Okay! I've had sooo many requests to get this out, I decided to do it. Thanks to everyone that has responded to my stuff so far. I really appreciate the encouragement! This one follows 'At the Beginning', in my 'Changes, Fate and Love' series. Nick/Nat and Company don't belong to me, I'm just borrowing them for a bit. No copyright infringement intended. Permission granted to post on the JADFE site, and Mel's fkfanfic site. Enjoy!! Family *Nick and Natalie Knight arrived at the loft and opened the lift door. They had made a quick stop at the grocery store, to pick up several cans of formula for their new son, Brandon Jeremiah Knight. Nat had assured Nick that the several packages of diapers they had received at the shower Grace, Myra and Tracy had thrown for them earlier that day, would last them until they got the diaper service started. As they stepped into the loft, they were greeted by their friends. Everyone took a moment to fuss over the new baby and each took a turn at holding him. "Can I hold him, Uncle Nick?" Jenny asked. Nick looked at Nat. When she nodded, he had her sit on the sofa. She carefully handed Brandon to her, making sure she supported his head. "He's so small." Jenny said, in awe. Nat smiled. "Well, Jenny, he was born almost a month early. Right now, he weighs about six pounds." Jenny looked surprised at that. "My cat weighs more than that." Everyone laughed at that. "I think it's time for us to go." Myra said. "Let's give the new family some time to their selves." Nick and Nat said goodbye to everyone, being sure to thank them. Nick saw them to the lift, then walked over and sat on the sofa with Nat. He placed his forefinger into the palm of Brandon's hand, smiling at the tight grasp. "I can't believe he's really ours, Nat." He kissed her tenderly on the lips. "How does it feel to be a Mommy?" He whispered. Nat's eyes were bright with unshed tears of joy. "Oh, Nick. I never thought I could be so happy." He kissed her again. "May I hold him?" Nat nodded. "Of course, you can. After all, he's your son now, too." She carefully handed the tiny bundle over to Nick. She smiled at the look of wonder on his face. "My son." Nick said, quietly. "How strange that sounds. Yet, so right." He moved his face closer to his son's, then kissed his forehead. "Nat, is it possible that I could love him so much, so soon?" Nat stroked Nick's cheek. "Yes. It's amazing, isn't it?" She lightly rubbed the soft, tiny head. "Maybe we should put him in his bed, so he gets used to his new surroundings." Nick nodded reluctantly and stood. He carried Brandon up the stairs, talking to him along the way. "This is Mommy and Daddy's room and this is your room. We have a door between our rooms, so we'll always be able to protect you." He took him into the nursery. "This is where you're going to live. Here's your swing and your changing table. There's the rocking chair, where we'll read stories and sing songs. And here's the bed you'll sleep in, until you're ready for the big crib, over there." He carefully laid Brandon down in the bassinet. Kissing him lightly on the cheek, Nick moved out of the way, for Nat. Nat had listened in silent amusement, as Nick gave Brandon the grand tour. She was thrilled with how natural fatherhood seemed to come to Nick. As Nick moved away from the bassinet, she leaned down and kissed him on the cheek, then stroked his back, softly. 'Welcome home, Brandon.' She said silently to him. Brandon opened his eyes and looked at his new parents. He stared at them intently for a minute, then they felt a feather-light touch on their minds. They looked at each other, startled, then gently, reassuringly, touched back. Letting out a sigh, he closed his eyes and went back to sleep. *Nat and Nick had settled onto the sofa to watch a movie. About half way through, they felt the presence behind them. "Hello, LaCroix." Nat said to the elder vampire. "What can we do for you this evening?" LaCroix was momentarily taken aback by the sincerity in Natalie's voice. She was not ordinarily happy to see him. "I came to see how you and Nicholas are doing. I understand that you are to be presented before the Council tomorrow, for your anointing." Nat's head was resting on Nick's lap and she was stretched out on the sofa. "Yes. Are you going to be there?" LaCroix could not understand the lack of hostility that he was accustomed to. "I had planned on it." Nat smiled. "I'm glad to hear it." She looked at her watch, then stood up. "I'll be back in a minute." She told Nick, giving him a quick peck on the lips. Nick nodded and stood, himself. Moving to the refridgerator, he pulled out a bottle. "Would you care to join me?" He asked LaCroix. LaCroix made a face. "Nicholas, you know how I detest that swill you consume." Nick took two glasses from the cupboard. "It's human." He said, casually. LaCroix was really confused, now. What sort of game were these two playing? "Very well, then." Nick poured two glasses and handed one to LaCroix. Taking his own glass and the bottle, Nick returned to the living room. "Have a seat, Father." Nick said. LaCroix sat in the chair opposite the sofa, watching his son. He sniffed at the blood in his glass, then took a sip. After a moment, he took a long drink. "Excellent choice, Nicholas. I must say, I am curious as to your sudden change of diet." Nick shrugged. "Nat asked me to go back to human. I agreed, on the condition that I could return to cow, if it didn't work out." LaCroix was shocked, now. He kept his face carefully neutral, however. "I see. Just exactly *why* did the good Doctor ask you to return to human blood?" Nick looked thoughtfully into his glass for a moment, then looked up at LaCroix. "Because she found out that you were right all along. There is no cure." He took a long drink from his glass, then refilled it. "She wants me to be strong enough to lead the Community. I can't do that, if I'm not eating properly." LaCroix couldn't believe his ears. Natalie Lambert had been able to accomplish in a few months, what he had been trying for centuries to do. She had gotten Nicholas to accept his nature and return to the fold. He suddenly had a new, although somewhat begrudging, respect for his new daughter-in-law. "I see." Nick looked up, when he heard the cries of his new son. He stood and headed for the stairs. "*What* is *that*?" LaCroix asked, suspiciously. Nick stopped and looked at his father. "*That* is your new grandson. It sounds like he's getting hungry." "My new *what*?" LaCroix asked, frowning. "He said, your new grandson, LaCroix." Nat said, descending the stairs with Brandon in her arms. She moved to stand in front of LaCroix. "Lucien LaCroix, I'd like you to meet Brandon Jeremiah Knight. Your new grandson." She turned the baby towards LaCroix. "Brandon, this is your Grandfather." She told the infant, who was drinking from his bottle. "Nat and I adopted him, LaCroix." Nick explained. "His mother was the girl that was attacked by that young vampire a few weeks ago. He's the infant that we rescued." "May I ask why you took it upon yourselves to care for the child?" LaCroix asked. "We knew no one in the Community would take him, and we couldn't allow a mortal family to raise him. His blood is a little 'unique', as a result of the attack on his mother." Nat told him. "We thought it best for us to take him, rather than run the risk of him growing up to be a hunter." LaCroix seemed to consider that for a moment. "Have the two of you truly considered the risks and difficulties you are undertaking?" Nick nodded. "Yes, LaCroix. We've discussed it together, and with Shiloh and Aliyah. We are well aware of *exactly* what we are getting ourselves into." He stood beside Nat, lightly caressing the infant's head. "We want him to be accepted by the Community, LaCroix. The others will be more likely to accept him, if you do. Please...Father." Nick looked intently into the ancient vampire's eyes. LaCroix took a deep breath. "I shall consider it, Nicholas. I can not promise you that I will be able to accept this child, but I can promise you that I will think on it." Nick and Nat looked at one another, then back to LaCroix. "Fair enough. Thank you." Nick said. LaCroix nodded once, then disappeared into the night. *Nick and Natalie stood before the Council of Elders, the following night. Nick held Brandon close to him and stood beside Nat. They were awaiting the arrival of Shiloh and Aliyah, to begin the anointing. Every vampire in Toronto was present for this ceremony. At last, Shiloh and Aliyah arrived. The Council stood, then bowed, as Shiloh and Aliyah took their seats on the dais at the front of the room. "We call forth Nicholas and Natalie Knight." One of the elders said. Nick and Nat walked up to stand before Shiloh and Aliyah. "We are those summoned, and we answer the call." Nick said. He nodded reassuringly at Nat. "It has come to our notice, that you, Nicholas and Natalie, are the destined leaders of our Community. We must verify that this is, indeed, correct. Do you agree?" Shiloh said to them. "We agree." Nick and Nat said, together. Nick motioned to Urs, who came and took the baby from him. A member of the Council came and stood in front of Nick and one stood in front of Nat. "Give them your wrists." Aliyah commanded. Nick and Nat did as they were instructed. Nat looked apprehensively at Nick. She had been told what to expect, but no one had ever fed from her, but Nick. She was a little nervous. Closing her eyes, she reached out to the invisible Presence, feeling a touch of peace and compassion wash over her. The first Council member sank his fangs into Nick's wrist, lingering for just a moment. When he pulled back, he stood silently by, watching the second. Then the second Council member sank his fangs gently into Nat's wrist. When he pulled back, he was shaking slightly, looking at Nat in awe. "Welcome, Natalie. Redeemer and Guide to the Light." He said, softly. Shiloh smiled at Aliyah. "Do you solemnly vow that you have seen that there is no malice in the blood of Natalie, and that she is, indeed, the Chosen One?" "Yes, I swear." He said. Bowing before Natalie, he lowered his head. "I do swear, upon my life, that I will serve and protect you, from this moment forth." Natalie looked at Aliyah in astonishment. "Thank you." She said, finally. Shiloh looked at the vampire beside Nick. "Do you solemnly vow that you have seen that there is no malice in the blood of Nicholas, and that he is, indeed, the Chosen One?" He asked. "Yes, I swear." The Council member said. "I do swear, upon my life, that I will serve and protect you, from this moment forth." He said, bowing before Nicholas. Nick nodded. "Thank you." Shiloh and Aliyah stood. "It is hereby decreed and set forth, that Nicholas and Natalie are the new leaders of the Community. You will abide by their decrees, accept their decisions and follow their commands. Upon penalty of Death." Shiloh thundered through the room. The six thousand year old vampire expected obedience. Young and old, alike, shivered in fear. Shiloh took Natalie's hand, and Aliyah took Nicholas' hand, and they were led to the seats on the dais. "So be it." Everyone in the room said, as one. Nick looked at Nat, then nodded. "It is our first duty, to uphold the Code. It is our second duty, to protect the Community. We shall endeavor to do both." He motioned for Urs to return Brandon to him. "Thanks." He whispered. She smiled at him. "This is our child, Brandon. Natalie and I adopted him, because one of the young ones violated our Code, by attacking, raping and draining, his mother. He was born with traces of the vampire 'element' in his blood, so we dare not allow a mortal family to raise him, should he grow up to become a Hunter. He is our child, therefore, he is a member of the Community. This means that he is entitled to the same rights and privileges as everyone else. Any comments?" Nick looked out at the assembled group. LaCroix stood, then walked up to Nick. He gently took the child from him, then turned to face the crowd. "This is my grandson. A member of my family. A member of *your* family. Anyone who harms, or threatens, this child, will answer to *me*. Nicholas and Natalie have assured me that the child will be raised to know and respect our practices and our Code. I, personally, vow to do everything I can to assist them in this." He handed the baby back to Nick, then stood beside Natalie. Silence filled the room, as everyone considered LaCroix's words. "Now, our friends, our family, we invite you to relax and enjoy yourselves. Refreshments are on the house." Nick said, noting LaCroix's slight wince. Natalie stood and took LaCroix's hand. "Thank you." She said, simply. She reached up and kissed him on the cheek. Then, she took Brandon from Nick. "Urs wants me to meet some of the other 'girls'. I'll see you in a bit." She kissed him, then turned to follow Urs. LaCroix looked after her, a thoughtful expression on his ancient face. "You have chosen well, Nicholas." Nick smiled. "Thank you, Father. That means a lot to me, especially coming from you." LaCroix nodded, then turned away. "I have guests to attend to..." Nick frowned slightly, then turned when he felt a pat on the back. "Hello, Vachon." Vachon looked at Nick, then nodded towards Nat and the group of women. "She's ruining them, you know." Nick looked at Vachon, puzzled. "What do you mean?" "I mean, vampire's aren't supposed to get that motherly urge. She's going to have them all wanting a baby. That can only mean trouble, for us guys." Vachon sighed, staring with unblinking eyes at the group of cooing females. Nick laughed. "Well, I know she's already got Tracy hooked." Vachon looked sharply at Nick. "No. Tell me you're kidding." Nick shook his head. "Afraid not. You'd better run, my friend. While you still can." Vachon looked at Nick. "It's too late, Knight. I couldn't leave her, if I wanted to." He said, quietly. Nick nodded in quiet understanding. He knew, ultimately, it was Tracy's decision. "Just be careful. Please." Vachon nodded. "I will." He turned away. "See ya, Knight." Nick took a deep breath, then went to rescue his son from the group of women. *Nick closed their bedroom door and grinned wickedly at his wife. "Alone at last..." Nat laughed. "Is he asleep?" She asked, standing to undo the belt of his robe. "Yes. I thought he'd never give in." He opened her robe, to find her naked. "Starting without me?" He teased. "Never. It's no fun, alone." She kissed his bare chest. "Besides, you aren't that far behind." She undid the snaps on his silk pajama bottoms. Pushing them down past his hips, she got down on her knees in front of him. She found herself eye level with his swollen penis. "See what I mean?" Nick smiled. "While you're down there..." He jumped when Nat swatted his leg, then again, when he felt the warm moistness of her mouth encircle his hard member. "Oh, Nat." He swallowed hard, grabbing a handful of her hair. Nat swirled her tongue around the broad tip, then licked her way down to the base. Taking one of his testicles into her mouth, she began to lightly pump up and down with her hand. Then, she returned her mouth to the tip. She took his swollen staff into her mouth, until she was as far down as she could go. She began moving her mouth back up to the top, sucking lightly as she did so. She continued the sweet torture, for several minutes. Nick's knees almost buckled. He felt close to release, already, so he pulled her to her feet. "Nat, I'm not ready, yet." He whispered, pulling her into his arms and devouring her mouth with his own. Nat moaned softly into his mouth, her tongue seeking his. She continued to touch his chest, his scrotum, his buttocks. She caressed every inch of flesh she could reach. Nick caressed her shoulders, while his mouth continued its assault on hers. Moving his hands lower, he fondled, then lightly squeezed her firm, full breasts. He took the tips between his thumbs and forefingers, rolling them gently, until they became hard, pointed tips. Kissing down along the creamy expanse of her neck, Nick made his way to the dark centers. He pulled one into his mouth, sucking and lightly nipping at it. Nat moaned softly, letting her head roll back. She tangled her fingers into the soft blonde curls at his crown, pulling him closer, urging him on. They heard Brandon stir, and let out a light fuss, through the baby monitor. Both of them froze. After a moment, without any other sound, they continued with their exploration of each other. Nick laid Nat back on their bed, his lips and tongue tasting every inch of her skin. He kissed his way down her flat stomach, then stuck his tongue through the folds of her labia, to lightly poke her clitoris. He grinned, when Nat arched upward and gasped. He continued his teasing, with long strokes that started at the bottom of her vaginal opening, and ended with alternately short jabs, or gentle sucking, on her clitoris. Nat was writhing in pleasure, her body on fire. She longed to feel Nick filling her, completing her. "Nick!" She gasped out. She could feel herself nearing her release. Grabbing Nick's hands, she pulled him up along her body, until he was lying on top of her. She arched her hips upward, seeking out the cool hardness of his manhood. Nick kissed Nat, his body covering hers. He moved, so that his staff was poised just above the hot, welcoming entrance of her core. He began moving slowly forward, relishing each and every inch her body took in upon entry. He had almost reached full penetration, when a loud squall from the other room stopped them both. Nat grabbed Nick. "No. He can wait for just a few minutes." She kissed him again. Nick nodded, preparing to plunge himself into her once more, when the cries became louder, more insistent. "Nat... What if something's wrong? He sounds like he's in pain." Nick moved off of her, reaching for his robe. Nat sighed in frustration, but climbed out of bed and pulled on her own robe. They had almost reached their bedroom door, when the cries suddenly stopped. They both felt the presence of another vampire, in Brandon's room. Suddenly alarmed, they hurried into the nursery. A well-dressed woman stood, holding Brandon and talking softly to him. She turned to look at Nick and Natalie. "Hello, Nicolah, Natalie. It's good to see you again. I hear that you have been very busy, since I've been away." Her pale blue eyes sparkled with mirth. "Hello, Janette." Nick said, looking at Nat in surprise. Janette grinned at Nick. "So, does this make him, my little brother? Or am I his Aunt? Oui, that is the question, is it not?" Nick shifted uncomfortably. "Janette, we need to talk." Janette smiled at them. "Yes, cherie. But we will talk another time. For now, I'll stay and take care of Brandon, while you and Natalie pick up where you left off." Her eyes sparkled in merriment, again. Nick frowned at her. "Janette, do you even know *how* to take care of a baby?" Janette glared at him. "Of course I do, Nicolah. I have spent a great many years, taking care of babies." Nick stood, his mouth agape. "You have?" Janette smiled mysteriously at him. "Oui. There are many things you do not know about me, Nicolah. Now go. Go and make love to your Natalie. I will stay, and get to know Brandon better." Nick nodded, then took Nat by the arm. "Come on, Nat." Once they were in their room, Nat raised an eyebrow at him. "You can't think I can do that, with Janette here?" Nick winced, at the tone in her voice. "No. Not really. C'mon, I'll go make you some coffee. It's going to be a long day." >Let me know what you think. E-mail me at tigerlady@pacbell.net.