Another Reality by Jeannie Ecklund Chapter 1 I'd like to thank Lorelei Sieja for beta correcting this story. It was an honor to have her tackle my story and for the comments and suggestions made by beta readers, CC, Margie, Elise and Betsy. It was all very helpful in making this the best it can be. Permission granted to archive at Mel's fanfic site. All others please inquire. A Nick, Nat romance, in another reality... No infringement of any one rights intended. ****Please send all your comments to me: gersknightlady@yahoo.com**** The Coroner of Toronto, Nick Lambert, emptied a plate of half eaten Birthday cake into a waste receptacle in his Autopsy room. Don Schanke, his lab assistant, slapped him on the back. "Well Nicky old boy, another year older. When are you going to find that special woman? You're not getting any younger." Nick sighed and ran his hands through his curling blond hair. Don had a way of making him feel like life was passing him by. "Thanks for the party, Don..." he said, then added with a grin, "... and the red silk boxers." What he would ever do with them was beyond him. Schanke grinned at him. "Those are to dazzle that special woman with." "Right! Go on, get out of here," Nick ordered. "Thanks again." "Think nothing of it, pal. Well, I guess I'd best do just that and get on home. Myra's waiting and I always have to take two showers before I touch her. She hates it that I work on dead people." He pulled off his lab coat and flung it across the room. He was out of the door before it hit his desk chair and slid to the floor. Nick sighed, went and picked the coat up and hung it on the chair. He looked around the room at his shinny equipment and autopsy tables. He was about to go get his long tan duster and go home when the door suddenly burst open. Grace Reese, an EMT, came into the room pushing a gurney before her. She was a big, honey brown woman. She wore a white baseball hat turned backwards on her head. Her shirt was tucked into the black work pants, accentuating her larger, full figured size. She was one of Nick's favorite people. She always had a warm smile, laughing eyes and lots of funny things to say even when things got rough. "Still here, birthday boy?" she asked. Nick took in the body bag on the gurney and the generous amount of blood that seemed to be pooled around the bag on the gurney. "What's this?" he asked. "Bomb victim. A woman. Witnesses said she seemed to fly into the building. She grabbed a small boy, tossing him out the window to safety just moments before a bomb went off." "Bomb," Nick said, his heart flipping into his throat. The messy ones had been getting to him lately. He had been wondering if Forensic Medicine had been the best choice for his life's career. The night shift seemed to weigh heavily on him lately. Schankee was right. He needed to find someone to love to share his life. This was a very solitary, lonely life. He went forward, grabbed the end of the body bag and Grace grabbed the other. They transferred it to the autopsy table. The blood dripped down the sides of the table. She backed away, "I'm going to take the other gurney down the hall. I'll let you clean this one up." "Thanks Grace," Nick said dryly. "Happy Birthday!" she said, turning away and making a fast retreat. "Yeah Happy Birthday." He called after her retreating derriere. "Well so much for a hot shower and bed," he muttered to himself. He went to get some rubber gloves. As he pulled one on the phone rang. "Thank God, a reprieve," he whispered. "Lambert here," he said into the phone, then listened. "Captain Stonetree. Yes, Grace just brought her in. No, not yet....I know. I'm prepared to work for a few more hours...." Nick did not notice that the pooled blood suddenly went into motion. It collected together and ran back up the sides of the table and seemed to be soaked up by the body bag like a sponge. "...Thanks, Captain. "0h yeah, ....that's okay Cap, it's my job....no, no plans, just me and the dog. I'll let you know when I get some sort of identifying marks or info. Bye." He hung the phone up and walked toward the bag. Unzipping it, he spread the sides open and took a surprised gasp. Inside was not the torn, devastated face he had expected to see. This face that he peered down into was the face of an angel. Porcelain white, dark long lashes lay against flawless, alabaster skin. A perfect nose and ruby red lips made her beautiful beyond words. Her face was framed by rich brunette hair in thick wavy curls. She was beautiful, her face marred only by smudges of ash. He stared at her in confusion. He looked around. Was someone playing a trick on him? He reached out the hand that didn't have a glove yet and touched the smooth skin. It was soft and smooth and very cool. No living person was that cold. He turned back to the phone to call Grace's cell phone. "Grace, are you sure this is the right body?" he asked when she answered. "There's hardly a mark on her." Grace said, "You must be tired, Nick. I could hardly tell it was a woman. Put her on ice and go get some sleep. Bye." Suddenly a movement caught Nick's attention. "What the hell!" he exclaimed, dropping the phone. It clattered loudly against the wall. The once dead patient was sitting up on the autopsy table looking around. Piercing amber eyes seemed to nail him to the wall, when her eyes rested on his. "You were dead," he accused her. She glanced at him, pulled her legs out of the bag and swiveled, hopping off the table. Her cloths were a bit tattered and she drew the pieces of blood stained cloth about her. Her amber eyes scanned the room. She grabbed his tan duster and shrugged into it. Nick could feel his heart beating in his throat but he managed to find his voice. "What are you?" His voice came out in a strangled whisper. The woman glanced at him, not detecting any fear, only excitement. "Something very different from you," she said in a voice so sensual and musical that it sang to his soul. She turned away now and he found he was disappointed and afraid she would go. Yet he watched fascinated as she searched and found the blood bags he had stored in the frig. She turned again and glared at him. He noticed that there were two perfectly white pointed fangs resting against her ruby lips. She raised the blood bag and pierced it with the fangs and drank until the bag was drained. She did the same with two more bags of blood. He noticed that her fingers were long and thin, the same porcelain white as her face. Her fingers where tipped with red pointed finger nails. He found his strength and pushed himself away from the cold wall. He took a few steps forward. "What are you?" he asked again. She met his gaze and said, "I am a vampire." Her deep, sensual voice made his knees weak. She moved toward him. "A vampire," he said, awed by her beauty. He reached out to touch her face. She grabbed his hand, her fingers where like steel. She turned his wrist away and pressed the back of his hand against her face." "You're so cold," he whispered. "I'm dead," she said. "No, you're not. You're not dead. I see death everyday. Whatever you are, it's not death." She released his wrist and a long white finger reached toward him. The sharp nail tip came closer and closer. He forced himself to remain still and stared bravely back at her. She deflected her nail and a smooth finger tip caressed his cheek and along his jaw line. His eyes closed and he suddenly felt her move closer. Her coolness complimented the heat that was now radiating from his body. His senses felt on overload. "What's happening?" he managed to whisper. He felt her hand sliding along his jaw line down his neck and around to come up and bury itself into his hair at the back of his neck. Her cool breasts where pressed against his chest. He opened his eyes to find himself only inches from her face. Her eyes now glowed red and he felt her drawing him closer, her white fangs dazzled and fascinated him. He felt her other hand on his chest. His body quivered with excitement and long buried passion. She smelled of jasmine and rose. Suddenly cool lips touched his. Desire overwhelmed him and he slipped his arms around her, holding her against him, crushing her lips with his. His mind screamed at him. "What are you doing? She said she was a Vampire!" There was a tingle at the base of his brain. He could feel it spreading. His hand slipped back and into the glorious mane of rich auburn hair. He deepened the kiss. Her cool tongue slipped between his lips. His tongue danced with hers. She tasted of copper, not of salt. She drew away suddenly even as he fought to hold onto her. Her fangs scraped against his lips. She nipped at his lip and drew it outward before it slipped from her light grip. She smiled, flashing the perfect white fangs. He felt the tip of her finger running along his jugular and his body quivered with desire for this amazing creature. There was a momentary pain and he felt the tip of the fingernail cut into the skin on his neck. Then a warm trickle of blood ran down his neck. She had nicked his skin, but not deep enough to cut into the large vein. She was pulling him forward again. He closed his eyes and came into her embrace. He pushed the duster and the scraps of her clothing away from her shoulder at the base of her neck and kissed the soft skin there. He trailed a bunch of soft kisses along her shoulder and neck. He was surprised to hear a low moan of pleasure escape her lips. "What's your name?" he asked, as he left a trail of kisses down her jaw line. "Natasha," she said. He felt her cool tongue against his neck as she lapped at the trickle of warm blood. His blood was so pure and so innocent that she drew back, searching his eyes. He was looking into hers without fear. His eyes were full of wonder and trust. She pushed against his chest abruptly, breaking his hold on her. "No!" Nick stumbled back confused. "Wh..a..t?" he stuttered. "Do you want to die!" she hissed at him. "Do you want me to drain you of your life?" He stepped closer. "Stay away," she warned, "I cannot control myself right now. I will kill you if I taste your blood again." He stood shocked and dazed. She took a deep breath then came swiftly forward and grabbed his face between her hands. "Look into my eyes," she commanded. "You will not remember this or what I am." The pressure and tingle at the base of his brain grew. "No," he cried to himself, "I cannot forget, I won't!" But he said aloud, "I will not remember you or what you are." He stood still as if in a trance. She leaned forward. With trembling lips, she kissed his softly and then caressed his cheek with one of her long, cool fingers. "Why didn't I meet you 800 years ago," she whispered. Then suddenly there was a blast of cold air against his face. He blinked and she was gone. He stumbled back. The rush of adrenaline faded now leaving him weak. He bumped against his desk and sat hard upon a pile of papers, scattering them across the floor. "I could have died, yet she didn't kill me," he thought. Something wondrous had passed between them. Nicholas Lambert desired only one thing. He wanted more than anything in his life to see Natasha again. Chapter 2 Nick hadn't slept all day, his mind was so wound up. He couldn't stop thinking about the woman who'd suddenly come to life, rising from his autopsy table the night before. After she had left he'd gotten a blinding headache. She had tried to do something to make him forget, but it hadn't worked. Every time he closed his eyes he could see nothing but her face, feel her touch, taste her lips. It invaded his mind and would give him no peace. As he lay there thinking he realized no matter what she had said she might do to him, she'd risked herself for a child. There was goodness inside of her and sadness. He had felt her despair as she had kissed him expressing her wish that they had met, what was it, 800 years earlier? Could she have really lived that long? She didn't look over 25. He felt his body respond to the thought of her lips and fingers. He groaned and rolled off the bed. Thinking of her would do no good. He would probably never see her again. He grabbed his coat and headed for the door. He would take a walk, a long walk to clear his head. He still had a few Hours before work. As he strode to the front door he heard clicking toenails scatter across the wooden floors of the apartment. He smiled down at the small black dog that came flying around the corner from the kitchen. The dog bounced up and down tickling his knee. He bent and scooped the animal up and hugged the small dog to his chest. "Want to go for a walk, boy?" The small dog's rich brown eyes looked into his. His little tongue came out and licked his own small black lips. Nick smiled. He knew this was the dog's "yes." "Okay boy, let's go watch the sun go down." He took a leash from the rack by the front door and slipped it onto the dog's collar. He carried him down the steps and out onto the sidewalk before placing him on the concrete on his short stubby legs. "Come on Beast, let's go to the park." The dog started to run ahead forcing Nick to run after him down the street. Beast was a small Chihuahua Terrier mix. Black with a thick short body and wide little head with huge pointed ears. His hair was a longish variety. His face was now white with age but the ran and played like a pup. Nick had had him for 10 years now. Richard, Nick's brother, had a dog named Beauty, so he just thought it would be fun to call his Beast. Nick smiled as he watched the little dog's short legs eat up the sidewalk. The dog was curious about everything and made a point of marking their path down the street. They headed toward the park. The huge orange globe of the sun was just slipping below the horizon. Nick let his thoughts drift back to his visitor of last night. She must be some where in this city. Where could she be? They'd reached the park now and Nick bent to undo the dog's leash. Beast scampered off dashing from tree to tree, but always keeping his master in sight. They wondered through the night into the moonlight park. Nick stood on the path as Beast dashed in and out of the bushes hoping to flush out a squirrel. Suddenly Nick realized a woman was coming toward him. His heart skipped a beat and a sweat broke out on his face. It was Natasha. She was dressed in casual clothing and looked like any other normal woman might out for a brisk walk in the early evening. Nick forced himself to continue toward her. The vision of her fangs flashed through his mind and made him shiver in anticipation. She barely glanced at him as she passed him. There was a slight flash of her eyes as they met his briefly. He walked past her a step or two. She wasn't going to say anything. He stopped and turned. "You're testing me...." He found that she'd also turned to look at him. "...to see if I've forgotten," he finished. "I see you haven't." "I don't want to. I won't!" he said defiantly. She came close. "This knowledge you hold can be very dangerous. There are others who would kill you." Nick reached up to wipe the fresh sweat from his face. Beast came from the bushes, and barked at the strange woman with his master. "Beast, stop, sit," he commanded. The little dog barked again a couple times and Nick pointed to him, "Sit." Beast sat, watching the woman closely. Ignoring the dog, Natasha had stepped around Nick and was now close to him. He could feel her coolness against his back. "I'll take my chances," he said. "I could kill you." she stated in a low sensuous voice. "..but you won't," he said. He now felt her hand sliding up his back. Her cool fingers slipped to his side and along his ribcage under his arm, and over his chest. He wanted to lean back against her and feel her fangs in his neck. Surrender himself to her. "How do you know?" she asked. "I'm a vampire. I'm evil." "You're not evil." he said, looking over his shoulder into her face. She spun him around so quickly that he nearly lost his balance. Her iron grip on his arm steadied him. Beast started to growl low in his chest. "Quiet boy," Nick whispered to the dog. The little dog sat back on his haunches and watched. "Natasha, you saved a human child. That's how you ended up on my table in a body bag." She was glaring at him with amber eyes. One of her cool hands snaked over and up his chest. "I am what I am. 800 years of searching and wishing other wise can't change this. I choose to embrace the darkness." He studied her face and was surprised to see pain and regret there. He reached out a hand and cupped her cheek and chin. "You desire to be human," he stated simply. He was amazed to see a blood red tear slip from her eye and down her cheek toward his thumb. He caught it on his thumb as he caressed her cheek. She seemed to respond to his gentleness. Her eyes closed and when her eyes opened they where a deep blue color. "It is futile to dwell on it. I can not be disappointed again." An idea stirred in him. "I could try. I am a doctor trained in microbiology. Have you tried modern medicine?" She looked at him unable to disguise the hope. "No I have not allowed myself to be experimented on since the '800's." Nick blinked. She'd said she was 800 years old. The stories and experiences she could tell him about! "I will try if you will allow it. I can make no promises." She stared so long into his eyes that he felt drawn to her. He leaned over and gently kissed her upturned lips. He was pleased when she responded to his kiss. Beast barked and Nick pulled back and looked at the little dog. A whoosh of cold air assaulted him and when he looked back she was gone. An overwhelming loneliness washed over him. As he bent to pick up his little friend, he sighed and turned back toward his apartment. The warm little body of the dog gave him some comfort. He pressed his lips against the animal's soft cheek. When would he ever see the beautiful Vampire named Natasha again? Chapter 3 Eight days later he was summoned to the precinct to give Captain Stonetree a report. He entered the busy building and nearly collided with the Desk Sergeant, Reese. "Nick, watch where you are going," the man said, a big smile lit his face. Nick flashed him a smile back. "Sorry, my mind was somewhere else." He'd been thinking about a beautiful Vampire again. "Perhaps a young lady?" he asked with hope in his eyes. This young man was a lonely man, but never seemed to be interested in anyone his friends tried to set him up with. He noted the red that appeared on the boy's ears and smiled. Perhaps there was hope for this one yet. "Have you seen Grace today?" the large ebony man asked. "Yeah, this morning. She brought in an accident victim. You're a lucky man, Joe." Joe Reese smiled, "Man don't I know it. If you ever find someone half as good as Grace you'll be happier than you ever imagined." Nick thought, "Maybe I have." Reese threw a thumb back over his shoulder, "You'd best get in there, the Captain's waiting." Nick smiled and headed for Captain Stonetree's office. He liked the big Indian Captain. Stonetree was a slow, soft spoken man, yet Nick knew him to have a sharp mind and a quick temper on occasion. He knocked on the door and opened it. He was holding his report in the other hand. He stepped into the office. Stonetree was not alone. Nick caught the sent of jasmine and rose. His heartbeat escalated. Before him sitting before the desk was a woman with thick dark wavy hair. She turned toward him and smiled. Stonetree stood. "Nick, this is Natalie Knight. She's a new detective here on our beat. She'll be on the night shift. I want you to coordinate some of your difficult cases with her. She has an amazing record for solving unsolvable cases." He turned to Natasha. "This is Dr. Nick Lambert." Nick stood staring at Natasha, Natalie he corrected himself. He opened his mouth but nothing came out. She stood now, smiling. She took a step forward and held out her hand. "It's Nice to meet you Dr. Lambert." Her voice seemed to envelope him with its music. He took her cool hand, "Ms. Knight," he managed to say with out stuttering. "Natalie," she said. "Natalie," he repeated with a nod. "I guess we'll be working closely together." She ran her tongue over her lips. Stonetree was behind her and didn't see her tease Nick. She smiled and flashed him a bit of fang. Nick's knees became weak and he blushed. She laughed musically and turned back to see Stonetree looking curiously at her. "Have you met before?" he asked, noticing Nick's red ears. Natalie took her seat. "Briefly, a few nights ago." She said, "Mr. Lambert was walking his dog in the park." Stonetree studied them carefully, noting Nick's obvious blush and Natalie's gaze. He hoped he didn't regret this pairing. He wasn't quite sure this woman could handle the job. Yet somehow she'd convinced him she was the only one who could work with Lambert. "Well, why don't you go talk and get to know each other a bit. I've got a headache and think I'll book off for the night. Nick take the report with you and go over the case with Detective Knight." Nick nodded, "All right, Captain, hope you feel better." Nick had his suspicions as to where the headache had come from. Natalie stood and walked past him. He pressed a hand to the small of her back and guided her from the room and down the hall to an interrogation room. "What are you doing here!" he demanded, as he shoved her a little none to gently into the room and shoved the door shut. She smiled, "I thought it best that we work together if you are going to help me." She raised a finger and caressed his cheek. He drew away, "Stop that! I can't think when you touch me." She smiled and let a bit of amber flash in her blue eyes. He sighed exasperated. How would he ever think around her. She seemed to strip his mind of all coherent thought. He could think of nothing but her hands on his body and her lips caressing his when she was around. He could feel that tingle at the base of his mind. "If you want to work with me you have to stop whatever it is you are doing to my mind. I have to be able to think." She sighed now and pouted a bit. He felt the tingle vanish. He shook his head and his thoughts became clear. He sighed in relief. "All right," she said, "but it is such fun. I've never met anyone so easily stimulated." He turned away embarrassed. She was right, just the sight of her excited him. He would have to work harder to control himself. "Dr. Lambert..." she started. "Nick, call me Nick." he interjected. "Nick." She smiled. "I'd like that. I can help you. My kind have many powers and senses. I can use them in my work." "I thought you said you didn't want to be what you are?" he said. "Yes, I did, didn't I. Maybe it is the long years of loneliness. If I found a companion worthy of joining me, I might find joy in this existence." She was looking deeply into his eyes. Nick stared back into her blue fathomless eyes. What was she saying? Could she be offering him the chance to join her? "Well, perhaps we should concentrate on the case," she said. "We have an eternity to decide where this life might take us." Nick tore his eyes off hers and turned his attention to the file before him. He willed himself to relax and he opened the file. He enjoyed his job and he felt excited about having someone to share his work with him. "This body was found four days ago..." The nights came and went. Nick saw Natalie often at crime scenes. She was confident in her job using her abilities to help them solve crimes. She often came to the morgue after work to visit. She didn't socialize with others much because of a fear of being questioned about her eating and drinking habits. Nick knew she came because with him she didn't have to pretend to be something she was not. She would tell him stories about the past and occasionally she would mention her part in the past, but for the most part she seemed to want to keep her past to herself. She seldom mentioned others of her kind as well. Nick had seen her temper on several occasions and not wanting to provoke her, he seldom pushed. She'd changed his life. Having someone to interact with made him so much happier. He hadn't realized how lonely he had been. Occasionally she would join him when he walked Beast at night. On those nights they seldom talked and if they did it was just her sharing things about the darkness, the beauty of it and the mysteries in it. Nick always felt content in her company. After the first few nights she seemed to turn off the emotional seductivness. During the last few weeks she'd seldom touched him. They had been developing their friendship and he was grateful for this time to just get to know her. Occasionally he would see her looking at him with such desire, or hunger... he wasn't sure which. He wanted there to be more between them. Chapter 4 It was still night and Natalie couldn't sleep. She knew Nick had been called into work on his night off and she was bored. She dressed in black and put on a wool cap, then blacked her face and flew up through the skylight. She flew over the city and finally lighted on the roof of the coroner's building. She looked out over the edge of the roof at the parking lot and noticed that only Nick's car was there. It was Sunday and there was seldom a Sunday staff. He was alone. She smiled wickedly. How would the coroner respond to a bit a teasing. She went to the door of the roof and tried to open it. It was locked of course. She used her vampiric strength to force the lock open. She slipped into the darkened stair well and silently closed the door behind her. The corridor at the bottom of the stairs was dark and silent. She walked the halls in silence. As she neared the door to Nick's lab, she could see the dim light through the frosted window. She could also hear his voice as he made notes on the audio recorder. She opened the door with an audible click and then floated up to the high ceiling of the corridor and let the shadows engulf her. She heard Nick take a deep breath and his instruments quieted. "Anyone there? Schanke, if that's you sneaking up on me I'm going to slice you open." There was only silence as Nick came forward and peeked out the door into the dark corridor. He stepped out into the corridor and stood for a moment right below Natalie. She covered her mouth to keep from laughing at him. She could smell his fear. He moved away and down the corridor to the front of the building to check the lock on the front door. Natalie floated down and ducked through the door into the lab. She noted that Nick had a body uncovered on the table and another body filled a body bag on a gurney across the room. An idea quickly took hold. She grabbed the occupied gurney and pushed it down the hall out of sight. Then she grabbed an empty one and a body bag and with vampiric speed laid it out and climbed into the bag and zipped it closed, snuggling down inside to wait for Nick to return. A couple minutes later she heard him come back, "That's strange?" he said to himself. "I know I heard someone." He picked up a scalpel and made a cut into the body that had been brought in only an hour before. Natalie, who was smiling inside the bag ready to spring out and surprise him suddenly got hit by the smell of nearly fresh blood. She felt the vampire inside her stir. She felt panic. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea. She hadn't even feed well before going out. An involuntary low moan escaped her throat. "What the..." Nick gasped, his hands freezing above the corpse. The sound had come from the body bag across the room. He knew that person was dead. He'd just finished the autopsy on the woman. Yet now there was movement and the zipper started to descend very slowly. "All right. Who's playing a trick on me!" he demanded, getting angry. He started to move toward the body bag. Suddenly the body sat up and turned toward him. All he saw were blazing red eyes and white fangs. The entire figure was covered in black. This couldn't be human. A low deep growl came from the creature. There was a movement. Suddenly Nick found himself lying on the floor and the creature was holding him down with its body. Was this LaCroix? It was certainly a vampire. He pushed with all his strength against its shoulders, trying to keep its viscous fangs away from his neck. There was a struggle and the body twisted away. Nick grabbed at it trying to get a hold again and his fingers snagged the wool cap and it pulled free. Rich brown hair tumbled into his face. He smelled Jasmine and Rose. "Natalie!?" he shouted, recognizing her scent. "Is that you?" Having lost all rationality, she fought on. Nick felt her cold breath against his neck and her fangs scrapped at his skin before he was able to force her back. Adrenaline coursed through his veins. Then an idea occurred to him and he stopped struggling. "Natasha," he whispered, "If this is what you want then so be it." He relaxed under her and caressed her hair. He turned his face toward her and kissed her deeply, his tongue teasing her fangs. She suddenly froze. "Nick?" "I am here for you, Natasha," he said softly. She pulled away and stumbled back against the refrigerated body units. "Oh God, Nick!" She turned away and went to where she knew he kept the units of blood. She grabbed one from a frig and gulped its contents down and grabbed another one, gulping in long shuddering gulps. Nick struggled to his feet. "Nat, what the hell's wrong with you. Why are you doing here dressed like that?" She continued to gulp, pacifying the out of control vampire. Finally it retreated and she slid to the floor against the fridge and pulled her knees up to her chin, resting her forehead against her knees. Nick stayed where he was just staring at her, totally confused and dumbfounded. She finally looked at him and climbed to her feet. "I need you to hold me so badly, Nick." He reached out and she came to him. He wrapped his arms around her tightly. He pressed a light kiss to her lips. "I'm here for you, Nat." She closed her eyes feeling his gentleness. Her sated vampire retreated further giving back her tenuous control. She let him hold her. Finally she whispered, "I'm sorry, Nick. You know I wouldn't hurt you for the world. But IT might." Nick nodded. "I know, Nat." He stroked her dark hair gently. "I was trying to play a joke on you," she finally admitted. Nick pushed her back so he could look into her eyes. The whole situation finally struck him as funny. Probably because he was exhausted and coming off a huge adrenaline rush. He laughed and finally stuttered, "I guess the joke's on you." She looked at him like he was crazy. "I lost it when you cut into the body. I hadn't fed. I know it was stupid to come here like this. The vampire escaped my control. I'm sorry, Nick" Nick, still laughing, hugged her to him. "Next time call before you drop in. Come on, I'll drop you off at home." A figure stood on the roof of the precinct and watched as Natalie and Nick came from the building. He got into his car with Natasha and drove away. The figure rose into the air and followed the Ford Escort. Natalie punched the code into the door outside her warehouse apartment, then waved goodbye to Nick. She entered the lift and rode it up two stories. It opened to reveal a large room sparsely decorated. Overstuffed soft furniture made the room comfortable and rather human normal. Tables showing different works of art depicting the human condition were placed here and there. There was a part of the room devoted to a studio of sculpture. Natalie shrugged out of her coat and went up the stairs. She changed into a sweat suit, then headed downstairs to the fridge for a bottle of bloodwine. She poured a generous goblet of the wine and drank it down. It was donated from a young mother. Natalie felt her joy in the pleasure of the woman's emotions regarding the caring and loving of her baby. A pain of sorrow coursed through her at the thought of never having a child of her own. Only through blood like this could she share the joys of motherhood. She shook the pain away and went toward the large lump of clay sitting on the work table. Her fingers dug into the lump and with Vampire speed she soon formed a bust of a certain young blond coroner. Once the basic form was finished, she slowed her work so she could enjoy creating the face with perfect memory recall. His features were gentle and kind. She ran her hands over the cheeks, gently shaping them to the memory of her touch. "How touching," came a sarcastic voice. "Natasha, do you never tire of dipping into this human world. They all leave sooner or later and you are left with nothing but these cold hard sculptures." She turned to face the intruder, "Do you never knock?" she said sarcastically. There was a whoosh of air and the intruder stood close his hand gripping her arm like a vice grip. "Do you never tire of your human pets? That new one is weak and too emotional. He could destroy us with the knowledge you have given him." "He won't tell. You have promised to stay out of my personal affairs, LaCroix. When I let you drain my sister Urs in payment for my eternal life we agreed that you would be my master in name only that we would be equals." LaCroix pulled her into his arms and crushed her lips with his. His blue eyes flashed with amber. Natalie struggled against his grip. His fangs nicked at her lips and he tasted her blood. She pushed with all her strength and broke his hold, pushing him back. He stumbled back and laughed. "One day you will realize, Natasha, that we belong together. For now I chose to hold to my word. But I warn you, I will not allow you to cross back over. You are mine; you always will be. Have your toys for now..." He flew up and out of the open skylight. Natalie sagged back against the table. She wiped her hand acrossed her lips with disgust. He'd tracked her down again. Just when she thought she might have come to the end of her search. Nick could be the one she had searched for for centuries. She would have to be very careful. LaCroix could not know her plans, or the legend. She had once found her master attractive and had let herself be wooed by him and his power. As time went by she'd gotten tired of her life with him, of his control and his desire for her, desire she no longer shared. He had abused her too many times. Her feelings had turned to dust. She'd watched him destroy countless lovers of hers and laughed at her tears. Nick's love could free her from his hold... free her from this life of darkness. She turned back to the sculpture. "I will have him..." she thought, caressing the full lips. Chapter 5 Nick sat in a comfortable chair before his TV. Beast was sleeping on His lap. He was staring at the TV, but saw nothing. He idly stroked the dog's back and head and ran the soft ears through his fingers. He finally couldn't sit still any more. Nick picked Beast off his lap, gave the dog a kiss on the top of the head and set him gently on the floor. Grabbing his coat, he headed for the door. Beast ran at his heels expecting to go, too. Nick smiled down at his friend. "No boy, you stay here. I'll be back soon." He took a small dog bone from the pocket of his coat and set it before Beast. He opened the door and stepped out closing the door in the eager dog's little face. Beast stood looking at the door for a minute. Then picking up the bone, he carried it to Nick's chair, jumped up and settled down. He set the bone close by and watched the door with his warm brown eyes. Nick stepped into the street. It was a breezy late September evening. He pulled his collar up around his neck. He went to the Apartment parking lot, got in his Ford Escort and headed down town. His drive took him to a posh dance spot and restaurant called The Raven. He parked and walked to the door. The bouncer at the door smiled. "Hi, Nick," he said and opened the door wide for him. "She's by the bar." "Thanks Jim," Nick said, as he entered the dimly lit establishment and headed through the tables of patrons. A beautiful raven-haired woman stood at the bar chatting with a customer. She was radiant, dressed in black silk, elegant and low cut. "Hi, sis." he said, right behind her. "Nicky!" she cried. Turning, she threw her arms around his neck. "How's my favorite little brother?" Nick smiled into her beautiful face. After losing his mother at a young age, Nick's father had married Janette's mother. Janette was 5 years old and though she could have resented Nick who was 10 months old, she'd taken to him, mothering and loving him with all her heart. Richard had been born a few years later, but their relationship had always been the strongest. Because of her black hair, he'd nick-named her "Raven" as a child, thus The name of the club she owned. He regarded her with a somber look. "What's wrong?" she asked, planting a kiss on his cheek. He sighed and took a barstool next to her. "Oh nothing, just wanted to See you." "Yes, and horses fly Nicky, what's wrong? You can tell me anything." She ran a finger over his forehead, tucking an errant curl away from his face. He smiled. "I met a woman." "Really," she said. "You don't look too happy about it." "She's very special and different," he said vaguely. "How different?" "Very old world and eccentric. Foreign. She has a sun allergy and can only come out at night. She's a cop on the homicide detective team here in Toronto." "Really? She does sound different. What are the good things?" She watched his face light up. "She's so beautiful and exotic and - exciting! I can't concentrate on anything but her." The bartender came and set a small glass of white wine before him, a favorite of his. He took it and sipped the cool liquid. He seldom drank and it burned his throat, warming him. "My, you have it bad, brother. I was beginning to think you would never be smitten. What does she think of you? You have let her know you're interested, haven't you?" "Oh yes, she knows. She's sort of after me," he said, his eyes unfocused and he could feel Natalie's cool finger caress his face. Janette studied her brother's face. She felt a bit jealous that some Other woman had captured his attention and yet she knew that was silly. She wanted him to find someone and be happy. He was already 30. She enjoyed having Nick come to her with his problems and she knew if he fell in love and married that could change. She grabbed his hand. "Come dance with me, brother." Nick let her drag him onto the dance floor and he slipped his arms Around her. They'd learned to dance together, so their movements were in sync. The music was slow and Janette laid her cheek against his shoulder. "Nick, go slow. Make sure this is what you really want. Find out more about her, her friends and family. This would be a big change for you. You'd have to make some changes in your life." "Not too many, Janette. I've been on the night shift for two years already. I can't explain, but I feel something for her... something very profound and amazing." Janette pulled back and searched his face. She had never seen him so sure of anything in his life. She hugged him close. "I will pray that you will find all that you want from this, Nicky." She fought the tears that were brimming her eyes. Maybe one day she would be so lucky as to find that perfect man to compliment her. Chapter 6 The next evening at work, Nick sighed as he was just covering a body. It had been a long autopsy. He pushed the gurney into the cooler room and closed the door. Stripping off his gloves, he went to get a cup of coffee. He still had four hours of duty left. He had just sat down to enjoy the coffee when his beeper went off. "Damn," he groaned, reaching for the phone to call the dispatch. Another homicide. He would have loved to work on the stacks of paper work on his desk. He wrote the address on a piece of paper, grabbed his bag and headed for his car. The drive was easy and there was very little traffic at 2:00 am. He could see the flashing lights from the crime scene two blocks away. He noted that the sky blue caddie was parked near the ambulance and he felt excited that he would see Natalie tonight. He came up behind her. "Hi Natalie, what's up?" She turned and her eyes flashed what Nick thought was pain, but it lasted a fraction of a second and was gone. "Young woman, stabbed. She appears to have been out jogging. Nick knelt down and stared into the face of the girl probably in her early thirties. Beautiful, long blond hair like corn silk. There was a large knife wound in her chest and lots of blood. Natalie came and knelt down beside him. He saw her reach out and dip her finger into the puddle of blood. She glanced around and then slipped the finger into her mouth. "What are you doing!?" he gasped in a whisper. His stomach lurched. "It was her boyfriend," she said, ignoring him. "She wasn't afraid until she saw the knife." Nick wasn't even listening. He stood and grabbed her arm and dragged her quietly away from the crowd into the trees close by. Her eyes turned amber with anger and she jerked her arm away from him. He saw her fangs descend and she moved suddenly closer. He felt her icy breath on his neck. Then she cried a strangled cry and backed up. Her fists were tight balls. She closed her eyes and stood silently taking deep breaths. When she opened her eyes they were blue again. She looked back at him. "Do not ever threaten me again, Nick. I could easily lose control and kill you." He opened his mouth to apologize, but she had continued, "I WAS doing my job." "You snack on your victims?" he asked, obviously disgusted. "Nick," she said softly, hurt flashing in her eyes at his disgust. "I can tell a lot by one taste of their blood. I can see who killed them if they themselves saw the killer. I can feel what kind of person they were." "Just by tasting their blood," he asked, unbelievingly. "Yes," she said, glaring at him. "This girl was killed by her boyfriend. He'd found out she'd had a one night stand with his best friend. The knife was from a set of hunting knives she gave him for Christmas. This girl was in love with him. He's away for work a lot and she often spends time with his friends. One night it ended being just her and his best friend John. One thing led to another and they had sex. She was devastated that she'd cheated on him. She loved this man more than her life and she made a mistake." She looked at him, closely. "You find the murder weapon and it will prove who did this. The boyfriend had a set of eight with matching designs on the handles." Nick was impressed, but he said, "I'm not sure what you do is right." "It saves time," she said in her own defense. "Why look at five suspects when you can concentrate on the guilty party. Do your job Nick. Find out the height of the killer and the angle of the wound. Get any samples you can find. This will help me to prove what I already know." She turned at walked away. Nick stood open-mouthed. He would have to find out more about her abilities soon. She could make a valuable investigator. What if someone were to see what she had done? She was 800 years old. She knew how to take care of herself. She must have wanted him to see or he wouldn't have. He turned back to the crime scene to gather and catalog the samples and evidence. Chapter 7 When Nick got back to the lab, he found Natalie waiting for him. He glanced at her and proceeded to unload the samples and prepare the room to receive the body. "Your angry with me," she finally said. He was silent. Finally he said, "No not angry. I guess revolted, awed, amazed, all of that." She nodded, "I guess I understand. I've never been afraid to use the powers I have." He leaned against the table and studied her. "Why do you want to be human, Natalie? You have powers beyond my understanding. You never age, you never get sick. You'll be young and beautiful after my bones turn to dust." Her answer surprised him. "Children," she said. "A vampire cannot have children. It's been one of my biggest regrets." "Any others?" he asked. "Yes, Nick." She stepped close to him. "I want to love a man. Be loved back. Someone who is gentle and kind. Some one who can love me with all his heart. I don't want someone who will control and manipulate me for their own purpose." Her face showed centuries of pain. He reached out and gathered her close to comfort her. She laid her head against his chest to hear his heart pounding in her ears. She wanted to feel a heart beating in her chest. After a few minutes she pulled away and stepped back. She could hear the gurney coming down the hall. Nick's arms had felt so good, so right. Nick stepped further back as the gurney burst through the door and into the morgue. Grace was pushing it. She was quick to pick up the electricity in the room and looked from Nick to the strange woman who stood near him. This must be the new detective her husband Joe had told her about. Nick smiled. "Grace, come meet Natalie Knight, Toronto's newest detective." Grace came forward, extending her hand. Natalie briefly grasped her hand. "Sorry, I have poor circulation," she said trying to explain her cold hand. "That's okay. You know what they say, cold hands..." "...warm heart." Natalie smiled. She glanced at Nick, wondering if he was going to laugh. He smiled at her, a touch of sadness in the look. Grace said, "Welcome to Toronto. Nick could use some different scenery around here." Nick protested, "Grace!" Natalie smiled a wonderful smile at him, full of teasing promises. "I find the scenery around here pretty good myself, Grace." Grace glanced at Nick and raised an eye brow. Nick just shrugged, that innocent look on his face that made girls swoon. Grace had watched him for years and he never seemed to notice the looks women gave him. But this new woman, there was no mistake... Nick was looking back. She turned to study the woman. The detective said, "Call me, Natalie, Grace. I think we will be seeing a lot of each other. Maybe you can direct me to the women's clothing shops and other places I may need. Since you're on the night shift, you must know of the places that are open after dark. I have an allergy to the sun and can't go out during the day." "Really," Grace said, peering closer at the new detective curiously. She was as pale as a ghost. "Just ask." She gave the woman a friendly smile. "If I know, whatever it is, I'll be happy to share it. Joe and I are simple people." She eyed Natalie's very expensive tailored suit. Natalie smiled again. "Thanks. I'm sure you'll be able to give me some pointers." Grace asked, "Do you have any family here?" "An elder uncle. I have no one else." That peaked Nick's interest. He would have to ask about this uncle the first chance he got. Grace said, "I'm sorry, my family's very small now, too. Well I'd best get going. Got another run to make and Joe will be off in an hour. We like to spend as much time as we can together. Nice to meet you, Natalie." "Nice to meet you, Grace." she said sincerely. She found this woman to be genuine and down to earth." After she left, Nick turned to Natalie. "Uncle? who's this uncle?" Natalie's face grimaced. "My master." "Master?" Nick felt his interest peaked and a bit of jealousy tugged at his mind. "The one who brought me over," she tried to explain. "Brought you over?" Nick was curious. "Made me a vampire," she whispered. "He's very possessive. He thinks he loves me. He wants us to be together again." "Again!" Nick thought. Natalie looked into Nick's face and was rewarded by a bit of jealousy flashing through his eyes. "He's very dangerous, Nick. He can be tender one moment and then horribly abusive the next. He's an ancient and very powerful - over two thousand years old." "Two thousand!" Nick gasped, unable to imagine living that long. Natalie glanced around, seeming uncomfortable with the discussion. "Nick, maybe you could come over to my place. We could talk, maybe watch a movie. Bring some sweatpants and t-shirt and you can spend the day on the couch. By the time I get off, it's so close to sunset I don't get out much." Nick studied her face. She really looked like she wanted him to come. She must be very lonely, he thought sadly. One would never know by looking at her that she was so different, not human. "I'd like that. Can I bring Beast? He hardly sees me as it is." She nodded, "I don't think he likes me much." "Let him get to know you in your own place," he said. He thought, "Boy I hope you will accept her." "Well, okay. Bring him, but do him and me a favor until I do get to know him. Hang a small crucifix on his collar. It will help me keep my distance if I happen to lose it when he barks." "Should I get one for myself?" he grinned. She studied him a moment, "Might not be a bad idea for awhile anyway. Get a short chain and wear it under your shirt." "Those thing really work?" he asked, surprised. "Oh, yes." Then she said, "Oh, bring some food. I don't have anything you'd be interested in." Again Nick's attention was peaked, "How do you...you know," he asked. "Bottled... I'll explain later." She moved closer, reached out a hand and touched his chest. "I'm looking forward to the company, Nick. See you later?" She took his hand, raised it and pressed the back of it to her cheek. Then she gave him a wonderful smile and left. Chapter 8 Nick smiled and said to himself, "A sleep-over date." Schanke would never believe it nor let him live it down. He decided to keep it to himself. He looked around the morgue and set about putting out the tools and preparing for the body. He thought about Natalie's words, "My master." The idea of this creature touching Natalie made him furious, yet he knew if this creature and he ever came face to face he would have to remain calm and professional. Provoking a jealous vampire might get him instantly killed. Don Schanke came through the door. "Hey Nicky, Buddy, heads up. Here comes Grace." Grace appeared pushing the gurney and her partner followed. He was a young man with piercing dark eyes and his wild hair tied a the nap of his neck. Nick always kidded this young man about his pale complexion, An idea occurred to him, "what if....nah, that would be to big of a coincidence." He dismissed the thought from his mind. "Javier, I thought I told you you needed to get a tan," he said, helping Grace and the young man to put the body on the autopsy table. As they unzipped the bag and removed it from around the body, Javier said, "You know I sleep all day man. I get out of here at 2:00 am and then hit the nightclubs. I play with a band here and there." Nick smiled. It was a running conversation. He had seen the young man at a daytime crime scene once. "Well, get some sun anyway. The ladies like a tan." "Yeah, I don't see a warm glow to you either," the young EMT said, folding up the bag. "Touché!" He smiled. "One day we'll all have to switch with the day shift." "Then I'd never get to sleep," Javier said. "Come on, Grace. Let's get out of here. I've seen enough of this body for one night." Grace gave Nick a hug and headed out. Nick turned to the body. Until a certain Vampire had come into his life, Grace was the only woman who had hugged him in ages that wasn't a relative. He saw Grace far more than Janette. Don was working on the girl's clothing and singing a song to distract himself from the grizzly sight. Nick always wondered why Schanke chose forensics. He always had to fight his stomach when the cases were bad. Nick helped him cover the body and they went about methodically uncovering and examining only the parts they needed to. As quitting time arrived, Nick said, "Don, go home. I'm just going to put the body in the cooler and head home myself." He was looking forward to seeing Natalie and he didn't want to waste a moment of time on work. "Thanks Nick, I'm looking forward to those two showers tonight." He headed off and Nick sighed. He quickly put the body away and headed out. He stopped briefly by a store to buy some food, mostly junk food and a can of dog food for Beast. He bought popcorn, just in case they did watch a movie. When he reached his apartment, he took a shower and dressed casually. He grabbed up Beast. The little dog licked Nick's face happily he was getting to go, and got back into the modest Ford Escort LX. Beast stood on his hind legs and looked out the window, his little short legs barely reaching the edge of the window. Occasionally he growled as they passed a cat sitting on a street corner or a yard with a big dog. Nick loved to see him get excited. His eyes would pop out and his tail would wag and he barked fiercely as if he was a one hundred pound animal ready to take on anything instead of only eleven pounds. As he drove toward the address that Natalie gave him, Nick saw the sun begin to rise. It was glorious, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and reds. It made him sad that Natalie couldn't share it with him. He found the address led to a curious old warehouse. The security door had as intercom with a coded panel. He had groceries in one arm and Beast in the other. Tucking the dog under his arm, Nick punched the button. "Nick?" came Natalie's voice. "It's me," he said. "Come to the second floor." The buzzer sounded and he gave the door a push with his hip. There was a dimly lit entryway of about 10 feet long and 4 feet wide. There was a lift at the end and a stair well going off and up to his left. He made sure the door behind him was closed and he set Beast on his feet. The little dog looked around curiously. Nick pushed the lift button and waited for it to arrive. When it opened, he stepped inside and with a little coaxing got Beast to follow him. He pushed the third floor button and stood back. This place sure was fortified. There was even a security camera in the corner of the lift above him. He waved in case Natalie was watching. Natalie smiled when she saw him wave. She hope she'd made the right decision to trust this man with her life. It was a big step for her to want to share her life with another human. It had been 56 years since the last one. It had been so devastating. She'd loved others and hope they were the one but it always ended in death. Usually at Lacroix's hands or to be more precise, fangs. How would she protect Nick. The lift door opened and Beast barked at her. She eyed the little dog warily. There was a small crucifix at his neck as she had instructed. She stepped back. Nick said sternly, "Beast, quiet boy." The dog quieted but continued to eye her warily. Nick strode into the large room. It was an open warehouse. There were sections of furniture for different purposes. A couch and chair was arranged in front of a big screen TV of the latest technology. Another couch sat before the fireplace. There was even a bearskin rug at the base of the hearth and a white fire blazed. Nick stared at it. Natalie followed his gaze and then glanced back at him to see that the tips of his ears turned red. "What is he thinking?" she grinned. Nick felt his ears turned red and he turned to take in the kitchen with its silver shiny counters and cabinets that didn't look as if they'd ever been used. There was also a table with chairs and a top the table sat an expensive laptop and paperwork. Beast moved past him, curiously looking around. Natalie said, "Come, put your things here on the kitchen counter and in the frig." She felt nervous and mentally kicked herself. She seldom felt her heart beat but it always did a flip-flop when Nick was near. He was such a beautiful man. That's how she thought of him. Fair, hair of gold and eyes of light. All things her heart desired. Nick placed the food on the counter and then looked at Natalie. She was wearing pedal pushers and a shirt open at the collar. Her feet were bare and her hair tied up in a ponytail. He face was freshly scrubbed. She was beautiful like a porcelain doll. She smiled at him and he realized he had spoken the word "Beautiful" out loud. He was also staring. He turned away embarrassed. He felt her fingers on his arm. "Come. Let me show you around." On close inspection Nick realized she must have money. The furniture was rich leather and carved wood. The big screen TV was top of the line, as was the laptop and other things around the room, expensive paintings and carvings. As they came close to a part of the room that was set up as an artist's studio, he realized something and looked back around the room. "You did all the sculptures."" "Yes," she said softly. She reached out and caressed the figure of a woman. "This was my mother." Nick could see that the woman was dressed as a 12th century person would be. That was the era Natalie said she'd come from. He looked closely and realized Natalie looked a lot like her mother. The figure wore a hat, a long dress and she carried a basket of flowers. He saw Natalie run her hands over the piece with her eyes shut. He reached out to touch her arm and she drew away. She indicated the next piece. It was a small boy. "This was my brother, when I last saw him," she said, touching the child's hair. Nick heard the pain in her voice. They moved around the room. She showed him teachers and friends. A mentor here and men that Nick guessed where probably lovers. All were beautifully done and almost alive. There was a large bust in the middle of the work table covered with a cloth. Nick reached out to take the cloth off. Natalie's hand shot out to stop him. "Please," he said. She thought in silence a full minute before she nodded and released him. He pulled the cloth away. There he was. The likeness was so amazing. He stepped back. "You did this?" he asked the obvious, looking at her. "Yes," she said, her eyes flashing with amber. Her body tensed to fight. She was surprised when she realized he wasn't angry that she wanted to have him close to her. They were barely friends, yet how could she explain the feelings she'd had when his blood had touched her tongue that first night they had met" "It's very good," he finally said. "You flatter me." He replaced the cloth carefully. "Nick, I..." He held up his hand, "No need to explain. I would have a photo of you in my bedroom if I had one." He blushed, embarrassed by his admission. One of her wonderful smiles lit her face. "Then I will see that you get one. Come. Let me show you upstairs." They started up the stairs and Beast ran past them, curious to see the new place. Nick looked after him fondly. "Have you had Beast long," Natalie asked, watching him watch the dog. "Yes, 10 years. He was 5 weeks old when I got him. He could sit in one of my hands. My life had been a bit lonely. It's hard to have a social life when you work all night and sleep all day. He's been a constant companion and the best of friends." Natalie seemed to look into herself. "I had a cat once. LaCroix became jealous and destroyed it." Nick reached out and squeezed her arm and she smiled sadly at him. They reached the door to the bedroom. It was furnished lavishly. Thick carpets, and an oval bed dominated the room. It had red satin sheets and white sheer drapes that hung from tall spiral wooden posts. He could barely take his eyes off it. He could imagine lying with Natalie there. He heard her laughter twinkle like fine wind chimes. He refused to blush this time and looked steadily at her with desire. She stepped forward and he took her hands and leaned in to give her a soft gentle kiss on her lips. She smiled at him, then stepped away. "Nick, as much as I would love to pursue this I think it best we continue the tour." He nodded. Her restraint was admirable. Her bathroom was white. Everything in it, sunken tub, shower, carpet, towels, all white marble. His eyes lingered on the sunken tub, but he forced his thoughts away. "Man get a hold of your thoughts," he berated himself. "Feel free to use the facilities anytime. The bathroom downstairs is only a half bath. This tub is glorious." She breathed sensuously. Then she reached out and gripped his arm to get his attention. "Do not, under any circumstances, try to wake me. Not even for an emergency. The vampire wakes first and I might attack and you will not be able to answer questions later, do you understand?" She released his arm. Nick brought his other hand up to rub the sore arm. He wondered if he might have bruises. He nodded. That was certainly sobering. Beast let out a little yap. He was sitting at Nick¹s feet. Eying the dog, Natalie said, "Come on down, you can eat and I need to feed. I hope you won't mind." They went downstairs. Nick fixed some bagels with cheese and got a large glass of orange juice. He watched with interest as Natalie pored some red liquid from an unlabeled wine bottle into a mug. She put it in the microwave for a bit. "Go sit on the couch. I'll join you when this is ready." Nick got a small blanket from one of his bags. He went to the couch and Sat, spreading the blanket next to him. Beast followed, then jumped up and settled at his side on the blanket. Natalie came along with her mug and Nick caught the scent of blood and wine. He asked, "Do you mind if Beast sits next to me?" I have his blanket here." Natalie studied the dog's face. He seemed to be looking at her expectantly. "No, he's really cute. I guess he won't hurt anything," she said, settling in at the other end of the couch. Nick took a bit of the cream cheese from his bagel and let Beast lick it off his finger. He ran his hand over the soft fur on the dog's head and ears. He looked up to see Natalie take a sip of her drink." Fascinated, Nick watched her face. She had closed her eyes and was leaning back. Emotions crossed over her face. Pleasure seemed to take on a life of its own on her features. They softened and she sighed. Chapter 9 "What is it?" he asked, curious. "The woman who donated the blood had a child less than a year ago. She lives for that baby. She loves that baby and finds such a joy in raising her." She smiled. "You can see who donated the blood, feel what they feel?" A feeling of awe washed over him and he shivered. "Yes, Nick. It's how we live. We see and feel through the blood and for a short time it warms our cold hearts. Freely given donated blood is sometimes bland if it's old, but when its new and fresh it is a wonderful treat." "Donated" How?" he asked, looking forward to having an answer to that mystery. "We have blood banks here and there." "Well, I'll be," he said. "So you don't go out and feed off people anymore" She studied his face and decided to tell him the truth. "Not often. It has been years since I last took from the source." She smiled seductively and dipped a finger into the mug and stuck the finger into her open mouth. Nick saw her tongue run around her finger licking it off. "Well, not since I tasted your blood the night we met." He shifted, suddenly too warm. "Its very intoxicating Nick. You'd have dead bodies everywhere if we didn't follow the rules." "Rules?" he asked. "Our society has very strict rules and enforcers who enforce them. No one crosses them for long without regretting it dearly. It's necessary to protect our species." He sat back, floored, but didn't say anything. He let the information sink In. Finally he asked, "Society" Are there many more?" "A number of us. We usually don't mix with mortals often. It is too dangerous." "Then why do you do it?" She leaned forward and touched his hand. Beast eyed her steadily. Nick felt a chill from her hand and forced himself not to draw back. He turned his hand and wrapped his warm fingers around hers. "I can't live without the warmth of humans anymore. The darkness is overwhelming, Nick. It eats away at your soul. I want mine back, whole again." "You need to come in for tests soon." He had spoken the words in earnest, anxious to start the study. Natalie snatched her hand away and jumped up. Her eyes flashed amber. Beast started and rose to his feet and barked at her. "Test!" she flung the word out like it was a piece a feces. "Tests won't save me. Only you can. Only your blood can!" He felt the color drain out of his face. "What?" he said, drawing back. "Did you bring me up here to kill me...?" Panic took all rationality from him. "...Take my blood in some belief that it will save you." He grabbed Beast up and got to his feet. He held the dog's face against his chest so that he couldn't bark anymore. He turned and looked toward the door that led to the stairwell. Could he possibly escape" "No! Nick," she called after him, as he ran toward the door. With his other hand he grabbed the crucifix hidden under his shirt. Turning back to her, he yelled, "Stop!" She came so close and yet there seemed a barrier that stopped her several feet away. "Please let me explain. Your blood and your love can save me," she begged. Yet his fear was buffeting her and ignited the beast inside her. It was getting away from her control. She was aware suddenly that her eyes were red and her fangs were out. She could smell his blood and she stepped closer. "Natasha! No!" he cried out. She drew back, "Go, Nick, Go into the day. I cannot follow you there, Run! You must let me explain!" she called after him as he fled. Nick turned not seeing the blood tears spilling down her face. He fled for his life, not hearing the pain in her voice. He reached the bottom of the stairs and pressed the emergency release bar and fled into the sun. He pushed back against the door slamming it shut. Standing in the sun, Nick leaned against the door to Natalie's loft. What had happened? 'What did I say," he said out loud. "We were having such a good time." He realized he was holding the boy to close and he released his hold a bit giving the dog room to breath. Her words came to him as he had ran out, "You must let me explain...Your blood and your Love..." She said "love". She hadn't wanted just my blood, she wanted my love too." Now Nick could hear the pain in her voice. "Damn," he cursed himself, "I jumped to conclusions. She wants to love me, too." He turned and moved toward the buzzer and hit the button. "Natalie," he called into the speaker, "Let me back in!" There was no answer. He tried again. "Let me in, Nat, Please. I'm sorry. Please let me come in." There was no answer. He was getting angry now more at himself than he was at her. "Damn it, Nat! Let me in!" There was silence and he buzzed the bell again. Finally she answered, "Nick, go home. I need to sleep. We can talk another day." The speaker then went dead. Nick felt as if a part of him died too. Would they be able to get past This" The fear that he'd had felt must have hurt her so much. He could hear it over and over in his mind now. "Please let me explain," she'd cried after him. He knew now that he had loved her from the moment he had unzipped that body bag. It had changed his whole life. He would never be the same. He had to get hold of his emotions. The shock of finding out Vampires were real had shaken the whole core of his reality. If Vampire existed, what else in myth might be out there" He felt Beast move in his arms. He looked down at his little companion and found Beast was looking at him with his rich brown eyes. Beast licked his hand to comfort him. "Oh, Lord," he thought. "Why did this happen to me? My life was a bit boring, but I was comfortable, happy in my reality. Now it was all a mess. He looked back up at the silent, sealed building, sighed and headed for the car. He'd send her flowers and apologize when he saw her again. He got into the car and started to drive home. What must her existence be like? She was strong, hard and obviously a Killer, yet there was a side of her that was soft and gentle and begging to be loved. The side that yearned to have the chance to have children and be a wife. She made him soft and that was dangerous. He had to be strong for her. To be able to take what she dished out and show her his strengths. He would have to reel in his emotions and keep them in check around her if they were to work together. If they were to be friends. Nick was so angry with himself for running out. He would have loved to have spent the day with her. How could he change his fear to constructiveness" The woman made him into Jell-O. He was usually not so swayed by his emotions. His work demanded that. He desperately wanted to help her, to love her. She must believe that his love would somehow change her. That made him feel wonderful and horrible. Had he damaged their budding relationship" He sincerely hoped not. He drove the rest of the way home without much thought. He let the silence of the car sooth him and he reached out to caress Beast's head for comfort. When he got home he fed Beast and then made a few phone calls before crawling into bed. Beast took his place at the foot of the bed on his own blanket. Nick found it hard to sleep and he tossed and turned and prayed. Finally he drifted into a deep sleep. Just before sundown his beeper went off as he was fixing breakfast. Another homicide.... He grabbed two pieces of bread and shoved the scrambled egg in between. He made sure Beast had his water and a treat before rushing out the door. On the drive there as the sun set he wondered if Natalie would come to this crime scene. He was disappointed when she didn't show up. As the night wore on he found he was too busy to give her a call and find out how she was. A couple hours before dawn, Natalie stood on the steps of the coroners office and debated going in. What could she say to Nick to make him less afraid of her? She believed her very presence had shaken all his beliefs to the roots. She'd hoped she hadn't destroyed in him that which made him her possible soul mate. Every time she was near him, she wanted nothing more than to run her hands through his beautiful thick blond hair. Feel his lips against hers. She wanted to feel his strong arms around her. The beast inside would not allow her to get too close. She turned away. "Maybe I should let more time go by. I will call his phone and leave a message." She went to her car and got her cell phone and dialed his home phone. She got his message, "Nick Lambert, leave a message at the beep." "That was dull," she said to herself. That man needed her. He was dying of boredom. "Nick," she said in her most sensuous voice. "Forgive me for last night. Thank you for the beautiful flowers. I guess that means you're willing to hear my explanation. You are very special to me. I'll call you in a few nights. I need some down time. "Bye, Nick." The day after Nick had fled Natalie's apartment a package was delivered to the morgue. Inside Nick found a beautiful 8x10 portrait of Natalie in a fine golden frame. She was dressed is a velvet green dress that was off the shoulder and very low cut. She wore a necklace of emeralds and also matching earrings. Her hair billowed around her in a glorious mane of auburn. Her lipstick was blood red and she appeared to be half reclining. She was raised up on her hands like she was crawling up toward him to draw him down upon that bear skin rug of hers upon which she lay. She was giving him that look that turned his knees to jelly. Nick stared at it then hugged it to him. Chapter 10 Natalie decided that night that she had to go find LaCroix. She had to somehow convince him not to spoil this one. After parking her car in the garage, she went into her place, changed into casual clothes of jeans and T-shirt and a sweatshirt. She flew up through the skylight and out over the city. It wasn't long before she zeroed in on a penthouse atop a posh building. LaCroix always lived in style. She dropped down on an outdoor patio. A Small, beautifully lit pool glistened in the moonlight. She could see him sitting in a high wingback chair. There was opera music playing and a goblet of blood wine on a small table next to the chair. He had a book in his hands. He'd always had such a passion for the arts. That's how he'd found her. A woman of the 12 th century trying to be an artist in a mans world. He'd offered to sell her work. She'd had no choice. People just wouldn't accept her work knowing she was a woman. Yet being LaCroix he'd had an ulterior motive. He'd taken her work, selling it to the very rich and pocketed most of the money, barely giving her enough to live on. He was handsome and smooth and dangerous. She'd been attracted to him. She'd decided she would be his woman. He had her money. As his wife she would live in style. She'd given herself to him willingly. That night she discovered that he was a monster. When she pulled away, trying to escape, he threatened to kill her and her family. Because she made him rich he only fed on her occasionally. She started to see the power he possessed and she decided if she lived through time and the ages there would be a time she would be able to sell her own work, be recognized for her work. She convinced him to bring her across. He had insisted on a blood sacrifice and she hardened her heart and brought her sister Urs to him. She stood by and watched him drain the life from her beautiful sister and never shed a tear. He'd taken her that very same night and she'd awakened to the thirst. To endless nights of death and pleasure. She surrendered herself to the vampire and to LaCroix. They'd roamed the world taking what they wanted, reveling in the kill, until one day she had awaken from the feeding frenzy to find a beautiful baby stone cold in her arms. She'd felt an open pit engulf and swallow her and she fought to reach the light again. She hurt so bad. She'd had no feelings for centuries. She realized she still had a soul wounded but there. The atrocities piled on her and she ran leaving LaCroix for the first time. She'd nearly starved to death not, wanting to kill again. She started to feed on criminals, but it only made her soul blacker. She turned to mostly to animals for their blood for a hundred years. She was so weakened when LaCroix found her that she nearly died from the beating. He'd forced her to feed on him. After that her body craved human blood and discovering they bottled it now from donated blood, she was able accept it. Her body got strong again but her soul was dead. She'd allowed him to use her again, giving up on her hope of freedom. Only her sculpture had kept her sane and LaCroix had become wealthy beyond imagination. LaCroix stood now. He put his book down and came toward the glass door. She stepped back into the shadows. He opened the sliding door. "Are you going to stand out here peeping all Night?" Natasha took a deep breath and came forward. She side-stepped past him and into the warm glow of the lighted room. He laughed at her. "It's a bit late in our relationship to be so timid with me. I know you so well." He leered at her. "My dear, WE know each other so well." "I know you're a monster!" she hissed at him. He stepped closer to her and grabbed her wrist. His nails bit into her arm and her blood ran in thin rivers down the pale flesh. He brought her arm closer and his cool pale tongue lapped up the small blood offering. "You used to revel in this monster," he said. The wounds had healed. He dropped her arm disgustedly. "You fancy yourself in love with that weak, spineless doctor. Will you never learn? I've put up with this - whatever is is - for '50 years now." He reached out, grabbed her and pulled her against him. "You are mine and you always will be." He thrust her neck aside with the other hand and buried his fangs into her neck. Involuntarily her body arched against him, no matter how much she hated him. A daughter could only find extreme pleasure in the close connection with her master. No matter what she thought of him, no other blood made her feel so filled as that of her master's blood kiss. She felt compelled to bit him back, unable to reach his neck she pulled the robe away from his shoulder and plunged her fangs in. She knew that his blood would calm the vampire more than any other and she would have more control around Nick. She felt him press against her as he released her with a sigh of pleasure. She was trembling as he released her. He'd been so intent on the blood and the fact that she'd been willing to complete the circle that he'd not read many of her thoughts. He was reveling in the fact that he still pleasured her. "You see, you do still find pleasure with me." He kissed her, his tongue demanding entrance into her mouth. She pulled away and stumbled back, "Lucien, why can't you let me go? Find another who really wants your love. I cannot deny your blood fills me as no other, but that's our nature. It is inherent in our relationship. It has little emotional satisfaction for me." He came close. "Wouldn't your life be simpler if you could still love me?" She could see real hope in his face. "Perhaps simpler, but I need to caress warmth. I need this man, LaCroix. Forty-five, fifty years to you is a blink of an eye. Let me have this one. I promise you if this one rejects me, I will never ask again." His eyes became piercingly blue and she felt him touch the promise in her mind. "So be it," he said. He had touched upon the incident with Nick and saw how he'd fled her vampire visage. Perhaps this spineless human would not be able to adjust to what she was. In that case she would be back soon, and if the mortal did stay with her, it would only be as she said...45-50 years or less. He could wait. "If he does reject you, you must come to me forever. I also make the same request after this one dies. That is my terms." His words chilled Natasha to the bone. Nick had sent her flowers and he had begged to return to the loft the minute he'd fled into the sun. If she refused LaCroix this request she knew despite any promises he might give he would never let Nick live long enough for her to find out if he was the one. In her heart she felt he was. It was worth the gamble. She looked her master in the eye, "All right. If he rejects me, then I will come to you forever." LaCroix thought, then said, "I will destroy him for all eternity, agreed?" She took a deep breath, "Agreed." She tried to move past him to leave but he was fast and grabbed her wrist and placed cold lips on it. She forced a smile then fled through the open glass doors and took to the air. His terrible laugh rang in her ears. Natasha stayed away for two more nights with hope that she would be more in control of the vampire. LaCroix's blood had pacified the vampire in her. That third night she wasn't called to any crime scenes that required a coroner, so when she was off duty she headed for the coroners office. She parked and then went up the steps and into Nick's lab. He was there just putting his coat on. "Nick," she said softly. He turned and saw her, smiling as he came forward. It relived her fears and she reached out for him when he did for her. He held her hand gently. "Natasha," he said. "It's really good to see you." He leaned forward and kissed her. Then he let his cheek linger against her's for a moment before drawing back. "I'm sorry. It was foolish to run." She reached up with her cool fingers to caress his face. He turned his face to kiss the tips of her fingers. "I understand," she said, pleased with his boldness. "Can we walk a bit?" she asked. "Its a beautiful clear night." Nick nodded looking forward to spending time with her. They left the building arm in arm and walked through the lighted city streets in silence. Natalie took pleasure in the warmth that radiated from him. It warmed her fingers in the crook of his arm. Finally he asked, "What did I say the other night that made the vampire so angry?" She looked a bit embarrassed. "The vampire. It's afraid of tests. I've had so many that included blood letting, electric therapy, leeches... many things to horrible to talk about. I've taken potions, read spells, and tried so many magical type things they would make your eyebrows curl." Nick smiled at that, then sobered. "It must have been horrible. Medicine is still so primitive, yet it's much more advanced than a century ago." Natalie shuddered thinking about it. "When I finally left LaCroix it was the first time I sought out legends and magical type cures. Nothing worked and a few times LaCroix beat me to the item of my search and destroyed it. It makes me believe that those things would have worked and he must have believed it would or he wouldn't have troubled himself." Nick moved his arm from her hand to slip it around her shoulders and drew her close. "Explain to me about the blood. What were you trying to say when I bolted like a scared rabbit?" They came to a small street park and Nick led her to a bench. When they sat down, he still held her close. She was silent for a bit trying to find the words. Nick waited for her. He studied her beautiful face in the moon light. He wanted nothing more than to pull her close and kiss her till she gasped for breath. Hummm... he corrected himself, he would do the gasping not her. She took his warm hand in her cold ones and began to speak, softly, slowly." About 50 years ago I came across an ancient text. It stated that a vampire could be human again if they found their one true love. Their soul mate." "Really?" he said carefully, with interest. "..and the blood?" "We would have to make love and I would have to feed from you on numerous occasions." She looked deep into his eyes for his feelings. "That doesn't sound to unpleasant," he said with a twinkle in his eyes. She took a deep breath. "It's a bit trickier than that, Nick. I have thought I've found the man before. They have all died in my arms." "What!" he gasped. His fingers tightened on her painfully. "The blood is intoxicating. It is almost impossible to stop once you start. If it's someone you love, it is like the sweetest nectar..." "Then how would it be possible?" he asked, trying to keep his fear bottled in. "The text did mention that if that if the partner is truly your soul mate found across the ages of time, you will want to preserve that person and you will know when to stop. It will be that person's protection you want more than the blood. In time I would need to feed less and less and I would become a woman able to bare children, and love you with out endangering you." "You think I could be your soul mate. Why?" His voice was strong, but he felt the panic well upon him. With effort he was able to push it down inside of him. "You saw what I was that night we met and you still came forward and reached out to touch me. That touch filled me with such warmth. I felt the vampire shrink back even though it was ravenous, Nick. It gave me the advantage and I was able to look for an alternative source of blood in your lab to feed on instead of you. You do not know what danger you were in that night. Something changed inside me then. I think I still have a soul. I've not felt it so strongly in hundreds of years. "Nick, I know this is a lot to take in. This can't happen for me unless you can love me with all your heart and soul. Do you think that is possible?" "It is a lot to think about. I do know the moment I saw you, even though I thought you dead, I believed you had been something very special. I would have to love the vampire wouldn't I?" "Yes," she said looking away. " That's the hardest part. Love can Destroy it, Nick. Your love can make it vanish. We could have a life together. If you truly love me and the vampire, you will lose part of what you love. Its a sacrifice for both of us." "The reward?" he asked. "It's living in the sun, of course. Maybe marriage and children. Growing old together and not being forced to live in the endless nights," she said. Nick saw something he'd not seen before - a deep sadness so profound he felt tears in his eyes. He drew her close and she laid her check against his chest. "I would like very much to get to know you, Natasha. Let's see if what I feel will grow into that all consuming love you need." She drew back and searched his eyes in the dim moonlight. "Really, Nick? You'll try?" He cupped her cheek with his hand. "Oh, yes." He leaned and kissed her. When he drew back he saw a bit of amber flash in her eyes. Instead of pulling back, Nick stood and drew her to her feet. He placed his arm around her waist turned back toward the direction their cars were parked. Nick got home at dawn. Beast met him, wiggling and doing his strange little excited gurgle/wine he did when Nick was gone longer than usual. Nick loved the sound almost like a purr. He gathered the little dog up and took him outside for a short walk and watched the sunrise. He watched the colors of orange, yellow, reds, blues and pinks. He found he had tears on his cheeks thinking of Natasha unable to see this beauty and feel the warmth caress her face. She was holed up in that huge warehouse alone with her pain. "Lord," he prayed. "If this is what I was created to be... Give me the strength to face the monster in her and destroy it." Chapter 11 He watched the sky brighten for a minute then gathered Beast up and went to bed. Tomorrow night started his time off. He realized it would be empty without the possibility of seeing Natasha. He reached for the phone and dialed her number. "Knight here," she answered. "It's, Nick, Natalie." Her voice softened. "Nick, are you okay?" "Yes. I was just wondering when you're off." She laughed, delighted he'd called. "I managed to convince Stonetree to give us the same nights off." Nick smiled to himself, "Really." "A girl has to be available for her Prince Charming," she admitted. "How about a movie? I would love to spend some time with you," he said in a husky voice full of desire. "I'd love to see a movie with you, Nick." "I'll pick you up at sundown." he smiled to himself looking forward to the evening. "Come a bit early. I'm usually up by 4:00 pm." "Okay, Natalie." See you then," he said. "Sleep well, Nick." she said, in a soft sensuous voice. Nick sighed as he put the phone down. He fixed a microwave meal and feed Beast before crawling into bed. He woke about 12:00 pm and dressed in sweats to take Beast to the park. The little dog didn't get out much in the day. He took him out at least two or three times a week for some sun and exercise. They would sit under a tree and share some ice cream. He also brought Alf along, Beast's puppet. He loved to watch the little dog run on his very short legs. In the sunlight Nick could see the gray in the dog's coat. It went far beyond his face. On his legs, stomach, tail and even down his back were bits of white hair. He'd been almost pitch black when Nick had gotten him as a tiny puppy, with only a little white chin and a star on his chest and a few white toes. Now he had white nearly everywhere. Nick wondered what his life would be like if he hadn't had this little guy to talk too. He'd been alone for years. He'd dated only a few times. Janette was always trying to set him up with a woman. So were Don and Myra. He looked back as the little dog retrieved Alf and came back toward him. Beast was more like a child to him. Nick knelt and picked him up. He laid his nose against the dog's fur on his head and drew a deep breath, smelling the fresh sent of his shinny coat. He laid his cheek against the soft hair of his back, feeling his warmth. What a comfort he'd been all these years. A warm tongue came out and licked him on his nose as he raised his face. "Come on boy. I need to get home and dress for that special lady tonight." Beast watched as Nick showered and dressed for the evening. When Nick was home, Beast was never far from his side. Nick wore black slacks and a black turtle neck, with a sports jacket. He combed his thick blond hair into soft waves. "I'm going to have to get a hair cut soon," He said aloud. "C'mon boy, let's get you some food." Nick placed the food on a plate and watched as Beast ate. He made sure the little guy had water and some crunchies in his bowl before he left for his date. Nick picked up a bouquet of sunflowers and bright yellow roses from the store at the corner of his street before he drove to Natasha's loft. It was about an hour before sundown. He rang the door bell and the buzzer signaled for him to enter. He took the lift, then stepped into the loft apartment. He had expected to see Natalie waiting there for him, but she wasn't anywhere in sight. "Natalie?" he called. "Come on up, Nick. I'm nearly ready." Her voice came from the bedroom upstairs. He climbed the stairs expecting her to step out any minute. When she didn't appear he stepped curiously into the bedroom. The bathroom door was open and she was standing before a mirror blow dring her hair. He was suprised that her reflection seemed pale, almost see through. It was as if a ghost was reflected there. It made his heart flutter. She turned, the pale green silk robe that she wore flowed over her, showing every curve of her body. She felt his fear. "Most of my life I haven't had a reflection. Only in the last 50 years or so have I begun to regain it a bit. Maybe I am redeeming myself. It does make it hard to put on makeup when you can't see yourself." She started to move toward him. Her robe flowed around her and he saw her as if in slow motion. The flow of her hair and the shimmering of the material as it slid around her moving body. Her lips were red and inviting. "Nat...may...be ...I should...wait downstairs." He turned and fled, hearing her delighted laugh behind him. She thought. "I shouldn't tease him so. He's such a boy. But I love to see the blood shade his ears." She smiled wickedly and then slipped out of the robe and pulled a black velvet sheath over her head. It had tiny spaghetti straps over the shoulders. She applied blood red lipstick and smoothed her hair lay in thick curled layers over her shoulders and down her back. Then she rechecked her dim reflection. More than satisfied, she headed downstairs. "Wow!" he said, turning to her. He held out his hands and drew her close, placing a warm kiss on her check. "You're beautiful, Natasha," he said, using the name she'd given him the night they met. "Why did you change your name at the station?" "It makes me more ordinary. I fit in better and besides I always get those moose and squirrel jokes. Do you know what they are talking About?" He smiled, "It refers to a character in a cartoon. She is named Natasha and there is a moose and squirrel in it. I watched it when I was a kid." She grimaced. "I hate cartoons." Nick wasn't surprised, and he said so. He turned toward the table and picked up the flowers he had brought. "For you." Her face lit with pure pleasure. "Oh, Nick, they're beautiful! I seldom get to see flowers in the light. Nick was shocked and amazed when a big red tear formed and slipped out of her eye. He grabbed a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed at it, looking at it curiously. "Blood is our only fluid, even our tears are red," she explained. Nick ran his finger gently over her cheek. "I'm glad you like them," he said. He stuffed the handkerchief in his pocket. He would study the blood later. It might prove interesting. He leaned his forehead against hers. "May I hold you for a moment?" She nodded. He drew her close, wrapping his arms around her. Their cheeks pressed against each others. "You tug at my heart so, Natasha." She relaxed for a moment, comfortable in his arms. She felt the beast stir within her. She pulled back and Nick saw the amber in her eyes. He did not shy away, but smiled and took her arm. "Come on, let's go see that movie." They chose an adventure film instead of a romantic one. Neither wanted to stir the beast or their desires again, especially in public. After they walked around the shopping mall that held the theatre Nick invited her for a drink. They took a dark booth in the rear of the restaurant. Nick got coffee and Natalie ordered a glass of red wine. He watched her Discreetly take a flask from her purse and pour a dark liquid into the wine. She stirred it with her finger, then sucked the tip looking at him as she did." Nick felt heat rise from his face and he looked away, hearing her laugh. "You're such a delight, Nick. I love your freshness. You make me feel alive again." He smiled back at her and sipped his coffee. They talked about their cases and later drove to his place and got Beast and went for a walk in the park. The moon was bright and Nick noticed Natalie's eyes seemed to take on a life of their own. They sparkled and flashed in the moonlight. He saw bits of amber as she seemed to look through the dark shadows around them and see things he couldn't. "Do you have infrared sight?" he asked curiously. "Yes, its a compensation for having to live in the darkness." Suddenly a muffled scream touched her senses and she looked to her left. Nick saw her eyes turn from amber to red. He took a step away, uncertain as to why she had changed. Before he could say anything, she thrust her purse into his hands and rose up into the sky. That fast she was gone. He stood open mouthed and felt his legs go weak. "She can fly!" he gasped. Now a piercing scream rent the air and he turned in the direction Natalie had flown. He ran toward the cry for help. Soon he came into a clearing and saw Natalie drop from the sky, knocking an attacker away from the woman. He ran close, reaching for the victim first. He saw Natalie's face in the moonlight. Her eyes blazed red and her fangs were out, the would-be attacker held firm in her grasp. She was ready to strike. "Natalie! No!" he cried out. She turned to look at him then flung the man away from her. He was knocked unconscious when he hit the ground. Nick pulled a phone from his pocket and called 911. Looking back at Natalie, he could see that she was struggling to regain her composure. He held the girl close to him protectively, so she could not look to see what was going on. He soothed her with words of comfort explaining who they were. She seemed content to cling to him. As they heard sirens come close, Natalie came to him and touched the woman's face, turning her so she could look into her eyes. "You saw nothing unusual here. We just came to help..." The young woman said, "Nothing unusual..." Nick watched, fascinated. Nat finally turned to him and took her purse back. She pulled a plastic tie from it to handcuff the perpetrator, securely fastening his hands behind his back. Then she aroused him and gave him the same memory altering treatment. The police cars zeroed in on them, taking the prisoner off their hands. The victim was led to a separate unit, under the protection of a female officer. As the cars drove away, Natalie looked at him. There he stood with his little dog and expectant look on his face, but Natalie could feel the beast churning beneath the surface. It had been denied the kill of the hunt. She had to get away from Nick. She stood nailed to the spot until everyone else was gone. When he took a step toward her, she held up her hand for him to stop. "Please, Nick. I need to go." He could see the amber in her eyes. He slumped back disappointed. "I'm sorry," she said. "It's okay. You saved that woman's life, Nat. Please call me later. It doesn't matter how late. If we can't be together, at least we can talk on the phone." She nodded. He watched as she soared up into the air and disappeared into the night sky. Beast barked after her. Nick scooped the little guy up in his arms and held him close. "Well, it's just you and me again, boy." Chapter 12 He turned toward home. When he got there he sat before the TV without really seeing it, waiting for Natalie to call. Natalie slipped through the skylight of her apartment and ran to the Frig. She threw open the door, grabbing one of the bottles inside. Pulling out the cork with her teeth, she downed the thick red liquid quickly. She drank the whole thing and then half of another. Finally, she microwaved a cup and gulped the warm blood down. She carried another to the couch and sank into it gratefully, pulling her knees up to her chin, she cradled the warm cup in her hands. "How touching!" came a sarcastic comment from the deep shadows of her studio. Natalie set the cup on the table nearby and laid her forehead against her knees. "LaCroix, go away," she whispered. Instantly he was before her, grabbing her and pulling her to her feet. His hand came up and he struck her face. "I will never go away," he hissed in her face. His stale cold breath repulsed her. She felt a trickle of blood run down the corner of her mouth. "Why are you here?" she demanded, pulling away and moving across the room. She licked at the blood with her tongue. "My Dear, I felt your contentment and went to discover its source. It was only moments before you went to that human's rescue. Why didn't you drain that man? Why did you stop?" he demanded. "You denied yourself the bounty of the hunt." "I wasn't alone," she said in her defense. "No, you were with your human pet!" He spat the words at her, his eyes flashing amber. He came closer, gripping her face by her chin, "Why do you insist on keeping human pets, Natasha? He is nothing. A vile pink worm compared to me. I can rule the night with you by my side." He leaned forward and crushed her lips with his. His hand tangled in her hair and she could not get away. She slashed at him with her fangs, tearing his lip. "AAhhgh", he screamed, jumping back. His fist came forward, knocking her to the floor, then he threw himself upon her. His hands and mouth ravished her body. His fingers dug into her flesh on her arms and breasts. She became the monster he had made. With all her strength she caught him of balance and pushed him away. He tumbled over the work table and crashed into the wall. He floated back up and came at her, fangs bared and eyes blazing red. He grabbed for her and she few back away from him, but stumbled over a small table and went down. He was upon her before she could react. All she felt was pain. She felt his body take her, and his fangs descended deep into her neck and began to drain her. She felt his hands and fists beat her until she faded into oblivion. Natalie woke in pitch darkness. She lay on the stone cold floor. Raising her head to look around, to listen, she knew she was alone. She let her forehead press against the cold floor again in relief. He was gone. She tried to raise herself off the floor and realized she had broken ribs and a possible broken leg. It would not hold her weight. How would she get to the frig for the blood she needed to heal herself? She had to move soon. The sun would come up and she was not safe where she lay. The blinds were wide open. Her eye caught a tiny bit of green light to her left. The LCD light on her cell phone. It was on the floor about 10 ft away. She started to painfully drag herself toward it. Nick slept against the arm of the couch. He had waited over and hour for her call before weariness overtook him and he'd fallen asleep. He was awakened by the phone ringing close to his ear. He jumped and fumbled with the phone before turning it on. "Natalie?" he said hopefully. "Nick...5479" a voice whispered. "What?" he said, not understanding. "Please help...me," the voice pleaded, sounding desperate. "Nat!" he said, making out her identity. "5479....hurry," she said again. "Please, Nick. Come..." the line went dead. Fear gripped him and he grabbed a jacket. Not even glancing at Beast who bound after him, he slammed the door in the little dog's face. He was down the stairs and out the door in seconds. It was nearly dawn when he pulled into the street and headed toward Natalie's. As he drove, he went over her words and realized that the numbers must be her security code. 5..4..7..9 he repeated the numbers several times. He seldom used the sirens he was given for serious cases, but now he feared for Natalie. He slapped the light into the dash and tore past the cars parked at the red light ahead. It took nearly 15 minutes to reach her place. The sun was rising high Now, beautiful but possibly deadly rays of light stretched across the Land, climbing the sides of the tall buildings sending the darkness away. Fortunately any police who saw him just waved and went about their business. They all knew his car. He screeched to a stop before Nat's building. He grabbed his bag from behind the seat and ran to the door. The sun was already hitting the unshuttered windows. In his emotional state it took him twice to get the number of the code right. He ran up the stairs not waiting for the lift. He burst into the room. A fine mist of smoke rose in the center of the room. Natalie screamed, "The blinds Nick!" She cried in pain as he ran for the controls. The room slid into blissful darkness. He started to come to her. "No, Nick. Stay away. I need... blood...frig," she managed to get out. He fumbled a minute and found a lamp and a soft light filled the darkness. He ran to the frig and grabbed a bottle, pulling at the cork as he moved across the room. He gasped as she turned toward him and reached out. Her hand was shriveled like a claw and her face and arms were blistered by the sun. He could hardly recognize her. She had been beaten severely. Her hair was caked with blood. "Oh, God, Natalie. Who did this to you? Who?" Yet, he knew before she answered. "LaCroix..." She grabbed the bottle and began to guzzle it. "More..." she said between gulps. Nick returned to the frig and got three more bottles. As she drank the second one she said, "bags of whole...blood...in the freezer, microwave...2 min." He hurried back and got the whole blood and threw a packet into the Microwave. He danced around, realizing how long two minutes could seem. When he returned to her she was finished with the second bottle. She snatched the blood from him and her fangs pierced the bag and she drank deeply. Her face was already starting to heal. The blisters were fading and her flesh was plumping out. He came closer, "Stay back, Nick. Get the other bag for me." He repeated the procedure with the second bag and brought it to her. She rolled onto her back as he came with the second bag and she cried out in pain. She took the second bag and Nick went to get a pillow and throw from the couch to make her more comfortable. When he returned she looked at him through blue eyes. She looked nearly normal except for deep bruises here and there. Natalie felt the vampire slip into a sleep. It was so sated with the whole blood and the blood wine that it no longer hungered. Tears now slipped from her eyes and she reached out to Nick and he gathered her up into his arms. He held her tenderly against his chest. "Shhhh..." he soothed, "I'm here for you, Nat. He realized even the dried blood seemed to be reabsorbing into her hair and skin. "I will always be here for you if you need me." "Nick, my leg... it's broken. You will have to set it." He looked now and saw that the bone was sticking out. "Oh, my Nat, how can you stand this?" He laid her back on the pillow and moved down by her feet. "I don't know if I can. I should call a hospital." "You know you can't, Nick. Once the bone is set it will heal. You can do it. Please..." He nodded. She grabbed onto the heavy table near her. Nick grabbed a hold of Natalie's foot and just above her ankle and with a strong jerk and a twist he felt the bone snap back into place as Natalie screamed in pain. Almost instantly her pain vanished and the bone, aided by the blood, fused together as if it had never been broken. He hurried back to gather her close and he felt the gasp of pain die in her mouth. He looked and saw the skin sealing itself and the discoloration fade. "I wish I could bottle that. I'd be the best doctor in the world." She smiled, reaching up to caress his face. "I wish I could give it to you." A few minutes later Nick helped her stand. Even though she leaned heavily on him, they made it across the room to the couch. She sank gratefully down into the soft leather. Nick started to move away but she grabbed his hand and pulled him down to her side and wrapped her arms around him. Nick held her close. Her body was still trembling from the shock. "How could he do this to you? How? You say he loves you, but this is not love." "I rejected his advances and he lost it, the vampire took over. Nick, I wasn't strong enough to fight him off." Her voice deepened and her eyes flashed amber for a moment. "I will never let him use me again. Never!" She heard Nick's heartbeat elevate. She looked up into his face. He was furious. "We must stop him, Nat. I can't allow him to touch you again." "That's a fine thought, but I don't think you could stop him. I've run from him for years and he always finds me. There is no place to hide, Nick." "You have to be free of him once and for all." She drew back and saw the pain in his eyes. He took her face into his hands and captured her lips, kissing her deeply, lovingly. Natalie returned the kiss with equal fervor. Nick pulled her into his lap as his kisses became more eager and intense. His lips traveled across her face and toward her neck. Her scent was intoxicating. Suddenly Nick felt a sharp pain in his neck and he realized she had bitten him. His fear and his love warred with him, ignited in conflict. He pushed her firmly but quickly to arm's length. She was so weak she didn't resist. She didn't fight to resume her vampire kiss. She let her head roll back and her face had a look of bliss. Her eyes were closed and she was smiling. Some of his blood lingered on her lips. Her tongue came out to lick the remaining drops. "Oh, Nick, " she breathed. "Your blood is pure ambrosia." She sagged forward against him. He realized that the whole ordeal had exhausted her. She could barely move her own body. He stood and pulled her to her feet. Supporting nearly all her weight, he carried her up the stairs to her bed. He laid her down on the red satin sheets, then took her remaining shoe off. Gently he removed her dress; both shoulder straps were broken. She wore a strapless bra and underwear. He tried not to look to give her some dignity, as he pulled the sheet to cover her. He smoothed the hair away from her face and leaned to kiss her forehead. If she were human, he would have crawled into bed with her and held her while she slept, but he still remembered her warning. He kissed her lips and went downstairs to clean up the mess before he lay on the couch. "Someone has to get rid of that monster. That is the only way she will ever be free of him." He wondered if Natalie had ever considered trying to kill her master. Nick would never think of LaCroix as a man. By his own admission he would probably say he was already dead. It would be more like extermination than murder. Even though Natalie was the same creature, Nick knew he could never think of her that way. She wanted to live and to love. That monster had lost all of his humanity a millennia ago. Natalie wanted her life back; she wanted goodness in her life. There was no goodness in a creature who could do that to someone they claimed to love. Nick wondered if LaCroix had been a sadist in his human life. How could they possibly plan a way to destroy him and save themselves? He knew these vampires were nothing like the myths of television and popular fiction. They didn't sleep in coffins during the day. They could be awake and alert. Finding his sleeping place during the day and driving a stake through his heart was out. Nick shuddered what was he thinking. If he formulated a plan he would be a murderer. No, he could not plan this creature's death, but he would not avoid it if the opportunity arose. For now he would love Natalie and help her to come back to her human side if possible. Once there they would use all the tools they could find to keep the vampire at bay. He rose and went upstairs to check on her, but she not in her bed. He went toward the bathroom door to see if she was okay. As he neared the door he saw that the door was not closed all the way. He called out, "Natalie?" Chapter 13 The shower was running and he caught a glimpse of her behind the fogged glass of the shower. He found himself staring at the beautiful profile. He could see no details, just the form of a beautiful woman. Suddenly that woman cried out with anger and pain. He saw her hands moving quickly and he realized she was scrubbing herself furiously. A wail rose and she crumbled to the floor. Her back was against the glass. He heard her muffled cry. She was curled up against herself. He grabbed a huge white fluffy towel and opened the shower door. A cloud of hot steam hit him in the face. Nick reached for her, the hot water scalding his arms. He gasped and withdrew. Reached up to shut the water off, he could see her skin was burned and red. "Oh, Natalie, what have you done to yourself?" He wrapped the towel around her and picked her up to carry her to a soft bench in the room. "Natalie," he called to her, raising her chin so that he could look into her eyes. "Please let me help you." Her eyes flashed amber. She grabbed his wrist and plunged her fangs into it. Nick was shocked but didn't try to pull away. He reached over her head and stroked her hair gently. "Natalie, I love you. You can feel my love through my blood," he whispered through lips tight with pain. After about 30 seconds she drew back and licked the wounds closed and pushed his arm away from herself. The towel slipped down off her shoulders and he saw that they were a beautiful unblemished white with a slight pink flush from the ingested blood. She looked up at him now with clear blue eyes. She smiled. Nick leaned down and kissed her lips gently. When he straightened up again he saw her grip the towel tightly to her. He turned away to give her privacy and saw a white robe hanging on the back of the bathroom door. He went to fetch it. As he did Natalie stood and wrapped the towel around her under her arms. When Nick came she turned her back to him and reached back with her arms and shrugged into the robe. As Nick took the ties and reached around her to tie them the towel slipped to the floor. Nick drew her back against his chest and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Are you better now?" he asked. "I'm wonderful!" she breathed, "It's euphoric to feel the blood of a man who loves you course through your veins. It cleanses and heals you, not only physically but emotionally. Thank you, Nick. Your love means the world to me." He turned her to face him and pressed a kiss to her chin. "You're Welcome." His voice was low almost a purr. He felt such an envelopment of peace that seemed to cover him as she'd taken his blood. "Am I under your spell now?" he asked. "Spell," she laughed, sliding her arms around his neck. "That's only in the movies. You might feel that way from loss of blood. I might have transferred a bit of my feelings for you when I took your blood. But that will fade in time. Let's go downstairs, Nick. I think I still have some of that orange juice, some bagels and cream cheese. You should eat, then sleep." They went down the steps arm in arm. Natalie pushed Nick onto a bar stool and got the orange juice. He drank it down gratefully and then chewed on the slightly stiff bagel and the soft cream cheese. It felt good to get some food in his stomach. "I took about 1 1/2 pints of blood, so you might be a bit weak for a few days. Try to get as much sleep as you can. Come lay on the couch and sleep here the rest of the day. She led him to the couch and settled him in, covering him with the throw. She slipped under his head and cradled him in her lap. She stroked his hair and caressed his face. She leaned to kiss him, his eyes where already closing. "Sleep, my love, Sleep," she said. Nick slipped into a deep sleep. "So," she whispered. "You want to kill LaCroix for me. I have waited centuries to find someone willing to kill him for me." Her eyes flashed amber and she smiled. The points of her white fangs were revealed. Natalie moved away from Nick and watched him sleep from the chair closer to the windows. She kind of perched on the top of the back on the chair like a great bird of prey. She'd fed twice now from him. Already she could feel a change. His blood seemed to amplify her powers and make her stronger. Her body ached to feel him close to her, yet she could not risk his life. There was much to do yet. She closed her eyes and stretched back like a sleek cat. Her robe was lose and open to her waist and the sides fell over her hips and down the chair back leaving her legs bare. What would it be like to make love to this golden man? To feel his blood flow through her in the throws of their passion? She felt her fangs itch at the thought. She had to be careful with Nick. He'd lost enough blood for now. She could not drink from him again for several weeks. She thought of LaCroix. If he ever touched her again she would find a way to kill him. How could she have ever surrendered herself to that monster? She'd enjoyed his lovemaking years ago. She shuddered. His touch make her cringe now. He was such an evil contrast to that beautiful young man. She slid down the chair and went back to look at Nick. She kneeled by his side and ran her fingers through his hair again. "You might want to kill for me, yet we can never plan this. At least you can't my love. I do not want stain to be on your soul. You must remain pure of heart." She leaned to kiss his soft lips and felt him respond even though he was still sleeping. She smiled at him and then headed back upstairs to sleep. She thought, "I will never tell you, Nick, that LaCroix raped me. You would not be able to live with that. Not without evil invading your heart. I must be the one that destroys him, if I am ever to be free. LaCroix would never allow you and I to live in any capacity, Vampire or Human. His jealousy would destroy you and enslave me forever. There is nowhere in the whole world we can hide." No matter what happened to them, Natalie would not let Nick go. She would keep him forever with her. She didn't realize that this was where LaCroix's point of view had started. She climbed into the bed and fell asleep, the touch of Nick's lips still fresh on hers. When Natalie woke the next evening she was drawn to a warm cup of blood that sat on the table next to her bed. She could hear the shower in the bathroom. She smiled when she saw that the bathroom door was not completely closed. As she sipped the warm fluid from her cup she moved toward the door. She heard the shower turn off and the glass doors open. Nick passed by the slightly open door. His body was covered with with droplets of water and a towel was wrapped around his waist and tucked in. Natalie moved for a better view. His slightly tanned body was beautiful. Her meek coroner had a great body. As he stood before the mirror combing his hair, she watched the rivulets of water run down his back over the tight muscles. She set the cup on the dresser by the door and moved toward him, pushing the door open. Their eyes met in the mirror. She heard his heart beat faster. She was not sure whether it was her ghost reflection or her being there that caused it. She reached out to run her hands over his back. "Nick, you're so beautiful." She breathed out in a sigh. She ran her other hand over his back, down around his ribs, and to the front of his chest, exploring the hard, firm muscles. "Natasha." He captured her hand and drew it up to kiss her fingers. She dared to lay her cheek against his back. "You are playing with fire, Nick." "I know. I thought I owed you a look. I know you were in distress last night, but you still took my breath away. You are beautiful, Natasha." He felt her lips smile against his back. Then she groaned and pushed herself away. She forced herself to exit the room. She called back to him, "Nick, don't ever do this again." She closed the door. Nick sighed and shifted, pressing both hands against the smooth white counter. "That was stupid." he thought, "but it felt wonderful." He smiled at his reflection in the mirror. He dressed quickly and came down the stairs. Natalie was dressed for work. "I thought you were still off tonight," he observed. "I just got a call. Homicide, gun shot wounds, the body was found in a dumpster." Nick sighed. He sat on a stool and found there was already orange juice and a bagel with cheese. He would have to get a better variety of food the next time he was invited to stay. "You'd better take your car. For appearances. Any way, I have to go make a quick stop at home to feed Beast and take him out." Natalie smiled, "All right, Nick." She slipped on her revolver and pulled her jacket over it. She came over and pressed a kiss to his cheek, running a hand over his back. "Thanks for everything, Nick. See you in a bit." She moved away toward the lift. "Oh by the way," she said over her shoulder, "You're the sexiest man I've ever seen." She turned in time to see his ears flush that beautiful red color. Her delicate laughter caressed him as he turned back to his food. He gulped the orange juice, grabbed the bagel and his bag and ran down the stairs two at a time. He came out the door in time to wave to Natalie as she pulled into the road and drove away. Nick drove quickly to his place. Beast was used to him coming and going quickly, but Nick always felt bad not spending time with him. He knew the days were getting shorter for his pal. He held the little guy close, placing kisses on the top of his head and cheek as they went down the stairs. Nick gave him five minutes to relieve himself, then back into the apartment he went. Nick drove to the crime scene. Natalie was busy when he arrived gathering samples. She smiled up at him As he passed. A warmth of love passed through him. Don Schanke was already on sight. "Nick!, buddy, where have you been? I've been here an hour already." "It was supposed to be my night off, Don," Nick reminded him. Don suddenly came close. "What's this," he said, reaching up and rubbing a thumb against Nick's cheek. Nick groaned. "Damn, Schanke will be on me from now on until he Finds out who I'm seeing," he said to himself. He lied, "One of the little old ladies in my building caught me on the way out." "Uh ha," Don said, seeing through the lie. "And cops can fly." Nick couldn't help but turn his head to look at Natalie and think, "If only you knew." "Oh, boy, Oh Boy!" Schanke said, following his gaze. "I'll bet the new Detective's lipstick matches this sample on my thumb." Nick turned back and glared at him, "Let it go, Don." "Don't get your knickers in a twist, Nick. I won't say anything, We're buddies, remember." He got real close and whispered, "She's a real looker." Then seriously, "I'm happy for you, Nick." Nick smiled warmly at his old friend, "Thanks. Now what do you say you Fill me in on the case and we get to work." Nick didn't see Natalie for nearly a week after that. The case she was working on got really intense and she spent every minute of her night tracking down the killer. Nick was busy going over all the data trying to find something he'd missed to help her. She would call him after work, after the sun was up and they talked a bit, but she was so tired and worn that she didn't invite him over. They had both agreed he needed time to regain his strength from her feeding. Nick spent a lot of time with Beast that week, giving him most of his time off. Finally the case was solved and when his next off-shift came, he asked Natalie if she would come to his place for dinner and meet his friends from med school. Her reaction surprised him. She was afraid. He realized she never dined with humans. It was too difficult to not eat in front of them. He finally let her off the hook and promised he would call when the guests had left. Natasha sat again on her night off with nothing to do. She had been invited to Nick's, but was not sure about meeting his friends, so she'd bowed out. He hadn't protested too much and she was now wondering why. They'd only been together a few times but she thought she knew how he felt for her. He was having friends over and she wondered if he'd have a woman there for himself. She felt her eyes change to amber and before she knew it she was out the skylight and racing across the dark city toward his apartment building. The balcony was in total darkness except for a foot from the door. She landed soundlessly and moved closer to the door. Where was this party of friends? She heard no laughter or voices. The place seemed quiet and still. The traffic in the street below was loud and it was difficult to hear inside. Then she heard Nick's voice. He was laughing. She came closer to the window and realized he was standing at his door. There was only one woman with him. She was a Beautiful, raven-haired beauty. He was slipping her coat on over her arms and shoulders. He then captured Her in a warm embrace, laying his chin against her shoulder and kissing the side of her face. They laughed and talked a minute and though Natalie tried she could not hear their exact words, only sounds mixed with a blaring horn and the street noise. He turned toward the woman, their lips met ever so briefly. She felt the jealousy in her heart ignite and she realized that her eyes were now blazing red and her fangs were exposed. "He's mine, I will not allow him to love anyone else. I need him!" she thought, moving toward the glass. She went until her face was pressed against the glass. Nick closed the door and turned toward the balcony. He always watched Janette get into a cab from there. He stopped suddenly. His heart leaped into his throat. There stood Natalie with a visage that shook him to his toes. She stood pressed against the glass. Her eyes glared red and her fangs where visible. She didn't move but glared at him fiercely. He stood just staring for a long time, his heart beating wildly. Finally he moved toward the glass doors and pulled it open. "Nat, what's wrong?" His voice trembled, making him angry. Chapter 14 She suddenly reached out, grasping him behind the neck. "You are mine. I will not allow anyone to come between us." "Who's coming between us?" he asked, straining against her hold, grimacing against her painful grip. Her breath was cold against his face. Suddenly, she covered his mouth with hers, kissing him fiercely. He felt her fangs against his lips. Nick closed his eyes and waited for her to strike. He knew fighting her was useless. Her fingers pulled at his collar, ready to strike. Suddenly the cross at his neck came into view. It seemed to flare with a flash of light and she backed away, snarling. "Take it off, Nick," she demanded threateningly. "No, Natalie." he whispered calmly, yet he pulled the collar up to hide it from her. She came forward, her fingers flashing she quickly unbuttoned his shirt below the collar. She ran her cool hands over his chest and leaned to tease his nipple with her lips and tongue. "You are mine," she repeated. "Natalie!" he gasped, "Please stop." He tried to drag her hands away. It angered her and she raised her hand striking him in the face and he flew back hitting the wall. "I will kill her, Nick," the vampire hissed in a deep voice. "Who?" he asked confused. "That woman you were kissing." "Kissing? I wasn't kissing any woman." "I saw you," she spat at him coming close. She could hear his heart beating, pounding in her ears. The smell of his fear heightened her desire for him. "Take it off, Nick." she screamed at him. She reached out with her will and took control of his. He reached up and undid the chain and it fell to the carpet. He held out his arms and she was instantly on him. Her fangs sunk into his willing flesh. His sweet blood filled her mouth and slid like honey down her throat. Her mind was filled with the image of the raven-haired woman and she heard their words and felt his feelings, "Thanks for being my host tonight, Sis." "You should find yourself a woman, Nicky. There are lots of beautiful young women dying to meet you, little brother." Nicks thoughts strayed to the beautiful vampire who'd sat up on his table weeks ago and he smiled. She had no idea how close her statement was. "I've already found someone, Janette." "Really Nicky? Is this the same woman you mentioned before? Where is she? Tell me more about her," she demanded, hugging his arms around her. Nick held her briefly. "She's not ready to meet anyone just yet." "Well, when she's ready, bring her to the Raven. We'll have dinner or a drink." He planted a kiss on her chin and released her waist and she turned toward him giving his a sisterly peck on the lips. "Bye." Natalie saw all this, and felt it all in seconds, as Nick's blood filled her mouth. She tore herself away. Her jealousy dissipated and she feared for his life and her need for him. His eyes where still closed. He was breathing hard, his desire for her plain in his face and body. In control of herself now, Natalie pressed her lips against his neck again. This time she only ran her tongue over the two small wounds, lapping up the blood that still leaked out and healing the wound with her saliva. "Nick," she said, shaking him. He reached for her, his hands exploring her body. She pushed him away Reluctantly, not wanting to rekindle the Vampire's desire for him. "Nick!" she shouted at him. He opened his eyes, confused. His hand flew to his neck feeling to two small healing wounds. "Natalie? What happened?" He backed away from her. Natalie realized suddenly there was a persistent sound in the apartment and she focused on it. It was Beast barking from behind the closed bedroom door." She turned back to Nick. "Nick, forgive me. I did not realize she was your sister." He slumped onto the couch weak from the high adrenaline rush and loss of blood. Embarrassed by his body's obvious high excitement, he shook his head still feeling confused. Some of the things she had said came back to him. "You saw me with Janette and thought she was a lover?" Natalie turned away, "I need to go, Nick. Forgive me. I won't spy on you again." "Please don't go." He stood, pulling his shirt back around his chest. He stepped closer to her and drew her against his chest. He would not repeat the mistakes he had when he'd run out on her that one morning. "Please, it's all right. No harm was done. I'm fine." She tore away from him, her eyes became amber. She was angry at herself, at his words. "Next time I could kill you." She flew out the door and into the night. He scooped beast up after Natalie left and took him outside for a potty break. Back upstairs, Nick played fetch with Him to try to calm down. Nick threw the puppet and Beast ran after it. Nick threw it on top of the couch, behind the couch, on top of tables and chairs and Beast hunted all over the room until he found it. Later they just sat and relaxed, watching TV. Finally Nick felt ready to crawl into bed. He didn't have to be at work until 9:00 pm, so he planned to sleep till 7:00. The sun will have set already. He would miss the remainder of the day, but he needed the rest. He felt weak from the blood loss and the adrenaline rush. His sleep was restless, his dreams were filled with glowing eyes. He woke in the dark, his sleep disturbed by a low deep growl from Beast. It was so dark he couldn't see anything more than a couple feet in front if him. He sat up and drew the dog closer. "Natalie?" he called out. Suddenly he could see two red eyes watching him from the corner of the room. Unless she was floating there, they were to high for her. There was a scent different from hers, some how male. "LaCroix," he said. The eyes came closer and he saw there was a tall man impeccably dressed in black with long black hair and skin pale as paper. (Original Nick Knight movie LaCroix.) "I will never let you have Natasha. She is mine. She will always BE mine." The creature hissed into his face. "Leave her alone." Nick took a deep breath, "...and if I don't?" A hand suddenly snatched him up by the throat and he hung above the bed several inches. "Natalie and I are just friends," he lied. Beast was still growling low, but thank God he didn't bark. "Friends," the creature snarled into his face. His fangs where long and sharp. Nick flinched back from him. "She's mine and she will always be mine," he repeated. "Do not forget it. I could take you now and leave a dry empty husk on this bed. For now I will keep my promise. But mark my words Human, she will only toy with you awhile and then she will drain you. It has always been that way. Her fantasy will never come true." There was a rush of wind and Nick was released. He fell back on the bed. Beast yelped and scrambled out of the way. He now stood barking at the open window. Nick trembled and sweat poured off of him. He put his hand to his neck. He would have bruises. Maybe LaCroix had come to scare him, but it only made him more determined to destroy the creature of the night. He closed and locked the window, then got an old crucifix of his grandmother's from the closet and affixed it to the glass. He retrieved the forgotten cross and chain from the floor and put the necklace back on. The only thing he really wanted was to see Natalie. He prayed for peace and sleep and finally dozed off. The next night Nick saw Natalie at another homicide. He managed to get her off to the side. She was having trouble looking him in the eye and he could tell she was embarrassed for the scene she'd caused at his place after the party. "Nat, please look at me," he begged. She turned her eyes up at him and he saw there was anger, fear, and pain. "Natasha," he said, very quietly and close to her face. "It is forgotten and forgiven. Please come to my place and watch a movie with me tonight. We need to talk and I want to be with you. You can stay the day if you like. I have blackout drapes. I even put some in the living room for you." He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss against her cheek. He saw a red tear escape her eyes and he took it on his finger, it tore at his heart. She might be hard and tough on the outside to most people, but to him, he saw the woman begging to be set free. "Please come." She finally smiled. "Okay, Nick. I will need to bring supplies." He smiled a smile that melted the last bits of fear from her heart. "Bring enough to last awhile. You might want to come over often." She reached out and took his fingers in hers and laced them through his. "I was so afraid you would hate me because of what I did." "Hate is the last thing I will ever feel for you," he said softly, wishing he could take her in his arms and prove to her how much he wanted her." She could see the desire in his eyes and she smiled that wonderful smile that lit the night. "I'd love to come." she reiterated. They heard, "Hey Nick, Where are you?" Schanke's voice pierced the trees like a blaring horn. Nat gestured, "Shhhh," she pointed to herself and then lifted into the air and disappeared. "Nick!" the loud voice called again. Don barreled into the small clearing. "What Schank?" Nick said, irritated. He'd wanted to give Natalie another kiss. "You alone?" Schanke looked around. "I didn't see the Detective at the scene either." "Yes, I'm alone," he said, gesturing around him. "Why," Don asked, still peering into the shadows. "I just needed a minute. This one got to me," Nick said. "Uhuh! Nick, its okay to sneak off into the bushes with the beautiful detective, but I know for a fact that you haven't been seeing her since she didn't come to the dinner party. You didn't have a falling out did you?" "No, Don my friend. She's coming for a movie tonight." Don might be overbearing and loud sometimes but Nick and he had been friends for twelve years. They had gone through a lot together. He saw the concern in his friend's eyes vanish. Don reached out and squeezed his shoulder, "Good, now can we get back to work." Natalie arrived at 4 am. Nick was ready for her. He'd showered and put on a pair of black jeans and a turtleneck sweater. He didn't want her to see the bruises. When the door bell rang he opened to door wide and took the large box she was carrying. It was very heavy and he staggered under it's weight. He'd forgotten about her vampire strength. He set it on the kitchen table, the bottles rattled dangerously. Beast came forward and sniffed at Natalie's feet. Nick picked the dog up and held Beast closer to her. "It's time you got to know my friend here a bit better. Come on, Natalie. Pet him. Let him get used to your gentle touch." Natalie reached out to caress the dog's fur. He was soft. His hair was longish and thick. She was rewarded by a warm lick from his rough little tongue. She looked up at Nick and saw him smile. "It will take time. If I set him down now he still wouldn't let you touch him but in time he will get used to you." He hugged Beast to him. "Good boy. Would you like a chew bone, boy?" His little tongue came out. Nick gave Beast the bone and he jumped into the big chair and started gnawing on it. Natalie noticed it was covered with a blanket for the dog. "Would you like a drink, Nat? he asked. Natalie nodded. "Yes, I think that's a good idea." She followed him into the kitchen. "Nick, why do you call me "gnat"? Isn't that an annoying little fly?" Nick smiled as he opened a bottle and poured the red bloodwine into a stemmed goblet. "It's because you annoy my emotions constantly. I want nothing more than to ravish you." He looked into her face, surprised with himself and his bold admission. He passed the drink to her, trying to ignore the smell of blood. She took the glass and let her fingers linger against his for a moment. "I kind of like it," she said, "Especially your reason. I like the way you use all my different names." Chapter 15 She took the glass and drank it down, handing it back to Nick for a refill. She stepped closer as he turned away to refill it. She ran her hand over his shirted back and leaned to kiss him. Nick stood still and closed his eyes, smiling when her cheek rested against him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed. "Nick, thanks for understanding, for forgiving me. I want to be only gentle with you. You know I care for you with every fiber of my body." Nick felt his desire flare. He felt her stiffen and knew she also smelled his need for her. "Ah, Nat, maybe being alone isn't the best idea. We should start the movie." She sighed, drawing away, "Maybe being alone at all is not the best idea. Its so hard not wanting you. It's not yet time." He nodded. "When will it be?" "I'll know and I will tell you." She kissed him, then sighed. "I know how you feel. Come on. Let's go to the concert in the Park. There is an all night celebration. A dance and a craft fair. We can take Beast with us." Natalie got a look of excitement like a kid in a candy factory. Nick was pleased. "That sounds wonderful, Nick. I seldom go out in public places. My kind tend to group together in dark corners." They put a leash on Beast and set off. They could hear the band as they exited Nick's apartment building. There was laughing and talking. They still had a few hours of night left to enjoy the event. They wandered through the booths of sale items and Nick purchased an old antique cameo for Natalie. She took it from him with trembling fingers and placed it on the lapel of her jacket. "It's beautiful, Nick. No one has bought me a gift in centuries," she whispered close to his ear. He drew her into his arms briefly and kissed her lips. "You deserve this and so much more, Natasha." Beast let out a bark. Nick looked down at him. He seemed to be smiling up and them. He bounced around, eager to explore this wonderful place. Nick leaned to pet him and Natalie caressed the dog's head. They walked awhile longer and Nick smiled as he noticed that Natalie would reach up to touch the cameo to make sure it was still there. It brought tears to his eyes that no one had loved this wonderful creature as she had been mean to be loved. He blinked the tears away. Nick heard a loud, boisterous voice across the basketball court that was doubling for a dance floor. He took hold of Natalie's arm and steered her toward the source. "Don!" He saw Schanke's eye brows waggle when he came into view with Natalie on his arm. "Nick, Doc." he greeted them, "Imagine finding you here, together." "Mr. Sch-an-kee..." she said, pronouncing every syllable. "Don," he corrected her. "Don then." she said, smiling. "Buddy, can you watch Beast for a few dances?" Nick asked. Beast was wagging his tail and allowed Don to pick him up. "Hey bud," the man said holding the little dog close and tossing his hair. Natalie observed, "He knows you well." "Yeah, Nick and I roomed together for a couple years when this little guy was just a pup." Beast was licking Schanke all over the face. "Really," she said, a bit envious of both situations. "You'll have to tell me about Nick when he was a young man." Schanke said, "Ohhh now that I can do. Nick, remember the time we hung you from a rope and let you down the side of the Beta Kappa girls frat house..." Natalie's eyebrow rose. Nick turned that fine red shade that she loved and she grinned at his discomfort. Just then a lovely woman came close caring a couple of Pepsis. Nick, grateful for the distraction, said, "Myra, hey." He leaned and gave the woman a kiss on the cheek. "This is Natalie, my friend." Myra nodded, "Don's told me about you. How do you like Toronto?" Myra had reached out and took Nick's free hand, holding it. He felt Natalie's hand tighten painfully on his. He looked at her and saw flashes of amber. He said over his shoulder, "Thanks Don, Myra. See you in a bit." He dragged Natalie into the crowded dance court. When they got into the middle of the dancing frenzy he accused her, "You're jealous!" His voice was a little high and excited. "I was not," she said, pouting and glaring at him. "Yes, you were. Nat, I've known Myra for years. She's like a sister to me." "A sister!" she threw back at him. "Yeah, a sister. You have nothing to be jealous of. She's Don's wife, they have a son." The music which had been a fast crazy beat ended and a slow song came on. Nick pulled her into his arms and she wound her arms over his shoulders and laid her cheek against his chest. "I'm sorry, Nick. It caught me by surprise. The Vampire is very possessive of one it has imbibed from." He drew back so he could look into her face, "Its okay. But what about you, Natalie?" "I'm possessive too. I feel a part of you. Your blood has become apart of me. You are a part of me." Nick smiled down at her. "I like that." He breathed softly, "I'll warn you the next time I plan to kiss another woman." She ran her hand up his neck and back down, letting her fingers go under the collar of the sweater. Nick winced as her fingers brushed over the bruises. He'd been trying to ignore the pain all night. "Nick, what?" she asked. "She pealed the collar further and saw angry purple-blue bruises at the base of his neck. "Who did this to you?" she glared at him. "Natasha, please, I - I'll tell you later. I just want to hold you right now." He pulled her closer and covered her lips with his. He kissed her deeply and with all his pent up passion. He felt her finally surrender to the sensations and relax against him. "Natasha," he sighed against her lips. "I love you." "Oh, Nick!" She grabbed his hand and dragged him off the court and into the darker part of the park. Schanke watched them go and noticed that Beast was also following his master with his eyes. "Well boy, seems like you're with me for the night." He thought, "That Lucky stiff." Out loud he said, "I never thought he'd find a woman like that. She's rather strange, but beautiful." Myra was sitting with him. She said, "Amen to that, Don." She reached out to caress the little dog who was sitting in her husband's lap. Beast licked her fingers. It wasn't the first time he'd stayed with them. They usually looked after him when Nick went on a conference or vacation." Natalie took to the air as soon as the trees swallowed them up. Nick was in tow, her arm was about his waist. "Natalie!" His shout of surprise was lost in the wind. Natalie laughed at Nick's fear as she carried him over the trees and out over the city. "Relax, enjoy the ride," she shouted into his ear. Nick decided he'd better do just that. She obviously was strong enough to carry him with ease. He relaxed against her and looked out over the magnificent city. "It's beautiful." "Yes, it is," she said, nibbling his ear. She took him to the top deck of the CN tower. Nick was happy to feel the observation deck beneath his feet. She grabbed him close and covered his mouth with hers, kissing him furiously and deeply, nearly robbing his off his strength. Nick kissed her back with equal fervor. Their hands touched each other, and she pulled the sweater from his pants and ran her hands over his chest. Nick moaned against her lips and his hands worked at the buttons on the casual dress she wore. She pulled the turtleneck over his head and tossed it aside. Her eyes where closed as Nick continued to kiss her, their tongues dancing. Natalie's hands slipped up his chest and over his shoulder to lock behind his neck and she pulled him hard against her. They had both forgotten the bruises and now Nick gasped with the pain, pulling back. She froze and her mind remembered. Her eyes opened to search him. His neck was ringed with the darkest black-blue bruises. Her eyes blazed red. "Who did this to you!" she demanded, losing her ability to think. "Need you ask," he said quietly. "Why didn't you tell me, Nick. I'll kill him!" She turned to take flight. He grabbed at her, tackling her and knocking her to the floor. "No, Natalie!" "Let me go," she demanded, her fangs flashing in the moon light. "No, Natasha! Please. You can't fight him when you are angry, he will hurt you. If you confront him, you must be able to think. Make some plans. Please! I love you - I can't lose you now." He had grabbed her hands and was holding her as tightly as he could. She elevated, taking him by surprise and he fell away at nearly eight feet from the floor. He lay flat on his back, gasping for air. Natalie was at his side instantly. "Oh, Nick, Nick! Are you all right?" She gathered him up and helped him to sit against the wall. He was stunned, trying to catch his breath. She sat on her knees, her hands inspecting his ribs and arms and legs. "I don't feel any broken bones." She let red tears flow from her eyes. "I'm sorry Nick, forgive me." He held out his arms to her. This was no longer the Vampire looking down at him. She curled her body against his side. He heard her whimper. It tore at his heart. "We will never be free of him," she cried. "Nick, you are my last hope." "What do you mean," he asked stroking her hair, trying to sooth her. She was silent a few minutes and then she said, "I told him, if you reject me or it doesn't work with you, I would come back to him forever." "You did what!, No Nat, you must never go back to him!" He took her by the arms. "How could you agree to that? All he has to do is kill me and you will be his forever." "He will hold to his promise until he feels the changes in me, then he will come for us. You cannot be involved in any plans to kill him. If you help me to plan to kill LaCroix, it will stain your soul and I won't change. I could lose you forever." Nick stiffened. "Is that the truth, Nat, or are you just trying to keep me out of it. I'm no saint. I have flaws, I've sinned." "I know, but if you plan murder, your love for me would change. You do not believe in murder. You're a doctor, Nick. You would do it to save me. But we would be lost." She moved so she could look into his face. "No. Nick, it's not a lie." She said softly," I can not lie to you. You are the man I love. Your love can change me, make it so we can live like normal people. I want it more than anything and I want to be with you." She kissed him gently, then started to rain kisses on his bare chest. He groaned with pleasure. "Nat! Nat!" he shivered with the cold. "Maybe we should take this to my place." She grinned at him, "I think mine would be better." She stood, grabbed his shirt and hauled him to his feet, then off they flew. Chapter 16 They entered the Loft through the skylight. Nick was shivering so hard that Natalie led him upstairs to the shower. "Warm yourself up," she told him. "I need to feed." He undressed and stood in the shower for a long time, letting the hot water take the chill away. He showered and dried off and tried on Natalie's white robe. It worked good enough. He could think of nothing but her and holding her. Making love to her. He realized she had been waiting for him to declare his love for her. It seemed to be part of the conditions for the miracle she hope for. He prayed that she would get her wish. He took a deep breath and opened the bathroom door. The room beyond was bathed in flickering candlelight. It looked as if a hundred candles burned. He found that he had eyes only for Natalie. She stood near the bed dressed in a floor length red lace negligee. Her hair framed her face and fell over her shoulders in thick cascading waves. He came forward and drew her to him. He kissed her lips tentatively and then crushed them with his, kissing her deeply holding her body tightly against him. He tasted the copper taste of blood. He ran his hand down her silk clad body. "Natasha, you are so beautiful. I have never even dreamed of loving someone as much as I love you." Her eyes seemed to glow with a brightness of their own. He kissed her again. He felt her pull at the ties of his robe and she slipped her hands inside to caress his chest and then wrapped them around his ribcage to hold him tightly against her. "Nicholas," She said, using his full name. "Natasha," he whispered against her lips, trailing kisses over her cheeks and down along her neck. One of her hands came out to push the robe from his shoulders. Her lips kissed his bare skin. She ran a hand up his neck gently so she wouldn't cause him pain and buried her fingers in his hair, guiding his lips down her chest. Nick caressed her gently and with great care. Slowly he drew the gown over her head and picked her up and carried her to the bed. He gazed down at her. You're so beautiful, Natasha," he whispered huskily. She held her arms out to him and he came to her. With gentle hands and lips he loved her as he had always dreamed he would love a woman he wanted to spend a life time with. As their bodies finally joined in that age old dance of love, Natasha drew back and then struck gently. Her fangs buried themselves in the soft flesh of his neck. The precious life giving fluid of her lover washed over her senses and she swallowed a mouth full, their bodies arched against each other and their voices cried out in ecstasy. Natalie with drew her fangs and they retracted. Nick looked into her beautiful face. " You are a dream come true, my love. I love you more than life itself, Natasha." She smiled up at him. "I love you, my Nicholas." She drew him down to her for another kiss then she snuggled up to his side and the slipped into a warm peaceful sleep as the sun rose high into the sky outside. They felt safe inside the fortress for the day. A noise woke Nick. He glanced at the clock. It was 7:00 am. Another crash woke him fully. He grabbed his pants and pulled them on. He looked at Natalie still sleeping. She was so beautiful. "NATASHA!" came a shout from below. Natalie sat up on the bed, eyes wild, yet there were no fangs or glowing eyes. Nick saw her hand fly to her mouth and watched as she fingered the place the fangs should be. "Nick, its LaCroix! How can I fight him like this? He will kill us! We are trapped here with him." She jumped from the bed, grabbing some sweats and jumping into them. Her body felt slow and uncoordinated. Nick was standing near the door with her gun in his hand. She opened the drawer of the dresser and got a box out. "Nick, give me the gun." He handed it over knowing she knew how to use it better than he. Then She did something that made his mouth fall open. She emptied the clip of bullets onto the bed and took something from a box and started to load the new shells." "What are those?" he asked curiously. They're a very hard wood tipped with garlic. They won't stop him but they will slow him down. It will give us an advantage. Go to the closet and in the back there is a long pointed wooden staff." Nick dove into the closet and a few things came flying out. Finally she heard "Yes!". He emerged holding the staff. The carnage continued below and Nick knew that the beautiful pieces of art that Natalie treasured where being destroyed one at a time. "Nick, you must try to get to the blind controls. Get them to open. The sun will limit his movements. Maybe we can force him into the light." "But you could be killed too!" he protested. "No, Nick." She put her hand on his cheek. "Look at me. I am changed. Even if there are remnants of what I was, it won't happen as fast as it will with LaCroix." She reached for the door. "I will go out and try to riddle him with the bullets. He won't be expecting this. Be ready with the staff. Please try to stay out of his reach. He could snap you like a twig." Nick nodded, "We must pray the Lord will give us an advantage. It's all we have in our favor." She smiled and nodded. "Yes, let's pray." She seemed to look into herself for a moment then she smiled and looked up. She grabbed the door handle and opened it slowly. Armed with the gun she moved out of the room and onto the landing, trying to see LaCroix down in the main room. Nick crept behind her. He suddenly caught a movement from above and shouted, "Nat, look up!" She started to turn, but the vampire was too fast. He swooped at them and barreled into Natalie before she could even raise the gun to fire. It flew from her hands and bounced down the steps. She rolled over and over and came to rest at the bottom of the steps and was still. LaCroix landed down beside her, glanced at Nick and smiled an evil smile that chilled Nick. "She is mine! I warned you. I will not allow you to change what she is. You will die and I will have the pleasure of reclaiming what has been mine for centuries." He pulled Natalie to her feet and held her against him. His tongue came out to lick the arteries on her neck. Nick felt a fury overtake him and a fear so deep it shook him to the core. "LaCroix!" he screamed. He hefted the staff like a javelin and threw it with all his might. The vampire dropped Natalie at his war cry and had started forward. The staff hit him a bit to high to stake him but pierced him through the shoulder. A scream of rage and pain tore from the monster's throat. He started forward, the staff didn't take him down. Nick dove for the gun and grabbed it barrel first. Not being too comfortable with guns he fumbled with it and could almost feel LaCroix's cold breath on his neck before he fell backwards on the steps. The vampire's body blocked the light from the lamps below. Nick pulled the trigger and fired into the Vampire's chest point blank. The force of the bullets knocked him back down the stairs and he stumbled, stopping in the middle of the room to claw at the pain that had invaded his chest. He felt as if he where on fire. Nick got to his feet and tried to run past the crazed vampire to find the remote, but even though the ancient creature was in agony he reached out and snatched Nick. He pulled the human close, his fangs extended. His red eyes seeming to glow. Nick felt the tips press against his neck and he whispered, "Lord save us, save Natalie." Suddenly the vampire got a curious look on his face and there seemed to be smoke and light every where. His strength seemed to fade and Nick was able to pull away, stumbling back. Nick looked frantically around and saw that Natalie had come too. She had crawled to the coffee table. Nick finally understood what was happening. She had opened the skylight letting the light flood in. The shaft of light had frozen LaCroix in his place. He didn't have the strength to move. Nick stood transfixed as the creature continued to scream in pain, finally crying out, "Natasha, I loved you!" He seemed to lose his form and it wavered and smoke billowed about him and then he was gone. His screams faded into the air. A fine gray dust shifted through the sunbeam and came to rest upon the floor. Nick stumbled over to Natalie and fell to his knees beside her. He engulfed her with his arms, holding her body tightly against his. The other blinds were rising and Nick realized they were both bathed in light and it wasn't hurting Natalie. Her words came back to him, "You've changed me, Nick." "Natalie, you're warm, your alive!" He took her face in his hands and kissed her gently, then rained kisses on her face. "Are you okay?" "Yes, my love. You have saved me from an endless night of darkness. I'm free to embrace the Son. I'm free to live in the sun. I no longer need to feed on you." Nick found his strength and pulled her into his arms. He caught her up and twirled her around the room. They laughed and kissed. Natalie felt tears on her face and Nick tasted salt not copper. He stood and held her and took one of the tears on his finger and showed it to her. "It's clear, Nick, it's clear." "Thank you, God," Nick whispered. He held Natalie, one of his hands on the back of her head stroking her beautiful hair. "Come let's go up and shower and then sleep. I can hardly stand." They supported each other as they ascended the steps. Their clothes fell to the floor as they stepped into the warm water and let it caress tears and pains away. They helped each other bathe and then after they were dried they crawled into the bed and slept holding each other tightly. Six weeks later in an early afternoon sun, Nick and Natalie married. They stood under a white tent and said their vows. Don stood with Nick and Grace with Natalie. Beast stood proudly at Nick's and Natalie's side. He had a tiny bow tie around his neck. His shinny black hair and the white star on his chest made him look as if he wore a tux. He watched with his large warm brown eyes. Friends and family stood with them. Janette cried with happiness. As the day progressed into evening, the sun went down in a glorious blaze of oranges reds, and purples. Natalie pulled Nick into the trees. She kissed him until he was breathless and ran a finger along his neck. She nibbled on his ear, pressing herself against him. "Nat, Nat!" he begged, "We can't do this here. Its too bad you can't fly. You could take us home." He leaned to kiss her. She drew back and her eyes seemed to glow. Nick shook his head, but the shine was still there. "You know Nick." she said, as she teased his lips with her teeth. "The legend not only said I could be human again. It also granted me one wish." She unbuttoned his shirt and teased his collar bone with her lips and teeth. Nick groaned, "Natasha, what are you talking about?" She drew back, smiling her devastatingly beautiful smile. She bent and scooped Beast up and he licked her face with his warm tongue. "I'm talking about flying," she grinned at him. She reached out and slipped her arm around him and then leaped into the sky." Some of the guest later swore they heard Nick scream, "Natalie!" Don Schanke turned beet red, "Geez, Myra," he said to his wife. "You'd think they could wait until they got home." *** Dedicated to my very precious Beast, whom I will miss every day the rest of my life. THE END By Jeannie Ecklund gersknightlady@yahoo.com