Nick , Nat and the rest of the gang do not belong to meNick, Nat and the rest of the gang do not belong to me. They are the property of Mr. Parroitt, Sony Tristar, and TPTB. They begged me for a story and I couldn’t refuse. A little flash of fang from Nick and I’m lost. This story has an adult part to it that will be posted to DarkNN and the Ravenawards adult list. The other lists will get the PG version. Anyone who would like that part drop me an e-mail with an honest age statement and I’ll send it to you. Also, in my timeline Schanke missed the infamous plane in “Black Buddha” therefore he’s alive and well and still working with Nick. Permission to archive granted to Mel at FK Fanfic, the FTP site, JADFE, Mortal Love, DarkNN and the Ravenawards site. Anyone else, please ask so I can come for a visit. Enjoy. Gentling The Beast Nick sat in the black leather chair brooding, his eyes following the dancing flames in his fireplace as it crackled and spit. He rolled the glass of bloodwine between his hands absently occasionally taking a sip. The events of last few weeks disturbed him and the more he tried to understand what was happening the more confused he became. He sipped again at the human vintage and frowned. The beast attempted to surface whenever Natalie was near. To maintain his control he’d had to return to human blood and it only briefly appeased his hunger. He couldn’t let her know he’d fallen off the wagon or why. She’d be so disappointed with him. Hell, he was disappointed but he couldn’t help it. As annoying as that was, it was not the cause of his confusion. The vampire felt different. He searched his memory trying to recall if he’d ever experienced this before, however he concluded he hadn’t. This was very, very strange. He leaned his chin into his hand and closed his eyes as he tried to make sense of the turbulent emotions roiling through him. In the past the vampire emerged as a cold-blooded killer, demanding blood and violence and fear. It was heartless and cold, the thrill of the chase and the power of the kill rushing through his body when that part of him was in control. He’d tried so hard not to fall in love with Natalie. He feared for her safety, feared the beast would desire her too and in a moment of weakness he’d kill her. He’d failed miserably. Not only was he hopelessly in love with her but the vampire was enthralled with her as well. He could feel it lying just below the surface watching and waiting. But it felt different and it was driving the man crazy. When he looked at her or got too close to her, the vampire would push at the edges of his control but it wasn’t cold and predatory, it was warm and tentative, as if it was reaching out gently, hopefully. It didn’t rage at his denial of it, it simply retreated a little and waited, a sense of loneliness filling him. Could the vampire actually feel loneliness? Could it truly understand the concept of love? How could he find out without endangering Natalie? He shook his head and took another sip from his glass. He was shaken from his thoughts as the phone rang. His answering machine picked up, then Schanke’s voice boomed from the speaker. “Hey! Partner-o-mine! Wakey, wakey! Come on Nick, pick up the phone.” Nick placed the glass on the coffee table as he made his way to phone. “Yes, Schank, I’m here. What’s so important that you had to disturb my night off?” he growled humorlessly. “My, my, did we get up on the wrong side of the bed today?” Schanke responded. “You should know by now, Sunshine, that the bad guys don’t take a holiday just cause you got the night off. We got a dead one and Reese said call ya so I’m calling ya. Here’s the address.” Nick grabbed a pen and scrawled down the address Schanke rattled off. He tore the paper off the pad and stuffed it in his pocket. “Ok, I’m on my way,” he grumbled. “Oh, and Nick?” “Yeah?” “Don’t forget your happy face,” Schanke drawled sarcastically then quickly hung up. Nick parked the caddy across the street from the address Schanke had given him. As he crossed the street he noted Schanke’s car, 2 marked units, the coroner’s van and Natalie’s car. He strode up the driveway past one uniform and made his way to the front door. He stepped through it and paused to survey the scene before him. Don Schanke was standing to his right talking with another uniform officer and scribbling notes in his little notepad. Across the room two coroner’s technicians leaned on the gurney they’d brought in while they waited for the coroner to finish with the crime scene preliminaries. To their left on the floor the body of a young woman lay sprawled. The coroner was bending over her placing plastic bags over the slender hands. Nick took a sharp breath as his eyes traveled over Natalie’s graceful form. He felt the vampire surface but rather than try to bury it he closed his eyes briefly and imagined it tethered tightly at his side. When he opened his eyes he felt he was looking at Natalie through different eyes, not completely the vampire’s but neither completely the man’s. It felt strange but not out of control. Slowly he stepped over to where she knelt and crouched down beside her. He caught the faint scent of sandalwood and roses. A low rumble vibrated through his chest. Natalie glanced at Nick when he knelt beside her. She looked at him curiously when she heard a noise coming from his direction. She studied his face briefly trying to pinpoint what was different about him tonight. “Nick?” she whispered, “Are you alright?” “Yes, I’m fine,” he whispered back. “How are you?” “I’m fine,” she whispered, giving him an odd smile. “Nick, is that you?” Nick looked at her sharply. “Of course it’s me. Who do you think I am?” he snapped, his confusion evident in his tone. She cocked an eyebrow at him. “I mean is that you making that sound.” She chuckled. “You’re purring.” His eyes widened and then he looked away embarrassed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize I was making any noise.” She leaned against him and slid her arm through his. She stood and turned toward an unoccupied corner of the room leading him away from the body and her technicians. “Nick, maybe you should meet me back at the office as soon as we’re finished here. I could get you a little something.” She brushed her fingers lightly against his cheek. He closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. “Are you hungry? Did you feed before you came out tonight?” He opened his eyes and took her hand in his. “Nat,” he sighed, “what are you talking about? I’m fine, no I’m not hungry, and yes I fed before I left the loft.” He tilted his head curiously at her. “Well, it’s just... well, your eyes. They’re,” she paused searching for the words, “Well, they’re not quite blue.” He closed his eyes and mentally asked the beast to retreat. He looked back at her, his eyes once again a brilliant blue. He smiled at her. “Is that better?” he asked lightly. “Yes, much,” she said, concern still edging her voice. “Look,” she glanced down at her watch, “I get off at 4AM. I’ll be home by 4:30. Why don’t you meet me at my place? I’ll bring something home for you and we could watch a video.” “Nat, I don’t think so. That’s awfully close to sunrise,” he said nervously. The last thing he needed was to spend the day with her when he was trying so hard not to get too close to her. He could feel the vampire’s excitement. “Come on, we really need to talk,” she said seriously. “Nat, I . . .” She cut him off in mid-excuse. “Please?” her eyes pleaded with him silently. He looked down at her hand still held gently in his. “Well, ok,” he said reluctantly. “Good,” she said. Schanke chose that moment to break into their conversation. “So glad you decided to join us, partner,” he said sarcastically, winking at Natalie. “So what have you got Doc?” Natalie shifted into coroner mode. “We have a female in her late 20’s. Looks like strangulation and time of death was approximately 48 hours ago, give or take a little. That’s all I’ve got so far.” Schanke nodded. “Forty-eight hours would be about right from the other information I’ve gotten. Apparently a neighbor saw the husband throw some luggage in his car 2 days ago and leave. She last saw the misses here,” he indicated the body with a hand gesture, “Just before the husband took off. She called here this morning and got suspicious when no one answered the phone. Looks pretty cut and dry.” Nick clapped him on the shoulder grinning broadly. “That’s great, Schank, guess you don’t need me after all.” He winked at Nat and started for the door. “Hey! Wait a minute!” Schanke yelled after him, “You could help with the paper work!” “It’s my night off remember?” Nick gave him a backhanded wave as he walked out the door. Nick drove aimlessly around the city counting the minutes until 4:30AM. He had no idea what he was going to say to Nat. Why did he have to test the vampire’s intentions tonight? Why at all? What was wrong with him? He shook his head. He knew better than this he berated himself. The beast couldn’t love, couldn’t feel. It was nothing more than an evil creature. He kicked himself mentally, wishing he could go back and correct his stupid mistake. Damn him. He pulled the caddy into a parking space across the street from Nat’s apartment. His watch said 4:45AM. He hesitated then got out of the car. He couldn’t stand her up. That wouldn’t be right either. Damn him again. He crossed the street and went inside. Natalie had just taken her cup of hot water from the microwave when the doorbell rang. She placed the cup on the counter top, threw a blood pack in the microwave and headed for the door. She opened the door and smiled at Nick. “You’ve been riding with top down again, haven’t you,” she teased. Her grin grew wider as she motioned him inside. He smiled back at her and ran his fingers through his hair. “Uh, you could tell?” “Oh yeah, I know the windblown look well.” She laughed lightly. “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back.” She retreated to the kitchen. “Can I help you with anything?” he called after her. “No, I’ve got it,” she called through the closed door. He kicked his shoes off and settled on the sofa. Nat’s favorite King Kong movie was on the table in front of him. He smiled recalling the video nights they’d spent at the loft. He sobered. Those were happier times when the vampire wasn’t so prominent. He was afraid he’d never be able to recapture those wondrous nights when he felt so close to her without his beast intruding. Nat came out of the kitchen carrying two large coffee mugs. “Here you go,” she said, handing him a warm mug. “Tea for me and the usual for you.” He sniffed at the mug. “Nat, this isn’t my usual,” he said cautiously. “Well,” she gave him half a smile, “I thought you could use something a little stronger tonight.” He looked down into the mug thoughtfully. “It’s ok, Nick,” she said gently. “I know you’re having some kind of difficulty. And I know you’ve been avoiding me,” she continued sadly. “I wish you’d tell me what I’ve done.” He turned quietly toward her shaking his head. “Nat, don’t think that. It’s nothing you’ve done. Please believe me. It’s not you at all.” He turned away bringing the cup to his lips and taking a swallow. “It’s…” he took a deep breath and released it slowly. “It’s me Nat. It’s all me.” “Then tell me what’s going on.” She placed her warm hand on his thigh and squeezed gently. Desire and fear lanced through his body. He glanced at her hand then raised his eyes to her angelic face. Her concern was evident but he didn’t dare read anything more into it. “I afraid, Nat. I’m afraid I’m going to hurt you.” “But why? You’ve never hurt me before and I don’t believe you’d ever hurt me. I not afraid of you,” she said. He looked down at the floor. “You should be. It’s the vampire, Nat,” he said quietly. “It wants you.” She dropped her eyes shyly, secretly thrilled by his admission. “And what do you want?” she asked softly. “It doesn’t matter what I want,” he said harshly. “The beast just kills. Don’t you understand? It’s a mindless predator.” She doesn’t see, he thought exasperatedly. This was not going well. “If that were true,” she responded calmly, “Why didn’t it kill me that night in the morgue when you woke up on my table?” “I...” he thought furiously trying to find a reasonable explanation for his behavior that night. “I...I don’t know,” he finally admitted. “I don’t think it’s a mindless killer.” She caressed his cheek lightly. He closed his eyes and let her warmth penetrate his cold skin. He felt the beast surge forward, begging for her touch, pushing at him to get closer. Her hand fell from his cheek and pressed against his chest. Her lips curled into a sensuous smile and her tongue played over her upper lip as she felt the vibration with her palm. “You’re doing it again,” she chided him gently. He opened his eyes and stared at her. It was happening again, his eyes and not his eyes. He tried to shake his head and clear his thoughts. She was so close, so warm, so soft, and so very alive. If he just leaned a little closer… “Nick, maybe you’re going about this the wrong way.” She chewed her lower lip thoughtfully. “Don’t fight the vampire. It’s a part of you. Don’t try to control it or hide it. Let it know what’s acceptable and what isn’t. Stay with it. Don’t separate yourself from it. Guide it, Nick.” He felt like he was wading through water. His thoughts were sluggish and muzzy. He had to get away before something terrible happened. He stood up quickly, grabbed his shoes and tried to get to the door. The beast was holding him back. He could feel it desperately reach out to Natalie, it cried out for the warmth of her touch and the gentleness in her voice. Something grabbed his arm and spun him around. His back slammed into the door and he stood rigid against it, his eyes clamped shut and his chest heaving. His shoes fell from his nerveless fingers and thumped to the floor. “Nick, please!” Natalie was pressing against him. “Just try. Please?” she pleaded with him. He opened his eyes slowly and shimmering silver-blue orbs impaled her sucking all coherent thought from her mind. He roughly grabbed her shoulders pulling her closer to him. His lips crushed hers as he assaulted her mouth. He bore her backward, down onto the soft carpet beneath them. His hands roamed her body as his tongue forced it’s way into her mouth. Feeling fabric instead of warm flesh he tore her shirt open, buttons bouncing across the carpet. He tried to part her legs with his knee but more fabric got in his way. He growled in frustration. His strong hands easily shredded her skirt revealing the lacy panties underneath. He broke the ravaging kiss and lowered his mouth to the cleft between her breasts. With his fangs he bit through the front clasp. He wrapped his mouth around a nipple and sucked hard as he rubbed himself against her. Natalie gasped at the swiftness of his actions. She knew the vampire was quick but she wasn’t quite prepared for this swift assault. It thrilled and frightened her. She groaned loudly as he ground himself against her. She gripped his neck and tried to slow his frantic motions. ‘Do you love this woman?’ a voice whispered in his mind. He paused releasing her swollen nipple. ‘Do you love this woman?’ The question came again a little louder. ‘Yes’ he answered slowly. ‘Then show her,’ the voice echoed through his mind. He raised his head and searched her flushed face. She laid beneath him, soft and warm, her eyes tightly closed and her lips parted slightly. Her breasts rose and fell with the swiftness of her shallow breathing. Desire and devotion swept through him. He craved her blood but he also needed her warmth, her gentleness, and her love. He pulled himself forward and brushed his lips lightly against hers. ‘Yes,’ he thought, ‘a treasure to cherish.’ He ran his tongue over her lips and gently probed her moist mouth. His fingers tangled in her luxurious curls. He broke the kiss and moved to her neck and shoulder. Gently he nibbled and sucked the tender skin. The scent of her soothed him and he snuggled into her warmth. Natalie lay still during his initial barrage. Fear and excitement warred within her. ‘Oh, what have I done?’ echoed through her mind. Suddenly he stopped. Puzzled, she held her breath and waited. She felt his gentle kiss and briefly wondered what had changed. She pushed that thought from her mind quickly as her hands dove between their bodies and her fingers found his belt buckle. She tugged at it until she had it open then fumbled to find the button of his jeans. She pulled roughly on the zipper. She frantically pushed his jeans and briefs over his hips and as far down his thighs as she could reach. Her fingernails scratched along his thighs and across his hips. She found his straining member and wrapped her hand around it squeezing firmly. She began a slow, steady caress, a rhythmic up and down motion that urged him toward her steaming center. He groaned deep in his chest when she stroked him. He wanted her so badly. Her touch ignited a raging fire within his groin that would only be quenched by sheathing himself within her. She was drawing him closer to her moist entrance. Suddenly he thrust and buried himself deep inside her. He shuddered as she surrounded him with her heat, her muscles gripping him tightly. Her sharp intake of breath and muffled cry abruptly halted his penetration. He panicked and the beast retreated as he watched a single tear trail down the side of her face. “Natalie?” he choked hoarsely. “Hmmmm?” she answered opening her eyes to meet his horrified gaze. “I’ve hurt you,” he croaked. She chuckled softly. “I’m ok, sweetheart,” she whispered. “It’s just been awhile.” He turned his weary face away and began to withdraw from her. “I should...” he began. She dug her fingers into his buttocks forcing him to remain inside her. “Finish what you started,” she coaxed. His eyes glittered with silvery sparks as the vampire surfaced again. His tongue grazed against her supple skin leaving a wet trail across her throat and shoulder. He rocked his hips forcing himself deeper, massaging her inside with his thick member. Pressure built in his groin as he climbed toward his release. The vampire delighted in this new mortal sensation while the man marveled that he felt it at all. He nipped lovingly along her shoulder then gently slipped his fangs deeply into her throat, her hot, passion-laced blood pouring into his mouth. Her love and desire swept through him as he pumped his seed deep within her. He drank deeply savoring her sweet nectar. She spiraled upward on a wave of pleasure as he drove deep inside her. Smoldering warmth spread outward through her lower body then white heat ripped though her as she reached the peak of her passion. She groaned loudly and raked her fingernails deeply down his back as her orgasm ripped through her. Images flooded her mind. She saw a young blond haired boy riding a horse through a meadow, a young man fighting for his life covered in blood, a worn and disillusioned man enticed by a dark-haired, sensuous beauty, a sad and weary man fighting back despair and self-loathing. She saw her own face glowing with love and acceptance. She realized she was seeing herself through his eyes and she was dumbstruck by the depth of his love for her. He sucked greedily, her essence filling him and enflaming his need for her. ‘Do you love this woman?’ He tried to ignore the irritating voice in his head. ‘Do you love this woman?’ it persisted. ‘Yes’ he growled back at it. ‘I told you that.’ He swallowed another mouthful of ambrosia. ‘Then you’ve had enough’ it responded. ‘No! No… I…’ he hissed back. ‘Yes, you have’ it said gently. ‘But…’ ‘Do you love her?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Then stop.’ He released her. He licked the twin wounds closed and buried his face in her auburn tresses as he hugged her securely against him. She held him tightly as her body trembled and the afterglow faded. She had never experienced anything that intense. Her limbs tingled and her heart pounded loudly in her ears. She suddenly realized she was still alive and she laughed loudly. Nick untangled himself from her unruly curls and peered at her quizzically with his deep blue eyes. “You did it Nick,” she murmured as she pulled his lips to hers and kissed him deeply. He pulled away and smiled tenderly at her, his fingertips grazing down her cheeks gently. “I love you,” he whispered. “I know,” the corners of her mouth upturned in a sultry smile. “Ah, Nick?” she questioned, her sense of humor exerting itself. “Do you think we could move this to the bedroom? It’s easier to wash sheets than carpet.” He rolled his eyes and dropped his forehead against her soft breasts. “I have a major breakthrough and all you can think about is carpet cleaning?” he muttered. He stood up and pulled her to her feet. “No,” she giggled. Tilting her head toward her shredded clothing she said, “You also owe me a trip to the shopping mall and you’re buying.” He pulled her forcefully against his chest into the protective circle of his arms. “Whatever Milady wishes,” he whispered into her ear. “What Milady wishes right now,” she said licking and blowing lightly across his throat, “Is a repeat performance.” She pushed away from him and taking his hand led him toward the bedroom. Finis Ó 2000 J. Hardin