Eternity Timeline: third season, directly following 'Francesca' Disclaimers: The characters and situations that inspired this tale are the property of Columbia/ Sony/ Tri-Star... I promise to put them back when I am done.... Prologue It came upon her gradually. Without warning. And certainly without conscious thought. Watching videos over Chinese food and popcorn, philosophical discussions under the harsh lights of the morgue. The professional 'doctor-patient' relationship became a friendship. A deep and abiding friendship.... She knew the dangers. She had tried to fight it. Much as Nick fought his instincts daily, Natalie tried to deny what she felt. What was in her heart and soul... Oh, there were times that he infuriated her. Any man she had ever become close to had a tendency to do that. But there were more times that he intrigued her. The duality of light and dark played out in one man. The man that she loved with an intensity she had never experienced before. What was once the enemy had become a fascination. His dark side.... The vampire... "The blood is more than our food." The words echoed in her mind. His expression was one of desire, of yearning, longing. "Every drop... to know them. To be them...." If only she could know him. And let him know her. Know her deepest, darkest desires. Chapter One In the aftermath of the death of the reincarnation of Francesca, Nick had gone back to his roots. Despite centuries of abhorring his vampiric existence, the struggle to renounce it seemed pointless. And so, associating with the vampire community was a natural, although perhaps not as enjoyable an activity as it had once been. He found himself spending time at the Raven, watching the interaction of others of his own kind. Natalie knew that he still drank steer blood. It filled his refrigerator. The green bottles lined up empty whenever she was at the loft. Her latest batch of protein shakes sat untouched. Stubbornly, she kept replacing them every few days with a fresh mix. She would not give up, even if it seemed as if he had. If the only way that they could be together was for her to find a cure, she would persevere. As long as she could... Nick was well aware of Natalie's visits to the loft. He had seen the protein drinks, knew that they were being changed regularly, but could not force himself to consume even her most palatable mixture. Nor could he bring himself to remain at home when he knew it possible for her to stop over. His optimism in the possibilities of science was fading. Knowing that his soul would not rest, even after death had altered Nick's goal of mortality. Doomed to an eternity in darkness no matter what he did, or did not do, he felt alone. Cast adrift. Even the company of other vampires did not provide what he wanted. And to be around mortals simply reminded him of the impossibility of it all. His desire to be with Natalie was going to reach a boiling point soon. His desire, coupled with despair. The solution was simple. As others had pointed out to him, it was quite plain... bring her across... Make her like him... No matter how much he loved her, wanted to be with her, that was simply not an option... He could not, would not betray her, sabotage their friendship by even suggesting it. ### She felt the displaced air, a chill on her neck while alone in the morgue. She knew that she had a visitor. The type of visitor that would not be ignored. Without looking up, Natalie asked in her most professional tone, "Can I help you?" "I certainly hope so." He intoned, gazing around the sterile room. He had only been here once... to deliver the body of the man who had cured him of the fever, and subsequently provided the answers needed for a widely used cure. The harsh fluorescent lights and noxious chemical smell were irritating to his senses. He wondered how Nick could stand to spend as much time here as he did. Evidently the company of the young mortal woman was worth the discomfort. "You want to give me a clue?" Natalie asked, leaning back in her chair to watch the ancient vampire pace around her lab. He was obviously distressed about something, and the fact that he had deigned to come to her for assistance told her that it was not something related to the community. "Nicholas" he said solemnly, leaning on her desk, inches away from her. "Yes. What about him?" she pushed the chair back and stood, attempting to meet his eyes directly. She would show him no fear. She had full recall of their first encounter in the restaurant, although both he and Nick had attempted to wipe her memories of it. She knew that LaCroix had called her weak. Well, she would show him just how strong this mortal woman could be. "He is driving away my customers with his talk of eternal darkness and damnation." LaCroix exclaimed, standing stiffly before her, annoyance clear in his voice and mannerisms. That he would go to his son's mortal pet surprised even him, but he had tried, and failed to break Nicholas out of his current depression. He knew his son's affections toward the woman. He had not been fooled by Nicholas's protestations that he was merely indulging her. He knew better. Holding Nick to that long ago agreement would no longer serve his purpose. If he were to pull his son more securely to his side, he would need this woman. Alive. Preferably as immortal as both of them. "What do you want me to do about it?" she asked with a tired sigh. It did not surprise her that Nick was not taking Francesca's appearance and subsequent death well. They had not discussed it, but Natalie had sensed that he was less resolute in his quest. Perhaps it was time for her to take action. "Entertain him. Cheer him up. Get him out of my club." LaCroix responded vehemently, his gaze focusing more intensely on the woman. Instead of shrinking back in fear, she seemed to strengthen. "And in return?" Natalie prompted. "What?" he looked at her with curiosity, astonished that she, a mere mortal, would attempt to dictate terms to him. "Ummm, this is sort of awkward." She hesitated, stepping closer, directly in front of him. Her intended action needed the assistance, or at least guidance of the master vampire. She had been afraid to simply go to him, but if he was coming to her.... "Continue." He said in a tone of command. "Nick told me about the blood." She replied softly, seeing his gaze become sharper, more focused. "What about it?" he asked harshly. "The sensations.... The knowledge." She turned, and walked toward the specimen cooler, aware of his intent stare. "Yes, well, he is a bit too honest with you, doctor." Pulling out a blood filled vial, she handed it to him shyly. "I think you'll understand better what I am having trouble saying." He looked at her, puzzled, but took off the cap and sniffed. To his relief, it was human blood, not some odd concoction. And without even tasting, he knew it was hers. There was something that she wanted him to know. Raising his eyes quizzically, the question was asked silently. "Drink it." She urged quietly. Increasing the distance between them, he turned away from her as the scent of the blood, combined with the pounding of her heart was becoming enticing... too inviting. His eyes glowed slightly as he drank the contents in one swift swallow. He was silent for a moment, reflecting upon all that he had sensed from her blood. "Why?" he asked swiftly turning to face her directly. "It's hard to explain," she began. "Try." He urged, stepping closer to her. "It's something that I have fought. You know, I didn't even allow myself to think it, believe it for a long time," her voice growing firmer with every breath. "But I don't think that Nick's life, your life is as dismal as he has told me," She looked up, seeing the ancient vampire listening intently. Encouraged by his attentive nod, she continued. "I've begun to see the possibilities of what I could accomplish, if time was not a factor. Yes, to be with Nick is part of it. But it isn't the only reason." "You've not told Nicholas this?" he stated, gazing down at her, allowing their eyes to meet. "No," she replied, sitting on the edge of her desk, looking up at him. "It's hard to put into words." "Don't try. It's not likely that he would believe you anyway," He shrugged. "Blood doesn't lie," He met her worried gaze. "Give me a vial. I will give it to him at the club." "Will he be angry?" she asked hesitantly. "If he won't listen to your desires, I will," He said firmly, gently tilting her chin to look at him directly. "You are correct, my dear. Your destiny is with us." Their eyes met silently. He understood what she could not say aloud. She nodded and rose, moving across the room to the lab bench. Gathering supplies, she wrapped an elastic band around her upper arm. After cleansing the crook of the arm, she slid the needle into the vein. Filling two vials, she withdrew the needle and held cotton gauze over the wound. Moving next to her silently, LaCroix took her arm and gently moved her hand. Kissing the tiny trickles of blood away, he sighed with pleasure. Her refrigerated sample had given him the message, but the fresh, warm blood reinforced it. "It will be all right, Natalie," He breathed. "I promise, you shall have eternity." Chapter Two Another case. Another investigation. She could tell that Nick was going through the motions, but truly did not care. She would have worried about his mortal partner, but she knew Nick well enough to know that he'd put himself in danger before allowing his partner to be harmed. After two nights, she had had enough. It was time to talk. Well into the post-mortem exam, Natalie was planning how she would tackle her discussion with Nick. The opening of the door broke her train of thought, and she looked up to see Tracy Vetter walk in. Alone. "Hey. Where's your partner?" Natalie called out, seeing the young detective hang back by the entryway. Nick was the only detective who would approach her when she was 'cutting', but even he had limits. "Booked off," She said with obvious concern. "What is wrong with him, Natalie?" "What makes you think something is wrong, Trace?" she responded, pulling the drape over the open body and peeling off her gloves. "He is more distracted than usual. Really, really off his game," She replied, stepping into the lab now that the body was covered. "Worse than when he was insisting on solving the virtual dimensions case by playing that vampire game." "And you think I would know what it is?" Natalie asked, washing her hands and walking over to the desk. "Better than anyone else," She shrugged. "You are his girlfriend. Who would know him better?" "You're assuming an awful lot, Trace." Natalie said softly. She would not correct Tracy's assumption. This time. She knew very well that most of the precinct had linked her with Nick romantically. For years, she had denied it. No more. "Have you talked to him lately?" Tracy persisted. "No." she admitted. "But I know what you're talking about." "It was that last case, wasn't it?" she probed. "The one with the man who thought he was a vampire in a former life?" "OK, yes, it bothered him," Natalie nodded, hoping that Tracy would not push too deeply. "Can you blame him? The guy died struggling with Nick. Of course it is going to bother him." "Just because the suspect died trying to kill him? That's never put him into this much of a funk before," She studied Natalie's expression closely before continuing. "Or is it because he believed the man's story?" "What are you trying to ask me, Tracy?" Natalie responded, keeping her face neutral. She had always known that it would come to this eventually. And that she would be in the middle. "And he always told me that he doesn't believe vampires exist," Tracy replied with obvious annoyance. "But he was just trying to convince me, wasn't he?" "Convince you of what?" Natalie asked carefully. "Nicholas Chevalier... a 17th century vampire. Lover of Francesca," Tracy whispered each phrase, hoping to see a change in her friend's carefully schooled face. "You know, chevalier is French for knight? I wonder..." "You wonder what, Tracy?" Natalie asked with more vehemence than she'd intended. "It was true, wasn't it? The whole story, the whole past life," Her voice rose with excitement. "And he knew it. He lived it. He *is* Nicholas Chevalier, isn't he?" "Don't be ridiculous," Natalie said swiftly. "Come on Natalie. You can tell me the truth. I know all about vampires." "All about vampires? Tracy, should we be doing a reality check here? Vampires are fiction, they are fantasy." "You and I both know better than that," Tracy chided her. "Actually, I think you know a lot more than you're saying." "And I don't know where you got this idea," Natalie replied firmly. "I find it amazing that my friend and my partner both get sick at the same time. My friend who *is* a vampire," Tracy mused, watching Natalie's expression closely. It was obvious that she was going to have to drag every shred of information out of her. "And then miraculously, they both are healed instantaneously." "Coincidence. People get sick all the time." "Not Nick. Mr. 'no sick calls in 6 years', despite some mysterious allergy to the sun and most foods. The only cop on the force to have his physical performed by a coroner," she looked at Natalie accusingly. "So Nick doesn't like going to the doctor and I do his exams. What's wrong with that? We're friends. I'd do your exam if you wanted me to." Tracy looked at her pleadingly. "Come on, Nat. I do know how to keep quiet." "Tracy, if you're having problems with your partner you need to talk to him. I don't know where you got this idea." "But you aren't denying it," She said softly. It had taken her a long time to feel comfortable enough with her suspicions to approach Natalie. And while Natalie had not admitted anything, her quick denials were enough to convince Tracy that her suspicions were correct. She was not sure how Nick would react, so that conversation would not happen for a long time. She was content knowing what little she did. And would definitely be calling her friend Vachon. Chapter Three The pounding beat of the music numbed his mind as Nick sat alone in the corner table of the Raven. The few vampires in the club at this early hour remained close to the bar. While his quest had long been a joke among the vampire community, his temper was legendary. And then there was his master. No one would tempt fate by angering the ancient Roman. His temper and predilection for remembering past misdeeds would bring caution to any intelligent vampire. So Nick drank alone. So lost in his thoughts, he did not sense LaCroix's approach until his master was sitting at the table opposite him. He silently pushed a drink forward. "What is this?" Nick asked abruptly. While he and LaCroix were on better terms than they'd been in nearly a century, he still did not trust his motives. "A drink. It's on the house," He pushed the goblet closer. "What, no twenty questions wondering why I am here at eleven o'clock?" Nick asked sarcastically. "Well, if your behavior is any indication, I would guess that your Captain did not want to deal with you anymore this evening. I know I wouldn't," he replied sternly. "You know why I am here," Nick said with a tired sigh. "Ah yes, you are bemoaning the fact that your soul will never rest. That even if you should perish, your soul will not," He intoned, silencing Nick with a penetrating glare. "Save it. I've heard it before. All week." "Are you telling me to go elsewhere?" "No. I'm telling you to have a drink." Nick stared at the offered glass. This was uncharacteristic for his master and made him very suspicious as to the contents of the drink. Sniffing it cautiously, he could detect a vintage merlot, and his preferred steer blood. Picking up the glass, he sipped carefully. LaCroix had gone back to the bar as soon as Nick began to drink the bloodwine. That he would give him steer and not pressure him to take the 'house special' human mixture puzzled him even more. It was not until the glass was half empty that he began to detect a third ingredient. Blood. Human blood. Sensations of love and concern. Natalie's blood. His first thought was to panic. How had LaCroix managed to obtain Natalie's blood? Was she in danger? As he drank more, he did not detect any fear, so that seemed unlikely, but he could sense something else. Desire. Desire for him... and for eternity. To be with him, Natalie wanted to become like him. The realization stunned him. They had for so long been working to reverse his condition, he'd not realized how much she'd learned about vampirism. And despite his revulsion toward his vampirism, she still saw positives. And was willing, if not eager, to embrace it. Savoring the remaining drops, he set the empty glass on the table and leaned back in his chair. Lacroix was again seated opposite him. "So? Will you accede to her desires?" he asked softly. "How do you know what she desires?" Nick asked with deceptive calm. "And how did you get her blood to give me?" "How do you think?" he asked sarcastically. "She gave me a taste." "Why would she do that?" Nick exclaimed quickly. "What did you do to her?" his eyes narrowed as he looked suspiciously at LaCroix. "Your dear doctor is unharmed. I visited her at her place of employment. She gave me a tube. She gave me another one, freshly drawn, to give to you." Seeing the skepticism on Nick's face, he smiled smugly. "I did not bite her. If you don't believe me, call her." "What were you doing at the Coroner's office?" Nick asked suspiciously. "Her office is in a secured area." "Since when does that deter me, Nicholas?" he replied smoothly. "In any event, I went to her office to speak to her." "About?" Nick prompted. "Why don't you ask her?" he said casually, standing and walking back toward his office. Nick strode after him, waiting until they were both inside the office. "Do you have something to discuss with me, Nicholas? I do have a show to prepare." "Yes, I have something to discuss with you. Stay away from Natalie." His anger was barely under control. That his master had tasted of Natalie's essence bothered him immensely. "Nicholas, aren't you forgetting something?" "What?" "A little matter of an agreement made approximately 760 years ago in a garden in Brabant?" he said smugly, sitting behind the large mahogany desk. Nick was silent. He had no defense. "So, you have nothing to say?" "What are you going to do, LaCroix?" he said in a resigned tone. Blood did not lie. If LaCroix had tasted Natalie's, then he knew of her feelings. And his own sentiments were becoming difficult to conceal. "For now, nothing. I am biding my time." "And you won't kill her?" Nick asked cautiously. "No." LaCroix looked up from the monologue that he was beginning to compose. "I won't. Although, I must say... her blood is the sweetest I've had in a very long time." He chuckled at the brief flare of anger he felt from Nick. "And I won't kill you, either." Gesturing to the door, he picked up his pen again, "now, go. I have a show to do." Chapter Four She was waiting for him when he got home. Even if her car was not parked outside his loft, he had felt her presence. Even the small taste of her blood, diluted as it was, had enhanced his sense of her. Her heartbeat was imprinted in his mind, and her sweet fragrance called to him with the promise of bliss. Opening the lift door, he saw her sitting on the couch, staring into the fireplace. "Natalie." He said softly. She turned and stood, approaching him cautiously. She knew he'd booked off early and had not been at home all evening. Her only conclusion was that he'd been at the Raven. Had LaCroix gone through with the plan? Dropping his coat on the kitchen table, he met her in the middle of the room, his arms wrapping around her in silence. "Why on earth did you let LaCroix taste your blood, Nat?" he asked softly, guiding her to the couch. "It's too hard to say some things," She replied taking his hand loosely, running her finger over the veins in a circular pattern. "After what you said last week, well, it gave me the idea that I didn't have to." "But to let him see your soul, Nat. That was dangerous," He warned, sighing with pleasure at the feel of her warm hands caressing his arm, stirring his circulation. "Nick, I wanted his support. If he was going to call in his retribution, don't you think he would have done it a long time ago?" "You remember?" he pulled back slightly to gaze into her eyes. "Yes, I do. It was fuzzy for a few days, but it all came back to me," she admitted. "Why didn't you say anything?" he asked, leaning back against the cushions. "What's to say? I know you didn't mean what you said to him. Your gestures speak so much more than your words," She turned slightly, facing him directly. "And over the past year, your actions have told me that what you said to me in my apartment is the truth. Not what you said in desperation in the restaurant." "So you knew that your life was in danger when you let him take of your soul." "Yes," she admitted. "But he came to me, wanting my help. I was bargaining with him." "What?" Nick asked sharply, amazed at her courage. Few vampires would attempt to negotiate deals with his master. LaCroix was notorious for his one-sided agreements. "Yes, he was worried about you. Your depression. And he asked for my help," she explained, sliding closer to him. "What did he want you to do?" Nick asked softly, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Talk to you. Get you out of his club." "That's all?" he asked suspiciously. "That's all," she confirmed. "So what possessed you to give him your blood?" he asked again. "He gave you the drink?" she watched his slow smile and nod. "Then you should know why." "I don't get it, Nat," he stood, pacing over to the fireplace. Her scent was becoming overwhelming. He wanted more of her sweet essence. "I was afraid you'd be angry if you knew how I felt," she admitted, standing and meeting him by the fireplace. It was there that their last interlude of passion had begun. When Nick had amnesia. The only time they'd made love. When the vampire was dormant and the mortal man could express the passion that he did not even understand fully. "Why would I be angry?" he asked gently, reaching out to caress her cheek. "You have fought your nature for centuries. You have refused to bring me across before." She turned away from him, struggling with her desire to fall into his embrace, feel his strong arms cradling her. "That was different," he said softly. He had stepped closer and now wrapped his arms around her waist, feeling her stiffen slightly. "You were reacting out of fear. I'm still not convinced it is the best thing for either of us." Kissing her hair lightly, he murmured, "and I am not sure that I could do it." "Why not?" she asked sharply, turning to face him, still loosely encircled in his arms. "Nat, it's not as easy as it looks. I told you, one sip and you are captivated. You take another, and another, until there is no more to take. You lose yourself in the love. I am not sure I could stop in time." he admitted with a tinge of embarrassment. "Nick, you have better control than you give yourself credit for," She said softly, leaning into his embrace. Her anger at his continued refusal dissolved with his confession. She now realized that his denial had more to do with his own fears than not loving her enough to keep her at his side for eternity. "Have I ever told you about Alyssa?" he asked softly, guiding her to the couch. Seeing her shake her head, he leaned against the cushions, draping his arm around her shoulder, pulling her against his chest. "She was a woman I met in the 16th century. I fell in love with her. We were married." Natalie stiffened slightly at his words. Marriage was something he'd never mentioned. She had always assumed that it was something that vampires simply did not do. "On our wedding night, I revealed my true nature to her." "You mean she married you, and didn't know?" "It was a different time, Nat. Marriages were legal contracts between the bride's father and the man. We were never alone prior to our wedding night. Until I saw her at Kessel House, I never knew how she felt about me." "That was who came to you?" Natalie asked curiously. He had never discussed his haunting, only that it was someone from his past. "Yes. She came to tell me that she forgave me," he replied softly. "Forgave you? For what?" Natalie asked, with growing fear. She could sense his growing unease. "I was a different person then, I had no shame of what I was. I think that is why LaCroix did not try to call in the debt at that time," He said thoughtfully. "In any case, I had planned to bring her across," He met Natalie's gaze directly, intoning softly, "Our marriage would last eternity, or so I thought." "What happened?" Natalie prompted, although she had a feeling she knew. "I took too much," he said flatly. "I killed her. I killed my wife." "Nick, that was a long time ago." "Nat, my love for Alyssa was only a fraction of my love for you," he whispered, caressing her arm gently as he kissed her temple. "I'm afraid to even try. Your life means more to me than my own." "There is another alternative," she murmured, leaning against him, running her hand across his chest. "What?" "LaCroix" "Nat, you can't be serious," He exclaimed, pulling back slightly. "He'd kill you before he'd convert you." "No, he wouldn't," she said firmly. "And how do you know this?" "Because he has already offered." "After he tasted your blood." Nick realized what had not been said when he'd spoken with his master that evening. LaCroix had, in essence, given his blessing to their union... and was not seeking retribution, because he knew that either Natalie would die in the attempt or that Nick would defer to his own master to bring her across. "Yes. He said that if you would not help me, he would." "Well, I am not sure that I would call it 'helping', Nat." he shook his head. "In the long run, Nick, it is. I've tried everything that medicine has to offer at the present time, but at some point, technology will provide a means to take you back, if that is what you still want. But unless I am brought across, I won't be around to either help you, or share in your first day in the sun." "But my soul won't die with my mortal body." He said sadly. "I'm not so sure about that, Nick," she said thoughtfully. "Think of it this way. When Francesca died the first time, she was a vampire... and died violently. And then centuries later, came back in the body of a man. And again died violently. She didn't then, and still hasn't died of natural causes. She has not, to our knowledge, at least, chosen to go into the light. She has not chosen to let her soul rest. If you were to regain mortality, and then died of natural causes, I believe that you would go into the light." Nick was silent, gently stroking Natalie's arms. "I would," he finally replied. He was somewhat amazed at Natalie's reasoning. They'd had many philosophical discussions over the years, and he knew of her conviction in science. She'd long denied that there was anything metaphysical about his vampirism, and had studied it as such. For her to have a theory that bordered on religious was surprising. "So, what are we going to do?" Natalie prompted. She could feel the relaxation in his body, as if a weight was lifted from him. Her words must have had an effect. For once, he was listening to her, not to that little voice in his head that fed his guilt. "Are you sure that you'd be all right with LaCroix?" he probed. "The one who converts you is forever tied to you, linked with you emotionally. They are responsible to teach you, guide you," he sighed softly. "I am not very good at it. You saw what happened with Richard." "Nick, it's okay. You don't have to say it," she murmured. They had never discussed the failed attempt to prolong her brother's life. "Yes, we do. If you are to embrace eternity, you have to know. Conversions don't always work. And when they don't, the fledgling must be destroyed. Some can't handle the enhanced sensory input. Some can't control their impulses." "Like Richard." "Like Richard," Nick agreed. "The power is heady. It's an aphrodisiac. Too much is dangerous. You never know what personality traits might be enhanced, strengthened, with dangerous consequences. If I'd realized how strongly your brother felt about retribution and punishment, I would not have risked converting him. I certainly would never have left him alone." He took a deep breath, looking into the distance. "Nat, you have to know, killing your brother was the hardest thing I've ever done." "I should not have pressured you. Like you warned me, I should have left it in God's hands." "And I should not have left him alone," Nick said softly. With a sigh, he acknowledged, "LaCroix is a much better teacher than I am." "Would he let you be there?" Natalie asked quietly. She could tell that he did not trust himself but was growing to accept the idea of her conversion. While she'd initially envisioned Nick bringing her across, she knew in her heart that he would ask his own master. That they'd be siblings, not master and child. "I think so. We're on much better terms now, better than we've been in over a century," he paused for a moment, before continuing. "You know, he will make you kill." "Make me?" Natalie turned slightly, looking at Nick puzzled. "How can he *make* me do anything?" It was true, this was something that she had not thought about. Killing was something she'd not worried about, had not thought was an issue. After all, Nick survived quite well without it. "Oh, you have no idea!" Nick exclaimed. "Nat, when you first come across, your master has tremendous influence and power over you. You will feel compelled, driven by an unknown force to do things you never thought possible," Feeling her stiffen in fear, he kissed her lightly. "Think about this now, Natalie. Later will be too late." "I don't know if I could kill, Nick," she said softly. Her idea seemed so less simple now. "If it comes to that, you won't even know what you are doing," he explained patiently, continuing to caress her arm. He was becoming accustomed to the idea of Natalie becoming a vampire, but was still guarded with how much he'd reveal. Eternity would be less of a struggle with her at his side, but he wanted her decision to be an informed one. Not like his. "But now there are other options. Bottled blood, blood banks," Natalie observed. "True. His influence will help you learn to control all of your urges, all of your powers," his voice drifted, his expression taking that unfocused look that Natalie had always associated with his retreats into the past. "Like the ability to fly. You have no idea how hard that was for me to learn." "Oh?" she prompted. Flying had always seemed so natural for him, but then, she'd not known him as a brand-new vampire. "Yeah," He smiled at the memory, holding her loosely. "He and Janette finally pushed me off a roof." "Did he force you to kill?" Natalie asked carefully. She recognized the tactic. Changing the subject was Nick's usual method of avoiding painful discussions. This would certainly fit into that category but it was something she needed to know. She knew that the Nick that she knew and loved was not the same man as he was in 1228. What she did not know was how different was he. "I suppose," he replied in a resigned tone. He'd hoped that the conversation would not reach this point, but he should have known better. Natalie would only accept 'non- answers' for just so long. "I would call it more, that he influenced me. I was so hungry, I didn't know what to do. He told me to kill, I did. It's as simple as that." "Simple?" Natalie questioned. "How can that be simple?" "Well, there weren't any blood banks. I had to eat." He shrugged, caressing her lightly. That he had, for a time, enjoyed it, reveled in the lives of the innocent that he took, was something that he would not talk about. She would find out soon enough, when she shared his blood. When they could make love... as vampires. "It is a different time now," he said, matter-of-fact, hoping that by giving her *some* information, she would not press him for more. "Your kill will mainly be animals, but he *will* teach you to kill humans. He will insist that you drink human blood." "What if I don't want to?" "I'll insist as well," He said flatly. "If you want to keep your job, you'll need to be well fed. And that means a steady diet of human blood. Don't worry, though, our main stocks are donated. No one kills without reason any more." "Will you change your diet then?" she asked softly, relaxing against him. "If you want me to," he agreed. "Will you come here, live with me?" "Do you want me to?" "Natalie, I love you. I have wanted to be more public about my feelings for you for some time." "What stopped you?" she asked sharply. His mannerisms had always spoken of his affection more than his words. "Fear that LaCroix would kill you," he said quickly. "Coupled with the fear that I'd kill you in a moment of passion." "Well, if we ask LaCroix to bring me across, you won't kill me. And in a way, if he is my master, he is denying you..." "In a way," Nick kissed her lightly. "How much vacation do you have?" "Lots." She laughed. "How far in advance do you have to request it?" "Well, I am off next week because I had too much in my book and my supervisor insisted," she confessed. "Extend it to a month." He murmured, kissing her again, this time on the lips with growing pressure. She responded with an ardor that he'd not felt since that night. Running his tongue over her lips, he felt them part to allow his tongue entrance. All too soon he felt the tingling that preceded his fangs descending. Pulling away, he pulled her hand to his mouth, kissing her wrist. "Go ahead," she murmured, holding the wrist out to him. "What?" he looked at her puzzled, his eyes still amber from the desire that he'd not contained. "I don't think you could drain me from that vein," she said dryly. "I know you want it. Go ahead. I don't mind. I want you to have it." Smiling with unconcealed surprise, he steadied her arm and sank his fangs into the vein, swallowing the swiftly welling blood. It was warm, full of life and the sweetest he'd ever tasted. He felt her love, her desire, her suppressed passion... her memories. He kissed the twin wounds until the flow stopped, leaving just a tiny hole. To her surprise, she felt only a small prick as Nick's fangs buried into her arm. His soft lips and gentle sucking aroused her, she'd never felt so loved, so cherished. It was almost as if she could feel his thoughts, his desires. Their eyes met, silently reflecting. "Nick, that was incredible. What did you do?" she murmured, snuggling against him. "That, my love, was the kiss of the vampire. It is rather seductive, isn't it?" he replied smugly. "How do you think I was lured?" "How were you lured?" she asked softly. She'd never had the courage to ask about his life 'before'... and most especially, the circumstances surrounding his conversion. "Janette seduced me. LaCroix was watching. They had both picked me out, and she was the bait. I took it," he said casually, hoping that by keeping his comments brief, she would be satisfied, would not probe further. It was something he'd not discussed with anyone, not since it happened. "He offered me a thousand lifetimes. A power beyond my imagination. After the crusades, I was disillusioned, tired. It was too tempting... too seductive." "Did you know what he really was offering?" "Not as well as you do," He smiled, caressing her arm, where the fang marks had closed completely. "But then, I don't think anyone has entered my world with as much of an understanding as you. Most often, it is unplanned." "But we are planning mine?" she asked hesitantly. "Yes, Natalie. If this is what you want, *really* want... I will help you," he promised, kissing her lightly. "I will take you to LaCroix and officially ask him to bring you across." Chapter Five Extending her vacation to a month did not raise any suspicions until Nick also put in for a month off. Natalie was no sooner home from the office, when her phone rang. Without preamble, she heard Grace's gleeful laugh. "OK, girl, when's the wedding?" "I don't know what you're talking about, Grace. What wedding?" "You and the blond wonder-cop. I hear you are both off for a month." "Really? I didn't know Nick took his accumulated leave," Natalie said in her best voice of surprise. "Come on, Natalie. I've worked with you for too long. I know that voice. You are not being honest with Auntie Grace. You knew. You planned it." "Not exactly, Grace," She confessed. "Uh, Nick planned it." "Really?" Grace's voice rose in excitement. Finally, she was getting somewhere. Everyone in the office knew that she'd be the only one to get information out of Natalie, who was known to keep secrets better than anyone in the department. "Yes. And I don't know what he's planned, so don't even ask." "But you will need someone to watch over Sydney?" "Actually, yes. That would be very nice." "Not a problem. You will send him a postcard?" "I suppose. I'll send you one also," She laughed. "Well, have fun... wherever he takes you. I still want an invite to the wedding." "I never said anything about a wedding, Grace. We are simply taking a vacation together," She said with a tired sigh. She was not about to say anything about moving into the loft. That would open up the gossip floodgates for sure. "Uh huh... so you say," Grace said smugly. She had watched the relationship between the detective and the coroner over the past six years. She knew love when she saw it... even if they didn't admit it. "Yes. So I say," Natalie replied emphatically. "It is the truth. When have I ever lied to you?" "Lied? No, can't say you have. Not told me the entire story? That is another matter altogether, girlfriend." "Grace, I promise you. When, and *if* I get married, you will be the first to know. The first one that I invite. Okay?" "I'll shine my dancing shoes. I predict a nice shiny ring on that finger within the month." "I'll call you. And you'll look in on Sydney? Take in my mail?" "Of course. Have fun. And do do everything I would or wouldn't do." "I hear you, Grace," She laughed, hanging up the phone. It had certainly not taken the office grapevine long to link her vacation with Nick's. She could only hope that they really would be out of town. Nick had been very vague as to why it was necessary to be off for a month. To her knowledge, he'd not even spoken to LaCroix yet. They were assuming that once the decision was made, that he would be willing to proceed. #### Dressed in a simple black silk blouse and black slacks, Natalie was ready when Nick arrived at her apartment. She was in the midst of removing the necklace that she usually wore when he walked into the bedroom. "Ready?" he asked softly. "As I'll ever be," She replied, feeling the coolness of his hands touching her neck. She had pulled her hair into a French knot, baring her neck completely. "Am I being too obvious?" she asked nervously. "What? The hair?" "And the lack of jewelry," She nodded, standing to face him. He was also dressed in black, attire that was certainly more usual for him. "I hadn't noticed that," He shrugged. "Would you be more comfortable with your hair down?" "Actually, no. I don't want to get blood in it." "Don't worry. LaCroix is not messy," Nick pulled her against him, feeling her slight tremoring. "Are you cold?" "No." "Nervous?" he prompted, kissing her temple lightly. "A bit," She confessed. "Do you think he'll agree?" "Yes, I do." Nick replied confidently. "He'll likely see this as a way to bring me back to him. He's wanted me back for at least the last century. And he did offer you." "Where do you think he'll do it?" she was hesitant to even say it. Intellectually she knew that, in all likelihood, she would be immortal within a few hours. In her heart, it was still a difficult concept. "Knowing my sire, the back room of the Raven," He replied with a shrug. "If he agrees, and I think he will, he is unlikely to want any delays. Besides, it is safer for us all if your transition is not in either of our apartments. We would not want any interruptions." He said with deliberate meaning. He did not elaborate, but Natalie knew what he concern was. That she would inadvertently be seen, or would harm a friend. Taking her arm, he guided her to the caddy. The drive was silent. Even the Nightcrawler program was broadcasting classical music. That struck Nick as odd until he realized that his sire was anticipating them. And he was preparing. CHAPTER SIX The parking lot was unusually empty as they approached the club. Nick nodded at the bouncer, who looked at Natalie with curiosity before opening the door for them. Vachon's band was playing an instrumental song with a Latin beat. The dance floor was half filled, as was the club. Holding his hand against Natalie's back, he led her to the bar. Glancing around, he felt an odd sensation. There were no mortals in the club. None except for Natalie. What did LaCroix have planned? "He's in the office, waiting for you, Nick," The bartender called out, before Nick even had a chance to ask the question. Natalie sensed Nick's growing unease as he led her around the club's private areas. "What's the matter?" she asked, leaning closer to him to be heard. "Nothing," He said quickly. She did not need to know that in all likelihood, her conversion was not going to be the private event that she'd anticipated. "Enter," LaCroix's voice carried through the thick oak door. Nick pushed open the door and holding Natalie's hand tightly walked into the room. "Ah, what brings you here, Nicholas?" "I think you know the answer to that, father," He replied softly. He seldom called his sire anything but his surname, but if Natalie was entering the vampire community, it was time for him to follow their protocols and customs. And first among them, no matter how much Nick had fought it, was that LaCroix was his master, his vampire creator... and soon would be hers. "So, Natalie. You have reached a decision?" He studied her expression closely, gesturing to the chairs opposite his desk. Sitting gingerly on the edge of the leather chair, Natalie kept a tight grip on Nick's hand before replying. "Yes, I think you know what I desire. I have not changed my mind." "And Nicholas would not agree to your request?" "Not exactly," She glanced at Nick. "I may not agree completely, but we have discussed it," Nick looked directly at his master and waited for him to gesture for him to continue. "I do not feel that I am the one best suited to do it. I humbly request your assistance, Father." In a gesture that he'd not done in years, he rose, and approached LaCroix. Kneeling on one knee, he touched his forehead to LaCroix's hand and then kissed his ring. "Mon pere, would you consent to a new member for our family?" he asked in the medieval French that was his birth tongue. "You wish me to bring Natalie across?" LaCroix responded, also in French. "Yes." He replied. Natalie had remained in her chair, stunned by the picture before her. This was a side that she'd not seen or imagined. "Natalie?" LaCroix turned to face her, asking in English. "Is it your desire that I bring you across?" "Yes." She said firmly. She did not know if there was anything that she was supposed to do, so she remained in her chair as Nick came back to sit next to her. "And you accept me as your master? Your eternal teacher, protector and guide?" "Yes." She repeated. It almost felt like she was repeating marriage vows. He stood, and approached her, taking her hand he pulled her up. "Free consent, freely given," he murmured. "Come, Natalie." With Nick trailing behind her, he led her out of the office into the main area of the club. "LaCroix? Where are we going?" Nick asked with urgency. Surely he was not considering such a public place... "As I am sure you noticed, Nicholas, the club is closed to the public," he said smugly. It was then that they both noticed the lounger that now occupied the center of the dance floor. "Here?" Natalie whispered. "You are entirely too delectable to take upstairs, my child. Beauty such as yours is to be savored," he said smoothly. "And of course, there is the matter of the Enforcers sitting in the back booth." Nick glanced over and now understood the twinge he'd felt. "What are they doing here?" "As I told you, Natalie, you know too much," He said bluntly. "They had intended to intervene, but delayed at my request. They did, however, insist upon witnessing her conversion." The other guests circled the dance floor with a growing quiet. They parted to allow the three of them to step into the center. LaCroix stood for a moment and surveyed the crowd. Nothing was said, but it was apparent that they all knew the agenda. Public conversions were a rarity, but with the difficulties he'd had with his offspring over the past century, LaCroix wanted witnesses to Natalie's promises of loyalty. He nodded to the band and strains of 'The Hunger' began to fill the room. A single spotlight fell upon them as he strode to the center of the dance floor and turned to face the crowd. Holding Natalie's hand tightly, Nick led her in front of his master. "Do you, Nicholas deBrabant renew your oath of loyalty?" he asked solemnly. "I do," Nick replied, kneeling to kiss LaCroix's ring. At his nod, he rose, sliding an arm around Natalie's waist to steady her. He could hear her racing heart, feel the slight tremors. "Do you, Natalie Lambert, promise your eternal loyalty to me as your master?" "Yes," she said softly, and, feeling Nick's gently prodding, knelt. LaCroix touched her head briefly, before stepping back with a gesture to Nick. He helped her stand and turned her to face him. "It will be okay, Nat. Relax," he murmured, wrapping his arms around her back. As the music rose in volume and the vocalist began to sing, he kissed her with an intensity and passion that caused his fangs to drop. For once, he did not pull away, but allowed his fang to nip her tongue. Trickles of her warm blood filled his mouth and satisfied his longings. Steadying her neck, he broke the kiss and nodded to LaCroix. Natalie could feel her heart beating faster and harder. She had not known what to expect, but this was certainly not it. She was growing more aroused by the minute, and if the ardor of Nick's kiss was any indication, she would be wanting to use that couch soon. Audience or no audience. With one arm around her waist, and the other tangled into her hair, he pulled away slightly. She could see the amber of his eyes as he made a silent gesture. The cool breath on her neck told her the moment was at hand. Stepping behind Natalie, LaCroix rested his hands on her shoulders and leaned in. His fangs had descended as soon as Nick began to kiss her. The scent of her arousal and melodic tones of her rapid heartbeat filled him with desire. He might not be the one to share her body, but he would have the pleasure of her warm blood. Sinking his fangs into the large artery, he began to gently draw the precious fluid. It was warm, sweet, full of passion and life. He could feel the growing weight of her body as she lost consciousness. Pulling his fangs out, he nodded to Nick who slid the couch over. Together they laid her on it. Sitting next to Natalie, he pushed up his sleeve, speaking softly. The audience had fallen quiet, lost in the seductive music that filled the air and the scene before them. "Natalie. I know you can hear me. Come back to me. Drink of me. You will have eternity. You will have your time with Nicholas." He then nodded to Nick, who had sat on the other side of the lounger. "Natalie. I will stay with you for all eternity. I love you." He said softly, kissing her cooling lips lightly before sitting back to allow his master to finish. "I hear your heart slowing, Natalie. It is time for you to choose. Turn away from the light. Choose eternity. Come back for Nicholas. Come back to me," He intoned, his voice low and hypnotic, slicing his wrist on his still descended fangs. Sucking briefly to start the flow, he held it over Natalie's mouth, letting the blood drip down her throat. The movement was, at first slow, as she began to suck from the wound, and then fiercely reached up to grab his arm, holding it in place. Opening her eyes, Natalie saw the world through an amber haze. A tingling sensation filled her mouth as she looked up and saw Nick leaning over her. With a low growl, she sat up and reached for him. "Welcome back." He said softly pulling her against him. He felt the pressure of her new, undescended fangs as they kissed. She let out a tiny moan as they grew and lengthened. "Ow, that hurt." She gasped, leaning back, seeing Nick's fangs descended as well. She reached up and felt the sharp points of her own teeth. "Does it always hurt?" "No. Only the first time." "Like a baby, cutting teeth." She mused. "Well, in a matter of speaking... umm, you are like a newborn." He said with a smile, watching as her expression changed. "Does this always hurt too?" she whispered, clutching an arm over her stomach. Seized by an intense cramping, she grabbed his hand tightly, looking over to see LaCroix standing near, watching over her. "Drink, my child." LaCroix instructed, handing her an uncorked bottle. She did not question him, did not look at the label, but took the bottle and drank it in one swift motion. Dropping the empty bottle, she took a second bottle and finished it before the cramping stopped. With a third bottle in her hand, she at last looked at the label. In an ornate gold calligraphy it read . "What did you just give me?" she asked, rotating the bottle, seeing a hint of a thick liquid within. "What do you think?" LaCroix replied with a hint of sarcasm. "What you consume in the first hunger will set your preferences for all eternity. And your standing within the Community. I think you know me well enough to know what I want you to be nourished with. Until very recently, your first meal would have been warm and from the source." "You mean?" she whispered. She could now understand how Nick could have killed in those first moments as a vampire. She'd truly not known, or cared where the sustenance came from. She only knew that she needed it. "Exactly." He nodded. "It is no longer safe for new converts to have those desires, so you got a bottle instead." He smiled indulgently, "a bottle of my finest." Pausing briefly to study her expression, he asked gently, "you are feeling better now, my child?" She looked at him, stunned. This was not the fierce vampire master she'd dealt with over the past few years, or heard from Nick's stories, "umm, yes, thank you." "Good." He responded. Taking her hand, he stood and led her to the stage. As the band stopped, he took the microphone. Looking around the room, he spoke firmly, "Greetings fellow citizens of the night. It is my supreme pleasure to present to you my newest child, Natalie Lambert. As coroner for the city of Toronto she has aided us for several years and has, at her own request joined our community." Applause began to circulate as the bartender called out "a toast. Let us all drink a toast" Glasses had been lined up and filled and were soon passed around as sounds of "long life and happiness" were called out. Standing in the spotlight, Natalie held tightly to the hands of both of the men in her life. Her father and her soon-to-be lover. Her newly awakened senses allowed her to see the dark corners of the club with startling detail, she could see, could sense the intense joy that filled the room. The sense of community. And it filled her with joy. After so many years of loneliness, of losing family members one by one, she now had a new family. One that would not go away. And it felt good. Eternity would not be long enough...