An Act of Forgiveness By StormyNite Part 1 "Sit down Riley!" Miller pushed the tall dark muscular man back into his chair roughly. "You can't treat me like that!" Riley growled and jerked on the handcuffs around his wrists, but sat down anyway. "You just watch me, you low-life scumbag!" Miller glared at the man before him. His dress indicated manual labor, but Miller knew better. It was the third time Larry Riley had been arrested for rape and attempted murder. Each time the woman backed off or disappeared, never to be found again. If they ever got enough grounds to require a DNA sample, they would have him, as there were several unsolved rape/murders on their books they could not make stick and they all pointed to Riley and his brother. They were 35-year old predators just waiting for an opportunity. It made him sick. "Just sit down and shut up while I fill out this report and you can call your lawyer, but don't cause me any grief or I'll lose my temper and you wouldn't want that now, would you?" Miller smiled sadistically. Riley snorted and began surveying the busy squad room. Natalie dropped the package off on Nick's desk. He should be in soon. The toxicologies and the needle marks on the corpse's arms verified her first impression. Drug overdose by a new lab drug called 'Street Smart' which was becoming popular. She sighed in disgust. It wasn't very smart as the drug had a tendency to mutate once metabolized and the death rate was becoming alarming. They had to find the source and soon or more would die. She headed for Miller's desk and noticed his grumpy demeanor...must be a repeat offender. "These are for you, Jack." She laid the file on the corner of his desk with a smile and turned to leave. "Hey, baby, what's your hurry?" Riley grabbed for Nat's hand only to have it slapped hard with a book. "You don't touch the lady, scumbag!" Miller growled and jerked Riley's collar until he stared him in the face. "Decent women don't want the likes of you touching them. Got it?" Riley glared in anger, but nodded. Miller released him and turned to Nat. "Sorry, Natalie. Thanks for the report. Anything I should know about?" She stared at Riley with reservations then answered. "Natural causes, Jack. Close it up and move on." She smiled and headed for the door and back to work. ---------------- Nick turned the corner and stood facing the steeple of the church. Images of Joan flashed in his memory and the fire that consumed her. Her faith had been so strong, yet she died anyway. His last memory of her was one of strength and faith in God. She never screamed as the fire engulfed her body, but mouthed a silent prayer. Her faith never wavered even in the end. It made him feel all the more guilty for not doing as she'd asked. "Hold up my cross for me, Nicholas. Hold it so I may see it and know God is with me." The words echoed in his mind as if it were yesterday. Suddenly the bell chimed the hour and several people entered the sanctuary. Maybe in time, he'd have God's forgiveness. Maybe if given another chance he could make a stab at finding redemption for his sins and find his faith again, but not yet. He sighed in resignation and headed back toward the caddy parked on the street. "81 Kilo?" "This is 81 Kilo, go ahead." Nick voice sounded strained even to himself as he stared at the cross over the entrance to the church, but he refused to look away. "Detective Schanke asked you meet him at 4505 Waverly. Possible lead to that street lab you have been looking for." "On my way." He clicked the mic off and headed toward the other end of town. --------------------- It was near midnight and she was exhausted. She was not even supposed to have been on shift, but the work had to get done. At least she'd get a good night's rest and start fresh tomorrow evening. She had lots of errands to do tomorrow afternoon before returning to work, so this was probably better. Now she didn't have to come in until 8 pm tomorrow night. She pulled her suit jacket around her tightly and pushed open the door. It wasn't really cold, just windy but for some reason she felt vulnerable tonight. Maybe it was because she hadn't seen Nick. She smiled at the thought, odd how when she didn't see him, she felt uneasy. That probably wasn't a good sign, she sighed in regret. It was just going to make it harder when he moved on. He'd been so restless lately since Valentines Day. A single tear slipped from her eye and she brushed it away. It wasn't what Nick needed right now. He'd tried to erase her memory of that night at the Azure, but it hadn't worked. The hateful words he said to his master, the feel of his lips on hers were vivid in her mind. The words he whispered in her ear after LaCroix left were the only thing that kept her sane at times. Nick needed to think she'd forgotten everything. A part of her understood, yet a deeper part of her wanted him to love her enough to fight for what they could have. Another tear followed and she brushed it away furiously. She was stronger than this. Heading for her car, she heard a slight rustle of paper behind the bushes in front of her vehicle. Not being stupid, she quickly unlocked the car and pulled open the door. It was slammed shut in front of her and she was shoved hard against the metal of the car behind her. A large meaty hand grabbed her neck and the cold metal of a gun barrel was shoved into her stomach. "You were supposed to check the noise, bitch!" His gruff voice growled in her ear as he held her tightly in his grasp. "I want you, baby, and I always get what I want." He released her neck, grabbed her breast and tore her blouse, then forced his mouth over hers to stifle the scream. Shoving the gun hard into her belly to get his point across, he bit her lip then squeezed her breast painfully. "Come on, Larry!" Miles Riley stood back a bit further from the couple before him. "It's not like there aren't cops coming in an out of this place. Just throw her in the back of the car and we'll do her later." He searched the area nervously. Larry released her lips and grabbed her blouse in a firm grip as he shoved the barrel of the gun harder into her ribcage. "Scream and I pull the trigger." A door opened and slammed. Both men turned to check who it was. It was her only chance. She leaned back and slammed her elbow over his wrist, knocking the gun free with one blow. He howled in pain and she planted her knee into his groin then pulled free. He tumbled back into his brother who now advanced to help him out. Both men crumbled to the ground with Miles hitting his head on the fender of her car. Natalie scrambled toward the gun on the pavement. Larry grabbed her leg and she tumbled to the hard surface scrapping both knees and arms in the process, but she refused to quit or she was dead. She screamed at the top of her lungs and lunged once more for the gun as she kicked him in the face with her heels. "BITCH!" He screamed in rage as he grasped his face and stood slowly. He advanced. She rolled with his gun in her hands. "Freeze or I'll kill you!" She panted as she pointed the gun at his midsection. "Never!" He lunged and the gun exploded. ------------------ Blood splattered her face and someone screamed. Somewhere in the back of her mind she realized the sound was coming from her, but it didn't register at the moment. His body fell forward and pinned her to the ground. She remained frozen for a moment and finally pushed his limp body off of hers. The blood from the bullet wound in his chest stained her white blouse crimson. Unconsciously she wiped at the stain trying to remove it. Finally, remembering what had happened, she crawled to Riley's side as the tears streamed down her blood-streaked face. She checked for a pulse and found none. The reality of what had happened finally hit her. "No!" She screamed and tried pounding on his heart to start it. She then pulled his lips apart and began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Tears poured down her face as she continued to work on the fallen man. "It's okay, Natalie. He's dead!" Clark said softly as he tried pulling her free, but she screamed in anger. "No, I can help him. I'm a doctor. I don't kill people. I save them...I save them!" She whispered as the tears became sobs and she continued to apply CPR. "It's done, Nat! You have to come away from him." Clark pulled harder on her shoulders until finally she looked into his sad eyes. "It can't be done. It can't be. I don't kill people...I'm a doctor. I don't..." She stared at Riley's surprised face and the blood splattered around his body. She wrapped her arms around her body and mentally shut down. -------------- Nick laid he overcoat on the back of his chair then tossed his notepad on his desk in frustration. "Knight!" Captain Cohen's voice came out louder than she'd intended. All eyes turned to her. "Get over to the morgue. There's been a shooting and Natalie is involved." She watched fear wash over his features. It was the only time she'd ever seen it. He made no move to disguise it, but ran for the door not waiting for her to explain further. "Go with him, Schanke." She turned to Miller. "You too, Miller. Dr. Lambert just shot your man Riley who walked out of here an hour ago. "Is she okay, Cap?" Schanke sounded shaky even to himself. "She's battered, bruised and in shock. They tried to kidnap and rape her at gunpoint. You're going to have to sit on Knight so he doesn't kill Miles Riley. He's still alive. Now both of you get going and call me as soon as you know anything. Understood?" Both men lunged for the door. -------------------- Nick flew to the morgue. He could see the flashing red lights and numerous cruisers blocking the street. Fear gripped his heart. He listened intently for Natalie's familiar heartbeat, but there were so many, all racing at top speed. The first uniform he saw, he grabbed. "Where is Dr. Lambert?" His terrified eyes sought answers from the young man. "Over in the parking lot, Detective Knight. She hasn't moved since it happened. She's pretty shaken up. Tough lady, though." He shook his head in disbelief only to find Nick already gone. The paramedic was kneeling beside her talking calmly. "Nat?" Nick rushed to their side. She didn't move. "She's in shock, Detective. I've seen it before. I can't get her to respond to me." She felt helpless as she watched the battered, petite woman before her. Nick knelt down in front of her and forced her to look at him. "Nat, it's me." He whispered and rubbed the blood off her cheek as he spoke tenderly. Her eyes never focused on his. "Nat you have to listen to me. It's over. He won't hurt you. You have to come back to us now." Fear edged his voice and he said a silent prayer. She'd been through so much this past year. He pulled her into his arms and laid her head on his shoulder gently. Rubbing his hands in her hair, cradling her in his arms as he sat on the ground, trying to make her feel safe. Fear gripped his heart as he listened closely for any sign of her responding. What would he do if she didn't snap out of it? This wasn't fair. He'd left so much unspoken in order to protect her and now some animal did more damage than he could ever have done. He could feel the pain within her now. It was like a living thing growing with each breath she took. She had to know how much she meant to everyone. How much she meant to him. "It's okay, Nat. Everything will be okay. Don't leave me now, Nat." He whispered into her ear as he held her close. "I love you, Nat. Please, Nat. Come back to me!" He stroked her arms and continued to talk softly, unafraid of what he'd just said for the first time. She began to tremble, then grabbed his neck and sobbed. "Nick?" Her mind and body began to respond to the trust and faith she had in him. "Oh, Nick!" She clutched his neck for dear life and wept into his shoulder. "It's okay. I've got you now, Nat. It's going to be all right." He held her tight and let her cry. When she finally slowed and started to sniffle, he pulled her away from his shoulder just enough to see her bright blue tear-filled eyes. "You with me now?" He held her face in his hands tenderly and searched her eyes for recognition. His thumbs caressed her cheek without thinking and she responded immediately by turning her cheek into his palm and nodded affirmatively. When her eyes met his, guilt overwhelmed her. He recognized it instantly. "It's okay, Nat. You did the only thing you could have done. He would have killed you. It was you or him. There's nothing to feel guilty over. He won't hurt anyone ever again." Fresh tears filled her eyes once more. He kissed her forehead then laid his on hers. "Just let go. Get it all out." She buried her head on his shoulder again and began to cry in earnest once more. "How do you stand it, Nick? How?" The pathetic tone in her voice tore into his heart. "I swore to help save people's lives, not kill them. I feel so..." She looked for the right word, but felt at a loss. "Dirty?" He made her look at him once more. "You have nothing to feel guilty about, Nat. You did not use him. You didn't enjoy killing him. You defended yourself...That's all! He would have killed you after he'd finished having his way with you. He was an animal. This isn't the same. Trust me when I say this." The paramedic cleared her throat to bring them back to the present and the ever-increasing crowd of onlookers. Nick finally noticed her. "You need to let the paramedic check you over, Nat." The paramedic knelt down beside them again. "Do you hurt anywhere, Dr. Lambert?" She asked kindly as she checked the cut on her forehead and put a blood pressure cup on her arm. "My side hurts, and I'm cold." She began to shiver. Nick peeled off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders." "We're going to take you to the hospital to check you out. It's just a precaution and we can get some x-rays of your ribs and side." She motioned for them to bring the gurney over. Nick lifted her up and laid her gently on the stretcher. She clutched Nick's jacket around her more for comfort than warmth. "Nick? You'll stay with me?" She reached out to him and he clasped her hand in his. "Just try and keep me away." He held her hand and jumped into the ambulance beside her. End Part 1 All comments to: Part 2 An Act of Forgiveness By StormyNite ----------------- Clark walked up beside Schanke as he stood watching his partner closely. Sure Nick and Natalie were just friends. Who were they kidding? He'd checked with Johnson and Marquette when he'd arrived. They'd already shipped Miles Riley off to the hospital still unconscious. They'd been waiting for Nick to get through to Natalie before they touched her. She was almost catatonic when he'd arrived, but he watched his normally cold partner offer such tenderness and compassion, he was stunned. They both put up a good front, but it was obvious to everyone around that only one person had any chance of making her snap out of it. "He's getting through to her at least. I've only seen that once before and the woman never snapped out of it. She's still in the nut house up on the hill. She's got guts. I'll give Natalie that. Not many women would have had the courage to do what she did. That's why she's still alive." Clark watched Nick load Natalie onto the stretcher. "I hope she's okay. She's such a pretty thing." "You saw it?" Schanke said in disbelief. Clark turned startled eyes toward him. "You didn't know? Johnson and I were coming out the back door when it happened. I guess the door startled him and Natalie used that instant to knock the gun free. I heard a noise and saw the gun go flying from Riley's hand. Johnson and I took off at a run, but it happened so fast. Riley lunged after her and she screamed at him to freeze. She did everything right. He didn't stop and she pulled the trigger." Clark shook his head in disbelief. "Blood went everywhere. It was a 45 with hollow points. We'll probably have the murder weapon for a bunch of the unsolved rape cases we've been working on now. When we got to her, she was trying to revive him. She just wouldn't let him go. Even after that animal tried to beat and rape her, she still tried to save him. Me...I'd have unloaded another one into him just to make sure he wasn't moving again, but not the Doc. I had to pull her off him then she just shut down. You know what I mean?" He stared at Schanke for a moment. "Damn good thing she and Knight are close or she might not have come out of it at all. I wouldn't want to be Miles though when he regains consciousness. Knight won't be in a good mood. I know I wouldn't if some animal did that to my woman." Clark snorted with disgust. "You better get that report in print quick, Clark. I know Cohen isn't going to be patient about this one." Schanke headed for the morgue to chat with Grace who stood watching from a distance. ------------- Nick paced the floor in the waiting room. He hadn't wanted to leave her even for an instant. She seemed so fragile, barely hanging on to her own sanity, but the doctors refused to let him stay in the room as they examined her. He'd seen the bruising over her breast and the swelling around her ribcage in the few short moments they let him stay in the ER as they examined her. Finally, they made him leave. Probably better anyway as he was certain his eyes were glowing. He felt the vampire emerge even now as he thought of how much he wanted to hurt the animal who did that to her. He took several deep breaths to regain control as he paced the floor anxiously. Schanke burst through the door and spotted Nick immediately. "How is she?" He asked breathlessly as he skidded to a halt before his agitated partner. Angry eyes met his. He could have sworn they had a red tinge to them and he shook his head to clear the image. It was a good thing Riley was already dead, as he wouldn't have given him much of a chance with Nick in his current state of mind. "Is she all right?" Uncertainty and fear edged Nick's voice as he spoke. You could feel such power in the room it almost took your breath away. Schanke gasped at the intensity and wondered again just how much control Nick possessed. Questions began to pop into his inquisitive mind once more about his mysterious partner. "I don't know, Schanke. They won't let me in with her while they're examining her. That bastard tried to force himself on her. If she hadn't killed him, I would." His words sent shiver down Schanke's spine because he knew Nick meant every word. "Where is the other one?" "They are shipping him to lock-up within the hour. He regained consciousness about 10 minutes ago. Captain Cohen refused to let him stay at the hospital overnight for observation. She'll catch heat from it, but I don't think he'd make it with the emotions running in the precinct right now if he weren't under lock and key. Has she said anything? Clark and Johnson saw the whole thing. She's in the clear. We also have the murder weapon that we can finally check against ballistics. We might have the nail in the Riley brothers' coffin. We can get a search warrant for every little hidey hole they have now." The doctor stepped into the waiting room with a stern look on his face. "Are you Nick?" "Yes! How is she? Can I see her?" Concern now replaced the anger within him. "She's being sent up to a room for observation for awhile. She's got 4 broken ribs, a mild concussion, some cuts and several really bad bruises, but I think she'll be fine in a couple of weeks. I want to watch her for a couple of hours to make sure there's no internal bleeding from the broken ribs and no side effects from the blow to her head. She must have hit the ground pretty hard. She doesn't remember hitting it, but she has a knot the size of a walnut on the side of her head. I don't want her alone for a couple of days. She needs rest, fluids and someone to talk this out with. She on the edge of control and I think you're probably the only one she'll trust at the moment. She's a tough lady, but with the pain and the shock of it all, she's having a hard time coping. You're the only one she's asked for, so I'm assuming you're much closer than just friends." He waited for Nick's response. "I'll make sure she's taken care of, Doctor. Can I take her home tonight?" Need was written in his eyes and the doctor was satisfied his patient would be handled with compassion and something more. He smiled at the blond detective before him. "Yes, you can take her home in a few hours. Make her feel safe. She needs that now. You can see her in about 10 minutes if you want. She'll be in room 105 down the hall. Nick turned to Schanke with a look of relief on his face. "You go back to the precinct, Schank. I want to know all the details on what happened from Clark and Johnson's viewpoint. I'll try to get her to talk it out, but I need to know what I'm dealing with here." Anger flared in his blue eyes and gold flecks began to appear. Schanke stared in fascination once more. What was his partner? "Keep Riley under close guard. I don't want anything happening to him before I get there. We're going to have an up-close and personal chat!" He turned and walked down the hall to stay with Nat before he let his power wash over the room unintentionally. Schanke's skin tingled and he felt like all the oxygen in the room had been sucked from his lungs. When Nick turned and walked away, Schanke gasped for air. What was that? He stared at his partner's retreating back. Knight had better come clean here pretty soon or they were going to have a few words. Schanke shook his head to clear the fog then headed back to the precinct. ---------------- She'd been very silent on the drive home. He wasn't sure just how far to push the issue. Schanke had hand delivered Clark's report while Nick sat by Nat's bedside. She tossed fitfully still under the influence of the sedative. When her gown rode up and the bruises over her breast came into view, sheer anger engulfed him. He'd read the report cover to cover and knew without a doubt, Nat was cleared of any charges. It was pure self-defense on her part. The emotional side was another issue and he wasn't sure how to handle it. They pulled into the garage just before dawn and the heavy door slid silently into place leaving them in the dim light of the bottom level of the warehouse. "Nat?" He touched her hand gently to bring her back to this time and place. "Don't tell me I'm like that when I space off on you." He touched her cheek with the tips of his fingers and brushed a wayward lock of hair from her eyes. Sad blue eyes turned to meet his. "Sorry, Nick!" She whispered. "I hadn't realized until now how you must feel all the time." A single tear slid from her eye. He wiped it away gently and smiled, then pulled her into his arms. "You'll get over this, Nat. I'm here for you if you need me." He pushed her back a little until she stared into his eyes once more. "If anyone knows about guilt, it's me. Just don't go angsty on me. It's scary enough to watch you space out like I do." She smiled and he kissed the tip of her nose. "Now, let's get you some breakfast, a hot bath and some rest. I got the Captain to put off your statement until tonight." She nodded in acceptance and reached for the doorknob. They opened the lift door and Sydney scampered from under Nick's couch and headed straight for his mistress. "Syd?" Nat reached down, scooped him up and cuddled him in her arms, then turned to Nick. "Thanks, Nick. I really appreciate it." "My pleasure, Nat. You head up to the bath and I'll fix you some breakfast. Grace was supposed to drop off some food when she delivered Syd. I'll see what I can fix you. You get comfortable and I'll bring it up to you." He leaned over and patted Syd on the head affectionately. Sydney actually nudged his hand in appreciation instead of the normal growl. "Nick, I don't have any clothes." Her cheeks turned crimson. "Grace brought you a suitcase as well. It's in the bedroom. Sorry I didn't have time to change the sheets." He looked a bit embarrassed. She stepped forward and touched his cheek gently and smiled. "I like them just the way they are. It will make me feel safe." He clasped his fingers over hers then kissed the palm of her hand. "I'll remember that. You head upstairs. I'll be up in a minute with some food." He stared at her wistfully as she headed up the stairs. He made her feel safe. He smiled at the thought and headed for the kitchen. ------------- Natalie stepped out of the shower and towel dried her hair. She wouldn't look into the mirror. She didn't want to. She would see it all again. She had to not think about it for now. She had to forget, put away the emotions for now if she were to get through this. She flipped her hair a bit too hard and the dull ache between her eyes began a flaming torch of pain. She became dizzy and grabbed the sink. "A couple of deep breaths, Lambert! You can do this!" She talked sternly to herself. Finally, the nausea and dizziness began to pass. She looked up slowly into the mirror to see the tired blue eyes of a killer. Only this time, they were her own. "What have I done?" Her voice ached with regret. She brushed her breast and a sharp pain shot through her entire body. She glanced down and noticed the bruising over her left breast. She touched it gingerly, then her ribcage and the tape the doctor had used to hold her ribs in one position. Odd, she hadn't noticed it before. She stared at the white tape as if it were a foreign object. When she pressed just slightly, she winced in pain and gasped. When her eyes returned to the mirror they were filled with something new. Something she wasn't sure she was ready to accept. She turned quickly and headed for the bedroom, wrapped only in a towel. She spotted her suitcase by Nick's nightstand. She could still hear him rattling pans in the kitchen. It would be interesting to see just what Nick could cook. He always claimed ignorance in the kitchen before, except for coffee. She rummaged through her suitcase and found nothing appealing. Spying Nick's silk pajamas on the chair beside her suitcase, she grabbed them and brought them to her face. His scent comforted her and she felt safe once more. Without thinking, she slipped the top on and headed for his bed. She snuggled under the covers and lay her damp hair down on his pillow. His scent engulfed her senses and she began to relax. Odd, she thought as she drifted off to sleep. Only a full-blooded vampire with a conscience made her feel safe. Nick would find that strange she was sure, but it didn't matter. She rolled on her side, scrunched the extra pillow in her arms and drifted off to sleep. She would worry about everything tomorrow. Sydney jumped on the bed and curled up behind her back and began to purr. It felt right to be here. For the first time in a long time she was home. ------------ Nick carried the tray into the room and smiled when he saw her peacefully asleep. He sat the tray down on the nightstand and finally noticed his black silk pajama top clinging tightly across her breast as she twisted in the bedcovers. A long slim hip and leg lay open to his gaze. Without thinking his fingers found the soft curve of her hip and gently slid up underneath the soft silky fabric. She moaned at his touch and rolled over on her back to give him better access. The temptation was too great and he unbuttoned the clinging fabric to expose her creamy flesh. His touch was gentle and she responded even in her sleep. She rolled toward him and the ugly bruises across her left breast tore at his heart. A single blood tear escaped his eye. Carefully, he lay down beside her and tucked her safely into his embrace. "I'll never let anyone harm you again, my love." He kissed her temple and she snuggled deeper into his embrace. "I love you too, Nick," she mumbled in her sleep, "always have...always will." She wrapped his arm tighter around her and placed his hand over her breast. "Always safe with you...always warm...always..." Her voice trailed off and Nick marveled at her strength, then gave into his own fatigue and let sleep claim him. End Part 2 All comments to: Part 3 An Act of Forgiveness By StormyNite ------------ The smell of coffee awoke her and the growl in her stomach. She rolled over to find the other side of the bed empty, but it was obvious Nick had spent the night beside her. His scent still lingered on her skin and the distinct smell that was uniquely Nick permeated the sheets and pillow beside her. She noticed the front of his silk pajama top gapped open widely and she blushed at the thought of Nick seeing her this way. She started to button it up, then smiled. Why should she be embarrassed? She wanted to lie naked in his arms and surrender to him body and soul. Maybe showing a little cleavage would make him take her off that pedestal he'd put her on. Maybe he needed to know how much the woman wanted the man in the first place. She started to rise and the sharp pain in her side made her gasp for breath. She stared at the tape on her ribs and the now dark purple bruise across her breast and she remembered it all. What had been guilt the night before was now anger. She forced herself to stand and she groaned in the process. Each step felt like a major accomplishment as she headed for the bathroom. When she opened the door to step in, she grabbed for the doorjamb for support. Her knees weakened and she saw the floor rising to greet her. Strong arms caught her before she landed. "Nat? You shouldn't be out of bed." Nick swept her into his arms and headed back for the bed. "No, Nick I have to go..." Humiliation laced her voice. He understood immediately. Tears slid down her face. "It's okay, Nat." He headed back toward the bathroom and sat her gracefully on the toilet. Her face flamed red as her bladder won the battle. Nick turned to the sink and wet a washcloth he'd laid there earlier. He ran cold water over it quickly and knelt in front of her. Fresh tears flooded her face. He wiped them away with the cool rag. "They say people who share a bathroom together, open a whole new window in their relationship." He stared into her eyes hoping she'd understand. Her dry throat made her voice crack. "This wasn't quite the way I saw us sharing a bathroom," she smiled weakly, "but I guess it's a start." He laughed and she smiled in return. "When you finish here, yell and I'll come back and help you to bed. The doctor said bedrest all day today for you. How's your head?" He reached behind her head to feel the knot still pushing through her hair. She winced when he touched it. "I'll get an ice bag for it. Don't move until I get back." The stern look in his eyes left no room for doubt. She smiled and nodded. "I'll sit here and wait. Got it!" She smiled and the warm feeling inside her started to grow. He did care. Nick rose quickly and disappeared downstairs for a few minutes. She was faithfully sitting on the toilet when he returned. She raised her arms when he returned and he scooped her into his arms once more. Her bare bottom reflecting in the mirror, but neither noticed any longer. She snuggled into his embrace and laid her head comfortably on his shoulder. Once in the bedroom he propped her up on pillows, covered her bare legs and set the breakfast tray in front of her. He was greeted with a growling sound from her stomach and she blushed. I'd say you'd better eat or that might get embarrassing. She smiled and noticed what he'd brought her. A light fluffy omelet graced the tray with fresh fruit, orange juice and toast. The aroma of the fresh brewed coffee wafted through the air and she reached for it instantly. She moaned in delight as the taste lingered in her mouth and she finally swallowed. "Caffeine first, then food." She took another drink then stared into his eyes. "You are full of surprises, Nick Knight. What else have you been keeping from me besides your culinary skills?" She raised an eye in question and waited. Nick laughed. She was feeling better and now so was he. "I promise to let you find out one by one." He rose and headed for the bathroom, then hesitated at the door. "That is if you want to find out?" Bright blue eyes filled with tears met his. He was beside her instantly. "Don't cry, Nat. I can't stand to see you cry. I understand if you don't want to be around any man right now, I just..." She silenced his lips with her finger. "In case you hadn't noticed, Nick Knight, I happen to love you very much. I would like nothing better than to find out every little talent you have, every secret, every part of you that you are willing to share." She blushed when she realized what she'd just said and searched his eyes for a reaction. She found happiness and joy. She sighed with relief. Nick wrapped his fingers around her hand gently, then leaned forward and kissed her softly. "I love you too, Nat. I think I always have, but I've been terrified of what I might do to you in fit of passion. Last night I realized how close I came to losing you and I'd never even told you how I feel. I made a decision to protect you from myself and forgotten the world could be as dangerous as I am. I've never had anyone trust me like you do and with good cause I might add." He searched her eyes for understanding and saw love. God, she was beautiful and he loved her so much it hurt. If that bastard had accomplished what he'd started, they'd have never had a chance to even try to be together. Anger flashed in his eyes and she caught it instantly. "Don't be angry, Nick. I'm angry enough for both of us. I felt like a victim last night and for the first time in a long time I was scared, then I realized it was because of you. You make me feel safe...truly safe. No one has ever done that for me. I finally understand myself a little better and you, too. Last night I felt guilty for having shot that man. This morning I feel angry and want revenge for what he tried to do to me. Life is so filled with shades of gray, little nuisances between right and wrong and I'm not sure where that line was last night, but I have faith. Just as you have." He started to pull away in denial. "No, Nick. You have faith. You just lost if for awhile, but I see it more everyday and I understand now why it is so hard for you to forgive yourself for your past. I have the same problem now, too. But I'm not going to let this destroy me. I'll do what I have to do to get through this, but I know it will be okay because you are beside me." She touched his cheek gently. "I swore to save and protect life. Last night I violated that oath and it hurts more than I can say. In my mind, I know I protected myself, but in my heart I committed the greatest sin of all." Her eyes filled with great sadness, then she met his. "I have to live with this now, just as you live with yours but I don't have to let it happen again. I was given a choice last night. I honestly don't know if I'd make the same choice again. I need to understand what I'm feeling and move on." Nick understood exactly how she felt. He lived it everyday of his life and tried desperately to do that, only he hadn't managed it so far. The guilt of every life he'd ever taken lay heavy on his soul and with his Catholic upbringing, he was certain God would never forgive him. She moved the tray to the nightstand and stared sadly into his eyes. "Tell me how to forgive myself, Nick. Then maybe God can forgive me as well." A single tear slipped from her eye. He wiped it away, then pulled her into his embrace. "I wish I could tell you." He buried his head in her hair and caressed her back in comfort. "All I know is that if you hadn't fought back last night, you'd be dead. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. I never really believed that until now." He held her face between his hands and stared into her eyes. "Promise me you'll think this through. There are too many crazy people out there who have no conscience and care nothing about life at all. They are the predators in this world. I always thought I was, but I was wrong. I'm only a predator if I want to be...and I don't want to be!" Natalie smiled then hugged him fiercely. "I already knew that, but I'm glad you see it now, too." She released him then leaned back against the pillows. Lay down with me until I fall asleep?" Nick kicked off his shoes, lifted the covers and crawled in beside her. She spooned her body into his and fell almost immediately asleep. ------------ Nick paced the floor in the observation room like a caged animal. Schanke watched in fascination. Natalie sat on the other side of the glass with Captain Cohen and the deposition clerk. She was making her statement. Her voice cracked at times and she forced herself to remain calm by taking a deep breath. Cohen refused to let Nick in the room with Natalie. Something about making sure the Crown would have no complaints about duress or manipulation. When she got to the part where Larry grabbed her breast, Nick stormed out of the room. Schanke followed him quickly. Nick virtually tore the hinges off the door off of observation room 2. Schanke caught the door before it slammed back into the wall. Miller and Tanner were interviewing Miles Riley. Riley had asked for his lawyer, so the interrogation had been delayed until now. Everyone walked on eggshells around Nick when he walked into the precinct. A big sigh of relief went over the squad room when Natalie walked in behind him. Nick was making certain Riley was nowhere to be seen to save Nat any confrontation. Up until now, Nick had restrained himself in an effort to comfort Nat, but the descriptive nature of Natalie's statement had set him off. "Now tell me again, Mr. Riley. Just what where you doing in the parking lot last night?" Miller was using every bit of control he owned to keep from strangling the suspect. Riley's attorney whispered into his ear briefly then sat back. "My attorney say's I don't have to answer nothing. I was just checking on my brother and that bitch killed him." Anger flashed in his eyes. "She was enticing him, flaunting her body at him earlier in the evening. Why she even told him what time she was getting off work. If that ain't an open invitation, I don't know what is." "I'm advising you to say nothing, Mr. Riley." His attorney stated forcefully. "You do not have to say anything." Miller exploded. "Guess again, pencil neck! I've got two eyewitnesses to an attempted kidnap and rape including assault. Your client here was part of the plan. Now he can give us his side of the story now, or we can have him do it on the witness stand. I frankly don't care. Either way he isn't leaving this building." Miller sneered at Riley. "You're not gonna like an extended stay down in lock-up...at least not here." The implication was quite clear. "Are you threatening my client?" "I am stating a fact." Miller glared at Riley. "I understand it gets cold and lonely down there at night and they love pretty boys." Riley blanched and pushed away from the table. Tanner grabbed his chair from behind. "So lets hear your side of this, Riley. We don't want the public thinking we didn't let you voice your opinion. "It was like...like I said. Larry told me the broad came onto him. She slipped him a note what time she was off. When we met here at her car, she got real bitchy. Said she wasn't interested anymore. Larry was a bit put out, but he never did nothin' but scream at the bitch. Then she kneed him in the crotch and shoved Larry..." The door exploded inward. Nick grabbed him by the collar and body slammed Riley against the wall. "I will see you in Hell for that lie, you son-of-a bitch!" His eyes flashed gold and the power he controlled with such great care washed over the room. Terror registered in Riley's eyes. "That's right! Be afraid...every time you turn around, I'll be there! Every time you close your eyes, you'll see mine. I'll make your life a living Hell!" Nick growled and increased the strength of his grip until Riley began to choke. Miller and Tanner grabbed at Nick's arms and tried to pull him free with no luck. "Nick! Schanke screamed as he joined the tug of war going on in the room trying to pull Nick free. "Listen to me, man! He's not worth it! Nat wouldn't want this. Let him go, Nick!" The mention of Nat's name cooled the fire inside and Nick released his hold. Riley screamed in terror. "Keep him away from me!" He scurried to the corner as Miller, Tanner, and Schanke held tightly to Nick's arms. Finally, Nick calmed the beast, jerked his arms free and stalked out of the room. "You better keep him away from me man! I...I...ain't talking to no one." He searched his lawyer for confirmation, but found him passed out on the floor. Miller approached; Riley screamed and passed out as well. Schanke ran after Nick, but lost him in the parking lot. He saw the green bomb still sitting in his parking place, so he must be on foot. Maybe that was best. He needed to let off some of the anger before getting behind the wheel and taking Nat home. "Damn, Nick! You scared the willies out of me. I can't imagine what's running through Riley's mind about now. That lying scumbag deserved it." Schanke continued to mumble to himself, then opened the door and went back inside. He was going to enjoy this more than he thought. The mental image of Riley and his lawyer both out cold on the floor made him chuckle as he returned to finish the interrogation. End Part 3 All comments to: Part 4 An Act of Forgiveness By StormyNite Nick walked out the door and took to the air. Every cell in his body screamed for revenge. If others hadn't been present, he was certain he would have killed Miles Riley. He landed in front of the church. The same one he'd sat before two nights earlier. What drew him to this place? He was certain his eyes still glowed, but at that moment the cross in the tower window began to flicker as if it were backlit by a lighted candle. Nick stared in fascination and felt a strong pull. The closer he came, the brighter the cross became. It had to be a figment of his imagination. No one lived above the choir loft. He'd been in this church a year ago with Schanke. It wasn't the most memorable night of his life, but he had taken the full tour. It was an empty attic behind the window facing the street. Father O'Brian had informed him the timbers weren't strong enough to even support flooring as the church had been built in the early 1800's. Before he realized what he'd done, he was inside. The door silently slid into place with a small whoosh of air. The altar was lit by candlelight and only low lights flickered on the side- walls illuminating each of the stained glass windows that adorned the inside of the church. Nick stared at the crucifix above the altar and sat down to think. Odd, the last time he was in here, it caused him pain, but not tonight. For some reason he felt a great solace just sitting alone in the pew. He hadn't noticed the Father approach from the side rectory. For the first time in centuries Nick relaxed and stared at the trappings of his fate of so many centuries ago. They were so familiar, yet so different than he remembered. Father Michael had intended to sit for a quiet moment of prayer when he noticed the man in the back. The cross on the altar flashed brightly in the candlelight as if trying to tell him something. So he turned to look closer at the young man sitting quietly at the back of the church. Even from here he could feel the turmoil, the confusion, the pain within the young man, then he realized his mistake. Great age overwhelmed him until he stood breathless at the altar. He had a gift that had served him well over the years except for once. Many times he'd been chastised that it was a gift from the devil not from God. Over the years, he'd finally understood just exactly what it was for. He was a seer of souls. God had granted him the ability to feel what was within, not what the world saw. He stared at the young man at the back of the church in awe. He'd never met one up close until that night. He'd always heard rumors, stories, read numerous documents on the undead, but he'd had trouble truly believing. Sometime later Father O'Brian spoke of one that was different. One who had taken a different path and would pay the price for his redemption. He hadn't believed it until now. Silently he approached the man and watched him closely then listened with the inner ear he'd been given. Finally, he understood. "It is not often that we see one of your kind in the House of God!" Father Michael handed his rosary to Nick sitting quietly in the back. Nick held the beads reverently then laid the cross in the palm of his hand. Instead of feeling pain, he felt only warmth. He turned surprised eyes on the Father's. "It would appear you are different than the rest of them, my son." He sat down beside Nick and crossed himself slowly facing the altar. "Were you a catholic?" He asked already knowing the answer. "You know what I am, Father, and you are still willing to sit beside me?" Nick said with great uncertainty. "I probably know you better than you know yourself." Father Michael smiled and relaxed in the pew. "You are here for a reason, but it's not what you think." Father Michael motioned toward the altar and the windows. "This place calls to you. It is trying to tell you something." He turned and smiled at Nick. "How can I help you, my son, when the answers are already here?" Nick stared at the rosary beads still lying in his hand and they began to glow. He turned questioning eyes toward the young priest and noticed a soft glow behind his head. "What makes you so sure, Father?" Nick said in a whisper as the father sat calmly in the low light and his collar slipped slightly. Two puncture marks peeked over the edge. "I am so sorry, Father." Nick said humbly and fell to he knees beside the figure. "It is forgiven my son. All creatures are different...some good...some evil, but I can see the whole package unlike so many others...at least most of the time. When I saw you sitting here and felt your pain, felt your need to help someone other than yourself, I realized you were different than the others of your kind just as I am different from my brethren. We are all different, just as you are, my son. I have accepted what has been given me and forgiven myself for my weaknesses. An act of forgiveness must be based on acceptance of what we are and the love we have inside us. Until we do that, we can't truly forgive or ask God's forgiveness." The young priest stood and walked slowly down the aisle with a warm smile on his face filled with a peace that calmed the very air. "We are never alone, my son. God is with us all the time and helps us make the correct choice. We just have to believe there is a purpose for everything that he does." The soft candlelight flickered as if a low breeze continued to float across the room. "It is time for me to return to my prayers. I hope you find the answer you are looking for, my son. If not look deep within your own heart. It is there. Let it guide you...Let it help both you and the one you love." The lights flickered once more then flamed brightly and the young priest disappeared behind the curtains draped over the side wall. Nick stood and stared at the altar in awe. Was the priest right? Was there a purpose for everything? What purpose could it serve for him to have killed all the people he had over the centuries? What purpose did it serve to have Natalie shoot Riley tonight? The more he thought, the more confused he became until finally he turned and fled the building. ------------- "You shouldn't be here, you know!" Grace said in exasperation as she stared at Natalie putting her lab coat on. "I need to work, Grace. I need to find something that will help me deal with this." Natalie sighed, then took a deep breath and stared at the corpse in front of her covered with a white sheet. Graced touched her arm with tender concern. "Dealing with the dead is not the answer right now, Nat. You need time to absorb everything that has happened to you, let alone get over your injuries." Brown eyes locked with blue ones that were filled with tears. Natalie brushed them away valiantly. "No, Grace, you're wrong. The answer is here. I'm just not seeing it." She pulled off the white sheet over the corpse and tossed it on the floor. "We need to get to work. There are people dying out there for no reason except greed. It's our job to help stop it. My problems will have to wait." She reached for her scalpel and they started to work. ------------ Schanke kicked the bucket before him the second time. "Damn!" He yelled into the air and at the uniformed officers behind him who were just as frustrated. "They cleaned this one out too." He turned to Office Thomas. "Anything...did we get anything of value?" He asked hopefully. "Sorry, Detective. It's stripped clean. I think they even painted the place." "Call the fluoro team, then!" Schanke barked and flipped open his mobile phone and dialed. "Knight!" Nick answered the phone on the first ring. You could hear the road noise in the background. "Nick...Are you okay now? I mean you took off even without the green bomb. You scared the crap out of Riley. He was babbling like a moron when he came back to reality. What the Hell was with your eyes? I mean, Nick, what is going on with you? If I didn't know you, it would have freaked me out too. We need to talk, Pard!" Schanke babbled on just glad to hear Nick's voice at normal levels. Did he really want to know about his mysterious partner? A hundred questions popped into his mind, then his mind flashed on Nick holding Natalie in the parking lot and he knew the answer. "I'm fine, Schanke. I just let my temper get the better of me. I'm in route back to the precinct to pick up Nat. I had to take a cab." Nick landed softly outside the precinct in the shadows. Where are you?" "I'm over on 10th. We got another address on one of the Riley brothers' labs and got a warrant. Cohen is going ballistic. She thinks that slimebag lawyer of his will come up with enough bail money and Riley will be out by tomorrow. The judge says there isn't enough evidence to hold him without bail since he wasn't the attacker. We got to make a connection here that links both Miles and Larry to the drugs...and the murdered girls." Frustration laced Schanke's voice. "I'm going to take Nat back to my place and get someone to stay with her until dawn. Get all the addresses and I'll meet you." Nick clicked the off button and opened the door. Within minutes he was on his way to the morgue. ------------ "Maybe you can talk some sense into her." Grace said as she headed out the door with her hands full of samples for the lab. "Nat?" Nick said softly as he opened the door to find Natalie standing on a stool trying to get enough leverage to crack the chest cavity without damaging the organs below. "Give me a hand...will you, Nick?" She pushed the light sideways to give her a better view. "Hold that right there for me. I have to be really careful. I want to get a full lung tissue sample with the outer layer intact. This drug is affecting the mucus linings around the heart and lung. It seems to disappear when exposed to oxygen but turns red under direct fluorescent light." Nick watched her closely as she worked and realized it was cathartic for her, much like painting was to him. She cracked the chest cavity and pulled it apart slowly trying to keep the membrane intact. As soon as the light hit the tissue it turned dark red and began to glow subtly. "Gotcha!" Natalie reached for the slide on the table beside her and sliced the membrane in numerous places and placed them on several slides. Quickly she covered them and shoved them into an airtight container. Finally she smiled. Nick still stood holding the light trying to avoid looking at the blood that pooled inside the victim's body. "It's okay. You can let go now, Nick." Nick immediately released the lamp and headed for her desk away from the body. She placed the box in his hand. "That is your proof. When you find an active site, it will be filled with this stuff and it will turn red under fluorescent light, but only for a short period of time. That's the connection. This drug has a distinct chemical signature in a spectrophotometer. It's been found in all the dead bodies so far. In all the rape victims and all the overdoses brought in here in the last month. You find a lab with his fingerprints in it, then we do a DNA match and it's over. Miles's lawyer is fighting the DNA test without more proof, but if you can get the drug connection, the judge will order it. I've already gotten his brother's DNA in the lab. We'll have the results back by tomorrow." "I guess telling you to go home and get some rest is out of the question?" Nick raised a skeptical eye. Nat peeled off her gloves and went immediately into his arms. "I needed to work, Nick. You of all people know how cathartic work is to a guilty conscience." She laid her head on his shoulder and gave into the warmth she always felt when he held her. How she had missed it as of late. Waking up in his bed and falling asleep in his arms was the only medicine she needed right now. Nick kissed the top of her head. "You have nothing to feel guilty over, Nat." He pulled her tight into his arms, "...and I do understand the need to keep busy." He pushed her away slightly to stare into her eyes, "...but the doctor said you were to rest for 3 days...and that..." he pointed to the stool and the body on the cold slab. "...is not rest." He scowled, but found it hard to maintain. She was so beautiful standing there in the soft light in his arms. He wanted nothing more than to take her home, cuddle her in his arms and make love to her all night. He fantasized about it enough that at times he was certain it would be reality, but he'd almost lost her to another predator. One who was now off the streets forever, but there were others waiting to take his place. "Let me take you home, order some Chinese and call a friend to stay with you until I come home. I'll even watch 'Romancing the Stone' with you when I get in." He looked at her hopefully. "I'll worry less and then the doctor won't be coming after me with his little black bag to beat me about the head and shoulders." That boyish smile he used so effectively graced his face. He watched her give in and smiled even bigger. "That's my girl." She smacked him on the shoulder playfully. "Don't get any ideas that you won the battle so easily. I was feeling a bit tired and watching you squirm through the love scene with Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas is enough to make me do anything." She chuckled as he took an extreme interest in his feet since he couldn't blush. "So take me away in the green chariot and pamper me." She smiled as she reached behind her desk to grab her jacket. ------------- Miles paced the floor in front of his lawyer. "What do you mean they got a case?" He growled. "The crown has two eyewitness...both cops...stating you lunged after Dr. Lambert with your brother. If they find any connection to the drugs you and Larry have been pushing on the streets, they can force a DNA sample. If they do and your semen is matched to any of the dead girls that were raped with that drug in their system, you will go to the gas chamber. Lambert is just the tip of the iceberg. They will need her testimony, to justify the search of all your properties, but they can't force the DNA as you weren't the one that hit her...Larry did. If you can keep her from testifying and covered your tracks right, you'll be out with a slap on the hand. Attempted assault will get you off with probation or at max 3 months. Attempted rape is based on the Dr. Lambert's testimony. If she cracks, it's out the door, then you are only dealing with the two cops' testimony and the assault charge. She can't disappear." Morton stared at his client in contempt and disgust. "This is going to be high profile as she's the youngest ME in the city and a woman. The reporters are everywhere already. And I don't need to mention the fact that Knight scared the Hell out of me. You try to touch her and he'll lose it. I've asked around. He's not called the Knightmare for no reason. He's got an impeccable record, well respected and can't be bought so I'm told. So tread lightly. Work on the guilt issue. She's a doctor. She even tried to do CPR on your brother after she shot him. Use it, Miles. It may be your only way out at this point." Morton snapped his briefcase closed. They have set your bail at 5 million. You should be out by 2 this afternoon." He turned and walked out the door. When it closed behind him he leaned against it and sighed in disgust. How had he gotten into this line of work? Morton stared at the Rolex on his wrist and the diamond ring on his finger then smiled. Yes, he knew exactly how he got into this. End Part 4. All comments to: Part 5. An Act of Forgiveness By StormyNite. They picked up Chinese on the way back to the loft. Natalie was almost purring by the time they'd reached the loft. "Ah...Chinese food and a good romance movie. How can anyone feel bad after that?" She dropped her coat and headed for the cupboard for dishes and a mug for Nick. Nick chuckled as she scurried about getting the food ready. He watched her intently and could feel the tenseness within her, but she was coping better than most. Natalie pulled out the green bottle and poured Nick a mug full of blood. As she turned the mug slipped from her fingers and crashed onto the clean floor splattering both her legs and blouse in the process. She stared at the blood on her blouse and immediately tried to rub it off in a frenzy as her mind returned to the past. "Freeze or I will shoot!" Her own words echoed in her mind and the scream tore from her lips once more as the gun exploded in her hands and blood spread over her blouse and face. The look on his face was permanently etched into her mind as she felt him fall onto her small form and crush her to the pavement. "NO!!!" She screamed over and over again and held her head between her hands. "It's okay, Nat." He was by her side instantly when she screamed and pulled her into his arms. "It's okay...You're safe. No one will hurt you. I'm here...I'll protect you." He caressed her hair and cooed into her ear to calm her down, knowing full well she was reliving it again. Finally she began to sob in his arms and he knew he'd gotten through to her. Quickly, he picked her up and carried her to the couch and sat them both down gently. Cuddling her deep into his embrace, he let her cry as he held her close and gave what comfort he could. Each tear ripped him apart. "It will be okay, Nat. Tomorrow it will be better and the memories will be less bright. Trust me in this." He kissed the top of her head. "Know that I am here for you and I love you." She sniffled then lifted her eyes to meet his as she whispered. "That's what is keeping me going right now. Know that...know that your being here has made me stronger...made me feel safe for the first time in my life. For the first time in my life, I don't feel alone, but I know I have to conquer the guilt and the fear myself. I know that...I just feel like a part of me is a adrift and I don't know how to bring it back to shore." She bravely wiped the tears from her cheek. "Ever since I became a doctor, I'd convinced myself that there was an answer to everything. A place, a niche where everything fit in this world and then I met you. Not only did I have to learn there were other realities out there that I couldn't explain, but that there is a dark side in myself...One that saved my life at the cost of another. I'm not sure how to deal with it or how to forgive myself for that one moment of anger and hate that destroyed another human being." Finally, she stood and walked to the cold fireplace and stared at the burnt logs from the night before then she turned to face him filled with more confusion than before. "I have to understand why this happened. I have to feel it inside here." She rubbed her heart as if it ached with the thought, while the pain it caused washed across her features. "Only then can I move on. Can you understand that, Nick?" She asked hopefully. He rose and walked to her side without a word and enveloped her in his arms. "A very wise person told me to look at the whole picture and take one small step at a time. Each day would get easier until finally I would find what I was looking for." He smiled at her as she recalled her own words spoken many years ago when he had been ready to give up. "She was a very smart lady...very pretty, too." He tipped her face up until she stared into his eyes and he gently kissed her lips. "She was right. I suggest you follow her advice as well." Nat rested her head on his shoulder. "Tell me you love me one more time and I'll know she was right." She pulled her head off his shoulder and hesitated as she stared deep into his eyes. How much she loved him...how much she wanted them to be together? Did he know? Could he love her that much in return? Nick held her face between his hands gently. "I have loved you for eternity, Natalie, both body and soul. I have been afraid of what I might do to you in a fit of passion because I love you so much, but the fact that you are in my arms and I have no desire to drain you tells me that you are right. I think I've been looking for you all my life. You make me feel like no one ever has in both my human life and this one. I never want to be apart. I think about you both day and night to the point it's almost obsessive. It scares me more than I can tell you, but I know I want it. I know I want to be with no one else but you. You are the part of me that has been missing all my life." Nat smiled in relief and relaxed in his arms. It would be all right. There were reasons for everything. She just couldn't see this one, but she had faith. She sighed softly as he caressed her back and held her tightly against him. He felt so good. Did he know just how much she wanted to be with him? She felt his manhood stiffen as her leg brushed up against hers and she sighed heavier. Yes, he knew and wanted her too. All things in time with small steps toward an ultimate goal, only they both now had the same goal. She smiled then kissed him softly on the lips. "I think I'm more tired than hungry. I'm just going to take a hot bath and crash if you don't mind. I know you had arranged for Margaret to come up and stay with me, but it's really not necessary. You won't be too long with Schanke and all she would do is watch the tv while I slept. A black and white outside is plenty. I don't need a policewoman inside." She looked at him hopefully. "Besides Miles is still in jail and you have that overpriced security system that should earn its keep, don't you think?" Nick chuckled. "Okay, you win. I'll call Margaret and tell her to go home instead, but you keep your mobile phone with you at all times. You have priority on the switchboard. I made sure!" He kissed her forehead. "I won't be long and hopefully we will catch them before they get these cleaned out. The fluoro-team is coming with us just in case and I've asked for airtight specimen containers as per your suggestion." He smiled. "We'll catch them." "Of that I am certain, Nick." She yawned then grabbed a box of Chinese on the counter. "Maybe I'll just take a snack to the tub with me." Nick laughed as she scurried away up the steps. When she reached the top of the landing she stopped. "Be careful, Nick." She said to his retreating figure heading for the lift. "As my lady commands." Nick bowed graciously then stepped into the lift. --------------- Nick and Schanke walked through the vacant warehouse. "Damn!" Schanke yelled as he slammed his fist into the door. "We're too late again. How the Hell does he know where we are going next? He must have a dozen of these all over town. There is no way he could know which one we got a line on...no way." Schanke kicked the door next to him. "Only one way, Schanke. We've got a leak inside...someone who knows exactly where we're going, exactly when we'll be there." Anger flashed in his eyes and the gold flecked instantly. Schanke caught it immediately. "Don't go wacko on me, Nick." "Sorry, Schanke," then fear gripped his heart. If they had a leak then Nat was at risk at well. He flipped open his cell phone and dialed dispatch. "Put me through, Ellen, to the patrol car outside my house." "Sure, Nick, but it's been all quiet so far." Ellen was well aware of what was going on after her brief conversation with Nick earlier in the evening. "Unit 12!" Allen Morris answered dispatch calmly. "This is Knight. Has there been any activity at my place...anything unusual?" "No, Detective. The lights went out upstairs about 30 minutes ago and it's been all quiet...couple of street people walking in front, but nothing else. We haven't been out of the car, so I know nothing has happened. I'm sure of it." "Thanks, Allen. I appreciate it. I want you to take a walk around the building and check it out. Call me if there is anything unusual, okay?" "Will do, Nick." Nick hung up the phone and dialed Nat's mobile phone. If she did as he asked, it would be by the bed. She answered on the second ring. Her voice filled with sleep. "Nat?" Nick sighed in relief when she answered. "Is everything okay?" "Nick? Yes, I'm fine...I was sleeping. What's wrong?" She picked up on his tension. "Nothing but the place was cleaned out again. I think we have a leak inside. If you hear from anyone but me, Schanke or Ellen...call me. I don't trust anyone at this point. This puts you at risk. Don't let anyone in under any circumstances even if you know them. Okay?" He waited anxiously for her to agree. "Okay, Nick, but as you pointed out Miles is still in lock-up. I'll be fine. Just hurry home. I miss having something to cuddle up to and Sydney isn't making it." She heard him chuckle and knew she'd accomplished relieving his mind. "Is she okay, Nick?" Schanke listened intently and watched his partner relax. Yup, they had it bad, but then he already knew that. No more claiming they were just friends. That wasn't going to fly with anyone at this point. The next address was vacant as well only this time the paint was still wet. They were getting closer. Nick made the fluoro team do a scan after lifting vent covers and traps in hopes of finding any trace. The red residue showed up further back in the air vent, but the building had a shared air handling system with the 3 floors above it, so it was no good. It wouldn't hold up in a court of law. Schanke continued to grumble as they proceeded through the vacant basement of the old building. Nick began to use his methodical brain and retrace his conversations and steps. They had to plug the leak if they were ever to get any evidence on the Riley brothers other than what they had. They needed more or the entire case would hinge on Natalie's testimony and the two cops who witnessed Larry attack Nat. Miles was way too unpredictable and vengeful to let that happen for any length of time. Natalie would be in danger even more so than before if they didn't put Miles away for life. He wouldn't let that happen. "I need to get back to the precinct, Schanke. I have a few things to check out. You want to stay and finish up here?" Nick looked hopeful. "What up, Nick. You know something I don't?" Schanke watched his partner closely and knew all the signs. "Maybe, Schank, but I need to get some proof. Call me if anything shows up like a fingerprint or some of the red stuff." Nick headed for the door as his mind shifted into detective mode once more. -------------- Nat heard the pager clearly as if it were by the bed. Years of practice listening with her subconscious mind had done that. She slipped out of bed reluctantly as Nick lay sleeping curled around her. She sighed in resignation as she looked at the clock reading 2pm, knowing full well the pager could only mean one thing. She hated leaving his side as she had tossed and turned restlessly until he curled up in bed beside her. How odd he would have that effect on her so quickly, but a quick glance at the wayward curl gracing his forehead only confirmed what she already knew. He was her destiny and her body both felt it and responded to it naturally. She knelt down and kissed his cheek as he slept. He moaned slightly and reached for her. "I can't stay, Nick. They need me at the office early." She kissed his lips softly and he responded in kind drugged with heavy sleep. "No, don't get up. It's only 2 o'clock. You sleep for a couple more hours and meet me for an early dinner. I'll be starved by six tonight. We can have a bite to eat before you go on shift and maybe I'll know by then when I can get off." She tossed a blanket over him even though she was sure he didn't need it and headed for the shower. Less than 45 minutes later she was at the morgue. ----------------- "What do we have, Grace?" Natalie tossed her coat on the desk and grabbed the clipboard shoved in her direction. "I thought you'd want to know as soon as possible." Grace watched Natalie's face for a reaction and saw relief flood her features. Grace smiled from ear to ear. "If you had any doubts before...this should squash it. If it doesn't, then let's try this one." Grace pulled the sheet back on the body lying beside them. "They found her early this morning dumped in the lake. Some old man snagged his fishing line on the rope tied to her ankle. He happened to have heavy line on his pole and managed to drag the cement block out of the water to shore. Her body followed shortly behind. I'm guessing she's been dead a little over 2 weeks from the looks of her. You'd be better at this than anybody on staff." Grace's admiration for Natalie's talent beamed in her eyes. "You're my biggest fan, Grace. Thanks! I need it all right now. Let's get to work and see what we can salvage out of this one." Nat handed the lab results back to Grace and grabbed her coat and gloves. -------------- Grace headed down the hall with all the samples in her hand. Nat was cleaning up and storing the body. She closed the freezer door and snapped the lock into place with a sigh of regret. It was such a waste when one so young died without reason. "My, my aren't we the hard working one." Miles sultry voice carried across the room. Natalie froze in place and stared in horror. He laughed. "It would appear, Doctor, you are done early and need a little entertainment." He started toward her. "What are you doing here? Better yet, how did you get in here?" Natalie tried to force the fear in her voice back into some dark corner so he wouldn't notice. "Why, Doctor, this is a public facility and there is no law stating I can't go into a public facility as long as the doors aren't locked...and your door wasn't locked!" He smiled evilly and continued forward. Natalie backed up automatically. "What's the matter, Doc? Don't think I can perform as well as my brother? I mean you gave him your number and enticed him with that wanton body of yours with no problem before you killed him. How did it feel, Natalie? I mean to feel his blood all over you...to feel his life drain away and know you took it from him. Did it make you feel powerful? Did it make you want more?" Miles stopped a foot away from her and watched the fear in her turn to guilt. "Yes, you liked it, didn't you? As much as you like to pretend, you liked it and it made you feel hot all over just like Larry said." Miles placed one hand on the freezer behind her and watched his words cut her worse than any knife ever could. "You're worse than he ever dreamed about being. You spend you days and nights cutting up dead people and wondered what it would feel like to feel a life slip away between your fingers. So you enticed him because he loved women...then you teased him until he was out of control. Finally, you killed him in cold blood!" Guilt washed over her as the images began to flash in her mind. Blood everywhere...on her face...on her clothes...Riley's face as realized he'd been shot, then disbelief. Natalie gasped in horror as her breath was crushed from her body and she could feel his body lying limply on hers as if it were only moments ago. "That's it...relive it, Bitch. You're a murderer! You deserve to be in jail...not me." "Get away from her!" Grace yelled across the room and stormed to Natalie's side, grabbing his arm. Miles backhanded her and sent her sprawling across the tile floor. "Grace!" Natalie screamed and ducked under his arm and ran to her side. "Well isn't that sweet...a black mama and her little chick. It changes nothing. You killed my brother for no reason except you liked it!" He started toward the women on the floor only to find himself flying across the room backwards Nick pressed him to the wall and let his anger take control. "Take a good look, Riley. I'm going to be the last thing you see in this world before you join your brother in Hell!" Nick's power washed over the room and Miles screamed in terror letting his bladder release down his leg onto the floor. "NO! Nick, stop this!" Natalie was behind him clutching his shoulder with a gentle tug. "He's right! I killed his brother. I can't change that." Nick turned golden eyes to her and felt acceptance in her. "Let him go, Nick." Nick released Miles collar and he slid to the floor terrified beyond reason. "That's right, Knight! She admits it. Your girlfriend is a killer and she's gotta pay for it, not me!" Miles brushed himself off and stood as Nick watched Natalie closely. Her clipboard fell off the table where she'd left it and crashed to the floor in the deafening silence. Natalie watched the clipboard fall and for the first time since that night, she felt at peace within herself. Nick noticed it immediately and was confused. Miles kept ranting, but she'd stopped listening. Slowly she walked to the table, reached down and picked up the chart and clipboard. She stared at the paper and let the anger wash over her then stalked toward Riley. "Nice try, animal! And I say that with reservation because most animals only kill for protection or food. You and your brother, however, are an exception. There is a reason for everything in this world and 3 nights ago was no exception. I protected myself and the other women in the city from you and your brother. He's dead and can't kill again and I'm not sorry, so if that makes me a bad person...then so be it." She walked up to Miles and shoved the clipboard under his nose. "Read it, closely, you piece of filth! It was your brother's semen in 3 of the raped dead girls. All of them filled with your killer drug. The DNA is a perfect match and I'll bet the other unknown one matches yours. Shall we check?" She raised an all-knowing eye. Miles lunged sideways to bolt free. Natalie stuck a foot out prepared and he crashed to the floor. Nick picked him up off the floor and smiled. "I think we'll make a little trip back over to lock-up and find out. I don't think the judge will be too lenient with this new evidence and the fact that you attacked government employees in a government facility." Nick stuck his face in Miles and let the gold fleck his eyes once more. "You've just made the biggest mistake of your life and if the government doesn't see it that way, I'll make sure your life is a living hell from here on out. Be afraid, Riley...be very afraid because you really won't like me if I get totally pissed off." Nick grabbed him by the shoulder and turned to Nat. "Are you okay?" He asked as the blue returned to his eyes when he reached out with his senses. She had replaced the guilt with knowledge and acceptance and gained peace in the process. He stared at her in amazement. She was filled with something he'd lost a long time ago. "I finally understand the purpose for all this, Nick, and there was a reason for it. I can forgive myself and move on now." She touched his cheek and smiled. "No more women will die because Larry Riley wants them. You just make sure they don't have to worry about his evil twin here." She glared at Miles. "I'll make sure of it!" He shoved Riley out the door. End Part 5 All comments to: Part 6 An Act of Forgiveness By StormyNite Natalie turned back to Grace. "Why don't you let me clean that lip up for you?" Nat grimaced as she looked at Grace's swollen lip. Grace nodded and smiled, then sat down in the chair beside Natalie's desk. Grace watched Natalie intently as she worked realizing once more just how strong her boss was. "I'm proud of you, Natalie." She mumbled as Nat cleaned her lip gently. Natalie smiled and sighed with regret. "Well I'm not proud to have taken a human life, but I'm not going to feel guilty any longer. I can forgive myself now and ask God for forgiveness because I know now that I wasn't alone that night. I just forgot that for awhile." She looked sheepish and Grace tilted her chin up until she stared into her dark brown eyes. "There is a dark side of us all, but we always choose what to do with it with a little help." She smiled lopsidedly. Grace noticed the wet spot on the floor where Miles had fallen. Natalie followed her eyes to the spot. "Don't we need another blind sample for our DNA panel?" Grace said innocently. Nat walked over, slipped on new rubber gloves and grabbed a slide. "My...I think you are correct, Grace. Just another blind sample for the panel." She took an eye-dropper and suck up some of the urine on the floor and deposited it on the slide. She quickly put a coverslip over it and a label. That done she handed it to Grace...Another sample, Miss Grace. We'll call it unknown 3. Schanke will be relieved that he doesn't have to donate again. She smiled wickedly. "So I guess this will have to do." ------------- Miles' lawyer had been with him for a little over an hour before he marched into Cohen's office without knocking. The door had been closed since. Nick was having a hard time controlling the anger. The slimebag had tried to touch Natalie once more. He would make sure it never happened again one way or another. He paced in front of his desk as the whole squadroom watched, waiting for the outcome. They wouldn't want to be in Riley's shoes if he walked out of this. The anger in the room was almost physical and Nick was not alone in showing it. "Damn!" Schanke slammed the interrogation room door. "I want to choke him with my bare hands." He looked at Nick. "He claims Grace attacked him and he was only protecting himself." Miles lawyer walked out of Cohen's office and headed back to his client. "In my office, Knight...Schanke!" She was not pleased. "Close the door and sit down. You are not going to like this." Amanda Cohen sat down angrily behind her desk. "They aren't letting him go, Cap!" Schanke bolted to his feet. "He just attacked Grace and Natalie in a government facility. There is no way..." "Sit down, Schanke." She turned to Nick and watched the gold fleck his blue eyes. She could feel the anger within him, but he controlled it well. The tick in his jaw and the gold in his eyes told her he was close to the edge and this wasn't going to help. "I've spent an hour on the phone with the provincial authorities, the chief magistrate and lead counsel for the court. We can't hold him. The morgue is a government facility and the door was not locked. Miles never touched Natalie physically. We all know he went there to threaten her and work on her conscience. He claims Grace grabbed his arm and she confirmed that. So he could press charges for assault on her. It wouldn't hold up in court, but it's a possibility. With the new evidence on the DNA with Larry's semen only proves he was guilty of rape and has no effect on Miles in this situation. We need enough evidence to link the brothers together in the drug conspiracy to warrant a DNA test from Miles." Nick jumped to his feet and headed for the door. "Knight!" Nick stopped at the door. "Anger won't solve anything and I want this guy as bad as you do. Get me the proof on the drugs and we have him." Nick turned to face her slowly trying to calm the raging animal within. "If he goes near Nat again, I will kill him, Captain. I will not let him terrorize the only genuinely good person I have ever met in my lifetime. No one should have that power...no one!" He walked out of the door and headed for the lab. "Go after him, Schanke and get me that proof. I don't want to lose my best detective and the brightest ME this city has over this piece of garbage." ------------ Nick walked into the lab past the guard he'd had posted at the entrance door. He'd placed one at each entrance to the building and all the patrol cars were ordered to circle the morgue building at least once going on and off shift. The city protected their own. The morgue door was now locked, so Nick knocked. Natalie peered through the opening then opened the door. When he shut the door behind him she fell into his arms and wept. He held her tight and let the tears stain his silk shirt without a thought. In a few minutes she gained control. He continued to wind his hands through her hair in comfort. "I'm sorry," she mumbled into his shoulder, then turned bloodshot eyes to his. She then stepped back and rubbed the tears off her cheek in frustration. "The red-eyed puffy look was never very flattering." Nick gently caressed her face with his thumb. "You are the most beautiful woman I've ever met both inside and out." Nat clasped his hand in hers. "Nice try and I appreciate it, but remember I've met Janette." She looked skeptical and all knowing. Nick pulled her to the mirror on the other side of the room and made her stare into it. "This is what I see. A woman filled with love, faith and boundless goodness who is willing to share it with everyone she meets. That is what makes you beautiful, Nat. Your hair is alive with a fire that makes men want to run their fingers through it. You have a body when you don't hide it that makes men turn and look twice everywhere you go, but that's not what makes you beautiful. It's what's inside, what I see in your eyes every time I look into them and I know I'm not alone." He turned her to face him, then ran his fingers gently over her soft skin. "It's unconditional love that makes you beautiful...can't you see that? It's what every man wants...no it's what every creature on the face of this Earth wants." She stared at him in amazement. "No one has ever made me feel beautiful...until now." She fell into his arms and wrapped her arms around him tightly. "I love you, Nick, and I think I have from the day you woke up on my morgue table." He ran his fingers through her hair and cuddled her deep into his embrace. "I have to tell you this." She tensed in his arms. "They are letting Riley go, aren't they?" She knew the answer before he responded. "They say there's not enough evidence to hold him and he's claiming Grace attacked him first." He pushed her to arms length. "I won't let him near you again. I promise you...I'll..." She silenced him with a single finger to his lips. "I am not like him and neither are you. He scares me, but I'm not ashamed of what I've done to protect myself. I will not let my guilt control my life and make me an invalid in society. I can forgive myself because I know I didn't make that decision alone and neither have you over these years. I was told by a good friend that there is a dark side in all of us, but we control how we use it with more than a little help from a higher source. I believe it and I think you did once upon a time." She smiled and stepped back to watch his reaction. He'd lost his faith somewhere along the way. If he would just let her see how and why, maybe they had a chance. He stared at her a moment and turned away in shame as the guilt of the centuries weighed him down. She was right...she had nothing to feel guilty over, but he did and if he couldn't forgive himself for all the atrocities, how could he ever ask God for forgiveness? She touched his arm from behind. "Let me help you, Nick. Let me share my faith with you and maybe then you can forgive yourself." He turned sad eyes to hers. "I can't, Nat." He held her face between his hands. "If I let you see only part of what I've done, you'd run screaming into the night. I couldn't handle that. I don't want you to see that part of me... ever. No one should have to live with the images that haunt my dreams both day and night...no one except me. I created those nightmares and now I must live with them and atone for what I have done. It is the only way I can hope to ask for God's forgiveness. The fact that you love me should not be a death sentence for you and I won't risk your life to save my soul." His eyes pleaded with her for understanding. "We are all one in the circle of life searching for love and acceptance. What we are and what we shall be is based on what is in here." She touched his heart gently with the palm of her hand. "What is in here is filled with love. You just can't see it yet, but I do. Everything else will come in time." She tiptoed and kissed him softly on the lips. He wrapped her in his arms and deepened the kiss until she panted heavily in his arms. Gold flecks dusted his eyes when he released her. She stepped back and smiled. "One step at a time." There was another knock at the door. "More work I'm afraid. There was an accident on the freeway." She looked saddened. Nick checked the view hole and unlocked the door. Jim and Randy pushed a cart through the door. "I'll see you later tonight." She waved goodbye and he stepped out the door. -------------- Morton watched Miles pace the floor in front of him after he returned from the washroom and changing his clothes. They'd stopped at his office to pick up a report from the detective agency he'd hired to check out a few things. He tossed the report toward Miles. "You have no idea what you're dealing with here, Miles. Frankly, I never suggest running to any of my clients as I can usually get them off, but I don't think there is any way for you to get out of this cleanly. I've greased the wheels so much already that they are going to notice pretty soon and you aren't dealing with ordinary people here. Lambert put herself through medical school, is the youngest ME on staff and the first woman the province ever hired for the position. She has an unblemished record, she is not corruptible and from what you're telling me...she has learned to control the guilt. Knight is another case altogether, and from all reports, more than just friends with the good doctor. His record is beyond reproach and almost too perfect to be legit, so I looked further. Read the report, Miles, and then be afraid...be very afraid. If he is what I think he is, you don't want him angry." Miles grabbed the report and scanned it quickly, then began to laugh. "You've been watching too many movies, Morton, or at least your detective here has. Knight is a scary man but he is not one of the undead. You forget I've met one up close and personal. As you will recall he is no longer with us. Vampires don't associate on a day-to-day basis with humans...They lose control...bodies start showing up missing lots of blood. Knight isn't normal that is for sure, but a vampire...not in this lifetime." Miles walked to the window and let his mind drift back to the morgue and the power he'd felt sweep the room. The anger washed over him once more creating terror in his very soul. It wasn't possible. Vampires could use mesmerism to control your mind, but nothing like he'd felt from Knight. Knight was something different and that scared him more than he was willing to admit. Vampires had no remorse nor did they spend their nights catching killers, but he would take precautions anyway. If Knight were one of the undead, then he had far greater powers than any of the others he'd ever run into. This would require more preparation than he'd originally planned. "Just pay the money, Morton. I will take care of this all tonight. There will be no loose ends". Knight and Schanke were getting too close and it was only a matter of time until they found what they were looking for. He wasn't going to let that happen. Tonight all the problems would go away permanently. ----------- Natalie finished the autopsy and felt exhaustion overwhelm her. It was after 2am and she'd been at work almost 11 hours...so much for 3 days of bedrest. "You look beat, Nat." Grace said as she closed the freezer door. "Why don't you head home? There is a cruiser outside and they can run you home with just a phone call. Nick isn't taking any chances. He made me promise to call a black and white for you." She smiled motherly and her swollen lip made her grimace. "I think we both need to call it a night. I'm going to visit the little girls room first and then head on out. I already told Randy to get me a black and white." She smiled. "You head on out. I'll lock up and turn out the lights when I get back from the washroom." She handed Grace her coat from the pegs behind her. Grace accepted tiredly and nodded her acceptance. "I'll see you tomorrow. I'm sleeping all day to make up for this one." "Me too," Grace said tiredly and headed for the door. ------------ Natalie stood at the mirror as she washed her hands and looked at the dark circles under her eyes. Yes, crying didn't do much for the makeup job and it certainly added the wrong color to her face. The door opened and Ellen walked in. "Oh hi, Ellen!" Nat greeted the dispatcher. "How is it going tonight? Is it busy over there?" Back-up dispatch was housed at the opposite end of the building. "It's been relatively quiet except for that traffic fiasco. I heard there were at least 3 dead. Is that right?" Ellen walked to the mirror and washed her hands. She began rummaging through her purse looking for a hairbrush. "You wouldn't happen to have a hairbrush on you, would you?" She asked hopefully. "Let me see." Nat rummaged into her handbag and came up with one. As she turned, the barrel of a 38 was shoved into her stomach. "No noise or I pull the trigger. It has a silencer on it and I'm in too deep already to care what happens now." Ellen stepped behind Natalie and smiled wickedly. "It's amazing what a little money can do for you, Natalie. You should try it sometime instead of taking the moral high ground that you always take. Men like pretty clothes and fast women. I should know." She shoved the gun into Nat's bruised side until she groaned. "Oh, I'm sorry...I forgot you were injured killing my boyfriend weren't you?" Hatred flashed in her eyes. "Well just to make things even, when I finish with you I'm going to kill yours. Miles has promised I get to pull the trigger on the final bullet in that pretty boy face of Nick's. I think I'm going to make you watch. It will be much more fun that way. " She shoved Nat toward the door keeping the gun well hidden under her sports jacket. "You say one thing wrong and I'll kill you and the guards. Got it?" Nat shook her head and they headed out the door. "Everything okay, Dr. Lambert?" Randy asked when both women stepped through the door together. "Everything is fine, Randy. I'm just calling it a night. Could you call the officers who were going to take me home and tell them I'll be riding with Ellen instead. She has offered to take me to my place." "But I thought you were going..." "Yes, Randy, I know how serious you guys are and how much Nick lectured you but I as I said before...home is where I belong. You tell Frank and Carl for me, won't you?" Nat tried to smile, but it didn't make it to her eyes and Randy caught it. He watched the women walk out the door and called Frank outside. ------------ Nick circled the block for the second time. "Well, are we going to go in or just keep circling until they finally split? I got a good feeling on this one Nick. " Schanke smiled gleefully and rubbed his hands together in anticipation. Nick pulled over and radioed the black and whites behind him. "Full coverage on all the doors gentlemen. No one leaves the premises...got it?" Nick's voice left no room for doubt as they cars stopped and everyone piled out at once. They surrounded the building and hit the doors all at the same time. "Police! Freeze!" Schanke shouted as they burst through the door. Three guns appeared magically. Nick took out one while Schanke and the cop across the far side took out the other two. "Drop your weapons! " Nick growled and 4 more guns hit the floor. Three chemist froze in place, afraid to move while Nick and Schanke forced everyone on the floor for a search." Nick noticed the powder on the side of the table. He broke open a bag, added a drop of water and the substance turned immediately red...then clear. The same chemical reaction Nat said would happen. The drug would turn back red under fluorescent light in tissue if not exposed to oxygen. "Get the fingerprint people in here pronto. I want this whole place dusted. Miles fingerprints anywhere in this building and we have him." Nick turned to Officer Samuel Holden beside him and waited for him to relay the message. The team was on its way. The fluoro team was entering the building now. "We got him, Nick! I can feel it!" Schanke's exuberance was shared by everyone present, including Nick. "I hope you're right, Schanke. I want that piece of filth locked away until he rots." Nick's phone rang. "Knight!" "Nick, it's Randy Sherman." "What's wrong, Randy?" Nick's senses immediately tensed. "Well I'm not sure there's anything wrong, but Dr. Lambert left with Ellen from dispatch and she wasn't making much sense. She'd told me earlier she didn't feel safe at home and was planning on going back to your place, then she makes some comment about telling me earlier that home was were she felt safe..." "I'm on my way..." "Nick...wait!" Randy screamed over the phone. Nick shoved the phone back to his ear as he ran for the car. "I had Frank and Carl follow them when they left. They didn't go to Dr. Lambert's place. They went to an old deserted warehouse over on 10th. Carl and Frank are still there. What do you want me to tell them?" "Tell them to call me if they see or hear anything. I'm on my way." Nick flipped the cell phone closed and jumped behind the wheel. Schanke was only 2 steps behind him. "Not without me, Pard!" Schanke jumped into the passengers seat. "Not this time, Schanke. I don't want you involved in this. I won't let Riley touch her, you know that!" Rage overwhelmed him as Nick fought for control. "She's my friend too, Nick, and we are partners...good or bad...we do this together. I'm going to watch your backside...just like I always do." He stared at Nick and once again felt raw power creep over his skin until the hairs on the back of his arms stood up. Nick's eyes glowed briefly then it was gone. How did it do that? What was he? Schanke shook his head then slammed his hand on the dashboard. "Let's blow this popstand! Nat's in trouble!" The engine roared to life and they were gone. End Part 6 All comments to: Part 7 An Act of Forgiveness By StormyNite September 2000 Ellen shoved Natalie through the door. Miles pushed the chair away from the table where he sat and let it crash to the floor. He kicked it away in anger. "What is she doing here?" He screamed as he stalked forward. "A little treat for you, Miles. I thought you might like to do her once before I kill her boyfriend." Ellen sneered and Natalie couldn't believe the change she saw before her. Where was the sweet innocent woman that walked the hallways of the precinct, constantly worrying over everyone's need? Where was the compassion she'd heard in her voice a dozen times over the death of an innocent woman or child brought into the morgue? Who was this woman? "Let me guess, Natalie? You thought all that sweetness and innocence was for real. You really believed I cared. Get something straight right now! There is only one person I ever cared about and you killed him. He might have been a two timer and couldn't keep his pants zipped, but I loved him!" Ellen shoved Natalie into Miles' arms. He grabbed her and crushed her petite form to his. "Not that I wouldn't mind the luxury of finding out just how sweet you are bitch, but it will have to wait." Miles turned angry eyes on Ellen. "I told you to wait. I wasn't ready for her yet, you stupid whore!" The door slammed and Morton ran into the warehouse. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Natalie trapped in Miles' arms. "You're an idiot!" He screamed hysterically. "I'm out of here, Miles. They just raided the house over on Sheridan. They caught everyone and locked the place down. All because your bitch there..." he pointed to Ellen, "...wasn't on dispatch. No warning...nothing and you are toast in more ways than one. Let Dr. Lambert go. You are only going to piss Knight off more. Get out while you can." Morton glared at Ellen, then back handed her hard enough to send her sprawling across the floor. She started to get up and he kicked her in the head, knocking her unconscious. "You should have never trusted her. She is going to get us all killed." Miles laughed and tightened his grip. "Not likely, Morton. She only pushed things up a little. I'm going to take care of everything. So you just go back to what you do best. Go write a brief or something creative. Maybe we can sue the city for harassment. " Natalie struggled and he tightened his grip. "None of that or I'll have to bruise the merchandise before I get a sample!" The evil behind his eyes chilled her to the bone. "You're insane, Miles." Morton shoved a photograph under his nose. "Take a wild guess who that is?" Morton's eye's darted around the room as if he expected someone to pop out from behind the crates beside them. "Let me guess...A big bad vampire?" Miles chuckled as he stared at the picture of LaCroix standing under the sign of the Raven staring at someone in the shadows. "You have know idea what you're dealing with, Miles. I paid through the nose to get that picture. They call him 'The General'. You know him as the 'Nightcrawler'. He's the oldest vampire in the city and has more power than you can imagine. Those vampires in his favor do well, those who aren't, usually don't live long or disappear. He is the most feared and the most respected creature of the night in the city. There is only one person in this city who has ever stood up to him. Take a wild guess who that might be?" He finally had Miles' attention. Miles snatched the picture from Morton's fingers and took a closer look. Nick's facial features could be made out even in the shadows of the photograph and neither man in the photograph was pleased. For a brief moment, fear edged Morton's skin. "The last time Knight and LaCroix got into it, they closed the Raven for two weeks. The time before, Knight's place was completely gutted. Now you explain to me how you are going to take on a creature who is unafraid of a 2000 year old vampire?" Morton made no efforts to hide his fear. Natalie took advantage of Miles' momentary fear and tried to wrench free from his grasp. It only angered him more. He applied pressure to her sore ribs with his arm then crushed her petite form into his until she groaned in pain. He stared into her eyes and realized what he had. Finally he laughed hysterically. "Because my dear worthless lawyer...Knight has a weakness...and it's right here! All men have a weakness and no matter what Knight is...or how strong he is...He is a man!" Miles forced his face within inches of Natalie, but she refused to cower. "You got balls, baby. I'll give you that, but it won't do you any good." He smashed his mouth over her viciously. Nat struggled then bit his lip. Angered, he slapped her hard then shoved her in chair. Within seconds she was tied securely with her arms behind her back and her legs to the base of the chair. Morton watched in fascination then noticed the picture float gently to the floor. Panic overwhelmed him. He stared at Nick's facial expression in the picture and his primal need for survival kicked in. "You do what you want, Miles, but I'm out of here for good. I don't plan on being around when Knight gets here and sees what you've done. You're a dead man and don't even know it." Morton turned to leave. "You leave, Morton, and it's over permanently...no more Rolex watches...no more Mercedes...You go back to being a street lawyer and scrapping for every dime, just like I found you." Miles stood filled with his own importance. "Money is no good if you're dead, Miles." Morton headed for the door when a small pop was heard. Pain shot through his back and he stared at the blood soaking the front of his shirt. Within seconds, his heart stopped and he toppled to the floor dead. "No one leaves the Riley brothers' employment unless asked." Miles shoved the 38 with a silencer back into his jacket pocket then turned his attention back to Natalie. "Now I get ready for your boyfriend." ------------- "You want to tell me what is going on inside that blond head of yours or do I just have to guess?" Schanke said frustrated as they drove. "Why don't you start by explaining to me why every time you get angry your eyes glow and I get this weird feeling that I'm about to be lunch. It creeps me out!" Schanke watched Nick intently, not expecting him to answer since he never did. "Trust me when I say...you don't want to know, Schank." Nick stared at the road and made the corner a little too fast throwing Schanke hard against the door. "Take it easy, Nick. We won't do Nat any good if we're wrapped up against a post. The officers at the scene haven't reported anything. Just be cool about this and don't do anything stupid. I don't want to be holding Nat's hand at your funeral." Schanke grunted and watched Nick wheel the green bomb in behind the black and white. "You take the back, Schank, and have Carl and Frank radio for back-up." Nick ran for the front door. "Wait, Nick!" Schanke yelled too late. Schanke didn't need to check for pulses when he opened the patrol car door. "Damn!" He slammed the black and white's door then took off for the back of the warehouse. -------- Nick stepped into the warehouse and quietly lifted up into the rafters. Natalie's heartbeat flooded his soul and he sighed with relief. Softly he landed behind the crates to her left. She was bound and gagged in the middle of a room full of crates. Nick reached out with his senses and felt Riley off to the left long before he ever saw him. "Come in, Detective." Miles voice was confident and filled with hatred. "Come join the party." Miles stepped away from Natalie and Nick waited. When he was 5 feet away, he raised his hand in the air. "Come see what I've got for your girlfriend. You can watch her drift off into la-la land before she dies." In his hand was a small remote. The light on the front blinked red under his poised finger. Nick lifted off and floated above him unnoticed. Miles' finger lay casually over the red button as if he were in total control of the whole situation. Attached to Natalie's arm was a hypodermic needle filled with a clear fluid. The needle was imbedded deep within her skin and the plunger was attached to some electronic device that activated the plunger. Nick was certain it was controlled by the remote device in Miles' hand. "That's right, Knight. Check it all out. I put enough stuff in that syringe to kill 10 people...Oh, did I mention I used a dirty needle. Just happen to have a few of those around. If for some reason she did survive, it wouldn't be for long. I hear AIDS is a pretty nasty way to go." His finger twitched over the button. "Don't try any of that vampire shit on me. No one is fast enough to keep me from pressing..." Miles felt the pain as his wrist snapped right before his eyes. Nick caught the remote before it hit the floor. A slight swoosh could be heard as Nick caught sight of the arrow heading directly for Natalie strapped in the chair to his right. Riley had been standing on a pressure plate set for his own weight. Nick had activated the system when he stepped behind him to remove the remote. Without thinking, Nick dove to cover Natalie with his body. The first arrow embedded itself deep into his thigh as the second was aimed for Nat's throat. Jerking the needle from Nat's arm, he pushed them both backwards snapping the legs of the chair with his weight. The arrow missed the intended target and slammed painfully into his back. The third arrow passed harmlessly by his head, but the damage was done. He tried to rise to his feet, but Miles was prepared. Pure fire ripped through Nick's body as Miles slammed the arrow deeper into Nick's back with his foot. His body reacted immediately to wood now touching his heart. Nick screamed in pain as he rolled away from his assailant, trying to give Natalie a chance to escape. "Does it hurt, Knight?" Miles snarled and reached for Nick struggling to breathe on the floor. He jerked Nick to a standing position and reached for the arrow now protruding through Nick's chest. "See you in Hell, Knight!" "You first!" Nick growled as he shoved the needle in his hand into Miles' side and pushed the plunger. Miles released him and stared at the needle now sticking out of his side. Disbelief registered on his face as the drug washed through his blood system. Seconds later, he dropped dead. Nick collapsed to his knees and gave into the darkness that beckoned him. "Fight it, Nick!" Natalie screamed as she struggled to free her self from her bonds and gag. "Nick!" Schanke ran across the warehouse at full speed to watch his so unpredictable partner collapse to his knees with a wooden arrow protruding from both sides of his body. Schanke caught him before he fell forward. "Nick!" Natalie finally managed to free her hands and feet then ran to his side. Schanke flipped open his cell phone and called 911 as he held Nick unconscious in his arms. "No, Schank!" Nat grabbed the phone from his hands and tossed it across the room. Her eyes pleaded with his for understanding. "Just hold him up!" "Nat! We've got to get him an ambulance. We've got to..." "Just hold him, Schank!" Natalie snapped the back of the arrow off causing Nick to scream in pain. Undaunted, she grabbed the front of the arrow and jerked it free. Pure agony ripped through Nick's body as blood began to pour from his nose and mouth. Natalie applied pressure to both sides of the wound and said a prayer. "Nick, tell me what to do." She whispered in desperation as the tears flooded her face. Natalie was calling him. Her sweet voice beckoned, cajoled...she needed something from him, but he couldn't give it to her. His mind swam in a sea of pain filled with a burning fire that only one thing could put out. His fangs extended and his body's need for survival kicked in. "That's it! Fight it, Nick!" Natalie held pressure on the makeshift bandage both front and back. "Nat, we have to get him help. He's going to bleed to death. What were you thinking?" Schanke looked for the phone, afraid to leave Nick. "Help me lie him down. I need more pressure." They lay Nick down gently and he groaned in agony. His fangs flashed in the low light and caught Schanke's attention. "What the..." Schanke stared in confusion and felt the same prickling sensation flood his skin as Nick gained full consciousness. He backed away. "Tell me what you need, Nick?" Natalie stayed by his side unafraid. Nick's power flooded the room as he grabbed Natalie's face between his hands and locked onto her heartbeat. "I need blood...I need your blood like no other's I have ever known." The sweet mesmerization in his voice touched her soul and she knew he spoke the truth. His fangs were more visible now than before as the pain washed over his whole body. He became a ball of fire raging out of control, but somewhere in the mind of the man a stronger drive kicked in. He loved this woman. How could he hurt her? Images of them watching movies, the precinct picnic, the love he always felt from her calmed the beast and he gained control. She watched the man defeat the beast and she pulled him willingly into her arms. "I love you too, Nick, now tell me how to help you." She held him tightly in her arms totally unafraid. "I need blood, Nat. I need...." A wave of pain tore through his weakened body. "Call Janette...I need Janette!" He screamed in agony as the fire burst to life within his chest. Natalie's breath caught on slightly, then she reacted. Quickly she turned to Schanke. "Get me your phone and the car. We have to get him out of here." She stood and tried to pull Nick to his feet unsuccessfully. "He is still Nick, Schank! Nothing has changed. He won't hurt you. You have to help me here. If they take him to the hospital, lots of people will die. Trust me, Schank!" With some hesitation, Schanke leaned over and picked Nick up. Tossing Nick over his shoulder, he headed for the car. Natalie picked up his mobile phone on the floor as they headed for the door. End Part 7 All comments to: Part 8 An Act of Forgiveness By StormyNite ------------ "You want to explain what I just saw." Schanke said more than a bit shaken as he drove the caddie out of the drive. Natalie knelt on the floorboard applying pressure to Nick's chest as he lay on the backseat. "Just drive, Schank." She held the bandage over Nick's bleeding chest and dialed the phone with her other hand. Odd she could remember the number so easily, but she dialed in numerous times with the intent of having a long talk with Janette. She'd always lost her nerve and hung up. She would have all the answers tonight whether she wanted them or not. "This is Doctor Natalie Lambert. I need to speak with Janette." She said shakily when Miklos answered the phone. "She left here moments ago. She didn't say where she was going or when she'd return, Dr. Lambert, but she seemed very agitated. Can I pass a message along to her." Miklos could hear Natalie's heartbeat over the phone as if she were standing next to him. Something major was amiss. "Tell her Nick's been injured and I'm taking him to the loft. He needs her help. He asked for her specifically and I don't know how to help him. Can you send some supplies over immediately and get a message to her. I don't know..." "She'll find you, Doctor. She and Nick are connected. She will already know, but I will pass along the message and send supplies over to his place just in case." Miklos smiled as he hung up the phone. No wonder his mistress was distressed, but Knight had asked for her so maybe things were changing after all. He motioned for Aaron on the other side of the room and started filling a crate with supplies. ---------- The wound next to Nick's heart wasn't healing no matter how much pressure she applied to the wound. He was bleeding intermittently from the nose and ears. Every time the car moved sharply, he moaned in pain. He was regaining consciousness with each labored breath he took. Odd she'd never noticed him breathe before, but it was obvious now. "Hurry, Schank. He's bleeding out. I need to get blood in him." "Nat, he's a vam..." "He's still Nick, Schank! The same guy that saved your life more than once this year, the same guy that covers your back both with Cohen and Myra, the same guy that fills in for half the guys at the precinct when they need a holiday off, the same guy that always tries to do the right thing no matter what it costs him. None of that has changed!" Nick moaned constantly now. "He's waking up, Schank. That arrow must have touched his heart or it would have healed by now. I'm at a loss here." "I thought vampires couldn't be killed unless you stake em' or threw them in the sun. Damn, I'm stupid! Nick never goes in the sun...He always said he'd implode. He wasn't kidding, was he?" Schanke glanced at the back seat, noticed the blood all over Natalie's white blouse and Nick's silk shirt and began to feel guilty. "The arrow was wood, Schank, in case you hadn't noticed. I think that would qualify as a stake. We've got to hurry." She held Nick firmly as Schanke wheeled into the lot in front of the loft and hit the remote on Nick's visor above his head. The garage door swung up quietly and they roared into the garage. Together they managed to get Nick out of the car and into the lift. Each movement was torture and brought him closer to consciousness. Natalie leaned over to open the lift door. The movement forced most of his weight onto Schanke and he stumbled slightly. The motion amplified the pain and Nick screamed in agony as the door swung open. Fully awake and filled with a burning desire to quench the fire with the blood from the only beating hearts present, Nick's eyes turned red and his fangs descended. He pushed Schanke against the lift wall and let his power crush the breath out of him. "I need blood..." He panted as the pain increased throughout his body. His body needed relief but somewhere in the back of his mind a soft voice was talking to him. "You don't want his blood, Nick. He is your friend, your partner. You would die before you hurt him...take mine instead. A delicate bleeding wrist appeared before his waiting mouth. The smell overwhelmed him and he sank his fangs deep within the delicate skin. Warmth and love surrounded him and doused the pain flowing through his veins and he was lost to the feel of it. He wanted more. He was home, this was the blood he'd craved all his immortal life and beyond. Sunlight and flowers danced in his minds eyes as her memories began to flood his mind. Love for her brother, love for her niece and god-daughter, pain from her losses and the loneliness that surrounded her daily...and last but not least her love for him. Each sip was ambrosia and he wanted nothing more than to engulf himself in it for eternity. The pain faded into the background and the need he'd kept at bay for so many years surfaced full force. He tore free from her wrist and crushed her sweet body into his and she did not fight. Her heartbeat filled his sense and he was lost to the feel of her inside him. Her soft blue eyes filled with need and love caressed his very soul and he would never willingly let her go now. "It's alright, Nick. Take what you need." Natalie touched his face as she watched him give into the vampire. She should have been terrified but for some reason it felt right. She turned her head and offered him her neck willingly. "Nick you can't do this!" Schanke yelled and grabbed his arm. Nick turned angry eyes toward the interference. Schanke refused to break contact no matter what happened. Natalie had saved him. He couldn't let Nick kill her in a fit of passion or pain. It was hard to tell at this point, but the man he knew would hate himself tomorrow if anything happened to Nat. She had been right. He was still Nick, he just had to make Nick see that. "You love her, Nick. You can't kill her. The Nick I know would never hurt Natalie. He would never take away her chance at being happy. A chance to have a family, walk in the sunlight and eat chocolate. Listen to me, Nick...You don't want to do this!" Desperation laced Schanke's voice now, but Nick's eyes had turned from red back to gold. All those times, he'd seen Nick's eyes flecked with gold had been real. How many times had he flirted with death and never known it? What kind of control did Nick really have? Was the man in charge or the vampire? Could he afford to find out? Anger washed over him like an ocean tide, but the words hit home. He pushed into the blood connection between himself and Natalie and her desires smothered the fire within him and the anger disappeared. She loved him beyond life and would sacrifice everything to keep him alive...even her own life. She wanted them to be together, but not in the darkness if possible. She wanted a normal life with him...a home...children...walks in the park in the sunlight. Great joy flooded his senses when he gave into what her heart desired because it all included him. She was in love with Nick Knight the man and she would fight anyone or anything that got in the way...including the beast within him. He pushed into the comfort and warmth and let the love he felt for her guide him back to the control he needed. When he opened his eyes, they were blue once more and the pain exploded deep within his chest. He gasped for breath and stepped back in fear. He would not give into the beast and kill her to save himself. He loved her too much for that. He stumbled into the loft and fell to one knee. With enormous effort he drew himself to his feet and stumbled to the refrigerator. He tore the door off the hinges and grabbed the first bottle. The cold steer's blood did nothing for the pain and he collapsed to the floor in agony. "I will not do this. I will not touch her...I will..." Schanke clasped Nat's arm tightly to keep her away from him. "Let me go, Schank! He needs human blood or he'll die. Don't you understand?" Tears flooded her face. "He'll kill you, Nat! Can't you see?" She fought him fiercely. "If he doesn't get help soon, Schank, he will die. He's bleeding out and burning up. My blood helped. I know it did!" The tears continued to fall and Schanke lost the battle of wills and released her. She raced to his side. He screamed in agony now on the floor. "Help me, Nick. Tell me what to do." She touched him gently trying to ease his pain. "No...stay away, Natalie. I need blood...lots of blood. I will kill you. Stay away...please!" He clutched his abdomen and rolled into a ball of continual torture on the floor. His fangs descended as the smell of her blood permeated the room and the vampire's need for survival surged forth. "Get out!" He hissed as his eyes began to glow once more. "No!" Natalie came closer undaunted by the changes she saw. The man loved her. She knew that now. Slowly she placed her hands on his face and made his look at her through red eyes. "Tell me how to help you." His words tore her in two. "Get Janette...I need Janette!" End part 8 All comments to: Part 9 An Act of Forgiveness By StormyNite Doubt overwhelmed her as she held him in her arms and rocked him back and forth like a child. "Bring me the phone, Schank." Her voice filled with emotion, but she refused to cry anymore. Schanke flipped open his cell phone and walked to them sitting on the floor. He wasn't sure who hurt the worse at this point. A soft breeze moved the papers on the table and Janette's sweet smell of musk and roses wafted through the room. "That won't be necessary, Mr. Schanke." Her soft French accent drifted across the room as she surveyed the scene before her. Instant anger flushed her features as she watched her brother fight his baser needs in order to protect this little mortal plaything. Gracefully she knelt down before them. She let her fangs descend and sliced her own wrist and placed it over his lips. Instantly, they connected and 800 years of passion and anger coursed between them. The anger, the need, the love he felt for both her and the young mortal woman before her took her breath away. She gasped at the enormity of the pain coursing through his body and most of it was not physical. She stared at Natalie sitting beside her. Could this be? Did she know how much he loved her? How much his body craved union with hers? Did she love him enough to forgive him for his past? His greatest fears and hopes coursed through her veins now as he drank deeply from her wrist. She had truly lost him. The loss took her by surprise as the pain in her own heart mushroomed into a living, breathing thing. "No! Nick broke free from her wrist and looked deep into her eyes. He did not want to cause her pain. He'd never intended to hurt her. He loved her and always would, but not in the way she wanted. They'd had their chance and it wasn't enough. She'd known it years ago and walked away and until he'd met Natalie, he'd never really accepted it. There was something stronger than what they'd had, but there was always a place in his heart for her. She had to know that. She was as much a part of his life as Natalie was. He watched the pain fill her eyes and he pulled her gently to his neck. She had to see it...feel it for herself. He would never desert her. She would never be alone in this world unless she chose it. Her fangs slipped gently into his neck and he pushed into the connection between them. He must make her feel the love, see what could make them all whole again. Schanke stood mesmerized by the scene before him. Janette was a vampire, too. Of course it all made sense now. They'd known each other for a long, long time she'd said once. Just how old were Nick and Janette and where did that leave Nat? He watched Natalie and could almost touch the pain surrounding her. Not only had Nick asked for Janette, but he'd turned down Natalie's blood for hers. She fought her emotions bravely. Schanke wasn't sure he could have pulled it off in a similar situation. When Nick pulled Janette to his neck his heart went out to Nat. To watch him give himself totally to another woman tore her heart into pieces. The need inside him was greater than what she could fulfill. She had to accept that now, but it didn't make her love him any less. There was so much she didn't understand, so much he would never tell her or let her see. The pain of his past, his guilt for what he'd done weighed heavily on his soul, but he would never let her help. Although she knew he loved her, it apparently wasn't enough. His love for Janette was stronger and could save his life. As much as it caused her pain, there was joy as well, because she knew he would survive now. She would have to be content with that. Nick collapsed from the loss of blood and Janette released his neck. Raw pain was visible in her eyes as she stared into Nat's. "I must take him upstairs. He is near death and I will not let that happen." As if Nick weighed nothing, Janette picked up his limp form and flew them both upstairs. "Are you okay, Nat?" Schanke knelt down beside her blood-soaked body sitting on her knees in the middle of the kitchen floor. She turned tear-filled eyes to meet his. "She won't let him die. That's all that matters, Schank. I may lose him to her, but I won't lose him to that maniac." She offered him her hand and tried to smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. It was a good front, but the pain was too raw for her to hide it very well. Schanke helped her stand. She went to the freezer and pulled out a couple bags of frozen plasma. She popped them into the microwave without a word. When the buzzer sounded, she headed for the stairs. "Nat, I can do...." She turned sad eyes to his. "I still love him, Schank. The fact that he loves her more doesn't change how I feel. I will do whatever is necessary to keep him alive." She headed up the steps and closed the door behind her. Janette sat on the bed holding Nick's limp form in her arms. She had bound their wrist together with a silk scarf to let her blood continually flow into his. Periodically he moaned in pain and tossed violently. She quieted him as best she could. Natalie watched her and knew Nick's feelings for the beautiful vampiress were not one-sided. What on Earth possessed her to think he could love her, a mere mortal? What made her ever think she could displace an 800 year-old love that had been strong enough to entice him into the darkness in the first place? She took a deep breath and pushed the hurt behind her as she had so many times before in her life. To love and lose is still better than to have never loved at all. She had to remind herself of that to keep her sanity. "I brought you this." She handed a mug of blood to Janette and stared and Nick lying quietly in her arms and the pain in her heart returned full force. "I can run an IV into his stomach or his arm if it will help." Her voice cracked only slightly. Janette eyed the young mortal and pushed into the emotion within Nicola for this delicate creature. His love for her was complete and the fear of losing her tortured his very soul beyond anything Janette had ever known in her 1000 years of existence. Was her love for him as strong? She had to know if she were ever going to be able to let him go. "How much do you love him, Natalie?" Her ever-present, soft French accent making Natalie feel even more inferior. Natalie hesitated briefly as her eyes traveled over Janette, then Nick. Nick was French, so of course he would prefer a French woman. She took a deep breath and stared at the beautiful woman before her. "I have loved Nick from the day I met him, but sometimes love is not enough." She sat the mug down on the nighstand beside her, then stared at Nick sleeping peacefully now in Janette's arms. Raw pain coursed through her very soul, but it didn't change how she felt about him. "I love him for the man he is and nothing will ever change that, but that isn't enough. I have to accept that now." She headed for the door and stopped one last time. She turned to look at him once more...to burn the memory of them together in her mind. It would serve as the reminder on why it would never work between Nick and herself. "A relationship requires love, faith and forgiveness on both parts. A one-sided affair only causes pain. We both know that." A single tear slid from Natalie's eye. She didn't bother to brush it away as Janette let her power wash over the room toward her. "Don't do that. I don't need a reminder of what you are or what you can do. Just save his life and I'll get out of your way." Anger touched her eyes and she let it take control. Anger was far easier to deal with than this continual pain in her chest. She pulled open the door and walked out. ---------- Nick moaned and called out for Natalie. Janette quieted him then placed the mug of blood to his lips. He drank slowly then drifted back to sleep. Janette unbound their wrists and walked to the window to think. The wound to his heart was healing, but the pain in his soul could not be healed by her blood. Only one person could do that and the costs would be high. -------- "Is he going to be okay?" Schanke asked as Natalie walked down the staircase. He watched her intently trying to read her body language. "Well? "He's sleeping peacefully now. Her blood has healed him. He'll need rest and more blood before he's fully recovered, but his color was coming back." She glanced at the stairwell forlornly. "So if Nick is a vampire, then he kills people. I can't believe he is part of the evil that we see every day out there on our streets? I won't believe that! He hates it as much as I do. He may be a little weird, but he's no killer." Schanke paced in front of the fireplace, trying to make sense of what he'd seen. "All this time he's been going in first, collaring these really violent perps before I get there is because he's protecting me." He turned to stare at Natalie. "Just how many times has he gotten shot for me?" Nat smiled. "I've lost track, Schank." "All those times he'd stop by the morgue and you claimed to be checking him out, you were digging bullets out of him...weren't you?" He waited for her to confirm what he already knew. "You must think I'm really stupid, huh? I should have seen this. I should have picked up on it." Schanke felt stupid and it showed on his face. Nat walked to his side. "You shouldn't have known, Schank. You don't live to be as old as Nick is without being able to cover your tracks...and you're right. Nick isn't evil...He doesn't always see it that way though. He carries enough guilt for a 1000 people. He hates what he is, for all the things he's done in his past and he's trying to make up for it. You want to know if he's killed people...We all have! There is a dark side in all of us and we have to choose who is in control. Nick's dark side was in control for a long time. I don't believe it was his fault, but then maybe I'm naïve. He blames himself for more things than I can count, but the Nick Knight I know and love is very human and very much a good guy. So whatever he did in the past to survive is just that...past. He uses his vampire abilities to save people now and that can't be evil. If it is, then I want to be evil." She smiled sadly. "You love him enough to forgive him for that little scene with Janette, don't you?" Schanke stared in disbelief. "Would you forgive, Myra?" She sighed heavily, walked back to the couch and sat down. "I'd forgive Myra of anything if she asked. You know that." He watched Natalie's face and he finally understood. "Love is here," she pointed to her heart, "...not in your head. I can't change what I feel and I don't want to. I just wish it was enough, but it's not." Tears began to form in her eyes and she fought them. "He'll come around, Nat. I mean Janette beautiful and it's probably just sex or something." "They lived together for over a 100 years as man and wife, Schank. She is the reason Nick is a vampire in the first place." She walked to the hearth and picked up Nick's sword over the mantle. "She seduced him when he returned from his second tour in the crusades. I can't compete with a history like that." Sad eyes met Schanke's. "He isn't that man anymore, but 800 years is a long time...much longer than you and I can ever comprehend. He will always love her and no matter what he feels for me that will still be there. Love is such a fragile thing and when it's real...it lasts for eternity. I have to accept that and let him be happy." The tears she'd kept at bay finally slid down her cheeks. She already missed him. She turned to see Janette standing at the top of the stairs. "You are correct, mon chere." She appeared beside them now at the fireplace. "When love is real...it lasts for eternity. Make him see that...show him how to forgive himself and forgive me for making his life this living hell. A wound to the heart requires vampire blood to heal. A wound to the soul requires the blood of the one you love. What was between us was one of need and lust. His love for me was not enough and I knew it from the beginning, but Nicola is special. He made me feel beautiful and gave me a reason to live in a time I needed it most. For a period of time it was enough for both of us, but it was not the love we both craved. That is what I feel in his blood, what keeps him from your bed. His love for you is what we all crave. Make him show you all that he is and if you can still love him when you know the whole story...tell him...make him feel it. Only then can you both be happy." A blood tear slid silently down her porcelain skin and she did not try to hide it. "I will always love him in a way you can't understand and he shall always love me. He made me see that tonight. I will never be alone if I choose not to be. We are united by blood...you are united by something far stronger. Show him what is in your heart and make him show you his and all we be as it was meant to be from the beginning." Gracefully, she headed for the door. "Janette?" Natalie's confused voice echoed across the room and the beautiful dark haired vampires stopped. "An act of forgiveness comes from love." Janette turned sad eyes to hers and smiled. "He has chosen well, mon chere. Make sure you remember that. Make him see what we both already know." The power she controlled flooded the room...and for the first time in a long time...she felt free. Natalie felt the power when she released it and marveled at the feeling it created within her. Great warmth passed over her filled with a tingling sensation that was incredibly erotic and freeing. Janette's soft laughter brought her back to the present. "Yes, you will do well with him, mon chere. Do not be afraid and make him love you as you both deserve." She smiled then disappeared. End Part 9 All comments to: Part 10 An Act of Forgiveness By StormyNite Natalie walked into the bedroom tentatively. Was the beautiful vampiress right? Was the love between Nick and herself stronger than Janette's relationship with Nick? Her heart leaped into her mouth and hope began to build once more. He moaned softly in his sleep. "Nat?" She ran to his side and caressed his tousled blond hair. Quickly she checked his shoulder to find it healing slowly. "Only vampire blood can heal a wound to the heart." Janette's words echoed through her mind. "Nick...can you hear me?" She brushed his hair from his face and caressed his now stubbled chin. "Nat?" He moaned as he turned slightly, putting pressure on his shoulder. He was still incredibly weak from the loss of blood, but he opened his eyes. "Welcome back." She said softly and smiled in relief. He was going to be okay. He noticed the marks on her wrist immediately and was filled with humiliation and regret. Her memories began to flood his mind as the vampire pushed into the connection that had been established earlier. She'd risked her life to save his. Warmth spread through his body touching his heart and soul. She truly loved him, unworthy creature that he was. The only truly good person he'd ever met in his life loved him in spite of what he was. He touched the marks and stared into her eyes. "Forgive me...I never...I would never hurt you intentionally..." She touched his lips to silence him. "I can forgive you anything if you love me, Nick. I shared myself with you and you know what's in my heart, now I need to know what's in yours. Show me all that you are...all that you have been so I can understand what it is you fight. Show me what you feel for me, what we can have together." She looked at him hopefully praying he would let her in. He kissed her hand and held it in hers. "I love you, Natalie, and I have from the first day that we met when you didn't run away from the monster inside me. What I am and what I have been scares the Hell out of me most of the time. I can't forgive myself for half of what I've done in my lifetime, how can I ask you to understand or forgive me for it." He touched her soft cheek and watched the emotions play behind her eyes. Could he walk away from her in the years to come? Would he lose her if she saw all that he was? Fear clutched his heart. She leaned over and kissed his lips softly. "Let me love all of you, Nick." She leaned over and grabbed the small scalpel she'd left there earlier. She sliced the palm of her hand and let it bleed freely. Her scent flooded the room and his eyes flashed golden. Grabbing his palm, she placed a small cut as well, then waited. "No more secrets, Nick. If you love me, I'm not afraid." Doubts washed through him. Could he control himself once the vampire took over? Did she know what this would do to her? Would she run screaming into the night and hate him for all that he had done, all the changes that would occur within her? Could he live with it if she did? Then her memories touched the fringe of his mind and the love she felt for him. Only that brief contact with her blood in the lift had saved his life and sanity. He had to have faith in that love if they were ever to have a chance together. He placed his bleeding palm into hers and pulled her willing body into his. When there lips met, he let her see all that he was. She saw the doubts in his eyes and waited. If this were ever to work between them he had to be honest with himself and with her. The decision had to be his. With the first touch of his lips on hers their blood began to mingle. A feeling of peace and well- being enveloped her like a cocoon. Images began to flash in her mind and she gave into them all. All-consuming love washed over her and she was home for the first time in her life. She never wanted it to end. It was what she had waited for her whole life. She relaxed and pushed into it. Her body responded to his in that instant and they were no longer two but one. Pain, anger, deceit, need and lust overwhelmed her briefly then images of his life began to flash in her mind. Fear sat at the edge of her mind and she knew it was Nick's, but faith in what could be made him continue. She could feel it as well as see his life in her mind at an ever-increasing rate. His life as the younger son, never to inherit, the crusades, his loss of faith in what he'd seen and experienced, then the injustice of being sent back again. When he met Janette he was adrift in a sea of frustration and loss of all his faith in God or anything else. His need and lust for Janette crushed Natalie's breath from her lungs causing her to gasp for breath, but she still refused to break the bond between them. LaCroix's manipulation, Janette's betrayal of the bond between them, his disgust of his own bloodlust coursed through her veins as if it were her own. He let her see the young Nicholas de Brabant, the crusader followed by the angry vampire seeking revenge for the injustices in his life. The guilt he felt for what he'd done tore at her soul and she shared it with him, then she was there. Images of them together, the joy he felt around her, the acceptance he felt when he was with her warmed her soul. The evil and anger of the vampire were shoved behind a wall of determination governed by something stronger, but the guilt remained. She opened her eyes and found him staring at her. Uncertainty was written on his face. How could he think she would run away from this then she understood? "Let me see it all, Nick. If we are ever to have a chance, I have to know it all. I have to feel it just as you do." He broke the bond and placed her face between his hands filled with fear. "Tell me you love me one more time. Swear to me you'll remember I love you." His eyes pleaded with hers and for the first time since becoming a vampire he was truly afraid. Her lips touched his gently then she deepened the kiss and melded her body into his. When she broke the kiss, they were both breathless. "I will love you forever, Nick Knight. Nothing in the past or the future will ever change that...and for the first time since I've met you I know you love me." She raised a bleeding palm to stare at the blood still running freely down her wrist. "Blood never lies. I know that now." Nick turned his neck and sliced it deeply with his sharp fingernail. Blood began to pool in the cut and he pulled her lips toward it. Her lips were so soft and he gave into the need she created within him and the bond was created for eternity. His blood tasted salty and filled with copper but it wasn't unpleasant. She sucked gently and his life force surged forward into her mouth. Shocked, she pulled back slightly then the warmth flooded her once more. It was slightly erotic yet fulfilling at the same time and her body responded to the call. She moaned softly. Pure pleasure raced through her blood filled with something that made her crave more of the same. Yellow eyes appeared that turned red with lust and she was unafraid. The flow of blood into her mouth was stronger now and the need to be part of him was beyond rational thought. Violent images flashed between them, filled with blood, need and most of all lust for the unattainable pleasure of possession. It grew with each image until she thought she would scream in pain. Denial of the need only caused more pain and she was immersed in the soul of the vampire within him. Greed, anger and lust were all consuming. She tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let her. Each mouthful of his blood told her more of the vampire within the man and finally she understood. Every day of his life was a struggle not to kill for the pleasure of possession. Every mortal he was around tempted the vampire within and she, most of all, tortured his soul both day and night for what he had denied himself because of his love. Anguish and regret consumed her as he let her into his very soul. He hated what he'd become, what he was and he would die before bringing her into this living Hell he had created for himself. She was the light in his life who made him feel human and he would walk into the sun before bringing her into the darkness. He was alone and berated by all his kind for even wanting something besides the power of immortality, but he wanted it none-the-less. In his heart he was dead, condemned to walk the surface of the Earth for eternity for his sins. He could never forgive himself for what he'd done and no matter how many lives he saved, it would never be enough. He had no purpose...but to exist. The images tore at her heart as she became one with them. The Nick of the past was no more, but his memories would torture him for eternity. She pulled free from his neck with tears in her eyes. How could she make him see that he was so much more? How could she make him feel the love within him that he shared even when he didn't know it? She pulled him to her neck knowing the answer. "Drink, my love. Let me show you what you really are. What you can be if you want to be." He sank his fangs gently into her neck and she pushed into the connection without hesitation. With the first taste of her blood, he was lost to the feel of her. Peace, warmth, love flooded his very soul and he was home. Her fear and anger at her own loss of control with Riley touched his heart. Acceptance and forgiveness of her own weakness surprised him yet gave him hope. Her hopes and desires for a normal life with him brought great joy and he felt no despair. Her faith in him and their life together was complete whether in the darkness or in the light. If he needed her to join him in the darkness to make them whole, they would find a way back together. No maniac would stop them, not human nor vampire. LaCroix's threats nor the AIDS virus running rampid in her blood would stop them. He had purpose in this life and everything happens for a reason. This was no different. Together they would find the answers in this world or the next. It made no difference. Pure love washed over him and he released her neck with a sigh of contentment. He was home. End Part 10 All comments to: I'm pathetic...I admit it! Part 11 An Act of Forgiveness By StormyNite Schanke had paced in front of the fireplace for over an hour. There had been no sign or noise from the upstairs. Should he go check on them? What could he do? He knew virtually nothing about vampires, so he paced and said a silent prayer. Sensing he wasn't alone, he turned to face the dark shadow that stepped out of the lift. "Who are you?" Schanke pulled his gun in defense as the man stepped into the low light. LaCroix's impeccable black suit absorbed the low light and made his skin even whiter under Schanke's glare. "LaCroix?" Schanke hesitated knowing full well that LaCroix had claimed Nick as his son by adoption a short time ago. He realized now just what kind of adoption LaCroix had meant. He was Nick's creator, not his father, as he was led to believe. The same uneasy feeling he'd felt before from this man in the sound studio brushed the back of his arms and left him breathless. One could almost feel the anger surrounding him. "Can I help you?" Schanke's voice sounded weak even to himself. He was sure LaCroix could feel his uncertainty. "I would doubt it, Mr. Schanke." He stared up the staircase and listened intently. "It would appear Nicholas has company. Let me guess...our local pathologist playing doctor again." He raised a knowing eye not expecting an answer. "Nick was almost killed." Schanke watched LaCroix closely. "But then you already know that, don't you? All those nights on the radio when Nick would listen to your program, you were goading him...trying to get him to do something for you. It's like you are connected in some way." He waited for him to deny it, but LaCroix just smiled. "Very good, detective, but the connection is by blood and by death...Don't ever forget that. Nicholas is my son and I will not let anyone or anything take him away from me...and that includes the good doctor." The warning was quite clear, but Schanke refused to back off. Nick and Nat deserved a chance together...even Janette saw that. He wouldn't let anyone get in the way. He owed Nick, so he stepped in front of LaCroix. "They are together now...not Nick and Janette and I won't let you interfere." Determination was written on his face. LaCroix laughed evilly. "Very funny, detective. Just how do you intend to stop me?" He let his eyes turn golden and his fangs dropped. The power he controlled rolled over the room and crushed Schanke to his knees gasping for breath. "This is out of your league, detective. Go home to that wife of yours and let me take care of my son." He disappeared right before Schanke's eyes as his oxygen-deprived lungs caused him to black out. ----------- Natalie lay peacefully sleeping in Nick's arms on the bed. Her heart beat a little irregular, but aside from that she appeared unchanged. LaCroix listened closely and became even more convinced the good doctor had to be eliminated. Nick's need to breathe told LaCroix more than he needed to know about his son's condition. The warm glow to Nick's naturally pale skin told him changes were under way. He pulled Natalie's hair back from her neck and found two neat puncture wounds sealing on their own. Another glance at Nick's neck told him the rest of the story. The soft glow to Natalie's skin and the sweet smell of her blood still permeated the room and LaCroix was not immune. Maybe it was time for him to taste what his son craved so badly. He reached for her shoulder only to find his arm stopped in mid-air. "You will not touch her, LaCroix!" Nick growled softly and met his father's angry glare. LaCroix swiftly wrenched Nick's arm and planted his palm into the healing wound over Nick's heart. Pain shot through Nick's entire body, but he refused to cry out in front of his master. Weakness was a sign of defeat and he would die before letting LaCroix touch Natalie. "I will take what is mine and finish what you have started. Your debt has not been repaid and I claim this woman in payment of Fleur." He pressed hard into the wound in Nick's chest, causing it to bleed freely once more. LaCroix grabbed Natalie by the waist with one arm and tossed his weakened son across the room into the wall. Nick grunted in pain on impact and slid slowly to the floor. Fighting his own weakened condition, he flew at his master to protect the woman he loved. LaCroix backhanded Nick, sending him crashing into the endtable. Quickly, LaCroix smashed his foot into the now bleeding wound in Nick's chest. Laboring to breath, Nick tried to twist himself free. "Enough, Nicholas. There is nothing in this world that you have that I can't take away. Haven't you learned that yet?" Without hesitation LaCroix tore his fangs into Natalie's neck and drank deeply. Great passion overwhelmed him with the first taste of her blood. Warmth and compassion washed over him, filled with a power he'd never before experienced and it frightened him. Instantly, he let go. Within seconds her heart began to fail and LaCroix laughed. "NO!!!!" Nick lunged forward in anger. LaCroix simply kicked his weakened son to the floor onto his knees. "Now watch her come back for me, then I'm going to make her mine for all eternity and she can hate you for your weakness. I doubt you'll find any forgiveness in her heart when she finds out you didn't protect her from the evil within me. I'm going to let her see it all...feel it all and become one with it, then she will be as I am...not you." LaCroix tore open his wrist and shoved it into Natalie's mouth. "Drink, Natalie...see the power that awaits you that Nicholas rejects so easily. Come to me and be one." His hypnotic voice filled the room, yet she did not drink. Her heart labored still with its final efforts, but she would not drink. "Drink, damn you!" LaCroix tried forcing his blood down her throat to no avail. Angry he tossed her on the floor behind him and glared at his weakened son, still struggling to get to his feet. "If she will not come back for me, then you can watch her die!" He hissed as he pushed Nick back to the floor with his foot and stepped on his chest to hold him to the floor. "You can watch the woman you love die, just as I did...then maybe you will know what real pain is." Pain coursed through Nick as he continued to struggle, but in his weakened condition it was useless. He could hear Natalie's heart struggling to beat and knew she would be lost to him forever if he didn't get to her soon. She had promised to return for no one except him into the darkness. Blood never lies and her memories flooded his mind giving him strength. "Then you will lose everything. You will go back to the pathetic creature you were before you met me. Do you think I'm stupid, LaCroix? Do you think I don't know the reason you keep me around you? It's because I make you feel human! I make you feel anger, pain, need...love? You're an empty shell without me. If I wasn't different, you would have killed me centuries ago as easily as you killed your other children. I fill the void that the vampire can never give you. I make you feel human...and as much as you claim otherwise, you crave it as much as I do. If Natalie dies, you will lose it all because I will walk into the sun. There is no life for me without her. You make the choice and live with it for eternity, but we shall be together somewhere. In this world or the next as we promised each other...we will be together." A strange feeling of calm overcame Nick as he spoke. He had come full circle in his life and regained his faith. As the words he spoke became a part of him, he was filled with a certainty of purpose he'd lost many centuries before. LaCroix watched the change overcome his son and recognized the truth in his words. His faith had returned and he would lose him forever. A sharp pain ripped through his body and he stared at the wooden table leg now protruding out of his chest. Confusion and helplessness enveloped him as he fell to his knees. Schanke stepped from behind him and helped Nick to his feet. "Tell me I'm not too late, Pard!" Nick had eyes for no one except Natalie. Rushing to her side, he gathered her in his weakened arms. "Don't leave me, Nat. Please don't leave me." He bit his lip and his tongue until they bled freely then kissed her. Deepening the kiss, he forced his bleeding tongue into her mouth and let his blood flow freely down her throat. Within seconds she sucked gently on his bleeding tongue and wanted more. Unable to keep up with her demand, he sliced his neck with his fingernail and brought her mouth to it. She sucked gently pulling his life force into hers and joined him in the darkness of her own free will. Schanke watched in fascination. Whatever Nick was...whatever he'd been didn't matter. The man before him loved Natalie with all that he was and that was good enough for him. So if Natalie had to become a creature of the night to live, then he'd live with it just as Nick would. Maybe it would cause his angsty partner to be a little less gloomy. At least they would be together just as Myra said they always should have been. He smiled as a low groan echoed across the room. LaCroix fought the stake planted deep within his chest. Part of it must have missed his heart. Schanke began looking for another piece of wood to finish the job. Finding the other table leg, he headed towards LaCroix. "No, Schank!" Nick's weak voice echoed across the room as he held a now sleeping Natalie in his arms. "Are you nuts, Nick? He'll kill you...and me for doing this to him." Schanke's fear and surprise coursed through his veins. "I can't regain my faith and not forgive everyone. We are all part of each other. I was meant to be here...this place...this time. I wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for LaCroix...and Janette. I know that now. I just have to figure out why." Nick's tired smile crossed his face as he stared at Natalie sleeping in his arms. "This isn't what we wanted, but I think it was what was meant to be." He caressed her petal soft skin in the moonlight from the window and felt their blood connection begin to grow. Yes, this was meant to be. He could feel it now, feel the power growing between them as she healed his heart and soul. He pushed into the burgeoning link and let her feel his love. She moaned in response. He gently kissed her lips. "You'd better get out of here, Schank. Neither Nat nor LaCroix will have much control when they come around. I'll take care of them." Thankful eyes met Schanke's. Thanks for being there, Schank...one more time. I know you have a thousand questions and I swear I'll answer every one. I'm asking you to trust me once more." Nick hesitated hoping. "Every question...no holes...no half answers?" Schanke asked skeptically as he walked to Nick and Natalie sitting on the floor. "Everything...anything...the whole truth if you can stand it." "You look like hell, Nick!" He noticed the blood covering Nick's shirt and neck as well as his paler than normal color. "I'll be fine, Schank...thanks to you and to Nat." He brushed a stray curl from her face. "Now get out of here before Nat wakes up and decides you are lunch." He smiled sadly and Schanke understood. "She won't be like him, Nick. It was your blood she came back for...not his." He touched Nick's arm in comfort, then left. End Part 11 All comments to: Part 12 Epilogue An Act of Forgiveness By StormyNite LaCroix awoke to the smell of blood. He turned to find a mug still warm sitting on the table beside him. Without hesitation he downed the nourishment and let it heal his battered body. The memory of the stake flashed in his mind and he did a quick check of his chest to find the offending object gone. He was in a clean silk shirt of Nicholas' lying comfortably on the couch in front of the fireplace. He reached out with his senses to search for the vibration he always felt when Nick was near. The vibration was there only diminished a great deal. Another of their kind was with him, but he could not place the feeling or sensations created by the other creature. Slowly he arose and took stock of his situation. It was mid-afternoon as the shutters at the loft were still in the closed position. The stake had grazed his heart, but not totally impaled him. It could have been fatal if it had remained. He pushed into the memory and was rewarded with the image of Nicholas on his knees before him, then the flash of pain from the stake. Detective Schanke's face floated before him before the darkness claimed him. Of course, the good detective came to the aid of his partner. He should have killed him in the first place. He snorted in regret and headed for the refrigerator for more nourishment. Looking into the appliance quickly told him where the supplies had come from. Most carried the Raven label. Interesting Nicholas would even bother to save him, let alone give him human blood to heal. At times his son was a complete mystery to him...ever changing...ever the same. He downed the bottle in two swallows. When he looked up, Nick stood beside him. "It would appear you have recovered." Nick took stock of his elder's condition, then turned and walked back to the fireplace. LaCroix followed. "The question is why, Nicholas? I am quite well aware of the fact that you would prefer that I was out of your life permanently." He raised a questioning eye, not at all sure he even wanted to hear the answer. Nick turned bright blue eyes toward his father's. "I always repay my debts, LaCroix. That has not changed. I took from you what you loved most out of fear for my sister. I still don't believe that was a mistake and would probably do it again under the same circumstances, but I do regret your loss. I regret you didn't have a chance to love and be loved by someone. Maybe Fleur would have changed you. I don't know, but I do know you would have changed her innocence into something I had grown to loathe beyond all else." Nick picked up his sword from the stand by the mantle and drifted back to the past for a brief moment. Turning his attention back to LaCroix he spoke softly. "I saved your life because you saved mine. As much as I hate what I am, I know I would never be here in this time without it. I would never have had the chance to love and be loved by a woman who makes me whole. Thanks to Natalie and what's inside her, I can finally start to make sense of my existence. I have been searching for redemption for my sins when all along I needed to learn to forgive myself first. I was only human when I met Janette...governed by all the human frailties, and both you and she used that against me, but for the first time in my life I don't regret my decision. Last night I learned everything in this world happens for a reason and that reason for me is Natalie." Nick glanced at the top of the stairs toward the bedroom. Their connection was growing stronger by the hour. She was sleeping peacefully now that the hunger had passed. Tonight they would begin their life together and whatever happened...they would face it together. A wave of regret washed over LaCroix for his actions. Maybe he'd made a mistake in killing Natalie. The images from her blood flooded his mind and he was lost to the feel of it. She was filled with passion and love for his son beyond anything he could ever imagine. Their destiny had been intertwined and he had stopped it. Could Nicholas be right? Was there a purpose for everything that had happened? Was he supposed to kill Natalie before his son's very eyes and make him feel the loss he'd felt all these centuries? He shook his head in disbelief. That would mean there was a greater power at work and he didn't belief that. He pushed his doubts away and took a deep breath. He would make the best of Nicholas' melancholy before he reverted to his normal angsty behavior. "Her death has absolved you of your debt, Nicholas. You are free to love again and move on with your life. She was to you as Fleur was to me and I grieve for your loss just as I grieve over Fleur. It is time to move on with our lives...Time for you to come back to the ways of our kind and be at peace with what you are." He felt a presence at the top of the stairs and turned to find Natalie standing there. Confusion then anger raged through his very soul and he was at her side immediately. She didn't back away and it confused him more. "I see you have deceived me once more, Nicholas." He locked an arm around her waist, pressed her hard into his body and she didn't resist. Golden eyes met his. "As you pointed out, LaCroix, Natalie's death absolves me of my debt to you. As you can see, she is no longer alive." Nick made no move to fly to her aid. LaCroix smirked at his son's cleverness. Yes, this could be very interesting. Together they might become a formidable foe. He pressed his face close to hers and whispered as his hand caressed her soft pink skin. "I will show you how to really enjoy your new life...your new power. You will tire of Nicholas tedious guilt over what he is and I will be more than willing to..." She grasped his hand in hers, twisted it until it snapped and tossed him over the railing. It was all done so quickly he hadn't time to react. Finding himself in a heap on the floor, Nick and Natalie appeared like the wind before him. "Did I mention, Natalie has a few unusual traits that most of us wait for years to attain." Nick knelt down on the floor and smiled sarcastically. "I think possibly she pulled some of your power when you drained her, but it was my blood she came back for. She's not the normal fledgling." Natalie reached over and jerked LaCroix to his feet. "I think I'll choose my own teacher, Monsieur LaCroix." The shutters kicked on and rolled toward the ceiling letting the beginning of a new night flood the room. "It would appear a new night is with us and our hospitality has just run out. Leave and don't return unless you are invited." "This isn't over, Nicholas!" LaCroix hissed then disappeared into the night. Natalie wrapped her arms around Nick's waist. "That went rather well, don't you think?" She smiled then kissed his lips softly. Nick laughed. "You have a lot to learn," he looked at her seriously then undressed her with his eyes. "...and I know exactly where to start!" His lips crushed hers to his and they disappeared upstairs. The End. Author's Note: If you enjoyed the story, why not read some more? Come join the fun and visit my Fiction page at: >http:www.plantnet.com/~nitewind/Fiction2.html Better yet go UNDERCOVER & enjoy the ride with my new novel! Available NOW in paperback, pdf & CD versions: See my webpage above! Or go direct to the sources at: >http://www.virtualbookworm.com/undercover >http://www.amazon.com Type in B.W. Starmer or UNDERCOVER >http://www.barnesandnoble.com Type in B.W. Starmer All comments to: ****StormyNite at: nitewind@plantnet.com**** ***The Truth is out there!*I just can't find it!*** **NNPacker*BlackHatWatcher*XFileTruthSeeker** *Andromedans*CroweFan*SorboDrooler*GWDFC*