The Challenge by StormyNite August 1997 timeline: Somewhere in Second Season Chapter 1 Schanke walked over to the petite, blonde bouncer as she stood talking with uniformed officer, McClean. He had already heard her story twice and now the officer was taking it down verbatim. What a waste. Natalie squatted over the body of the shooter, assessing the damage, or what was left of his head after blowing his brains all over the Raven. Nick was interviewing another patron and all the stories seem to jive. It looked like and open and shut case of murder suicide over a bitter divorce. Janette stood calmly talking with the small group of lady patrons on the far side of the room trying to calm them down. Schanke would give her one thing, she was a cool cookie when it came to death. It was her attitude towards him when he grilled Alma, the bouncer, that irked him most. What was going on in that pretty head of hers, to let Alma act as bouncer? Women where not equipped to handle a situation like this. If Alma had been Miklos or some other man, none of this would have happened. Schanke finally shook his head to clear his thoughts and wandered over to Nick as he finished questioning the last witness. "What did you get, Schank?" Nick folded his notebook away and stashed it in the vest pocket of his trenchcoat as he spoke. "Same old, same old....Nick. Guy walks in, sees his ex having a good time and loses it. Blows her away and then himself." Schanke nods toward Alma. "The bouncer, if you can call her that, claims she never saw a gun and couldn't get to him in time. Not that it would have done any good." Schanke eyed Alma closely before he continued. "I don't get it Nick. What's got into Janette hiring a female bouncer? Jeez! You'd think she'd know better after all the time she's owned this club. There's no way that little thing could stop another woman, let alone a man the size of Thompson over there. He would have tossed her around like a rag doll." Schanke shook his head in disbelief. "There are just some things that should be left in the hands of men." Schanke pulled up his pants and puffed out his chest as he finished. Magically, Janette was at their side, having overheard the conversation. "³And what pray tell....MR. SCHANKE, are some of the things that men are better at than women?" Janette placed her hands on her hips, letting her eyes flash daggers. Schanke did a double take at her eyes. He was sure he saw gold flecks spark fire at him. "Ah....well....oh, come on, Janette! You're not going to stand there and tell me that Alma over there could have handled Thompson or any other male who decided he wanted to cause trouble. Just admit it, that it was a mistake and she couldn't handle it." "Ah, Schanke....you don't want to go there." Nick touched his partners arm as he watched Janette temper start to rise. "This is not the time...." "Shut up, Nicholas! This is between MR....SCHANKE and myself. He seems to think women are inferior to men. Is that right, Mr. Schanke?" She walked closer to Schanke and placed her face only inches away from his, which caused him to step back against the bar for support. Schanke tried to hold onto his macho cop image by puffing his chest out one more time. "Well, now that you mention it. Yeah! There are several things that men are better at than women." Natalie walked up behind Nick listening carefully to the argument heating up between the two in front of her. She glanced at Nick to find him smiling from ear to ear. She didn't find the situation funny at all. After all the years she'd spent trying to scrape her way to her current position among all the men, she knew exactly how Janette felt right now. "And just what would those things be, Schank?" Nat chimed in as she stepped from behind Nick. Schanke watched the anger rise in Nat's eyes as well. He had apparently touched on a sore spot and he was in big trouble with the women in front of him. He looked to Nick for support and found his partner having a tough time holding back his laughter. "Okay, now wait a minute....I'm just saying that men are better equipped to handle physical situations and some sports better than women. After all, you don't see women playing football, and they are always giving 'you ladies' advantages in golf, baseball and the like. You ladies get breaks because you're just not equipped to....." "Let me get this straight, MR.....SCHANKE! You think because you're a man that you can do things better than a woman because you're bigger physically and smarter somehow?" Janette's cool voice made chills run down Schanke's spine but he braved forward foolishly. "Well, not everything, but some things....yeah. I can do....." "All right, MR SCHANKE! Put your money where your mouth is. I'm going to give you a chance to prove it." "Now, Janette, you know this isn't fair?" Nick pulled Janette away >from Schanke before her temper as well as her fangs got the better of her. "Yeah, you're right Nick. I wouldn't want to make Janette here feel bad." Janette ripped her arms out of Nick's grasp, turned, glared into his face, and then returned her attention back to Schanke. "Oh, we wouldn't want that now would we, Mr. Schanke. Especially when there is absolutely nothing you men can do that we ladies can't do as well or better...." She pressed Schanke back against the bar with only 1 finger letting her power radiate through her voice as well as her fingertips. "....and I'm willing to make you a wager on it." "Count me in on this little wager." Natalie turned, glared at Nick for a moment, and then took up a position beside Janette when she finished. "You choose the challenge and we choose the wager. Deal?" Natalie waited for Schank to back down, knowing full well his male pride wouldn't let him. "Okay, Nat.....Janette. We, Nick and I, will chose the sport and give you ladies a chance....and you ladies can chose the bet." Nick stared at his partner in disbelief. "Leave me out of this one, Schank. I don't have any masochistic tendencies in me." Janette turned her attention to Nick and walked seductively over into his space. Nick never moved a muscle as she stopped and almost purred next to him. "Yes, you will, Nicholas. You will be Mr. Schanke's second, just as Natalie will be mine and all things will be equal. As I remember correctly, you have some 'male chauvinist, save the damsel in distress syndromes' yourself. You will participate or I will make a few well placed phone calls to your captain explaining a few of your, shall we say....more eccentric traits." She waited for her threat to sink in and smiled seductively as she waited for him to agree. Nick eyed Janette cautiously and then appraised the 'do it or else' look from Nat and decided this was the lesser of the evils involved. "Okay, Janette. You win. Girls against the guys in the challenge of our choice.....but remember you will be expected to play fair." Raising one eyebrow in an imitation of his master, he waited for her to agree. "Agreed, Nicholas." She turned to Natalie for acceptance which she received whole heartedly. Nat closed the distance between them and stood side by side with her new partner. "Now, the wager." Janette eyed both Schanke and Nicolas carefully. If we win, I get MR.....SCHANKE here as my personal slave for 24 hours. To do anything I wish him to," Nick raised his eyebrow with a stern look. "with the exception of committing murder or adultery, and Natalie gets YOU, Nicholas for 24 hours, no questions asked. If you gentlemen win then we are your slaves for 24 hours with no restrictions at all. Agreed?" Schanke smiled from ear to ear. This was going to be like taking candy from a baby and he was going to enjoy making Janette grovel at his feet. He shoved his hand toward hers and shook it vigorously. "Agreed!" He said quickly before she changed her mind and made it monetary. "Now what is your challenge, Mr. Schanke?" Both women waited patiently for an answer. Schanke thought for a minute then smiled like a cat that ate the canary. "Bowling! Your team against ours. Best out of three games. Winner takes all." Schanke beamed from ear to ear. "Bowling???" Three voices echoed through the now almost deserted room. Part 2 The Challenge by StormyNite "Tomorrow night, ladies. Toronto Bowl at midnight. This should only take an hour. We can do it over dinner break." Schanke grabbed a stunned Nick and drug him towards the door. Natalie burst out laughing as soon as they exited the building. Janette eyed her suspicious wondering if she'd completely lost her mind until she couldn't stand it any longer. "Would you mind telling me what¹s so funny, doctor?" Janette leaned back against the bar and waited until Nat stopped laughing. "Oh, nothing much Janette except Schanke is in for a rude awakening. You see, he thinks this is a shoo-in since he used to bowl 2 leagues on the force up until he started working nights with Nick. The only problem is he doesn't know that I bowled from the 5th grade through med school. I was good enough to go on the professional tour but opted for medicine instead. When I stopped bowling, I had an average of 232." Nat smiled mischievously at her new partner and watched the delight spread across Janette's face. "Now the real question is going to be is who is better, you or Nick. Do you even know how to bowl and does Nick?" Janette slowly walked behind the bar and grabbed a bottle of the house special and poured a glass. She reached behind the bar and pulled out a wine glass and filled it with white wine for Nat. "Let's be honest here, doctor. Do I look like the kind of girl that a man would take bowling?" Janette questioned skeptically and stepped back posing seductively. Nat eyed her closely and beat down the little green monster that rose it's ugly head every time she compared herself to Janette. Finally managing to control her envy, she picked up her glass and downed the wine in one swallow. "Guess that means our work will be cut out for us. We had better get started. I, for one, don't want to even think what Nick has in mind for 24 hours of fun....and Schanke....well, let's not even go into it. I'm off work at 1 tonight. I'll call a friend of mine and see if I can talk him into leaving the lanes open and we can get you at least familiar with the basics. Meet me at the Crestview Lanes at 1:30am. Okay?" Nat sat her glass back down on the bar and signaled Janette for another refill which she quickly complied. "All right, Doctor. Until later tonight." Janette eyed her new partner and downed the glass of blood slowly licking her lips when she finished. Nat finished her refilled glass and headed for the door. As if a last minute thought, she stopped. "One more thing, Janette. Wear something a little less, shall we say, provocative. I doubt very much if you can walk let along throw a bowling ball in that outfit. ----------- Nick got into the caddy and slammed the door in frustration as Schank starting whistling happily. "Are you out of your mind, Schank? Do you have any idea what you have just done?" "No, sweat Nick. Least you forget, I was the precinct top bowler 3 years in a row. We've got this puppy aced in the shade. No problemo, partner. We are going to whip the ladies' butts and then let them grovel at our feet." Schanke was so pleased with himself if any more air got into his chest he would pop. Nick looked at him dismayed. "Aren't you forgetting something, Schank? You dragged me into this little wager and I haven't thrown a bowling ball in my life. I don't know the first thing about bowling. You made this little wager a team event." "No sweat, Nicki boy. Janette doesn't look like the type of gal that spends time in the bowling alley and Nat couldn't possibly have bowled more than a couple of games in her life. After all, she's a doctor. They don't get much extra time in med school for extra curricular activities I'm told. So all you have to do it out bowl Janette. I'll handle the rest. This is going to be heaven. I can't wait. Janette groveling at my feet. This is perfect." Nick rolled his eyes in disbelief and started the engine. ---------- Nat pulled into the parking lot at 1:10am. She went around to the back door of the bowling alley and Jerry met her after the second ring of the buzzer. A quick hug and Jerry pulled her inside. "Gosh, it's been a long time, Natalie. How've you been?" Jerry stood back and eyed her closely. "How long has it been, 3 years or 4? You look great. Still keeping that arm in shape?" "You're sweet, Jerry and you always make me feel like a school girl. If you weren't 20 years older than me, I would chase you like crazy," Nat laughed as Jerry held out the keys to her. "....and the answer is 4 years. I don't get much time for bowling since I work only the graveyard anymore." Nat surveyed the alley and smiled. "Doesn't look like much has changed. Everything still work the same?" "Just like always, Nat...just like always. I guess your friend is a little late." He glanced out the front windows looking for a car. "She'll be along, Jerry. She runs a bar and has to make sure there's someone to lock up for her." "Well, good luck with the challenge. I wish I could be there to see their faces when you finish the first game." He chuckled and started for the door. "Just lock her up tight when you're finished and go out the back. The alarms automatically set when the back door is closed with a key." Jerry smiled and waved as he disappeared out the back door. As soon as Jerry's car left the parking lot, a slight breeze announced Janette's arrival. Natalie eyed her tight leather pants skeptically and reached behind the counter to grab shoes as Janette sat down on the stool at the counter. Nat guessed a size 7 and handed them to Janette. Janette picked up the two tone red and blue bowling shoes with scuffs and the old socks smell carefully, as if they were infected with a plague. Nat had seen Nick pick up pizza boxes with the same look of disgust after smelling the garlic. Her eyes stared at the shoes and then finally locked with Natalie's. "And what do you expect me to do with these...things." She dropped them quickly back onto the counter. Nat smiled and picked them up unceremoniously and dumped them into her lap. "Those are your shoes for the challenge my dear. Get used to them. Although they don't make much of a fashion statement, they will keep you from following your ball down the alley to the pins. So buck up and put them on. We've got lots of work to do." Nat found her size and turned on lanes 9 and 10 from behind the counter. After going over the basics, Nat demonstrated the techniques. After the first few attempts of keeping the ball between the gutters failed, Natalie decided to take a different approach. Janette had natural grace and agility but with her enhanced physical powers, she tried to overpower the ball as many strong men usually did. When Natalie finally realized she needed to be more specific and descriptive in a language that Janette could understand, she made Janette concentrate on the accuracy of the straight ball shot in relationship to a man's physical anatomy. Instead of power, she used finesse, instead of angles , she used soft curves. It was almost dawn and Nat seemed satisfied with the changes. At least they had a shot if Janette could hold onto that famous temper. Nat put up the shoes and turned off the lanes as Janette stood staring out the window while she finished. "You had better go, Janette. It will be dawn in about 15 minutes." Nat watched her. For some reason she seemed really lost and alone standing there. It was an odd thought since Natalie was sure Janette was never ever alone unless she wanted to be. In a voice just above a whisper she spoke. "I understand now why Nichola is so fond of you, Natalie." She turned to face Natalie and pain briefly crossed her face. She quickly schooled it back behind her calm beauty with a sigh of regret. "You have a passion and warmth that drives you to excel in what ever you do. Nichola is very fortunate to have you as a friend. Such passion is rare and usually lost on those that cannot accept it. You are different than any mortal I have ever met and I envy you." Natalie stared at the beautiful vampiress before her in shock. "What could I possibly have that you envy, Janette? You have beauty, wealth, power and eternal life with no regrets. You're not like Nick. You don't hate what you are anymore than LaCroix does." "You have Nichola's trust." Her blue eyes sparkled in the last fading light of the moon as it gave way to the sunrise. "I think it is well founded." She reach over and touched Natalie's arm gently. "Until tonight, Natalie," and she was gone. Part 3 The Challenge by StormyNite Natalie had managed to switch shifts. She was going to be tired and they had all agreed that the winners could not collect until their first night off. She had slept till almost 8pm, ate a high carbohydrate dinner and had just thrown on an oversized t-shirt over her favorite faded jeans when the doorbell rang. "Wonder who that is, Sidney? You're not expecting company are you?" Nat peeked through the tiny window in her door totally surprised to see Janette standing in the hallway. Nat opened the door to the sultry vampiress in awe. Janette eased into the room wearing a black leather mini skirt and a low cut red silk blouse with push up sleeves. Around her neck she sported a black beaded choker with a teardrop red ruby dangling in the center. As she moved, the ruby caught the light and reflected it's power toward the sparkling powder that dusted the tops of her breasts that pushed through the low v in the neckline of the silk. She smelled of jasmine and musk intermixed in a tantalizing smell that was not only provocative but sensual as well. Her high top leather boots sported tiny bells that tinkled softly in a tone crying for attention. In her hand she carried a garment bag. Her hair was not only wild and windblown but it glistened in the light as if the stars themselves were reflected in each strand. Her eyes were covered in dark kohl against her white skin and her lips and nails sported blood red nail polish to match the silk in her blouse. Janette watched Natalie's expression and turned in place with a smile on her lips while chuckling softly. "I take it you like it?" Janette lifted one darkened eyebrow quizically. "Ah...ah....Janette I'm....what's the right word?" "Speechless, envious, awe struck? Not to worry. I have something here for you as well." Janette shoved the garment bag in Natalie's hand and reached to free the band holding Natalie's hair back. "But we are going to have to do something with this, cherie! It just won't do?" "Janette? What are you doing? You can't bowl in that outfit and I AM NOT going to wear anything like that!" Nat stepped back out of her reach and shoved the garment bag at her. Janette smiled as if humoring a child. "Come on, Natalie! This is war and these...." She casually let her hands slide down her side onto her flat stomach. "....are the weapons of war. Of course, if you REALLY don't want to have Nicholas as your personal slave to do ANYTHING you wish for 24 hours, I could return them....but he can be verrry entertaining when motivated properly." She smiled at Natalie who stood speechless before her. "Oh, come on cherie! We are women and proud of it. Tonight we fight for womanhood, femininity, and the right to do as we please. It is only fitting that we should use all the weapons in our arsenal. Oui?" Janette shoved the garment bag back in Natalie's hand. "I....I.....couldn't get away with wearing anything like...." Nat stammered as she glanced back at the cleavage showing through the red silk. 'Never fear, cherie! Nichola is a below-the-waist man anyway. I chose something to show off your best, shall we say, assets." She smiled and opened the bag for Natalie to check it out. "Now we must do something with the hair. Something wild and provocative, untamed as it were." Janette gently took Nat by the elbow and started to work. ---------- Nick and Schank just finished putting on their bowling shoes and Schanke went in search of the perfect ball for Nick. "Seems kind of quiet don't you think, Schank? I thought the bowling alley didn't close till one." Nick scanned the alley not see another living soul except Evan behind the counter. "It's cool, Nick. Evan's a friend and when I told him the stakes and the game, he closed early to the public. Business is pretty slow this time of the night and he's been dying to see Janette up close and personal. He had a friend who came on to her 6 months ago that's quite a ladies man and she turned him down flat. Evan just wants to get a good look at her. Course I told him when we win, I'd make it worth his while." Schanke poked Nick conspiratorially with an evil grin. The door opened and the ladies breezed in. Natalie's hair was curled and fluffed out almost into a lion's main with glitter dancing throughout, while the lights brought out the red gold highlights when it brushed across her shoulders as she walked. She wore tight kid soft black leather pants, fitting so snugly that it was obvious she wore nothing underneath. The top was a black leather basque with silver studs caressing the top accenting her breasts. Long soft black leather fringe trailed off the bottom of the basque and swung gently across her flat stomach as if dark fingers caressing her pale skin beneath. She glided gracefully on black stiletto heels toward Evan at the desk, carrying her bowling bag in her right hand. Janette swayed seductively beside her in her black leather mini-skirt watching Nicholas and Schanke's reaction to their entrance. She stifled her amusement as she watched Natalie practice her seductive skills they had practiced earlier on poor simple Evan behind the counter. Nat lifted her bag to the counter with little effort and set it before Evan. She leaned across the counter giving him full view of her breasts. She traced one finger down his face slowly as she licked her lips and ran the other hand over her leather clad ass in front of Nick and Schank who stood mesmerized. She read his name tag as she traced his lips with her fingertip. "Could you bring us a size 7 and size 6 over to the lanes, Evan?" She whispered softly. Janette leaned across the counter top letting her skirt ride up in the back provocatively and her breasts strain to be free of the red silk and purred. "Oh, yes, Evan....and could you bring our bag as well." She lowered her eyes and licked her lips lifting her foot just slightly causing the muscles in her now exposed thighs to twitch slightly. "Ah....ah....ah....sure ladies." Evan stuttered as the drool began to form on the side of his lip. Janette smiled, reached over and wiped it gently on to her fingertip and then brought it to her own lips and sucked gently. "Verrry good, Evan. You shall be rewarded for you gallant efforts." She smiled and the women turned in unison to Nick and Schanke. Nick stood stunned as the women entered the bowling alley. As Natalie walked every muscle in her body screamed take me, touch me, make me yours. When she ran her hand over her ass, he had to fight to keep his fangs from dropping. When they woman turned to come toward them, Schank dropped his ball. The ball crashed to the floor unnoticed by Schanke or Nick as the women walked towards them. Unable to take their eyes off them, both men stood speechless as each one of the women stopped precariously close to both of them. Janette smiled and let her hands run up the front of the Schanke's bowling shirt and stop right over his chest. She rubbed his nipples through the shirt with the base of her hand, yet did not touch him anywhere else before she locked eyes with his. Natalie stopped only inches from Nick and raised her lips invitingly to his before she licked them slowly. She noticed the gold flecks in his eyes and stepped closer letting her leather encased leg brush his inner thigh. He groaned and reached to pull her lips to his. Just as they were about to touch she whispered seductively. "Let's bowl.....boys." ----------------------------- Part 4 The Challenge by StormyNite Schanke's mouth dropped open in astonishment as Natalie's first ball glided down the alley in a textbook curve, finishing just to the right of the headpin and causing a beautiful strike. Janette jumped to her feet and slapped her partner's hands in the bowlers pass of good luck to the next player. Schanke smiled lopsidedly and said. "Just beginners luck, but everybody is entitled to one of those." He rose for his turn, as did Janette. As Schanke leaned over to pick up his ball, Janette purposely hesitated picking hers up to give him a better look at the cleavage showing above the red silk. As she picked up her ball, she ran her hand seductively down her hip and licked her lips, staring mercilessly at Schanke. Finally she smiled. "You first, Mr. Schanke. I wouldn't want to break your concentration," she purred as she held the bright red ball in one hand easily and caressed her thigh with the other. Schanke stood mesmerized by her fingers and swallowed hard. Finally he looked to Nick for help. Nick watched Janette's antics and smiled, knowing full well her seductive powers over men. She was beautiful, as usual, and over the centuries he had finally been able to control his urges around her most of the time. She could bring out the animal in any man when she wanted, and Nick suspected tonight was going to be very difficult, not to mention what she had done to his beloved Natalie. Just the sight of her walking through the door drove him crazy. He had no idea that his sweet beloved Nat could entice him into carnal lust so easily. It was Janette's doing he was sure, but down deep he liked it. Nick stared at the tight leather pants Natalie sported as she sat calmly caressing her inner thigh until his eyes finally stopped at her lips. Slowly she licked them for his benefit. The beast surged forward as well as his lower anatomy. "Help me here, Nick!" Schanke pleaded at his partner. If Myra caught him looking at Janette like that he was dead meat. This was not playing fair. "Come on, Nick, she's your friend and this isn't fair." "Janette, you can't cheat. That was part of the bargain." Nick stood and walked to her side. Janette turned her charms on Nick, letting her fingertips gently trace his face ending at his full lips. He grabbed her hand gently to stop her. "It won't work on me, Janette....not anymore." She smiled and pulled her hand free gently. "I am not using anything that was not given to me naturally. This is war, Nicholas. We have been challenged and nothing that we have brought along with us is illegal. Immoral....maybe....in some people's eyes but nothing fake or, shall we say....enhanced." She carried her ball back to her side of the lane with a seductive sway of the hips. "What you see, Nicholas, is what you get," She blew Schanke a kiss and then winked at Nick. "....as you should well know, it is well worth the wait." With that, Janette took aim at the marks on the floor and laid the ball down as Natalie had shown her the evening before. The bright red ball that matched her blouse rolled gracefully at the headpin and took 8 out of 10. Janette turned back to Nick with a smile. "The game's afoot, gentlemen." She gracefully picked up the ball from the return and checked with Natalie as to which mark to lay the ball on and delivered it perfectly. ---------- The game proceeded slowly as the men fought valiantly against their animal urges and tried to concentrate on the game, but Nick found himself secretly wanting to lose just to see what Nat had in mind. Schanke began to sweat profusely as the women took the first game easily and came close to taking the second. As the third game began, the woman began to talk softly and smile provocatively. Each movement was designed to draw attention to their finer attributes and Janette missed nothing that could be used as a distraction. Janette delivered her ball and screamed in outrage as the ball came off her hand. "Damn! I broke a nail!" She eyed it carefully as Schanke laughed. "Just like a woman!" Schanke snorted. Janette eyed him evilly and then smiled as she oozed over to him sitting on the bench . She sat down close enough to let her perfume radiate over him, yet not touch. Slowly she raised the offending broken nail to her mouth and licked it with long strokes finally sucking it gently into her mouth while never letting her eyes leave Schanke's. "I do so hate unattended pain, especially pain that has been afflicted by me. Just remember.....any pain I cause....I cure." She let her tongue encircle her finger again and sucked it gently back into her mouth one more time for effect. Then she smiled seductively. Fear washed across Schanke's face as she rose with a small laugh. Natalie concentrated her attention on Nick, using her eyes and hands as an invitation of to what was to come. Although Nick's skill at bowling were slightly better than Janette's, Schanke¹s skills were not equal to Natalie's. With each ball, her score improved. Had she been in her top form, the second game would have been easily theirs as well, however, her bad knee required some adjustments to her former delivery. Janette tutored Natalie on her female wiles softly, as Nat coached Janette on her ball placement. Together they were quite a team. In the end it came down to the final frame of the game. If Nick spared and Janette didn't it would be a bowl off between Schank and Natalie in the 10th. "Okay, Nick. You got to do this. If you spare it and I strike out, ....they are ours. You don't and it's me and Nat head to head, and she's getting better with every ball." Schanke turned to eye Natalie skeptically, still not believing she bowled a 197 her first game and a 202 her second. He began to sweat heavily as he watched Janette deliver her second ball in the tenth. "Why the Hell didn't you tell me Nat was a pro?" Schank glared at Nat and received a warm smug smile in reply. "Me? You're the bowler, Schank." Nick eyed Nat appreciatively as he spoke. "Besides, I think Nat has been hiding a great many things as of late...and I think I want to find out what else she's hiding under that lab coat." Nick let the lust slip into his voice which did not got unnoticed by his partner. "Great! You're in heat and don't care what Nat's got in mind, while I get the she-devil for 'Carnal Lust Incorporated' over there and I'm married. Do you have any idea what that woman has in mind for me if we lose this thing. Not to mention what Myra will do to me when she finds out. I'm dead meat either way." Nick smiled at Schanke's discomfort knowing full well Janette had no intentions of a carnal nature toward Schank, but he wasn't telling. This was way to much fun. He hadn't seen Schank this uptight since he met him, and Janette was at her best. It was like watching the Janette of old. He missed that at times. Maybe this would teach Schank a lesson about his mouth and his chauvinism. Then he watched Janette eye Schank carefully as if he were a piece of meat and he had second thoughts. Well, maybe he should let Schank and Nat be the deciding champions. After all, they had the greatest to lose. Nat watched Nick intently and could almost read his thoughts. Janette nudged her but she didn't respond. When Nick's eyes met hers, she smiled and nodded in support just as she had always done in the past when he was doing the right thing. She did nothing to distract and silently prayed he would spare the frame. It had to be mortal to mortal for it to be fair and she knew it. Nick recognized instantly her support and loved her more for it. Even in this they were together and it gave him confidence. He set and released the ball taking 7 out of 10 on the first ball. Taking a deep breath he picked up his ball and looked at Nat one last time. She smiled and held up her 3 fingers and let her eyes glance at the arrows. Understanding what she meant, Nick lined the ball up and delivered it perfectly over the 3rd arrow from the gutter. He picked up the spare easily and Schanke flew out of his chair. "Great! Nick Great!" Schank rapped his arms around Nick hopping up and down. He turned smugly to Janette with a 'I've got you now look'. Janette turned to Natalie with angry eyes. "What did you do that for?" "It has to be mortal to mortal to make it fair, Janette. We won't really have won if I can't beat Schank." She whispered as Nick delievered his extra ball and took 6 more pins. "Besides a one on one bowl off in the 10th is what a challenge is about. Only the better man, or woman, in this case will win." She stood and walked to the ball rack to pick up her ball. Schanke smiling ear to ear did the same. "Wanna double the bet, Nat?" He smiled smugly. "Let's see Schanke, that means Janette and I get you guys for 48 hours instead of only 24?" She didn't hesitate or check with Janette. "You're on....and I promise not to tell Myra for at least a week!" Nat picked up her teal green firestar and lined up her shot. Schank's mouth dropped in astonishment as the ball sailed down the alley slamming the pins against the back wall in a perfect strike. She turned with a smile on her lips. "Your turn, Schank....and just remember anything less than perfect on either of our parts guarantees a winner." She reached over and patted his hand on top of his ball. "Just thought you needed a reminder." "Hmph!" Schank turned, set and delivered the ball. As the ball hit the head pin slightly off center, the pins exploded into a strike. He turned to Nick, and slapped his hands with an 'in the bag look' on his face. Nick simply watched Nat smile approvingly, remove her ball from the rack and deliver her second strike with virtually no effort. Janette squealed in delight and cast a 'beat that one look' at Schanke. Not to be out done, Schanke pulled his ball, set and delivered and watched in horror as he ball banked too hard to the Brooklyn side of the alley and left 1 pin standing. He glared at Janette in disgust and received a 'gottcha look' from her. He took his ball and pick up the final pin and returned to his seat in defeat. As he set down, he looked at the score. His only chance was if Natalie took 1 or 2 pins with her final ball. Having watched her bowl all night, he resigned himself to his fate. What was he going to tell Myra. He looked at Nick, setting placidly beside him and realized he wasn't the slightest bit upset. "Jeez! I have a big mouth. Maybe someday I'll learn when to shut up." Natalie watched Schank in defeat and felt sorry for him. She walked over and squatted on the floor in front of both of the guys. "Tell me you learned something from this, Schank! Tell me men and women are equal! That given the right training women can do anything a man can do, just as well. Tell me that, and I'll let you off the hook for 24 hours." She waited for his response. Schanke looked at Nat and then Janette, who looked like the cat with a bowl of cream and weighed his male pride against his options. "24 hours instead of 48?" He looked to Nat for acceptance. She nodded in agreement and then he continued. "Okay, men and women are equal given the right training....fair enough?" Nat, eyed Nick awaiting a response. Nick reached over and grabbed her hand gently and pulled her on to his lap. "I have always seen you as my equal, Nat. Nothing has changed in that respect." Nat leaned over and kissed him on the lips softly. When she released them she whispered. "You're still mine for 24 hours....no questions asked." Nick smiled and pulled her lips back to his briefly. "Promise?" Nat chuckled and jumped up from his lap and proceeded to the lane. She took one deep breath, set and delivered the ball. As the ball came out of the oil it did a slight turn to the headpin and crashed directly into the pocket creating another perfect strike. As the last pin fell, Janette glided over to Schanke and sat down seductively. "Well, MR. SCHANKE, it would appear that you are mine for 24 hours." She laughed softly and ran her hand down Schanke's sleeve suggestively. Schank swallowed hard and eyed the beautiful woman beside him with a look of terror in his eyes. How was he ever going to explain this to Myra. He was dead....dead....dead. He moved slightly away and closer to Nick as Janette eyed him closely. "Now....now ...you remember Janette that I'm a married man and I don't...." Janette rose gracefully smiling. "Never fear, Mr. Schanke! I have something special in mind for you.....and I think even your wife would approve." She laughed and started for the counter where she left her leather boots. She leaned over provocatively and quickly exchanged her shoes for boots and headed for the door. "Until this weekend, Mr. Schanke. Be at the Raven at 6pm on Saturday.....and don't be late. Slaves pay penalties for tardiness." She pushed open the door without a backward glance and disappeared into the night. Natalie replaced her shoes with her high heels and placed her ball back in her bag. Casually she carried it over to Nick and sat it down at his feet. She smiled when his eyes met hers. "You are off till Saturday night and so am I, so YOU belong to me until then. You can start by carrying that bag for me, slave, and we will talk about the rest of your duties when we get to my place." She ran the palm of her hand down her hip, turned and headed for the door. As she reached the door, she hesitated then turned to see if Nick followed. Nick reached for the bag and admired Natalie's swaying hips as she walked and briefly glanced at his distraught partner. "Schank, you may be unhappy, but I think I OWE you one!" He lifted the bag with a smile and headed for his fate. Part 5/5 Adult N/N The Challenge by StormyNite August 1997 Nat opened her apartment door to a flash of fur that soon entwined himself between her feet. She reached down and picked Sidney up off the floor and cuddled him close. Nick admired her backside as she scooped to pick up the cat and let his mind wander as he carried her bowling bag lightly in one hand and shut the door with the other. "Oh, Sid, you big fur ball. Are you hungry?" Nat walked into the kitchen putting extra effort into her walk as she felt Nick’s eyes boring a hole through her. She had to admit, Janette had been right when she said Nick was a below-the-waist kind of guy. She didn't think he let his eyes get above her waist all night, and here she was feeling self conscious that her natural endowments weren't as plentiful as Janette. She had never had this much fun playing with guys. In fact, she wasn’t even sure she had the ability until Janette gave her a few handy hints, then she spied the box left on the countertop with a note. Nick sat the bowling bag by the door and followed Nat into the kitchen. "What's that, Nat?" He eyed the note addressed to her. Natalie tore open the note and read the card. She tossed it on the counter top and opened the box carefully. When she lifted the sparkling tissue paper dusted in the same powder Janette had used on her breasts, Nat stuffed her fist in her mouth to keep from laughing hysterically. She looked at Nick's questioning blue eyes and couldn't contain herself any longer and finally gave into the laughter. Nick, more confused than ever, picked up the note. Natalie: Titanium for emergencies! Thought you could use a couple of sets. Your Partner, Janette "What's in the box, Nat?" Nick asked for the second time. Nat simply smiled and tucked it under one arm and picked Sidney up with the other. She handed the cat to Nick unceremoniously. "You feed Sid, Nick and then you can start to work on your first project." Nat walked over to the counter and slowly bent over exposing her tight leather encased ass in a provocative position for Nick's benefit. Nick held Sidney and never let his eyes stray from Nat's actions in front of him. "What kind of project, Nat?" Nat removed a bowl and toothbrush from under the counter. She sat them down on the table beside him as her blue eyes twinkled with mischief. "When you finish feeding Sidney, you can take that toothbrush and start working on my kitchen floor. The bleach and cleaners are under the sink. I'm going to head for the shower and when I'm done you can take the project to the bathroom." She ran her hand over Sidney's soft fur and leaned close to Nick stopping with her lips only inches from his. "I do soooo hate dirt. We wouldn't want anything unclean in my house, now would we.....slave?" She stepped back just as Nick leaned forward to kiss her and then she disappeared out of the door. "Well, Sidney my friend. I don't have any idea what going through that pretty little head of hers, but since I'm the slave and she's the master, I shall obey." Nick was greeted by a meow and a small purr as he went in search of Sidney's food dish. When he finished with the cat, he started to work on the floor as he listened to the shower running down the hall. As he took the toothbrush to the floor tile and scrubbed vigorously he tried not to think of how delicious Nat looked all evening. The more he tried not to think about it, the more aroused he became. What was he thinking anyway. Tonight was no different than any other night with Nat. He just wanted her more than usual. He heard the shower stop and her hair dryer kick on. 30 minutes later he had nearly completed with the small kitchen floor. He had to admit, it look great. It wasn't quite what had crossed his mind about being her slave, but it was safe and at least he would be near her for 24 hours. So if she wanted every room in the house done with a toothbrush, it was okay with him. Nat's voice echoed down the hall. "I'm done in the bath, Nick, you can work on that floor next, and don't forget the tiles in the shower. I just hate scum in my shower. Don't you?" Nat chuckled and popped back into the bedroom as Nick came around the corner. She closed the bedroom door and leaned up against it with a sigh. He looked so good with his sleeves pushed up and his hair tousled. How she ached to run her fingers through his hair. Nick set to work on the tile in the shower first and then proceeded to the floor tiles. He was down on all fours when she stepped into the room onto the very tile he was scrubbing. "Nat, you're standing on the tile I'm trying to clean here, you know." She placed her high heel shoe even closer to his finger and a small trickle of blood trailed down her calf onto the floor. Human blood assailed him and he tore his eyes up looking for the wound. A small scratch on her inner thigh bled freely leaving a trail all the way down her leg. On her shoulder, just above her breast another scratch bled openly, leaving a trail of blood between her breasts. She stood before him in a one piece, tight, teal, silk teddy. The front barely covered her mound and her breasts ached to fall free of the underwire that pushed them up over the top of the silk. Her matching full length robe flowed freely off her shoulder to her ankles, leaving her entire body open for inspection. Natalie's blood assailed his senses and the vampire surged forth. Gold flecks edged his eyes as he took in the woman before him with more than just carnal lust. "Nat, what are you doing? This is crazy." Nick started to rise and she stopped him with one hand in his hair. "I just hate to see a mess, slave...and remember you are MY slave for the next 24 hours, Nick, and it doesn¹t matter what YOU want. You are a vampire and vampire's are sworn to their word, are they not?" His blue eyes edged in gold locked with hers as he tried to force the beast into submission. "Nat.....?" "You gave your word, Nick. The beast, nor the man are in control for the next 24 hours. I am....and I'm bleeding and it will make a mess on my nice clean floor. I want you to lick it off slowly, very slowly." She ran her hands through his hair an pulled his face closer to the trail of blood that ran down her thigh. Nick touched her warm skin first gently with his fingertips and ran them up the backs of her calves finally ending up with them resting on her thighs. Her blood beckoned to him and the slight force she applied to his head urged him on. He let his tongue start at her ankle and lick the first taste of her blood into his mouth. As he sucked and licked her blood, images and a warmth he had never known washed over him causing him to groan in pleasure. Each taste was ambrosia, desire, hope, lust and love all in one. Her secrets were now his as he continued his path up her inner thigh to the scratch just below her mound. When he reached the scratch he licked and sucked gently, causing it to bleed more freely and filling his mouth with the sweet essence of her body. She was aroused and her scent permeated his senses as no woman before ever had. He knew what she wanted and needed from him. His fangs descended and he placed them gently into her thigh and drank slowly. Her blood filled his mouth as her love filled his soul and he drank, savoring everything she freely gave him. Desire coursed through them both and he removed himself from her thigh to place his tongue at the entrance of her wet core. He pulled the small g-string of the teddy aside and plunged his tongue inside her willing body. Her blood had calmed the beast and now the man would satisfy the woman. He separated her labia with his fingers and found her sensitive clit. He licked and sucked gently burying his face deep into her with each stroke of his tongue, only to suck more insistently as he retreated. The images that passed between them as he drank at first frightened her, then thrilled her as she gave into the feeling of oneness that it caused between them. His past, present, desires and hopes were all running together, all controlled by one driving presence that washed over her as he fed from her thigh. He loved her unconditionally. No matter what was said or not spoken, she knew it as certain as she breathed and she reveled in the feel of it. She wanted him and he wanted her beyond all that was rational or responsible. When his tongue touched her clit, her legs became mush and she thought she would die with pleasure as he tongue pushed into her and then retreated. He sucked gently causing such intense pleasure she thought she would die without more. She grabbed his silken blonde hair and pushed him harder into her as he sought to taste every inch of her. She gave no thought to the danger or his fangs as her body craved more of the sensations that he created between her thighs. Deeper and deeper he plunged with each stroke of his tongue until she lost control of her legs and he supported her with his arms in front of him. She gasped in sheer pleasure as her body arched to meet him and she exploded into his mouth. He drank and sucked all that she was as her body orgasmed....and he wanted more. She collapsed into his arms. He rose and carried them both to the bedroom. He laid her down on the bed and followed her. He kissed her shoulder gently as the blood from the scratch called to him, beckoning him back for just one more taste of her. He felt his fangs drop and he drug his eyes to hers in need. She leaned forward and kissed him softly and forced his head down to her breast. He licked the wound and tasted her blood for the second time. The warmth that surged through him caressed him and enveloped him in a feeling of love that he'd never known. He raised his head in disbelief at the depth of her trust in him and her love. She caressed his face with her hands and then her lips spoke words so dangerous, so loving that he was ensnared beyond any rational thought. "Take more, Nick. Let me be one with you both body and soul." She forced his head back to her shoulder and he gently sank his fangs into the area just above her breast. He drank deeply as her precious blood flowed into him and he knew she needed more. He fondled and nuzzled her breast as he fed, bringing her body to a point of no return. Desire and lust radiated through her blood and he wanted it too. He wanted it to the point of obsession. He rose from the bed causing her to whimper at the loss and she reached for him. He shed his clothes in vampire speed and lay his cool body down on top of her. The silk cloth of the teddy was all that separated their bodies and he couldn't stand it any longer. He nipped the shoulder straps with his teeth and tore the offending garment away. He rubbed his hard shaft against her inner thigh and groaned with pleasure as he drug his chest over her breasts slowly. He savored the heat from her body as she wrapped her arms and legs around him tightly and he became lost to the feel of her. The desire, the pleasure, the warmth, her love for him coursed through him unfettered as he gave in to the sensation and to her. She whimpered in need as he licked and kissed his way across her neck and breasts while her hands kneaded his tight ass. She reached for him, causing him to gasp in sheer pleasure as she engulfed his engorged member in her hand. She stroked him slowly wanting to feel every inch of him and let him feel the same pleasure his body brought to her. He pushed into her hand and a low growl emanated from his chest as he grew even larger under her touch. They were playing with fire and they both knew it, but they had gone to far for retreat. He was panting now as she stroked his scrotum and the full length of him. She wanted him inside of her. She wanted to feel him come to her as she had him, but she could almost taste his fear. She pulled his lips back to hers. "Let me help you, Nick." "Nat, we can't...." His mind screamed with fear for her, yet his body had already lost the fight and responded as he pleaded. "Please....oh, please don't stop." He pushed harder into her hand as he pulled her hard up against him. "I need you....we need this....but I'm afraid I'll....." He spoke in ragged breathes between kisses as his body surged forward. She released his shaft and his lips and pushed him away slightly causing him to moan with the loss. She placed both hands around his face and forced him to look at her. Golden eyes met hers but she was unafraid. "Trust me, Nick. Trust yourself." She pushed him back on the bed. She reached over to the nightstand and grabbed the scalpel she'd left there. In one quick motion she slit her wrist and placed it over his lips. Surprised and overwhelmed as her heart pounded into his heart, mind and soul. He sucked gently on her wrist intensifying both their needs with each taste of her blood. Natalie positioned herself on top of his cool shaft and plunged him deep within her. She rocked gently at first and then withdrew causing him to push hard back into her. Each stroke was intensified in pleasure as he pushed full into her and pulled her blood into his soul. She was lost to the sensation and the warmth that passed between them. She wanted more, as she rode him hard taking him deeper within her until she screamed in release. As her body started to contract around him, he released her wrist and flipped her over onto her back. He pushed deeper into her as she rode the crest of her orgasm and he gave into the feel of her around him. He wanted more. Her blood had fed the beast and her body was feeding the man. He retreated slowly letting his shaft rub hard against her clit and then back deep within her, as he brought them closer to the fulfillment they both needed. She pushed hard against him with each stroke driving him further and further into the abyss of pleasure. Lost to the passion between their bodies, Natalie gave into her release. "Come with me, Nick....Come with me." She entreated as her body began to once again contract around him and she offered her neck without hesitation. Lost to the feel of her and her love, he thrust hard within her as he planted his fangs into her soft neck. With the first taste of her blood, he pumped his seed into her willing body. She held him tightly to her neck as the pleasure and sensation increased to the point of no return. She was his forever without stipulation or reservation. She felt her life force drain into his and he pushed it back with a warmth filled with love that he did not know he possessed. Then he released her neck. With his body still deep within her, he pulled his mouth away from her neck in fear. When her blue eyes met his and her heartbeat sounded within his ears, the panic in his eyes turned to love. She brought her hands to his face and wiped the worry away with her soft caress. "I love you, Nick Knight, and for the first time since I met you, I know that you love me too. She traced her fingertips lightly across his full lips and smiled into his beautiful blue eyes. "But it would be...." He pulled her fingers back to his lips with one hand and kissed them tenderly. Then he kissed her lips softly at first and finally deeper as he gave into the passion she ignited in his soul. He released her lips with a groan and smiled. "I have loved you since the day I met you, Natalie Lambert, and for the first time in 767 years I don't feel alone." He looked for understanding in her eyes and he found love and hope for a future. "You will never be alone again, Nick Knight....not now....or ever." She pulled his lips back to hers willingly and she arched her pelvis into his. He pushed into her again with his now hardening shaft as their tongues dueled in pursuit of that elusive flame of desire. When he released her lips to breathe, he smiled mischievously and pushed once again with his hips. "What was in the box, Nat?" He pulled his shaft from within her only to plunge back again causing a slight gasp of pleasure from her. Smiled coyly. "I take it you want to see, my slave?" She barely suppressed a laugh. He withdrew from her again and push back, causing her to groan with pleasure and grasp his shoulders. "Does your slave satisfy his lady or do I need what's in that box?" Nat ground her hips against his shaft playfully and withdrew from him slowly causing him to groan with need. "I don't think you need what's in the box, my slave. At least not yet, but I think they might fit my needs by morning." She reached over and pulled the box out of the nightstand. She flipped open the box and watched his expression. He stared in astonishment at the shiny bracelets before him and then withdrew them from the box. "She gave you handcuffs?" Natalie swiftly plucked them from his fingers and snapped one end on his wrist and the other onto the bedframe. Nick stared in amazement as he tugged and they didn't snap. A single word escaped her lips with a smile. "Titanium!" "You know this means no more toothbrush detail if I don't have use of my hands." His blue eyes twinkled in anticipation. She snapped the other handcuff to his lone wrist and then her own before she met his eyes with a smile on her lips. "Yes, I know! Oh, and did I mention.....I don't have the key!" The end Author's Note: If you enjoyed the story, why not read some more? Come join the fun and visit my Fiction page at: >http:www.plantnet.com/~nitewind/Fiction2.html Better yet go UNDERCOVER & enjoy the ride with my new novel! Available NOW in paperback, pdf & CD versions: See my webpage above! Or go direct to the sources at: >http://www.virtualbookworm.com/undercover >http://www.amazon.com Type in B.W. Starmer or UNDERCOVER >http://www.barnesandnoble.com Type in B.W. Starmer All comments to: ****StormyNite at: nitewind@plantnet.com**** ***The Truth is out there!*I just can't find it!*** **NNPacker*BlackHatWatcher*XFileTruthSeeker** *Andromedans*CroweFan*SorboDrooler*GWDFC*