face and saw his love shining down at her through his clear blue eyes. With his fingers slowly combing through her hair, his head lowered and he kissed her gently on the lips and whispered, "You are my angel, Nat."

Natalie panted with excitement as his hands trailed down her sides and came to rest beneath her top. Surrendering to the subtle downward pressure as he reached back behind her and held her tightly, she lowered her body to the bed. Nat placed her arms behind herself and pushed down so she could get comfortable against the pillows. 

Nick straightened and released the buttons from his shirtsleeves and top collar. He lowered himself down slightly on top of Natalie grabbing her lips with his on his way down. 

Natalie reached up for him and eagerly took him into her embrace. They deepened the kiss and Nat could sense Nick's feelings of desire rise with each caress of her hands on his back. When he pulled away from her, tugging her bottom lip as he released her, she looked up and saw that his eyes had changed to a golden hue with his fangs slightly protruding from his lips. Nat leaned forward and kissed him, stating confidently, "I'm not afraid, Nick."

Nick cupped her cheek in his hand as he leaned forward and nuzzled the side of her face with his. His breath caught in his chest as a rumble escaped. He licked down the side of her face and nibbled at her ear lobe gasping, "Nat, I need to be in control to do this. Please...if nothing else happens tonight...remember that I love you with every fiber of my being. So much so, that I can't afford to lose myself in the heat of passion. I promise, I *will* make it up to you." 

Natalie couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed, but she knew Nick was right. Too much was at risk if he lost control and his concern for her well being was evident in his link with her. She cupped his face in her hands and made him look at her as she spoke, "We'll have
an eternity to love each other. That's all that matters. I'll love you forever, Nick." She pulled him toward her and kissed him gently. 

Nick didn't think it was possible to love Natalie any more than he did at this moment, but he did. He kissed her deeply, tuning his every sense to the taste and feel of her. His tongue probed deep into her mouth as she moaned against his lips. He loved the way her body
responded to his every move. His hands grasped the side of her head as he released her lips and showered kisses over her face. 

Natalie was breathless as Nick released the kiss. She could feel him suckling against her skin as his lips blazed a path across her face and neck. Her chest heaved with excitement beneath him as her hands grabbed at his shirt. She pulled him closer wanting to feel every
inch of him blanket her. Her fingers began fumbling with the buttons of his shirt, quickly releasing them. She pushed aside his gaping shirt and eased her hands against the coolness of his chest. As Nick's mouth covered hers again, she moaned against him, easing her hands against the coolness of his chest. She slowly started rubbing over the plain of his chest, tugging at the sprinkling of hairs as she felt the vibration of the growl from deep within him.

The warmth of her touch elicited an eruption from within the depths of his very being. His hands tangled in her hair as he roughly turned her eyes to gaze into his. 

Their eyes locked and Natalie knew she was staring face to face with the beast Nick loathed. Instead of cowering away in fear, she ran her hands beneath his shirt and around his back. She pulled him closer, kissed him on the lips, and professed, "I love the light I see shining in your eyes, Nick. I can feel your love for me surging through our bond." She slipped her tongue into his mouth and carefully ran it across one of his fangs, eliciting a moan from him. With a satisfied grin on her face, she pulled away sighing, "Make me one with you, Nick. I want you to feel all the love I hold in my heart for you, the way I can feel yours." She closed her eyes and turned her head, baring her neck to him.

Nick closed his eyes tightly trying to regain some of the control he'd lost. He felt a tapping at the fringes of his consciousness. LaCroix. His master was helping him battle his fear.

'Control, Nicholas.' 

Nick reopened his eyes to the sight of the creamy, delicate flesh of Natalie's throat beckoning to him. He released a handful of the hair he held and gently ran his fingers over the pulsing vein in her neck as the rumble started low in his chest again. Lowering his head, he suckled against the throbbing artery as he felt the pressure building from deep within him to take her. 

Natalie was panting for air in short breaths. She didn't move for fear of causing Nick to lose the battle he was obviously waging within himself. Slowly, she felt his fangs graze against the muscles of her neck. She could feel their sharpened tips as they scraped slowly and relentlessly along the fragile skin. A small gasp escaped her lips as she felt his hand travel downwards and rest between the valley of her breasts. Her eyes widened. Soon, his fangs would penetrate her neck. She felt her heart pounding faster as the thought frightened her. Where had the courage she had shown earlier gone? Natalie knew
she loved Nick with all her heart and every fiber in her being, but she was risking everything to be with him now. The reality of what they were attempting was beginning to take its toll on her.

Nick concentrated with every thread of his existence as he honed in on Natalie's beating heart. He felt it's beat quicken beneath his palm, as his tongue licked along the vein in her neck holding her life's blood. He also felt Natalie beginning to tremble beneath him. The
last thing he had intended was to frighten her. Without wasting another moment, a snarl erupted from him as his fangs penetrated the supple flesh of her neck. 

Natalie's breath caught in her lungs with the intense sharpness of Nick's fangs as they entered into her flesh. Her hands grabbed tightly to his shoulders as she writhed beneath him. She could feel Nick so close, as their minds almost seemed to touch. The images she
received from him began slowly at first as she saw his childhood home and family. As the years began to roll by, Natalie felt his rebellion growing within him as he fought in the Crusades. Then there was his disillusionment as he had let Janette seduce him into this dark life. LaCroix. LaCroix had tormented and confused Nick through the years with his mind games and twisted jokes. She saw the way LaCroix had trained him, denying lessons Nick had the right to learn but LaCroix neglected to teach so that LaCroix could *control* him or have the advantage over him. Her heart ached for Nick, until she began to receive his love flowing into her. She began to see bits and pieces of her years with Nick, his longing to hold and have her for his own. She already knew of his love for her, but she wanted him to know her as completely as she did him. She opened herself up to him and waited. She wanted to belong only to him.

As Natalie's blood flowed freely into his mouth, Nick could feel the wave of love wash over and through him. He reveled in the joy and contentment he could feel from her at the prospect of spending an eternity with him. Her blood was a rich wine to him as it dulled his
senses, and he was flooded with all the joys and sorrows of her childhood, her years in medical school. She had been the youngest ME ever in Toronto, yet one thing had been missing from her life. She found the missing element, quite by accident, one night on her 28th birthday. Nick could feel her plead for him to possess her as he searched her soul, trying to find and touch that part of her only he could know. The one part that would make her his forever. He could feel her closeness as she waited for him to claim her as his.

Suddenly, a small gasp of agony escaped her lips as Natalie felt her mind flowing away from Nick instead of toward him. Panicked, she wrapped her arms around him holding on for dear life. Her breathing increased as she arched against him. Tears flowed down her cheeks as she felt him slipping away from her. She tried crying out, 'Nick!'

End Chapter 30.

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************
Chapter 31
************
11:30 p.m. Wednesday Evening
Nick's Loft

'Nick!'

Natalie's eyes began to flutter open as the smell of flowers and fresh earth assaulted her senses. "Ohhh..." she moaned as she lifted her hand up over her face to protect her eyes from the midsummer's day sun blazing overhead. She rested her hand on her forehead as she breathed deeply, trying to shake the cobwebs from her mind. She looked to either side searching for him. "Nick?"

She noticed the meadow was empty as she pushed herself up into a sitting position. She felt so at ease and peaceful as the birds sang in the nearby trees. She began to stretch, but felt a slight twinge in her neck. She tilted her head side to side as she tried to work a
knot from it. Her neck? There was something about her neck...something she remembered. Her hand instantly felt for the fang marks and blood she knew should be there, but she could feel nothing but her own smooth flesh. No blood. 

She felt her heart race in her chest as she tried to remember how she got to this place. She looked around in desperation for anything that would remind her, and then she heard it. A small giggle. She looked over to the side and she caught a glimpse of a small child peeking at her from behind a tree. Natalie smiled as she raised a hand out and called, "Come here, I won't hurt you."

The child darted from one tree to the next, giggling each time as she looked at Natalie. Natalie couldn't contain the laughter she felt growing within her. She rose up and knelt on her knees as she watched the young girl frolic in the sun. 

After a little more dodging between the trees, the girl suddenly stopped and stared at Natalie. A smile curled her lips as she asked, "Are you staying?"

Her curiosity piqued, Natalie raised an eyebrow and asked, "Staying? Where should I go?"

The girl swung her arms back and forth at her sides as she approached and told her, "Most people don't stay here long. They are too busy getting where they're going." She walked up and stood beside Natalie. The girl's little hand reached out and she touched Natalie's
hair, whispering, "Your hair is pretty."

Natalie laughed and smiled as she touched the young girl's long flowing blonde hair and complimented, "Thank you, so is yours. It's very soft."

The girl released Natalie's hair as she covered her mouth and giggled. 

Natalie looked around them and asked, "Where are your parents?"

The girl's bit of laughter faded as she played with a rock by her feet. She quietly stated, "They aren't ready for me yet. I have to wait a long time until they are."

Natalie was already confused and the conversation with the girl was making her more so. She looked back into the woods and saw some other children playing behind the trees. It seemed odd to her there was nobody here to watch them, but then again, she didn't know where here was. Natalie placed her hand on the girl's arm to gain her attention and asked, "Can you tell me where we are?"

The girl's blue eyes sparkled, as she replied, "Nowhere."

"Nowhere?" Natalie questioned.

"Um hum, this is where people wait," the girl responded as she stroked Natalie's hand holding hers. "Your hands are big, will my hands be that big?" she said as she held her hand up against Natalie's.

Natalie chuckled, "If you're a good girl and do everything your Mommy and Daddy tell you, they should be."

Natalie turned when she heard a young brown haired boy yell from the trees, "Are you still playing?"

The girl turned back to him and waved him off. "No, I'm playing with her." The boy turned and ran back through the trees.

"Is he your brother?"

The young girl nodded. "Yes. My brother and my other two sisters."

Natalie looked around them and noticed something different. She rose to her feet as she wiped at the dirt on her jeans. "That's odd," she began, "I don't remember that gate being there when I woke up."

The young girl covered her eyes, protecting them from the sun's rays, as she looked up at Natalie and reluctantly admitted, "It wasn't."

Natalie knelt down beside the girl and questioned, "But where did it come from then?"

The girl shrugged her shoulders. "I dunno. They just do that."

"It's happened before then?"

The girl nodded. "Yeah, that's when they decide."

Natalie looked at the gate. A decision. Nick had mentioned that she would need to choose, either return to him or walk into the light, but what she saw around her wasn't what she had expected. He had told her about his experience when he had been brought across, but he had spoken of a desert. Natalie looked at the young girl, "Is it my turn to decide?"

The girl took her hands and grabbed Natalie's face as she shook her whole body up and down smiling, indicating a yes. 

Natalie reached up and took her hand in hers. "What about you?"

The girl looked at the gate, then back at Natalie. "It's not mine, it's yours. Mine won't come along for a long time. Neither will my brother's and sisters'. We have to wait. Mom and Dad need to do a lot of things before we can see them."

"Before you can see them, but aren't they worried about you?"

The girl shook her head and explained, "No. When it's time, our gates will be here. I'm the oldest, so I'll go first."

Natalie finally realized what the girl was saying and asked, "You're waiting to be born?"

The girl let out a small sigh, "Yeah. Everybody waits here. Waiting to be born...waiting to die...we're all here. Some just stay longer than others."

Natalie looked back at the gate and now noticed that it was opening, waiting for her to walk through. She saw a man appear behind the gate and she startled, "Richie?"

With the girl's hand in hers, Natalie took a few steps toward the gate as Richard walked through to her. He wrapped his arms around her holding her tight. "Hi, Sis! I'm so glad to see you."

Tears fell down Natalie's cheeks as she wrapped her arms tightly around her brother and the young girl stood beside them, looking up at them smiling. Natalie truly felt as if she were home. She pulled away from Richard and cried, "I've missed you. Oh, how I've missed you."

Richard stroked the side of Natalie's face. "They're all waiting for you. Mom...Pop...it'll be so good to have you home again." He turned taking her hand in his as he walked with her and Natalie fell in stride beside him as he led her toward the gate.

Natalie truly felt all the joy and love she had always wanted fill her body and soul. She looked up into Richard's face, but could see out of the corner of her eye that the girl wasn't following her. She stopped and released Richie's hand as she knelt, turning to the girl. 
Natalie noticed a small tear falling down the girl's cheek and she held her hands out to her. "What's wrong, honey?" 

The girl came running into Natalie's waiting arms throwing her small arms around her neck. The girl's sobs subsided as Natalie stroked the young girl's back trying to soothe her. The girl pulled back from Natalie and sniffled, "I'll never see you again."

Natalie looked up questioning at Richie, but he only looked away. She smoothed a lock of the girl's golden hair from her face as she smiled and assured her, "Sure you will, I'm just going over there."

The girl pulled away and whimpered, "Once you go in there, I'll never see you again.

Natalie took the girl's hand as she rose to her feet. Natalie placed a hand on Richie's arm and curiously asked, "What's going on here? Why is she so upset?"

Richie looked sympathetically at Natalie and warned, "Nat, you know what Nick is, what he's done to you. It's your decision now." He looked down at the girl, then back at Nat. "She's your daughter, Nat. Or will be, *several* years from now, after you find a cure for
Nick and yourself." 

Natalie didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Why hadn't Richie told her to begin with? Why had he taken her hand and led her toward the gate if he knew there was a cure and they could become mortal and have children? She looked him sternly in the eye and demanded, "Why do you want me to go through the gate so badly, Richie? Why were you going
to deny my children their future?"

Richie placed his hands on Natalie's arms as he tried to calm her. "Listen to me, Natalie. Yeah, I know who these children are and it breaks my heart. I just want you safe and happy."

"But, Richie...children? What could make me happier than that? And if Nick is their father...that's everything I've hoped for."

Richie shook his head as he tried to explain, "Nat, I know you want a family of your own. But you need to consider, the price may be too high."

Natalie stood with her mouth slightly open. She didn't know what to think. Richie's words began to frighten her as they registered within her, and she probed further, "What price?"

Richard shook his head as he walked away from her, disclosing what little information he could, "I can't tell you everything that will happen to you and Nick, but what I do know is...it won't all be *good*. There will be some very dark times, Nat. Things...you can't imagine. I only wanted to spare you the heartaches that'll be in store for you if you choose to return to him."

Natalie could feel the fear crawling within her. She loved Nick with all her being. She had promised to return to him if she was given the choice...but now Richie was telling her about a possible future...one that terrified her. She looked down into the sparkling blue eyes of
the child as the girl looked into her mother's face. Natalie knew her decision in a heartbeat as she heard the young girl's voice tremble, "I love you, Mommy."

Natalie reached down and hugged the child for dear life, whispering into her ear, "I love you too and so does Daddy. We'll see you real soon." She placed a kiss on the girl's cheek then rose and turned to Richie more determined than ever asking, "How do I get back to him?"

Richard closed his eyes as his sorrow overwhelmed him. He knew Natalie had made her choice to return to Nick, even though he knew her life would be filled with heartache and sorrow ahead. His hand rubbed at his chin as he slowly responded, "Just listen for him, Nat. Just listen." He turned to her and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Remember me, Nat."

Natalie wrapped her arms around Richie's neck and promised, "Always, little brother." She felt him pull away as he walked through the gate without looking back. In the blink of an eye, Richard and the gate were gone. 

A strong wind began to blow and Natalie covered her eyes to keep the dust and debris from her eyes. She reached down to protect the young girl, but she too, was nowhere in sight. Storm clouds began to roll across the sky as Natalie yelled, "Where did you go?" Off to the side, Natalie saw the girl's hair blowing in the wind as she waved and giggled. "Bye, Mommy."

Natalie held her hand up and waved. She blinked once and the girl was gone. She lowered her arm somewhat unsure of what was happening. A streak of lightning filled the sky and struck the tree beside her. Natalie gazed up and moved just in time before a burning limb crashed to the ground beside her. She dove to the ground trying to cover her head from the rain that had begun to plummet from the sky. The storm was picking up in intensity when she heard the faint voice. She lifted her head up and tried to look into the wind and rain, he was there, calling to her. She rose to her feet to follow his voice...his voice grew stronger as she approached. 

***************

Nick had felt Natalie slip away from him as her mortal body lay dying in his arms. His fangs retracted from her neck and he held her limp body next to him. Her arms had fallen across her chest as the final breath had left her body. Her heart was slowing now to an alarming
rate and Nick quickly raised his wrist to his mouth.

With his fangs, he sliced into his flesh bringing his blood to the surface. He cradled Natalie's head in his hand as he held his bleeding wrist over her mouth. His blood flowed freely from his wound and down the back of her throat. He combed his fingers through her
hair and called to her, "Natalie, my love. Drink." He kissed her gently on the forehead as he placed his wrist over her lips, begging her, "Please, come back to me. I love you so much. Please come back. I can't live without you."

Nick felt as if an eternity had passed and Natalie still wasn't responding to him. He could still sense the weakened heartbeat as he tried to connect with her. His mind reached to hers as he touched his forehead to hers. Tears began to roll down his cheeks as he kissed
her eyelids. He kissed down the side of her face until his lips were near her ears. He sobbed, "I love you. You are my *life*, Natalie. I won't go on without you. If you walk into the light, I will follow you. Please come back to me, love. It's your choice how we end this." 

Nick felt as if a scream would erupt from him at any moment at the prospect of losing Natalie. As his frustration began to take hold, Natalie's lips began to move against his flesh. A huge sob escaped his chest as he felt the faintest hint of her suckling against his
wrist. He wrapped his arm around her head and smothered the side of her face with kisses, "Drink Nat, know all of me. For an eternity, we'll be together."

Natalie's hunger grew with each mouthful she took. Her hands wrapped around Nick's wrist, unwilling to release the bountiful feast. Nick encouraged her to a point, and then he forcibly removed his wrist from her grasp. Natalie's golden eyes sparked flames, locking her gaze with Nick's.

Nick couldn't help but capture her mouth with his as he moaned against her lips. "You didn't leave me."

Natalie wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him towards her and reminding him, "I promised."

*************

A smug smile crossed LaCroix's face as he felt the arrival of the newest member of his family. He looked up into the Enforcers' faces and commented, "It's done. Your business here is concluded."

The Enforcers looked at him and could feel the change that had transpired in Natalie. Without a word, they lifted into the sky to leave LaCroix to go about with his 'family business'. LaCroix looked over the edge of the building, which housed Nicholas' loft. 

The love he felt radiating from his son and granddaughter satisfied him. He kicked a rock from off the edge of the roof and pulled his coat around him tightly as he mused, "Anything I wish?" He cocked an eyebrow and flew off into the night sky. LaCroix had one more loose end to tie up before he would contemplate Nicholas' repayment.

End Chapter 31.

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Chapter 32
************
6:00 p.m. Thursday Evening
Nick's Loft

Nick sat quietly in the chair watching Natalie sleep. After he had successfully brought Natalie across and she had fallen into a deep sleep, he had changed into his silk pajama bottoms and put on his robe. Nick had tried to lie down beside her and rest, but he kept
remembering his own transformation into the darkness, the sleep that had claimed him and the dreams that still haunted him. He leaned forward in the chair and clasped his hands together between his legs, looking up into her solemn face.

What was she dreaming of? Was it of him? Of the life she had given up? Each person brought across was different. His had been of the crusades he had fought. The lives he had taken in battle. It had only been a prelude to prepare him for the many nights he would spend hunting for his prey. But, Natalie would not have to hunt food for survival as he had to. So, what would she dream of? Death and destruction? Were her dreams preparing her for what he'd made her - a hunter and killer?

The thought of Natalie taking another being's life frightened him. He swore to himself, Natalie would never know the guilt of taking another life like he carried within him. But then again, hadn't he already let her feel his guilt by giving her his blood? He shook his head. So many questions, so many different directions their lives could go in. His mind swirled with all the different possibilities and avenues open and closed to them. Natalie could no longer enjoy sunlight, coffee, or even the simple pleasure she derived from a box of chocolates. Nick had now condemned her to only one substance...blood. He had also felt the strong desire she had felt for wanting a family. He cupped his face in his hands and mumbled, "I'm so sorry, Natalie. You'll never have a family because of me and what I've made you."

As Nick began to angst over their decision, the incessant buzzer of the lift shattered his thoughts. He rose from the chair and wrapped his robe tighter around him. He placed a quick kiss against her temple before going downstairs.

Nick padded down the staircase and walked over to look up into the monitor. He saw Schanke standing out in the icy snow, gripping another file in his hand. He remembered what LaCroix had said and his anxiety grew within him. He hit the release to let Schanke enter.

As the lift ground to a halt, Nick wished he had run upstairs and put on his regular clothes. Instead, Schanke was going to find him in his pajamas again. Great. Nick pulled the tie on the robe tighter trying to conceal his bare chest and sighed, "Oh well, what's another rumor
flying around down at the station?"

Schanke released the lift handle and poked his head out hesitantly. After his last visit, his partner was not going to sneak up on him again. "Nick?"

Nick emerged nonchalantly from the kitchen and greeted him. "Hi Schanke, what's up?"

Schanke shook his head in disbelief and asked sarcastically, "No scaring the partner tonight? I'm disappointed."

Nick ran his hand through his hair as he approached, teasing him, "Yeah...well, I thought I'd cut you some slack after your last visit. Your bad ticker and all." Nick motioned to Schanke's chest as he chuckled.

Schanke emerged from the lift and closed it behind him mocking, "Ha! Ha! Very funny! But Myra does thank you."

Nick scratched at his nose, persisting in the joke, "Well, anything for Myra..." His eyes sparkled with mischief.

Schanke turned and examined his partner's attire. The smile formed as he looked at the couch, then up to the closed door of the bedroom.

Nick rolled his eyes and blurted out quickly, "Yes, Nat's here. She's asleep. Upstairs. What's in the folder, Schanke?"

Schanke held his hands up in self-defense and insisted, "Hey, I didn't ask. None of this is my business. But, I do hope you two found something to do last night? Guard duty can be brutal at times." 

Nick quipped as he walked over to the dining table and sat down, "Yeah, you're right, it's none of your business."

Schanke joked as he approached the table, "My, touchy aren't we? Did we get up on the wrong side of the bed or is Nat on your side?"

A harsh glare from Nick caused Schanke to back peddle and restate, "But, hey, that is none of my business." Schanke grabbed the other chair and sat down beside Nick. He touched Nick's arm and somberly stated, "Seriously though, Nick, I think it's great. She'll be good
for you. I'm happy for you two. Really."

Nick couldn't help it, no matter how much he tried, he couldn't stay mad at Schanke. A small smile curled his lips as he acknowledged his partner's kind words, "Thanks, Schanke. That means a lot to me."

Schanke waved him off as he placed the manila folder in front of him and mumbled, "Nah, don't mention it." Schanke shrugged his coat off and placed it to hang off the back of the chair he was seated in. He turned back to Nick and pushed the folder in front of him, stating proudly, "It's all finished though. Nat can go home anytime...if she wants to, that is."

Nick's finger slid across the side of the folder as he opened it up. He looked sideways at Schanke and questioned, "You caught the person responsible for the murder and Nat's attack?"

Schanke grinned, "Yeah...well...we got a tip. Somebody called the station and said they suspected something suspicious in a house on the outskirts of town. We sent a car over and they found the man had killed himself."

Nick thumbed through the papers in the file and read the official report carefully. "Jacob Tromley, 25, Indianapolis, Indiana."

Schanke lifted a couple of the papers and pointed. "He's been in all these cities over the past five years. Consequently, all of them have unsolved murders with multiple similarities to this case. We've wired them all and told them we think we have the perp." Schanke shrugged, commenting on the bright side, "At least there won't need to be the huge expense of all those trials."

Inwardly, Nick sighed. He couldn't help but feel sorry for Jacob being blamed for all the murders, when he knew Benjamin had committed them. He closed the file and questioned, "This mentions a note, Schanke. What did it say?"

Schanke took the folder from Nick and took a deep breath before he replied, "Well, it said he was sorry for all the pain and suffering he had caused over the years. He had read about similar cases from years ago and had wanted to see what it would be like to *pretend* to be a vampire of sorts. He apologized to all the families of his victims and then slit his own throat." Schanke paused, unable to believe what he was to say next and snorted, "Get this Nick, he even had a coffin in one of the rooms with bottles of blood that had been smashed on the floor. He was one sick puppy."

Nick's brow furrowed as he repeated, "Slit his throat? A coffin?"

"Yeah." Schanke took his hand and demonstrated on his own neck. "Sliced it from here to here. There was blood everywhere. The coffin was smashed. From what we could tell, he'd been dead a day...maybe less. Forensics is working on it."

Nick had to admit, LaCroix seemed to have done an excellent job of covering Benjamin's and Jacob's trails, even down to placing blood on the floor of the house to delay the questions as to why there was none in the body. Nick rubbed his hand over his face as he yawned, "Well then, I guess this case is finished?"

Schanke agreed as he reached behind him to grab his coat, "Yeah, seems so." Schanke pushed his chair out and began to put his coat on, then exclaimed suddenly, "Oh yeah! Almost forgot. Stonetree gave me a message for you."

Nick raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, "Oh?"

"Yeah." Schanke pulled the car keys from his coat pocket and grabbed the folder from the table as he continued, "He said to tell you to take the rest of the week off. Take care of Nat. You're both booked off until the beginning of next week. He said he'd smooth things out with Cohen when she got back."

Nick chuckled to himself, "Time off. What *will* I do with it?"

An evil gleam lit in Schanke's eyes as he suggested, twirling his car keys, "Oh, if I were you, I'd take special care of that little lady upstairs."

Nick rose from the table and escorted Schanke to the lift. He patted Schanke's shoulder and agreed with a grin, "You know, that might not be a bad idea."

Shocked, Schanke turned to his partner as Nick opened the lift. "I don't know if I'll be able to stand you in this mood. You're almost...nice."

Nick frowned and mockingly asked in a hurt and crushed tone, "I wasn't nice, before?"

Schanke hesitated as he stumbled over his words, "Well...yeah...but you know...there is a reason they all call you The Knightmare...you know?"

Nick couldn't help but laugh at Schanke's uneasiness. Slapping his partner's shoulder as Schanke entered the lift, Nick stated proudly, "Well, I guess I have the perfect remedy for that, now, don't I?" Nick stared up at the closed bedroom door, he teased, "I guess they
will just have to get used to it."

Schanke's mouth was hanging open when Nick turned back and closed the lift gate in his face.

Nick turned and leaned against the door as the laughter he could no longer suppress came bubbling out.

After a moment, his breathing calmed and he stared at the closed bedroom door. Nick had sensed her stirring as Schanke had departed in the lift. He quickly walked over to the stairs and reached for the rail with his hand, as his link with Nat was flooded with a gnawing, clawing pain.

Natalie was awake. The First Hunger had come.

End Chapter 32.



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Chapter 33
************
7:00 p.m. Thursday Evening
Nick's Loft

Natalie continued to toss in the bed as her dreams worsened. Richie was walking away with her Mom and Dad beside him. They were crying. What had she done? 'Mom...Dad...forgive me please!' Her mother slumped into her father's chest sobbing as Natalie felt herself being pulled away. She felt a heavy weight on her chest as the wind whipped around her again causing her hair to wave furiously in the breeze. As the clouds rolled overhead, the lightning streaked the sky. The thunder cracked and her head pounded with a ferocity she had never known. She looked again. Her parents had vanished while Richie stood alone, staring at her through the wind and rain that had begun to fall. Natalie clutched at her abdomen as she held her hand out to Richie, but he only bowed his head as a tear fell down his cheek. She fell to her knees as the throbbing in her head caused a wave of nausea to claim her. Her eyes clenched tight as a yearning built deep within her. 

With the blanket clenched in her fists, Natalie thrust upwards in the bed with her eyes glowing and fangs descended. A panic rose deep from within her as she looked around the room for the first time through the eyes of the vampire. Colors and light burned with the intensity and clarity of the images bombarding her. She released the blanket and clenched her hands against her ears. Her head was still throbbing and the aching from deep within was worsening. She closed her eyes and tried to concentrate as the feelings of intense hunger bombarded her body. 

She tried to calm her breathing as she realized the reason for her discomfort. A heart. A warm, beating heart was nearby...she was hungry. Her mouth watered as she tried to find the source of nourishment her body craved. Downstairs. It was coming from within
the loft somewhere. She threw the covers back off the bed as she quickly crossed the bedroom and reached for the knob of the door.

Nick could feel Natalie as she zeroed in with her senses. He ran up the staircase and was in front of the door when it came swinging open. 

Natalie startled briefly to see him standing there, but she took a step forward and tried to see past him into the loft. "Where is it, Nick?"

Cautiously, Nick put his hands up in front of him as he tried to back Natalie back into the room. "He's gone, Nat. Come over to the bed. I can help you."

Natalie tried to push past Nick, shouting in a panic as her fear overcame her, "NO! I need it! Bring him back!"

Nick grabbed her shoulders and held her forcibly in place. "Nat, please...you're not thinking clearly. Let me help you."

Her eyes flashed red as she pushed back against him. 

Nick let his own beast surface as he tried to subdue his child. With his eyes glowing and his fangs dropped, he grabbed Natalie and carried her to the bed as she kicked and screamed. He placed her on the bed and held her in place with one hand as he reached into the crate to grab a bottle of the substance she needed. He removed the cork with
his teeth and spit it away from the bed. As Natalie quieted, he held the bottle so she could get a whiff of the contents it contained.

Natalie felt her anger toward Nick develop quickly. If he didn't let her hunt her prey, she would use force if necessary. As he grabbed and lifted her, she felt an overwhelming sense of betrayal and feared for her own survival. She pounded at Nick's chest as he carried her back into the bedroom. She could tell the victim she had intended to
trap had already escaped and she would starve due to Nick's interference. 

She was held captive as Nick placed her on the bed, his hand holding her in place...why was Nick torturing her? He was supposed to care for her. Natalie closed her eyes and felt the burning hunger control her every action and thought as she stilled beneath his touch. A blood tear fell down the side of her cheek as Natalie sobbed, "You
said you loved me, Nick...why are you hurting me?"

He wrapped an arm around her and lifted her against his chest as he placed the bottle to her lips, responding to her tormented accusation, "Drink, Nat. I'm not hurting you. I'm just trying to keep you from making a huge mistake. This is what you need."

Natalie felt a renewed sense of hunger as the smell assaulted her senses. She grabbed the bottle from Nick's hands and gulped its contents in the same amount of time it took him to grab another bottle from the crate and uncork it. They continued until Natalie had
drained nearly six bottles of the nourishment and slumped breathing heavily against Nick's chest. 

Nick took the half finished bottle from her hand and placed it on the nightstand. He pulled Natalie snugly against him and combed his fingers through her hair as she continued to breathe deeply against him. "It's okay, Nat. The worst is over." He placed a light kiss
against the top of her head as she held tightly to his robe.

Nick continued to hold Natalie for a few more minutes as she tried to calm herself. His eyes had returned to their clear blue as Natalie's own blue eyes rose up to meet his. He gently cupped her cheek in his hand as he smiled at her, welcoming her to her new existence, "Hi, feeling better?"

Natalie nodded as she felt a sense of shame at her actions. She pulled away from Nick and sat on the bed clutching her knees to her chest. 

Nick moved to her side and placed his hands around her shoulders, trying to calm her with his assurances, "It's okay, Nat. Your reaction was normal. You didn't do anything to be ashamed of."

She buried her face into her arms and sobbed, "I could have. Oh Nick...I could have killed someone. I had no control. None at all!"

Nick rubbed gently on her back as she cried. No matter what he tried, he seemed to be doing everything wrong. He hadn't wanted Natalie to feel guilt...and here she was...first night as a vampire and she was crying over her actions. 

Natalie's crying softened as she sensed Nick's own remorse of bringing her across. She sniffled and turned her head toward him, noticing his eyes were closed and head slightly bowed. She reached over and gently touched his cheek and his face turned slowly to her as he opened his eyes. She smiled, lifting her head up from her knees, and moved to
lean against his chest as she tried to reaffirm their decision. "You had no choice, Nick. If we hadn't done this, I'd be dead now."

Nick sighed as he wrapped his arms around her, "I know...I just wish..." 

Natalie noticed Nick had stopped, stared into his troubled face and questioned, "You wish what, Nick?"

He frowned as his fingers traced her chin and explained, "I just wish it had been under different circumstances. You now know I love you, I just wish I could have taken my time and asked you in my own way to join me when the time was right. Instead, we had to rush. I didn't even let you have your final day in the sun or watch your last sunset."

Natalie clasped his hand as he finished. "No regrets, Nick. It's done. I don't mind that I didn't get to see another sunset. I have you for all eternity...that's what matters now." She raised his palm to kiss it, but stopped suddenly. She turned his hand in hers and
looked curiously into his face, "Nick, when did this heal?"

Nick had already noticed his hand earlier in the day when he had changed into his pajamas. He held it up and he responded as they both inspected it, "I'm not sure. I think it was sometime after I bit you." He looked down into her face and stated, "LaCroix said it would heal when the circle was completed."

"Circle?"

Nick shrugged, commenting, "I don't know Nat, I'd never heard of it before. He said something about when a cold heart was warmed...or some such thing."

Natalie pulled away from him and wondered aloud, "Nick, was it possible you were changing?"

Oddly, Nick looked at his healed hand, and considered her suggestion, "Changing...to mortal?"

Natalie nodded her head, continuing with her line of thought, "Yeah, a cold heart being warmed. Did LaCroix know something we didn't?"

Nick simply shook his head and answered, "I don't know, Nat...but it doesn't matter. Not now. We're together...that's what matters." He raised an eyebrow after he had quoted her very words. He leaned down and kissed her tenderly as she began to raise another question. 

Natalie relaxed into his kiss...he was right, no matter what might have been happening to him, there was nothing they could do. They were both creatures of the night now.

End Chapter 33.




************
Chapter 34
************
11:00 p.m. Saturday Evening
Wooded Area

"Shoot!"

Stumbling on the icy tree root, Natalie grasped quickly to the limb before falling unceremoniously to the ground. As she landed on her rump, she was rewarded with the snow from the limb landing on top of her head. In a daze, she sat up on the ground shaking the snow from her hair. A small moan escaped her lips as she looked down and saw the discoloration of her ankle. As the last of the snow melted in her hair, she watched the darkened colors of her ankle fade back to a pale white and the pain which had been there was now nonexistent. 

She brushed her hands against her jeans and once again stood on her feet. She tested the strength of her foot...everything seemed fine. She took two steps forward, then suddenly found herself tackled into the wet snow. As she landed with a thud she yelled at him, "Nick! Will you stop that! This is only training...get off me now!"

Nick pinned her to the ground as he straddled over her and demanded, "You have got to pay more attention, Nat. If I had been any other vampire or even a hunter, you'd be dead now."

Natalie blew a lock of hair out of her face as she stared up at the golden-eyed creature that held her captive. Frustration mounted as she recalled how Nick had insisted on leaving the city in order to give her a few tips on the finer arts of being a vampire. Although being tackled in the woods, in the middle of the night, wasn't exactly her idea of fun. When he had first suggested the plan, she had been intrigued at the idea of getting Nick alone for a few days all to herself. But once they had arrived at Schanke's secluded mountain cabin, all thoughts of a romantic get-away were quickly dashed from her mind as Nick began her training regiment.

Nick's eyes had changed back to the familiar blue she had grown to love as he stared sternly down at her. "Nat, this is for your own good. You have got to concentrate."

She nodded sorrowfully as Nick gently grasped her wrists and pulled her up with him from the ground. Natalie brushed at the snow on her sweater as Nick combed his fingers through her hair and pushed it behind her ear. 

"Don't be mad at me, Nat." His voice was filled with regret at having tackled her. But she had to learn. It was better for him be a little rough now, than for her to learn the hard way someday. He placed his hand on her shoulder and requested, smiling at her, "Say you forgive me?"

Natalie was staring down at the ground as Nick tried to apologize. She felt very inept at being a vampire. It seemed as though she was failing every lesson Nick was trying to teach her. Her eyes began to fill with tears as she felt Nick place his finger beneath her chin and lift her face to his. 

Once he saw the shimmering reflections in her eyes, Nick pulled her into his embrace and tried to soothe her. "It'll get easier, Nat. You've only been training a couple of days."

She laid her head against his chest and let a small sob escape, "I'm trying Nick. Really...I am. I just never figured it would be so hard, you always made it seem so easy."

Nick ran his hands through her hair, speaking soothingly as she relaxed against him, "Of course I made it look easy, Nat. I've had nearly 800 years of practice and experience." He gently kissed the top of her head and declared, "That's enough for tonight, let's head
back to the cabin."

************

Natalie sat in front of the fireplace with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. She took a sip from the goblet in her hand as she stared into the flames. 

Nick entered the room and noticed her somber mood. He knew she didn't really need the blanket, but he had noticed it seemed to soothe her draping it around herself. He walked over and lowered himself to sit beside her on the floor.

Natalie noticed him sitting and moved over a little to give him room.

Once he was seated beside her, he placed his goblet on the floor in front of him and remarked, "Do you want to talk or something, Nat?"

Nat only shook her head 'no' as she took another sip from the goblet, staring at the fire. 

Nick sighed inwardly, he still couldn't get use to the picture of Natalie drinking blood. His fingers traced lazily along the wooden floor as he stared at her features in the firelight. 

She had grown quiet and withdrawn from him since they had arrived at the cabin. He figured part of her reactions was his fault. He wanted Natalie to learn everything she would need to know about being a vampire without any outside influence. Especially...one Lucien LaCroix's influence. If he could not train Natalie adequately, he knew LaCroix would have no qualms about teaching her himself. So, in order for Natalie to learn, he had possibly distanced himself too far away from her. He could still remember the hurt expression in her eyes the first night they had arrived and he had shown her the
separate bedrooms.

Natalie swirled the remaining liquid in her glass before upending it and swallowing its contents. She placed the empty glass on the end table as she took a quick glance sideways towards Nick. He was gazing back into the fire, his mind obviously on other matters. His mood since their arrival at the cabin had totally confused her. She
thought Nick loved her. Cared for her. All of the signals she had received from him before she was brought across were a major contradiction to the way he was treating her now. She had imagined that once she had become a vampire, there would be no more barriers in
their way. They should have been free to express their love. Instead, her mind had been plagued with questions and doubts upon their arrival at the cabin...ever since he had insisted on the separate rooms. 

She sighed heavily at the memory, more so than she had intended, and Nick turned to her. Their eyes locked on each other and she couldn't help but turn away from him. She let the blanket fall from her shoulders as she whispered, "I'm going to go lie down, Nick."

Nick grabbed Natalie's hand stopping her, "Nat?"

Natalie couldn't bring herself to look into his face. She still looked away from him as she stated, "I'm just going to take a little nap. I'll be out later for more lessons." Her voice had been sarcastic as she tried to stand, but Nick's grip on her hand tightened. 

"I think we need a small lesson right now, Nat." He reached over and grabbed her shoulder turning her to face him. Natalie's pain-stricken eyes met his again as he placed his hand on her cheek and commanded, "Look at me, Nat. Open your mind to me."

Natalie's eyes widened, she knew where this lesson was heading. She closed her eyes tightly and began to hum lightly as her voice trembled, "No, I don't want to. My thoughts and feelings are my own."

"That won't stop me, Nat." His hand rested on her shoulder again as she continued humming. He reached out through their link to prove his point to her. 

As Natalie continued to hum, she felt Nick's intrusion into her mind. She gasped as her reddened eyes shot open and her beast glared at him, screaming, "HOW DARE YOU!" Her hand rose swiftly to strike him, but he only grabbed her wrist, easily stopping it in mid-air.

Nick's eyes changed to a golden hue as a low growl escaped Natalie's chest and her fangs protruded from her lips. He pushed her back onto the floor of the cabin, pinning her beneath him as he asked, "What have I done? You're angry at me and you won't let me in....why?"

Natalie snarled and tried pushing Nick from off top of her. It wasn't fair; he was bigger and stronger than she was. She pushed again, only to have Nick stare suspiciously down at her. Realizing there was no real way she could dislodge Nick off her, she rested her head against the wooden floor as she spat, "No, you wouldn't have a clue, would you?"

Nick regarded her carefully as his beast indulged in his superior strength over its captive. His face dropped down close to hers as he sneered through his fangs, "Why don't you enlighten me?"

Natalie screamed as she pushed against him again. 

Taken off guard for only an instant, Nick tightened his hold on her arms as she snapped at his neck. He reared his head back quickly before she was able to make contact. Even though he knew Nat was upset, he couldn't help but feel aroused at her actions. As Nick
looked down into her face he pleaded, "Nat, will you stop that and answer the question?"

She placed her head on the floor again, closing her eyes as she panted. He was just too big. She couldn't budge him. Her breathing was labored as his weight crushed her to the floor. She opened her eyes and stared into his golden orbs, feeling her own beast calm as
she lost herself in his gaze. 

Intuitively, she moistened her lips and was rewarded with a small growl from deep within Nick's chest. She let her tongue caress her fangs as she watched his struggle. For some odd reason, he was resisting her, but she was a woman...he didn't stand a chance. She
closed her eyes as she exposed her throat to his gaze and suggested enticingly, "Don't you want me, Nick? Haven't you dreamed of loving me?"

It was Nick's turn to pant. When the hell had the tables turned? Instead of learning what was wrong, she was seducing him. It was working. Nick's hands slid down her arms until his fingers entwined with hers. Her chest was heaving up toward him as her blood called
him. He closed his eyes and tried to shake the cobwebs and her spell from his mind as he replied adamantly, "Nat, we can't."

Natalie frowned and questioned, pouting as her body wiggled beneath him, "But why? I want you and I can tell...you want me too, Nick. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. I need to feel you, Nick...know all of you."

Nick's eyes rolled back in his head as Natalie pushed up against the floor with her elbows and gently kissed the side of his neck, raining kisses down until she had come to the base of his throat. Her hand snaked behind his neck, drawing him closer, as he groaned at the
wonderful sensation she was causing. He was definitely losing this battle. 

Natalie's mouth suckled against the vein in his neck as her fingers racked gently down the side of his cheek. In a sultry voice she rasped, "Kiss me, Nick."

As a cry somewhere between a yelp and ecstasy escaped his throat, Nick captured her lips with his in a searing kiss. He abandoned his reason as the woman he loved responded to his every touch and thought. He kissed her eyelids and trailed kisses across her cheek to her ear. He captured her earlobe in his mouth and suckled as he breathed heavily, "Do you know how much I love you?"

Natalie was lost in the emotions and feelings of her new vampire body. Every nerve was ignited as Nick kissed and suckled against her skin. She was so lost in the wave of love and warmth flooding their link, unable to verbally respond to him. She shook her head 'yes'. 

Nick kissed her again and stated honestly, "It frightens me...to love so deeply." He kissed her again causing her to moan into his mouth as his tongue caressed her fangs. He released her and his lips lowered to the vein throbbing in her neck. He looked up into her eyes and beckoned, "Come with me, Nat, feel the full sensuality of the vampire. More than any mere mortal coupling, the intimacy we can share as vampires is beyond imagination. Let me share everything...become one with you."

Natalie needed little coaxing as he exposed the side of his neck to her. She kissed him gently, and then her fangs penetrated the artery releasing Nick's blood into her mouth. The full force of his love and devotion bombarded her mind. His love of her shone above all else. She drank deeply, surprised he held nothing back from her. She saw places and images that meant little to her, but they had a major impact upon his life. She realized she had an eternity to learn about him...and she was happy. For the first time in her life, she was truly one with another. She was floating on a sea of love, hope, and faith as they melded into one soul.

As Natalie's fangs penetrated him for the first time, he felt sadness and joy. Natalie was truly his one and only true love. The fact they had finally been able to consummate their love overwhelmed him. As Natalie drank from him, Nick pushed the sweater back from her shoulder exposing the cool, creamy flesh to his lips. He kissed gently as his fangs scraped along her delicate skin. As Natalie learned from his blood, his fangs broke the delicate flesh of her shoulder as he held her back between her shoulder blades. He heard a small moan of ecstasy from Natalie as he began to drink of his love's blood. She was so precious to him; he wouldn't fail her.

As the circle of love was completed, they delighted in the sense of peace they derived from each other. Once they had spent themselves, they removed their fangs from one another and Nick rolled to his side beside Natalie. 

Natalie lay panting with her eyes closed as Nick's hand gently pushed a lock of her hair from her face. Her head lulled to the side as her eyes opened and she commented, smiling, "That wasn't what I expected."

A boyish grin appeared on Nick's face as his hand grabbed hers. Playfully, he teased, "Why not? I thought our lovemaking was beautiful."

Natalie corrected herself quickly, "Oh it was...it's just...I thought." She closed her eyes tightly as she tried to think of the words. She couldn't believe it, she was a doctor and she couldn't even find the words to express her own sexual desires or what she thought they were. She looked back at Nick and, noticing the laughter about to bubble from him, cried out in frustration, "What?"

Nick snickered as he buried his head in her shoulder, "You thought we would..." He looked up wiggling his eyebrows at her, causing her to blush. 

Natalie gasped, "Well yeah...don't vampires?" She felt so stupid. Why wasn't she able to say it? She took a deep breath and blurted, "Intercourse...okay? Why didn't we have sex?"

Nick couldn't contain his laughter any longer. He cupped her face in his hand as he laughed into her hair. "I'm sorry, Nat. Really I am."

Natalie huffed, "What's so funny?"

Nick tried containing his amusement as he chuckled, "Yeah, vampires have intercourse. But this...what we just did...is also a form of sex for us. We *can* do both."

"Both? Then why didn't we?" There it was again, her uneasiness at the topic. She rolled her eyes toward the ceiling as she tried to keep from strangling the snickering lover beside her.

Nick noticed her irritation at his actions. He coughed as he tried to bring himself under control. His fingertip turned her chin to him and promised, "We will, my love. When the time is right."

While Natalie's puzzled eyes studied him, Nick reached down and removed a small pouch from his jeans pocket. He had intended to save this for later, but now seemed to be the perfect time. His fingers untied the small knot on the top of the bag and he poured its contents into his palm. He turned back to Natalie and pulled her into a sitting position as he rose on one knee. He took Natalie's left hand in his as he slid the ring onto her finger. His sparkling eyes met hers as his voice lowered and huskily asked, "Natalie Lambert, will
you do me the honor of being my wife?"

End Chapter 34.

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************
Chapter 35
************
1:00 a.m. Sunday Morning
Schanke's Cabin

Natalie's mouth was agape as she stared at the ring on her finger. It was a simple gold band with an oddly shaped stone set in the center. She lifted her hand up to examine the ring as her voice stumbled,"I...I don't know what to say, Nick."

A boyish grin grew on his face as Nick caressed her cheek and spouted enthusiastically, "I hoped you'd say yes!"

Natalie blinked and looked into Nick's face. A smile formed as her arms flew around his neck and she shrieked, "Of course the answer is YES, silly!" She captured his lips and kissed him with a passion he eagerly returned.

After a few moments of kissing and holding one another, Nick reluctantly released Natalie. He proclaimed, "I love you so much, Nat."

Natalie ran her fingers through his hair as her eyes sparkled in the glow of the fire. "I love you too. I never dreamed this day would happen." The stone in the ring seemed to change color as it caught a fragment of firelight. She lowered her hand from his hair and moved
the ring closer to examine it. "Nick, what kind of stone is this?"

Nick took her hand in his as he looked down at the ring on her finger and told her about the ring, "The stone is called a sapphire, but in this case...and more specifically, a color change sapphire. They are very interesting stones. The color appears different depending on the type of light present. Outdoors in sunlight, they appear bright blue. Indoors, they turn violet like fine amethyst. There are other color change combinations which exist, such as blue to green." He held Natalie's hand tighter against his chest as he looked into her
eyes and divulged the ring's origin, "It was my mother's ring." 

Natalie gasped, "Oh Nick...are you sure you want me to have it?" She stared again at the ring on her finger. "I mean, your Mom...shouldn't you..."

Nick placed his finger on her lips to silence her and countered, "It was meant for my bride, Nat." He paused for a moment considering, then continued, "My mother was an amazing woman. Toward the end of her life, she summoned me home. I didn't even know she knew where I was. I assumed she thought I had perished long before. I had had no contact with her for over 10 years...at least until her letter came explaining she was dying."

Natalie placed her hand on his shoulder and uttered in sympathy, "Oh, Nick."

He smiled serenely at her. His mind was lost in his memories of the past as he continued his story. "She had written that she wanted me to return home one last time. I had considered denying her request, but something in her note caught my eye. She had written, 'I don't blame you for the choice you made, my son. I know a part of the Nicholas I love still remains, after seeing the sacrifice of your heart for your sister's future...a mother knows her son's heart. I still love you no matter what you have become, because I know a part of you is still good.'" Nick hesitated for a moment, shuddering at the memory before continuing, "I never told her, but Nat, she knew I was a vampire. She must have witnessed what had happened in the garden my final night home...the bargain I had made with LaCroix. We were so engrossed in our own squabble that I never knew she was there. All those years, I had stayed away and she knew." Nick stared into Natalie's face with disbelief. 

"I left LaCroix and Janette and flew for home as fast as I could. When I arrived, she was already failing. I went to her bedside and she looked up at me. She took my hand in hers as she motioned me to sit beside her. She stroked the side of my face as her tears of joy
fell down her cheeks. She pulled me to her and kissed me on the forehead and as I sat back up, I noticed she had placed something in my hand. I looked down and it was her wedding ring. I began to protest, but she closed my hand on the ring and said, 'If you ever
find your true love, Nicholas...give her this ring and spend the rest of your life loving her.' She smiled at me and with her dying breath she whispered, 'Be happy, my son...that's all I ever really wanted...your happiness.'"

Nick stared down at his hands entwined with Natalie's as the emotion of the memory flooded him. He lifted his face and their eyes met, commenting softly, "I know she would approve, Nat. You are the only one I have ever *truly* loved with all my heart." Natalie took a deep breath before asking, "Even more than Alyssa?" 

Nick was taken back a moment. Alyssa. The sweet innocent he had married so many years before, trying to make his life *seem* normal. At the time, he had thought that playing at being the Lord of the Manor would make his life real again. Only his dreams were shattered when he, inadvertently, killed Alyssa on their wedding night by taking
too much. 

Nick shook his head for a moment, trying to dispel the painful memories. He should have realized Nat would have found out about Alyssa when they shared their blood. Nick held Nat's hands tightly and tried explaining, "Nat, Alyssa was special and yes, I did love
her. Even then, somehow I knew that she was not the person my mother meant to have this ring. She wasn't my true love, the other half of my soul. I can't take back what happened to her and that I do regret." He placed his hand on Natalie's cheek and professed, "I hoped that someday I would find my true love and now I know without any doubt that I have. I love you, Nat...only you."

Natalie felt she would burst from both sadness and joy. She leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips, whispering her promise, "I'll never take it off, Nick. Never."

Nick wrapped his arms around her and held her against him as her arms wrapped around him and she began to gently rub his shoulders through his silken shirt. Nick's breathing quickened and he felt his body's response to his growing desire as Natalie's hand trailed slowly upwards until her fingers tangled in his hair. He knew his eyes had changed to a golden hue as he reluctantly pushed Natalie away from him, flashed an evil fanged grin her direction, and stated, "Since we've already waited four years, I fully intend on us waiting until our wedding night."

Natalie was panting heavily as her eyes changed and her body ached to become one with him. Her eyes widened in shock, as she exclaimed, "WAIT!? You can't be serious?" 

Nick rose from the floor and took her hand in his. He lifted her up and pulled her against his body. 

Natalie could feel his arousal at her closeness and moaned against his chest. She kissed and suckled the side of Nick's neck.

Nick huskily warned, "Nat...I'm very serious. We'll wait." He groaned again as Natalie moved against him. He grabbed her waist to stop her movement. "If I can endure the agony of waiting to take you...you can too."

Frustrated, Natalie looked into his face and whimpered, "But why, Nick? Why do you want to wait?"

His finger gently outlined her face as he looked deeply into her eyes, golden with desire. He admitted, "Nat, I saw it in *your* blood. You've always known how you wanted your wedding. Regardless of what your body is telling you now, you've always dreamed of loving your husband on your wedding night...not before." He placed his finger under her chin and smiled as he murmured, "Am I right?"

Natalie cringed. She rolled her eyes as she conceded defeat, "Yeah, I guess. I just never thought...I mean...can't I change my mind?" 

Nick laughed as he hugged her to him and replied, "No, you can't. We're doing this one by the book." He gently kissed the top of her head as he concentrated on quieting his desires. "When do you want to get married?"

Natalie sighed into his chest, "Now?" She looked up at him and nervously laughed.

Nick noticed her eyes had changed back to the blue he loved. He kissed her tenderly on the lips and responded, "Well no, I can't arrange it that fast, but it will be soon. I don't think either of us wants to wait any longer than we have to." 

As Nick held Natalie in his embrace, he began to think of their future. His jovial mood changed as his brow furrowed. 

Natalie sensed something serious was bothering him. She looked up and noticed his sullen expression, and then asked, "Nick, what is it?"

He swallowed hard as his troubled eyes gazed into hers and he whispered, "Nat, we are going to have to leave Toronto."

The reality of his words hit her like a ton of bricks. She emphatically began to protest, "Nick. NO! I don't want to leave. Our friends...our work, it's here. We can't leave." 

Nick shook his head as he continued, "I know you love Toronto. You love your work, but Nat...you have to look at the bigger picture now. You're a vampire. You need a lot more training...years of it." He took her hands in his before continuing. "Nat, you can't go back to work tomorrow evening."

Natalie backed slowly away from him, releasing his hands. "What?"

Nick approached her slowly and tried to make her understand, "Nat, you have some control, but very little. What do you think will happen if you're called out to a crime scene? The smell of the blood will overpower you. You haven't had enough training or time to control your body's natural response."

Her eyes met his, pleading for understanding, as she hesitantly responded, "I can control it, Nick...I can." 

Nick placed his hands on her arms as he tried to reason with her, "Nat...you've seen me. Even after 800 years, I've almost fallen apart at a crime scene. You've been a vampire a short time. If I can't control it after nearly 800 years, what makes you think you can after
only a few days?"

Natalie knew Nick was speaking the truth. He wasn't intentionally trying to hurt her, only stating the facts. "I know." She lowered her face as she bit at her bottom lip and stated sadly, "I should resign...immediately." She looked up into his face and begged, "What about Grace's wedding next Saturday night? I can still go...right?" Her head tilted sideways as she persisted, "I'm the Maid of Honor, Nick...I have to go." Her hand gently caressed his cheek, pleading with him, "Please."

Nick captured her hand and kissed her palm before replying, "I think that's doable...except..." 

Natalie took in a deep breath as Nick spoke. She was afraid he'd come up with some reason she wouldn't be able to participate in the wedding. 

Nick's eyes began to sparkle as he noticed the concern in hers and countered with his own question, "...how about being her Matron of Honor instead?"

Natalie's face lit up. She wrapped her arms around Nick's neck as she kissed his cheek and mumbled, "I love you." Her kisses trailed to his ear as she whispered, "You just name the time and place and I'll be there."

End Chapter 35.

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***********
Chapter 36
***********
One Week Later
8 a.m. Saturday Morning
Nick's Loft

Nick held Natalie close to him as they lingered near the doorway to the bedroom. His hands slowly caressed down the sides of the silky dress that clung to her small frame. His finger came up and lifted her chin until her lips met his in a romantic kiss. 

Natalie wrapped her arms around Nick's neck as she leaned closer to his muscular body. Her fingers played in his hair as she relaxed into the feeling and sensations emanating from him. 

Nick's arms wrapped around Natalie as his hands worked their way up and into her hair. He gently removed the pins holding her hair up and gazed down at her as the hair gently cascaded around her shoulders. His hands slowly stroked the auburn locks as he removed a flower from her hair and took a whiff of its fragrance. He gazed back down into her eyes as his hand gently traced her cheek and declared, "I love you."

Natalie smiled as she felt Nick's love radiate through their link. She leaned closer, placing her head on his shoulder. She kissed the side of his neck and whispered into his ear, "I love you too."

Nick kissed the top of her forehead and groaned as he heard the phone ringing downstairs. 

Natalie tilted her head up to capture his mouth with hers as she suggested, "Let the machine get it." She sighed as her lips met his.

Nick knew she didn't need to repeat it. He happily returned Natalie's kiss and slowly backed her into the bedroom. As the machine downstairs had finished its greeting and the beep sounded, Nick had moved Natalie to the side of the bed.

Grace's frantic voice could be heard from downstairs and Natalie's kisses ceased as she heard the hysterics in her friend's voice.

Before Nick knew what happened, he was holding only the flower in thin air. As he walked back to the bedroom door and looked downstairs, he saw Natalie grabbing the receiver.

"Grace, what's wrong?"

Nick walked forward, placing his hands on the railing and stared down with concern at Natalie. His vampire hearing could hear every choked syllable and sob as Grace explained her dilemma to Nat. 

Natalie looked sympathetically up at Nick. Nick sighed as he shook his head yes and re-entered the bedroom. After a few more moments, Natalie returned the receiver to its cradle. She moaned inwardly and turned to look up at Nick as she noticed he was re-emerging from the bedroom. "Are you very upset?" Natalie asked.

Nick had changed his clothing and was walking down the stairs toward her as he admitted, "Well, yeah, but Grace can't very well get ready for her wedding without any power at her place. It's not her fault the utility company shut everything off on the wrong date." As he
neared Nat, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close as he kissed the tip of her nose and added, "We'll have an eternity to love one another, Nat." He captured her lips with his again and kissed her deeply. As he released her, he whispered, "You had better change before she gets here." 

Natalie's hand cupped the side of his face as she smiled, "An eternity of loving you, I like the sound of that." She kissed him quickly on the cheek, and then left him to go up and change before Grace arrived.

********
8 p.m. Saturday Evening
Grace's Wedding

Natalie stood behind Grace adjusting the long train on her gown. It had been a hectic day, but they had finally arrived at the hotel that housed the expansive ballroom Grace had rented for the evening. 

When Grace and Natalie had arrived earlier, they had made a quick check of everything. The caterer and orchestra were busy setting up for the reception to follow. They had checked every small detail, right down to pre-lighting the wick of the unity candle that was to be lit by Grace and Terence once they had exchanged rings. 

Natalie had watched as the florist carried armfuls of flowers into the ballroom. She guessed that every corner of the room had been stuffed with every pink, blue and pale peach flower in Toronto.

Natalie turned and grabbed the bridal bouquet from the box the florist had given her earlier and handed it to Grace. As Grace turned, Natalie smiled and commented, "Grace, you're beautiful. Terence is one lucky man to be getting you." 

Taking the bouquet from Natalie, Grace chuckled nervously, "Yeah?"

Natalie nodded and hugged her long time friend and said, "Yeah. I hope you'll both be happy."

Grace pulled away from Natalie smiling. "We will."

Just as Grace was about to say something to Natalie, they each heard the wedding music begin to play. Grace's anxious eyes met Natalie's as the wedding coordinator motioned the two women to take their places behind the flower girl, Grace's niece. Grace took a deep breath and nervously laughed at Nat, "I'll be fine. Its just jitters."

The doors swung open and the young girl slowly began her march down the aisle, and once she had cleared the doors, they were closed again. Nat turned back to Grace, noticing her fidgeting nervously with the front of her gown, and assured her friend, "Grace, you're fine."

With a touch of his hand, Natalie noticed the wedding coordinator standing beside her. He listened intently to the music as he began to motion toward the doors. As Natalie checked her own gown, she sensed a feather touch against her mind. She smiled warmly as she felt
Nick's presence in the adjoining room. He was checking up on her...seeing how she was holding up. She answered his concern with a loving touch back, reassuring him she was fine. 

Even after being a vampire for nearly two weeks, this connection with Nick still amazed her. As she waited patiently for her turn to walk down the aisle, Nat reflected on all the effort she'd put in the past weeks. Her beginnings had troubled her, but after that night in the cabin...she was now more confident. It seemed like, once the question of her future with Nick had been decided, she could concentrate fully on what he was teaching her. As she stood beside her best friend in control of her urges, she knew all the hard work had been worth it. 

As the wedding music played on, the coordinator motioned again and the doors to the grand ballroom opened wide. Natalie smiled brightly as she started her march down the aisle before Grace. She was radiant in the dark blue dress. The crushed velvet gown with the French lace glided elegantly around Natalie as she marched down the aisle. As she
approached Nick, she smiled coyly and lowered her head as she passed him. 

Nick's breath caught in his chest as he noticed Natalie. Her hair was up, with the ends trailing loosely about her bare shoulders. As she passed him, he couldn't help but notice the open back with lace trimming. He could feel his temperature rise as the gown enhanced Natalie's natural gracefulness and figure.

Myra and Donald Schanke were seated beside Nick. As Natalie passed, Schanke couldn't help but punch Nick in the ribs and whisper, "You *really* need to do something about her...you know? You can't let something that gorgeous slip through your fingers and get away."

Nick only smiled and whispered back into Schanke's ear, "I'm working on it, Schanke."

Schanke's comment on her appearance caused Natalie to giggle. She couldn't help but wonder how Nick would *work on her* later. Her increased hearing was one aspect of being a vampire that fascinated her. Once Natalie reached the front, she moved off to the side and turned back toward the doors. The organist looked back at the doors, and then went into to full swing with 'Here Comes the Bride'.

Terence moved forward and smiled when he saw Grace finally emerge from the doors. He had been waiting patiently all this time, but now he was rewarded with the woman he loved walking towards him.

As Grace passed her family, friends and coworkers, she smiled happily at them. Once she was close to the front of the aisle, she focused her eyes forward and noticed the smile on Terence's face at the sight of her slowly making her way towards him. She smiled nervously and looked to Nat. As Natalie shifted, something odd...like a flash of blue...caught Grace's eye. She looked again and saw it. 

Grace took her place beside Terence and handed her bouquet to Natalie. As she did, Natalie noticed an odd expression on Grace's face, but couldn't figure out what it was about. After a shared glance between the two women, Grace turned back and the wedding
ceremony continued.

Grace and Terence said their vows to one another and lit the unity candle. After only a few minutes, they turned to their friends, family and coworkers and were introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Terence Winthorp. The couple marched back down the aisle with the wedding party trailing behind. 

Once Grace and Terence had gone through the doors, Grace turned and waited impatiently for Natalie to exit into the foyer. Once Natalie was there, Grace grabbed her, pulled her to the side, and chided, "Have you got something to tell me?"

Natalie stared blankly at her and asked, "What?"

Grace grabbed Natalie's hand and pulled it up, teasingly demanding an answer, "What about these?

Natalie noticed her rings sparkling in the lighting of the foyer. She rolled her eyes slightly and noticed Nick coming up beside her. She stared at Grace and snickered, "Why Grace, I don't know what to say?" 

Nick was smiling as he approached, since he had been watching the scene unfold before him with great interest and amusement.

As Nick wrapped his arm possessively around Natalie's waist, Natalie stared at Grace and announced, "I guess you'll just have to ask my *husband* about them."

End Chapter 36.

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***********
Chapter 37
***********
9 p.m. Saturday Evening
Grace's Wedding Reception

Grace cornered Natalie to talk with, while Nick was getting the third degree from Schanke for not letting him know sooner about their marriage. Grace hugged Natalie then pulled back as an evil gleam sparkled in her eyes and she asked teasingly, "So...was he worth the
wait?"

Natalie stared back puzzled for a moment, and then understood what Grace meant. Natalie rubbed at her nose and snickered, "Well, actually Grace, I wouldn't know yet."

A confused look crossed Grace's features as she looked back at Nick, and then at Nat. "What do you mean you don't know? You're married. I would have thought you would have..."

Natalie held her hands up laughing, "We will, Grace. It's just we were interrupted. This morning."

"Interrupted?" Grace's brow furrowed, then a small apologetic look came over her, as she mumbled, "Oh Nat, I'm sooo sorry. This morning, it didn't even dawn on me. I called when the power went out at my place and spent the whole day with you. Why didn't you tell me to get lost or something?!? I would have understood if you had explained. I still can't believe I was with you all day and didn't even notice your rings until this evening."

Nick smiled as he could overhear Grace's discussion with Nat. Schanke was still complaining about not knowing sooner, when Nick interjected, "I'm sorry, Schanke, it was a spur of the moment decision. When I got off duty last night, I made a few phone calls then went to the loft and got Nat. I barely told her what we were doing before we did it. It was a simple ceremony, just her and I with the Justice of the Peace."

Schanke stood there with his mouth hanging open a moment before commenting, "Man oh man, for years you two proclaim it's *just friends* and in only two weeks, you're husband and wife. Boy Nick, when you move, you move fast!" 

A lopsided grin formed on Nick's face as he disclosed, "Yeah, well, I guess I had the right motivation." Nick looked over at Natalie as he realized how lucky he really was.

Schanke slapped him on the back as his gaze followed Nick's. "Well, just take care of her. There aren't many like her these days. I'm going to miss you two."

Nick turned and regarded Schanke fondly, "I know that, Schanke, but thanks for saying it. Nothing will happen to her if I can have any say in the matter. I've learned my lesson over the past few weeks. I'm very lucky to have her in my life."

*******

Captain Cohen was standing and talking with Captain Stonetree when the news of Nick and Natalie's marriage reached their ears. They turned and saw the couple dancing on the floor and Amanda sighed, "Well, I know when Natalie called in and resigned earlier in the week, it shocked the whole forensics department. She had her open cases sent over to Knight's place and closed everything." Cohen sighed as she continued, "But no one was more shocked than me when Knight walked in that very same night and placed a one week's notice of resignation on my desk." 

Stonetree placed his punch on the table as he listened to Cohen before responding, "Really? I had heard a rumor he had put in a resignation. But I wasn't sure."

Amanda nodded and continued, "Yeah...at the time, he only said it was personal. I tried to talk him into just taking a leave of absence, but I guess they have other plans. Can't say I blame them, though. It sounded lovely when Nick explained where they were moving to."

Stonetree took another sip of punch as he watched the happy couple and professed, "I always knew it would come to this. They were meant to be together."

The captains continued to watch the couple dancing on the floor.

<<What if I never knew
What if I never found you
I'd never have this feeling in my heart

How did this come to be
I don't know how you found me
But from the moment I saw you
Deep inside my heart I knew>>

Nick held Natalie close as they danced. He knew she was probably pushing herself more than she should. She had been around Grace all day and now she was around more mortals than she had been since he had brought her across. He squeezed her closer in his arms and whispered into her ear, "How are you doing?"

<<Baby you're my destiny
You and I were meant to be
With all my heart and soul
I give my love to have and hold
And as far as I can see
You were always meant to be, my destiny>>

Natalie tensed in his arms. "I'm okay, but I think I will need to get out of here soon." She looked up into his face and Nick could feel the strain through their link. Nat felt recharged as Nick held her close and conveyed the intensity of his strength to her.

<<I wanted someone like you
Someone that I could hold onto
And give my love until the end of time

But forever was just a word
Something I'd only heard about
But now you're always there for me
When you say forever I believe>>

Natalie pulled slightly away from Nick and looked over at their friends talking about them. She looked up at Nick and questioned, "This is the last time I'll see them, isn't it?"

<<Baby you're my destiny
You and I were meant to be
With all my heart and soul
I give my love to have and hold
And as far as I can see
You were always meant to be, my destiny>>

Nick placed his cheek against her forehead as he sighed, "Yes, Nat. We'll leave for Brabant day after tomorrow. I can't wait to show you my home." He looked down into her face and noticed a small tear forming in Natalie's eye. He brushed it away and tilted her head up to him as he reasoned sympathetically, "Nat, I know this is going to be hard, but we would have had to leave soon anyway. It will be easier for me to continue your training away from here. You still have so much to learn, you'll be happy at Brabant. You won't need to stop all contact with them at once, you can write and such for a few more years, but eventually you will have to cut all ties to this life." 

<<Maybe all we need, is just a little faith 
Cause baby I believe that love will find the way>>

Natalie could sense the concern in her link from Nick. He was saddened at having to move her away so quickly. Natalie kissed him tenderly on the lips and whispered, "I love you, Nick. I will be happy anywhere, as long as we are together, nothing else matters. You are my life now."

<<Oh, Baby you're my destiny
You and I were meant to be
With all my heart and soul
I give my love to have and hold
And as far as I can see
From now until eternity
You were always meant to be, my destiny>>

Myra and Don Schanke, Amanda Cohen, Captain Stonetree, Terence and Grace had gathered to watch the couple and Nick kissed Natalie once more before leading her from the dance floor. As the couple approached, Schanke pushed two glasses of champagne into their hands as Grace raised a glass up to them. "A toast. To my dearest friend and her new husband. May their life be filled with joy and happiness wherever they end up."

As glasses clinked together and well wishes were mumbled, Nick observed as Natalie discreetly pretended to drink the champagne in her goblet. Nick admired his wife. She had come quite far in only two weeks; he couldn't help but be proud of her. His arm wrapped around Natalie's waist as he pulled her close and accepted their well wishes, "Thank you, all. Natalie and I are going to miss all of you. We couldn't have asked for better friends than you."

********

Nick and Natalie mingled for another hour, then Nick could feel Natalie beseeching him to come up with an excuse for them to leave. As he wrapped her coat around her, he kissed the side of her neck and whispered, "I was so proud of you tonight. You did remarkably well for your first outing."

Natalie turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. A sultry smile crossed her lips as she lifted up on her toes and whispered, "Why thank you, dear, but all I want right now is to get home and continue what we were about to do this morning. After all,
this *is* my honeymoon."

Nick laughed as he captured Natalie's lips with his. He pulled back with the same evil glee sparkling in his eyes as he ushered her toward the door and rasped, "Anything Milady wishes is my command!"

End Chapter 37.

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******************
Chapter 38
Adult-OVER AGE 18 
******************
Midnight Saturday Night
Nick and Natalie's Loft

Natalie walked quietly around the loft. Her fingertips lightly traced the pile of drop cloths setting beside the leather couch as she glanced over her and Nick's belongings combined in one room. Sydney jumped down from his perch above the TV and wrapped himself around Natalie's ankles. She reached down, scooped him up into her arms, and scratched the top of his head. "I'll bet you're really confused. A new place, lots of hiding places." Natalie glanced at her furniture and sighed, "And I can only promise Syd, it's gonna get stranger."

Sydney only purred his response as he looked lazily up into her eyes. Natalie's reverie was broken when she heard Nick bounding back down the staircase and approached her with a huge grin on his face, something *definitely* hidden behind his back.

As Nick moved closer, Natalie placed Sydney on the couch and then wrapped her arms around her husband. Nick only laughed, pulled back and teased, "Nope, not yet." He pulled the box from behind his back and held it out to her, stating, "First, I want you to put this on."

Natalie looked at him curiously as she took the white box from his hands. "What's this?"

"A wedding present."

Natalie noticed a golden emblem on the box and held it up to the light. She read the label aloud, "Romantic Interludes." She looked up at him, cocked an eyebrow, and commented, "Why does that seem familiar?"

Nick was still grinning and only shrugged, suggesting, "Open it and find out."

Natalie placed the package on the coffee table as she bent over to open it. She pulled the lid off and pushed the tissue paper aside. She stood silently for a moment then carefully pulled the black satin gown from the box. She held the garment in front of her as she turned to Nick, smiling. "I remember this. It's the gown you caught me staring at on the Internet."

Nick's outstretched hand softly caressed her cheek as he confessed, "I've fantasized about seeing you in that gown ever since I caught you gazing at it." He leaned forward and tenderly kissed her on the lips. His voice was low and husky as he commanded, "Put it on for me."

Natalie felt a delicious shiver run down her spine at Nick's voice. She kissed him on the lips as she passed, softly uttering, "I'll meet you upstairs." Before Nick could respond, she was up the stairs and in their bedroom.

Natalie felt slightly nervous and excited all at the same time. She removed her dress and underwear, and then eagerly pulled the gown over her head. The silk material hugged her body in all the right places as she examined herself in the mirror. Natalie could sense Nick's nervousness as he approached the bedroom door. She never dreamed he would be so anxious about their first time of lovemaking, but she was positive this was just another of his qualities she loved.

Nick waited a few moments before walking up the staircase. He wanted to make sure she had plenty of time to change before he opened the door and peered in. He didn't want to spoil the fun of unwrapping his present. He entered the room slowly in anticipation. 

The light of flickering candles danced around the room, banishing the darkness to the far corners. He noticed Natalie's back was to him, as she leaned over to light the last of the candles beside the bed. Nick quietly closed the door behind him, and then stared at the beautiful vision by his bed. When she turned, her eyes gleamed in the candlelight and he noticed the auburn highlights of her upswept hair, the shimmering tendrils cascading about the lovely length of her long neck. Desire burned deep inside him, arousing the passion and hunger for his bride. His groin stirred with need as he anticipated the night to come - a night he'd waited for so long.

As Natalie blew out the flame of the match, she felt Nick approach from behind. She relaxed into his embracing arms as he pulled her against him to feel his bulging arousal. Natalie gasped and threw the match down onto the nightstand when teasing lips began to kiss the base of her throat. She shuddered against the erotic pleasure of her husband's fingers trailing lightly down her exposed back and his nipping teeth against the column of her neck. Panting breathlessly, Natalie felt her knees threaten to buckle at Nick's sensual barrage.

His lips then burned a trail up to the soft lobes of her ear and licked along the sensitive skin behind it. He continued without pause until he heard the soft mewling of his wife as she succumbed to his seductive invitation. Nick smiled with smug satisfaction, both pleased with his own sexual prowess and knowing he gave his wife such sensual pleasure. He ran his tongue across her neck to the vein that contained the sanguine embodiment of her soul. His hands slid slowly over the curve of her bosom, fondling its enticing terrain. He pinched the rosy peaks through the lacy fabric, eliciting a cry from Nat as she arched her back against him.

Natalie's hands covered Nick's as he continued to slide a hand across her abdomen, his touch magic on her body. Every nerve burned as his hands stroked every inch he could reach. The caresses blazed across her flesh even through the fabric of her gown. She moaned and her voice filled with emotion as she declared, "I love you, Nick." She
turned her head and suckled his neck. 

Nick moaned as she nipped at his neck and was humbled as he could feel the love radiating from Natalie. His fingers gently traced her face as he whispered, "I never knew what love was until I met you, Natalie. I never realized how dead I was inside until you entered my life. You made me whole again. You made me realize how precious my
existence is...I would never have been able to go on without you. Regardless of how you had to enter my world, I'm glad you're here with me. Eternity doesn't seem that long with you by my side. I don't want to waste a precious moment of it." He kissed her neck near her ear, whispering in a low raspy voice, "I love you, too."

Natalie was overcome with emotion at his confession. Finally, after four years, all was laid bare. The depth of his love equaled, if not surpassed, the depth of her own for him. She reached deep into their link, spearing the core of his soul with the intensity of her love,
the fire of her heart.

Nick throbbed against her with desire. Still holding her from behind, he gently guided her towards the bed and lowered her onto the sheets, as he didn't trust his ability to stay standing much longer. He pressed himself against her back as they lay on their sides, his arms still around her, holding her close to him. He reached to the side of her head to kiss her neck again, while freeing one of his arms. He traced his fingers along the back of her legs and softly caressed her inner thighs, as he felt her quiver. Sliding his hand up under her gown to cup her center, he moaned as she pushed against his hand. The moistness against his hand told him how ready she was, the scent of her sex assaulting him. Oh, how he wanted her.

As the touch of his fingers on her thighs seduced her, she instinctively slid her upper leg forward. She felt his fingers inch higher on her leg as she moaned and pressed her back against his arousal, encouraging him. Then she felt him holding her sex firmly in his hand and she leaned into him. When a finger slipped just inside her folds, she heard a soft growl against her neck.

As the urgency between them grew, she turned in Nick's arms and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing to his lips in a searing kiss. Natalie finally pulled away to remedy the problem of a clothed husband. Without hesitation, Natalie's hands began to busily work on the silk shirt he wore. She pulled the shirt from his trousers and pushed it from his shoulders, throwing it to the floor. 

They again kissed and nipped at each other as her hands quickly unbuckled his belt and soon his pants, socks, and shoes had joined his shirt in a pile on the floor. She grinned enticingly as her hands rubbed over his muscular chest and across his abdomen to touch the wiry curls. She enclosed her hand around him and watched him close his eyes for a moment, as the titillating sensation overcame him. A crooked grin formed on her face as she examined his body. She purred, "You're perfect, Nick."

Nick noticed his wife studying and leering at every inch of his body. Her touch was exquisite. With a playful sparkle in his eye, he pushed her on her back, and sat up leaning over her. He slowly trailed his fingers down both sides of her neck and along the neckline of her gown, and then grasping the edge of the gown by the dipping neckline, he quickly ripped it from her body.

Natalie startled when she heard the material shred. She instinctively tried to cover herself with her hands as she exclaimed, "Nick! What did you do that for? That gown cost $600!!!!"

He pried her hands away from her body and exposed her to him, as he hungrily gazed at her naked body. "You are so beautiful, Nat," he murmured, captivated by her allure. Then he playfully responded to her alarm at the shredding of the gown, "You said you'd be lucky if
you wore it 30 seconds. I beat that time....you only wore it 29 seconds." 

Natalie let out a hearty, boisterous burst of laughter.

Before she could correct his estimate of the time it took, Nick leaned over to capture her lips, with one leg between hers, nudging them apart. With their bodies pressed together, Nick inhaled sharply between kisses, "Besides, I have at least a dozen more like it hidden
in the closet. I intend to improve on my time by ripping every one of them off you."

Natalie would have been laughing if she weren't gasping at the intimacy. She barely noticed as Nick spread her legs more, but gasped with pleasure as he teasingly played with her auburn curls.

Nick could no longer deny the need to take possession of his wife. His passion erupted. He captured her mouth in a searing kiss as his hands tangled in her hair. His tongue urgently pushed her willing lips apart, as their minds cried out to one another to become one. His fangs had dropped and he could feel Natalie's as his tongue caressed them. 

She felt as if her world had exploded as the fury and passion of his hands teased and tormented her body more than ever. Natalie was amazed at how the vampire heightened every nuance of their lovemaking. Every touch, kiss or gentle nudge of their minds only
heightened her arousal for him. His body felt so firm and tantalizing against hers as she could feel his arousal pressing into her thigh. Natalie's hands wrapped around him as her nails scraped against the skin of his back. She smiled as she noticed this caused a small growl to vibrate low in his chest.

Nick rose up and slowly began his downward descent on Natalie's body. He kissed and licked down her neck to between the swell of her breasts. He fondled, licked, and suckled each one, eliciting moans of pleasure from Natalie. He looked up into her face and noticed her eyes had changed to a golden hue.

Natalie gazed at her husband as he continued his exploration of her body. The love that shown through his golden eyes nearly frightened her. To think someone could love her so strongly in his heart amazed her. She thought love like this only happened in fairy tales and
movies. She closed her eyes as Nick continued his sweet torture of her senses.

Nick continued trailing kisses down her belly and finally reached the wiry patch of curls, which concealed her sex. His tongue slowly entered the folds and found the sensitive nub that would drive his wife mad with desire and lust.

As his tongue swirled and suckled, Natalie's hands entwined instinctively in his hair as she pulled at the golden locks. Her breathing had become labored as his assault caused ripples of pleasures to roll through her body. She arched her back, pressing against his tongue as she screamed out in ecstasy. "Oh Nick, YES! Oh YES!" Her hands pulled at his hair as she licked her lips. She panted as the urgency in her body craved the one thing that only he
could provide. She yanked his head up toward her and demanded, "Now Nick, please...I can't wait much longer."

Nick positioned himself between her legs, poised to enter her. Natalie had reached her breaking point and he wasn't far behind her. He slowly entered her, relishing the tight welcoming muscle contractions of her body, until he filled her completely. Then he started to thrust back and forth, pounding against her with increasing intensity as he surrendered to the raw hunger of his desire.

Natalie gasped at the size and length of Nick's member and at how he filled her. She was grateful how he slowly filled her at first, in order for her body to become accustomed to him. However, she loved the feel of the urgency with which he rapidly began to plunge into
her. She tightened her arms around him as he rocked against her, devouring her lips. She wrapped her legs around his, pulling him closer and deeper. The magnitude of the force with which Nick plunged into her body was causing her to spiral toward orgasm. She was
shocked as her vampire senses instinctively controlled her actions. She heard the growl from within her own chest as she lunged hungrily to sink her fangs deep into Nick's neck.

Nick knew Natalie was near release. He had waited for her so she could relish all the pleasure she deserved and desired from him. As her fangs penetrated him, he cried out in joy as they became one. He felt her orgasm wash over her as he pumped into her body, he could feel her muscles gently massaging him as he thrust deeper. He lowered his head and plunged his throbbing fangs into her shoulder. One taste of her sweet nectar was all he needed to pour his seed deep within her on his next thrust. 

As the images flooded through their link, Nick was amazed to learn of Natalie's experience when she was brought across. They had shared blood since he had brought her across, but this was the first time he had learned about the child and the choice given to her by Richie. He continued to drink deeply from her, loving every new memory she shared with him...he had hope again.

Natalie's mind and heart soared with Nick's love flooding into her. She was elated that Nick had chosen to hide nothing from her. Anything she desired to know about his life was an open book to her. She realized it would be a very long time before she would know all
about the nearly 800 years her husband had walked this earth. But she didn't care. They were together and Nick loved her. She was happier than she had ever dreamed possible in her life.

End Chapter 38.

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************
Chapter 39
************
2:00 a.m. Sunday Morning 
Nick and Natalie's Loft

As they released each other from their loving embrace, Nick rolled slightly off to the side and pulled Natalie close to cradle her in his arms. As she lay panting against him, he gently kissed the top of her head. They lay beside each other silent for a few moments, each one
absorbing the new images and feelings they had gained from one another.

Natalie finally stirred and turned to look into his face. She noticed the concern written there. She questioned, "Nick? Is everything okay? Did I do something wrong?"

Nick realized he must have scared her with his deep concentration. He quickly smiled and reassured her, "No, oh no, Nat. It was beautiful, more wonderful than I had even imagined it could be." He reached down and cupped her cheek in his hand as he continued, "I love you so much. Don't ever think you could disappoint me."

She couldn't help but smile at his compliment. But his silence had bothered her, so she asked, "Then what is it? I'm not reading you wrong, am I? There is something bothering you, I can feel it."

Nick kissed her forehead and sighed, explaining, "Your blood. I saw what happened when you had to choose either to enter the light or return to me. It was a lot to take in. Richie. The children...our children."

Natalie looked sympathetically at Nick. She turned to face him as she emphasized, "It was our future, Nick. We will be mortal again. We will have a family."

"But...I will cause you heartache. Richie said so." Nick frowned as he hoarsely spoke, his heart breaking, "I never wanted to hurt you, Nat, but if what he said is true..."

Natalie held Nick's face in her hands as she captured his full attention, stating boldly, "I don't care, Nick. Whatever happens...happens. We'll deal with it when it does. We are not going to spend today worrying about what tomorrow will bring. Nobody knows what the future holds, Nick. Anything is possible. Anything could happen. I love you here and now. We are husband and wife. Let the fates throw whatever they want at us, but as long as I have you, I don't care. I'm not going to worry about what might be or what might happen. I only care about this time, this place...and you."

Nick let her words sink in, she was right. He couldn't change things if he didn't even know what was going to happen. A smile formed on his lips as he pulled one of her palms to his lips and kissed it. He asked, "How did you become so wise, Mrs. deBrabant?"

Natalie smiled as she playfully tweaked his nose and replied, "Just lucky, I guess." She snuggled down against him and repeated, "Mrs. deBrabant." She looked back up into his face and questioned, "Why did you want us to switch your name for the marriage license?"

Nick shrugged, then carefully considered his words as he explained, "deBrabant is my given name. It is the one thing that can never change. I've had different names and jobs through the years, but deBrabant is the one constant. The one thing that LaCroix could never take from me." He looked into her eyes, stating firmly, "You are mine. I want you to know all and everything about me. I am Nicholas deBrabant, 13th century crusader, and you are my wife."

Natalie couldn't help but feel as though Nick had just staked his claim on her. The knowledge that Nick regarded her so highly as to want everyone to know she was his caused a sense of pride to wash through her. She snuggled into his chest and contently acknowledged, "I'm proud to be your wife and I can't wait to see your home."

Nick placed his finger under her chin and lifted her face to his as he corrected, "Our home, Nat. We're going to Brabant together, as one."

Natalie held his finger in her hand as she smiled at him through tears of joy. She had never realized how proud he was of his heritage until this moment. She whispered, "Our home, my love. Our home."

Nick kissed her gently on the lips, and then pulled back. Yes, Natalie was his completely. He didn't know what he had done to deserve this wonderful woman in his arms, but he was grateful. Nick's eyes changed to a golden color and his fangs protruded from his lips as he smiled wickedly in her direction, stating in a raspy voice, "Nat, how do you like...dark?"

Natalie didn't know how to respond. "Dark?" What did he mean...dark?

Before she could question or think, a low guttural growl erupted from Nick's chest as he grabbed Natalie and rushed them both beneath the black satin sheets.

***************
2:30 a.m.
Sunday Morning
Raven
*************** 

The Raven was closed and LaCroix sat at the bar sipping from the goblet. Janette had been receiving mixed feelings from him all evening. She hadn't known what to expect from him when LaCroix had learned of Nicholas and Natalie's marriage. She walked carefully
toward him as she placed her own goblet on the bar. She cleared her throat and commented, "The weather is lovely in Paris this time of year. I was thinking of taking a small shopping trip." She watched his reactions carefully before continuing to ask, "Would you like to join me?"

LaCroix ignored her as he continued to stare out into nowhere. His fingernail lazily rubbed against the polished surface of the bar as he held his head in his hand. 

Janette placed her goblet down on the bar rather forcibly. She placed her hand over his as she spoke, "You let Nicola go to her of your own free will. Please, LaCroix, let the old arguments of the past stay where they belong. Let's just work on our future as one big family. With Natalie in his life, he's much more agreeable. It will be better...you'll see."

LaCroix looked at her, but did not see her as he asked, "Really?"

"Oui!" Janette patted his hand and tried to lighten the mood, eagerly mentioning, "Paris is calling us. The shops and new spring styles are waiting. A change of wardrobe and scenery will do us all some good. I can call Aristotle tonight."

A small, crooked smile formed on LaCroix's lips as he hesitantly responded, "Perhaps...you are right my dear. It is time for placing all this behind us. Some fun could do us some good. We should move away from Toronto for a while."

Janette's eyes widened in delight as LaCroix accepted her offer. She began to tick off on her fingers all the arrangements she would need to make. She leaned over and kissed LaCroix on the cheek as she excitedly assured, "Mon Cher, you'll see. Things are looking better already. I'll go make the arrangements now." Janette hurriedly left his side and went into the back of the Raven to call Aristotle. Paris awaited and she was anxious to arrange for their new identities and any papers they would require in their new life.

LaCroix sat at the bar smiling. He raised the goblet up and saluted, "Yes, it is a new day. A new millennium...and Nicholas owes me a debt. He will do anything I wish." He took a drink from the goblet and placed it down on the bar. "And one day you will repay that debt,
Nicholas." He pushed the empty goblet away and stood up from the barstool. He walked over to the light switch near the door and turned to look back at the empty room. LaCroix took one last look around the Raven, so many memories here...he would miss it. He straightened his coat, flicked the lights out, and then turned to walk out the door. 

"One day."

The End.

***************

I hope you have enjoyed my little story. Feedback is always welcome. Thanks for reading!

Lisa a.k.a. KnightOwl
GWDFC, G4, G5, Tucson 99, Wolfeville 99, Chicago 2000

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