Human Frailty By Ell Hase January 2006 Disclaimers: I do not own Forever Knight or Nick and Co. No copyright infringement intended. This outing is purely fun for me and any who enjoy DarkNN fiction. Special thanks to Cheryl Pillsbury for beta reading and comments. Chapter 1 And love’s the noblest frailty of the mind. – John Dryden Present Natalie woke up violently, chest heaving, greedily gulping in the warm air of her bedroom. She swiped at the thin, cool film of sweat on her forehead. Glancing at the sleeping form of her husband she vaguely wondered when he’d joined her in bed. He had rolled onto his stomach, deep in dreams as his heart gently beat in restful rhythm. She had not had dream since leaving Toronto; a dead man coming to life on her examining table. Something more than mere awareness connecting them as she touched his cold, cold skin. Parts of the dream had shifted to more terrifying ground. There was blood. Hers. His. The blood didn’t bother her. What was disturbing was the allure it held. Unbidden from her mind, came snatches of a conversation. No, more than one. "I'm leaving because of you. You don't want my love. It’ll only destroy you." “I believe in you. I trust in you. Make love to me, Nick. Take just a little at a time.” “Her fate is in your hands. Bring her across or let her die. You must decide." It was the last night she saw him alive. She had to stop thinking about him. It had been four years. She had moved on, hadn’t she? It was her fault. She had pushed him too hard. She knew they were both under stress and she had been desperate to be with him, to share blood and prevent him from leaving without her. Flashback: Toronto “She’s awake. I’ll call Ms. Balthazar now.” Her throat was so dry. “Water.” Her voice sounded rusty, vocal chords raw. Cool hands brought the water to her lips. Eyes heavy, she couldn’t see the cup but her parched mouth tasted the comforting liquid and before she knew it, took greedy gulps. “There, isn’t that better, Dr Lambert?” whispered Lacroix’s silky-steel, hypnotic voice. Her eyes flew open at his words, immediately tearing from the harsh, fluorescent lighting around them. “Welcome back among the living, doctor. I will be brief. This is the story that you must tell anyone who asks. Someone attacked you from behind. Cut your throat. Nicholas tried to help you and was assaulted as well. They struggled. A fire broke out and you passed out. You never got a good look at the attacker. Do you understand?” Her head hurt. “Yes.” “Will you let me see him? Before he leaves?” she pleaded. “You have, doctor. Nicholas is gone.” “He’s left? I thought…” “Nicholas Knight is dead. My son is gone because he could not live with the thought of hurting you. I want you to live with that knowledge. You destroyed him.” Footsteps came down the hallway. The blinds rattled slightly and swiftly, Lacroix too departed from her life. Grace Balthazar found her friend sobbing in the hospital bed. As if Natalie already knew that Nick was dead. Present Nothing would bring him back. It was the saddest irony of their relationship. She, the fragile mortal who then lay so close to death was brought back to life. While he, the one who was supposed to live forever, was no more. The burden of guilt was bitter on her heart. Glancing at the luminous numerals on her night clock, Natalie sighed and decided she would dress and go to work early. It wouldn’t be the first time she did that this month, or this week. Even in workaholic Singapore, Natalie MacGee had a reputation for her extreme dedication to work. She tried being practical, moving on as it were. But even when handed the opportunity for her own suburban home, picket fences and 2.5 children, she couldn’t fully slip into it, subconsciously longing for what could never be. And work became her refuge. < Just like old times.> An hour later, Stuart MacGee frowned at the brief note his wife left him. They might have been platonic roomies at the apartment for all they saw of each other. Between his hours and hers, they’d seen each other awake only twice the entire fortnight. Whatever happened to us, Talie? How long do we keep living like this?> As he put together another solitary breakfast, Stuart made a firm decision to screw up some nerve, corner Talie and figure out together where they were headed. He wanted their marriage to work but at the rate they were both going…Hell, he couldn’t stand to think more about it. Taking a quick swig of his customary morning grapefruit juice, he nearly gagged. The juice was undrinkably bitter. It was hard not to ignore such an omen; he didn’t think he was going to like it how the day would go. Chapter 2 Singapore was about as far away from Toronto as one could go on an airplane. Natalie had deliberately picked it as a safe place to move on, recover her spirit and hide. The city’s fledgling biotech business easily welcomed the Canadian doctor who was desperately trying to forget her past. After a couple of short interviews over video conference, she found herself managing a team of PhDs at a small contract research outfit that tested vaccines and anti-virals. Her office was in a sterile cluster of office buildings custom-built for research facilities and biohazard containment. Its relative isolation suited her; Natalie’s only complaint was that it could be a bitch trying to find a decent place to shop during her lunch break. Not many retailers wanted to be near a place that routinely researched tropical diseases, plague and flu bugs. Today, she really needed the retail therapy even if it meant browsing a mini market that mainly sold junk food. Screw the extra kilos. It was either that or drink herself to oblivion. < Even sober, I’m messed up enough.> She knew her marriage was wilting for want of care. Both she and Stu spent more time at work rather than home. He simply waited for her to say something. She instead threw herself even deeper into her projects and avoided making any decisions. It hadn’t been that hard avoiding each other given their work. Briefly she wondered if her husband thought she was having an affair, perhaps even hired a private eye to gather evidence for divorce. She had a funny feeling that she was being watched ever since leaving for lunch. At first she had dismissed it as spillover nerves generated by her dreams but the feeling refused to evaporate and she’d steadily gotten more and more uneasy. There it was again, that tingly-prickly feeling at the back of her neck. Who was doing that? The island had very little crime but her nearly fatal encounter with Roger Jamison made her wary even after all these years. Quickly, she scanned the shop – everyone seemed as absorbed in their shopping as she had been till a few seconds ago. Picking up the last of her items, she quickened her pace to checkout then all but sprinted back to her office. The mound of paperwork that had been parked on her desk while she’d been out would have daunted most people. But Natalie embraced it. The work was safe, held no mysteries for her and devoid of the complicated twists that human relationships were fraught with. As she read the topmost file, the name Brabant Foundation, jumped at her. She remembered it was a Belgian-related charity foundation… and as somewhere Nick said he had hidden his money through the years. A pang of sadness grabbed her insides as she wondered who was in charge now Nick was gone. < She MUST stop thinking about him.> That project had initially been assigned to another team yet now when it came to the final stage, ended in her hands. Typical, she thought. Her boss was trying to take advantage of her workaholic nature and casually dumped more stuff on her without bothering to check her current maxed out caseload. As she plowed further into the file, she realized that it would be one of those projects where the client would be practically camped in with her in meetings while various drug administration and approval officials scrutinized the results of the clinical studies. Stuart would most likely go ballistic once he found out just how much crazier her work schedule was going to be. She had to somehow beg off the project, for the sake of her marriage. She marched down the hall toward the wing where the VPs had their office. The itchy-prickly thing started up again. What the hell? Looking in she saw Hock Bee, the VP for research and her boss, with a guest. Nat was certain she was hallucinating…Bee looked up just then, smiling at her star clinical trial manager. “Ah good, we’ve finally managed to catch up with you, Natalie. I’d like to introduce you to Mr. de Brabant. As I mentioned earlier, she will be your personal contact for the project. She has been fully briefed for the final stage…” Whatever it was that Bee had to say about the project was a total blur to Natalie. Her brain was still trying to process that it was Nick in front of her, alive and breathing, in daylight. It took all of her skill to maintain a neutral face, to not launch herself toward Nick and hold him forever. Nick was watching her intently but didn’t make any obvious sign of knowing her. They were going to play at being strangers. Bee was mumbling something. Nat quietly nodded then extended the standard “pleased to meet you” handshake and schooled her features into polite interest. Bee was saying something about dinner…They were all going to have a celebratory dinner together. The classic executive meeting in Singapore; drink to the agreement, then feed everyone attending as much spiced food as they can handle. Completely oblivious to Natalie’s inner turmoil her boss carried on. “It’s early enough so I think we should hit the seafood place on the East Coast, that way Mr. de Brabant can enjoy a good dinner and still catch the late flight to Manila after.” The very picture of Asian hospitality, Bee smiled, turned to Nick and started them all toward the door. “This being your first time in Singapore, it would be such a shame if you didn’t get a taste of our national dish – chili crab.” Nat was silent, swept along in the tide wondering what to do next. Chapter 3 Later at East Coast Seafood. Dinner was over and Bee drove off in her Merc leaving Nat to drive Nick to the airport. That was her boss all right. Never told her anything till the last minute; dumped the grunt work on her and once “Queen Bee” felt content that the deal was secure, Nat was basically left in charge of humoring the company’s latest customer. The meal had been educational. Over crab and other unfortunate sea creatures, she’d found out that he’d been in Europe all this time, mostly working at the Brabant Foundation headquarters. He was headed for a three-day conference in Manila and would later be in Singapore to oversee the establishment of the foundation’s new Asia Pacific office. The agreement they were celebrating was mainly to arrange filing for approval of low-cost anti-virals for Hepatitis B, which would make treatment more affordable to the needy around the region. She studiously avoided looking at his face as they got into her Toyota. Nat was very conscious of the emotional current that ran between them despite the cool, “professional” faces she and Nick had presented through dinner. Thank God, Bee didn’t say anything if she noticed her deputy behaving differently from her normal, reserved self. Nick calmly watched her as she strapped on the seat belt and braced himself for the inevitable questions now that Bee was gone. She would want to know no matter how hard it would be for both of them. Their blood link veritably sparked with her nervousness but her face betrayed nothing. Not that she knew that he could “hear” her thoughts. The way her jumbled emotions were broadcasting, she obviously had no idea of the way the blood link worked. He wished he had a chance to meet her in private before being thrown together by Bee. Nick thought he had an opening when he arrived early during lunchtime. He had dumbly trailed Nat like a lovesick youth while she shopped. He’d backed off when he realized through the blood link that she was sensing him and getting scared. Besides, despite many mental rehearsals, he still couldn’t figure out the right thing to say to her. Le Bon Dieu help him, she’d only grown more beautiful. He was half-glad when she spoke first. “Why Nick?” “Why, what?” “Why are you here now? Why are you alive? Everything?” He wasn’t sure how to tell her. Such a big word: everything. Obviously, she didn’t count on the fact that once he knew where she was; nothing would keep him away from her. That he was still and would forever be in love with her, still wanted her in ways too dangerous for a mortal. He forced himself to remember that she was a married woman now and the time that had passed since they last saw each other. He phrased his words carefully. “I found out you were in Singapore just a month ago. I wanted to make things right between us, Nat.” A frown. A blink. It seemed much later that she asked, “How is it you’re alive and cured? Lacroix told me you were dead. That it was my fault.” Still not looking at Nick, she quietly added, “I believed him.” Trust her to cut straight to where it hurt. Perhaps it was best they lay all that to rest straightaway. “I believed you were dead as well. I thought I’d killed you. I even asked Lacroix to…end it for me. He staked me but he wouldn’t let me die.” Briefly, he shut his eyes at the memory of that dreadful moment. He didn’t want to live without her. All through dinner, he kept marveling the fact that Natalie really was alive, breathing and talking just within reach. Her sweet blood a silent river thrumming under her skin, its scent calling and beating at his will. “Nat, I’m not cured but some things have changed.” Underscoring his words, his eyes glowed gold briefly in the darkness of the car. He quickly tamped it down before desire began to cloud his judgment. Confusion crossed her face for a nanosecond. Then the scientist in her took over. “Well, you do a pretty good imitation of it – I saw you actually eat tonight and earlier today you were fine in full daylight. What is the stuff you’re taking; some derivative of litovuterine?” “No. It’s complicated, Nat. I should have waited till after the Philippines to approach you and talk. But I couldn’t wait, it’s been so long. The signing was incidental. I needed to see you for myself – to be sure that you were alright.” Bitterness laced her words. “Why wouldn’t I be, Nick? I was in therapy for almost six months. I have, as your kind so nicely put it, ‘moved on’.” He winced at that. He immediately felt to the need to apologize, explain his “death” and her abandonment. As if it could soothe her, he began the painful recounting of how he lost and found her. “Lacroix took me to Paris after he staked me that night. I was in bad shape, unconscious and not feeding for a long time. He told me you were dead. I…I tried to kill myself again when my wound healed. By the time I found out Lacroix lied and got back to Toronto, you’d left. I didn’t have any idea where you could be. You didn’t tell anyone where you were going. I put out feelers in the States, Europe and South America, all those places where you had connections. No one ever thought you might be in Asia. Then a month ago in Brussels, they showed that TV clip of you talking about avian flu vaccines. I’d been making plans since then to find you.” Her reserve was starting to crumple. Even the stiff Lambert spine had its limits. Angry tears escaped, but she quickly scrubbed them off while keeping her eyes firmly on the road. “There was nothing to tell. I thought you were dead. I made a fresh start. I didn’t want any reminders of you…of living in Toronto. Nick, why did you have to show up and make it hurt all over again?” It was hard to keep looking at her, he felt his gut clench. He wished he could hold her, comfort her, like he used to do. He truly had authored so much of her suffering. “I’m sorry Nat. So very sorry for everything. But you have to understand, when I saw the TV clip, I needed to find you. I’d been existing knowing you were there, living somewhere in this world. Then it was…like being alive again. Nat, there’s more. I need to…” No, he couldn’t tell her now. It would be too much, having abruptly re-entered her life like this and then bear such tidings. She didn’t say anything, even refused to look at him. He wanted to say more. But it would have to wait; Nat had turned the car in toward the drop-off zone at the airport. It started innocently enough – she leaned over to show him how to unstick the occasionally unresponsive passenger door lock. As she pulled back, the curly strands of her chestnut hair somehow caught on his jacket button. “Ow!” she protested at the sudden curtailment of her retreat. “Here, let me,” he rapidly offered, throat suddenly gone dry. Slowly, he began unwinding the rebellious wisps. Her delicious blood-scent of cinnamon, chocolate and oranges pulled at his senses. Her neck, blushed with gold from her days in the tropical sun was bared in innocent invitation, just inches away from his abruptly achy, needful fangs. Painfully, he realized that he was as dangerously aroused as he was that fateful night years ago. Natalie held her breath. She acutely felt his yearning and her own. For a moment she was frozen between wanting Nick, her almost-lover from before and the loyalty she owed her husband. //Just this once. Please Nat…// Nick freed the last caught strands. As she moved away, he slid a shaky hand along the side of her throat, capturing her face then kissed her hard. He fully expected her to slap him but the barely controlled beast within demanded that he have her after being denied for so long. Neither could tell which of them was more surprised when Natalie found herself wrapping her arms around him and deepening the kiss. Her tongue stole into his mouth, caressing his budded fangs, gently pricking the soft flesh. A single drop of her blood beaded at a fang tip. It was greedily swept away. //She belongs to me. She was always mine – no matter what the consequences. Mine forever.// Natalie abruptly broke the kiss. “I’m sorry, this is wrong,” she whispered, head bent in remorse. His body refused the mental commands to release her. Touching his forehead to hers, he whispered, “I know…but I’m not sorry about kissing you. Nat, I won’t lose you again.” With an effort she tore herself away. “You left, Nick. I left too. I’m married now. I can’t go back. WE can’t go back.” The tears came again. Who knew if she was trying to convince him or herself? The temptation covered them in an unseen blanket of mutual misery. “Please Natalie. There’s more to this. Talk to me again,” he begged. She still wouldn’t, couldn’t say anything. He hurriedly pulled out his business card and scribbled a cell number on the back. “This is my private number. At any time you want Nat.” He felt relief when she nodded and accepted the card. He stepped out of the car and stood on the sidewalk. Watching. He stayed there, immovable long after the dust from her departure had settled. Chapter 4 “Bloody woman’s eluded me again,” frowned Stuart as he stood in the dark outside the locked study door. When he called before leaving his office, the team secretary had told him that Talie and her boss Bee had gone to a “last-minute” client dinner. He’d fallen asleep waiting for her to come in. Stuart was tired from his own work and came awake late in the night to an empty bed. Even now she was holed up in the study, stubbornly avoiding him in her quiet way. She needed watching. The night was turning to early morning. He left her to her brooding and silently went to do some of his own in their bedroom. Somewhere in Paris, it was still night. The telephone rang and Lucien LaCroix acknowledged the information being quickly, efficiently delivered. It had been almost two months since he lost contact with his son. Nicholas had been sighted in Manila. His informant filled him on the details and awaited further instructions. “Do nothing to reveal yourself; follow him and report to me any developments,” he instructed crisply. LaCroix had all the time in the world for Nicholas. He would wait and watch how the situation developed before making the next move. Chapter 5 Stuart had never been a stalker before. Yet here he was trying to act cool and nonchalant as he sat at a table slightly obscured by potted plants while doing a bad imitation of Hercule Poirot. < Desperate measures, desperate times however that old saw goes…> It had been almost a week since he tried talking to Talie. She was more withdrawn than ever. He wondered if she was sleeping with a colleague. All those hours they put at the lab – it was not an unusual thing. People just never thought of nerdy scientists as being the kind to have clandestine affairs. It was that thought that made him take off work and quietly follow her, hoping to find a clue to saving their marriage. Damn…she is having an affair. It had to be, he thought, when she made a surprise detour to the Botanical Garden café instead of heading to Kent Ridge and work, her usual refuge from trouble. They’d met at a café much like this. He’d been in town just two weeks with the ad agency when he saw her and hadn’t realized till later that she had been on one of her “chocolate therapy” sessions. She had been sitting alone in a corner, on the verge of tears. Covertly watching her bury her sorrow in chocolate made him unbearably sad and he had walked over, told her an outrageous joke that seemed to amuse her and simultaneously got himself invited to join her at the table. Two lattes (his) and a Belgian hot chocolate (hers) later – he’d known enough about the basics that he decided she was The One. Never mind that she was still hurting over whatever it was that had driven her to Singapore from snowy Canada. It didn’t matter then. He wanted her to be his. He was certain she had been all his until life began to wear way at their marriage…. Stu’s thoughts were rudely interrupted by the appearance of a man at her table. She wasn’t smiling, trying to keep her face neutral but her eyes held a special light as she looked up at the tall, blond man. Absently, Stu wished that he could still do that to her. < Serves you right MacGee, when was the last time you kissed her hand like that?> It had to be her boyfriend. Voices kept low, their heads were bent close together. Stu used skills honed from sizing up clients to read their body language, strange that they were being secretive but not in the manner of lovers. More like the huddle of a football team during a hotly contested match. Then it quickly became obvious the conversation turned angry on Talie’s side and the blond man was getting verbally bludgeoned. It wasn’t some lovers’ secret get together after all – Stu felt absurdly pleased and grateful at the same time for it. A few feet away. “Let me get this straight. You’re telling me that you’ve got all the lovely advantages of immortality and the sun thanks to our little blood exchange. I get permanent scars on my throat, you in my head whenever you’re in town and that I may even now be suspected by the Enforcers of being a hunter?” Her eyes were flashing murder. For a second, Nick found himself searching for the telltale golden vampire glow in them. Wisely, he stayed silent while mentally agreeing that Nat had covered the basics about the disaster of their last night together in Toronto. He also couldn’t help but notice that her beauty grew right along with her anger. Her skin was flushed, her heartbeat elevated and now her heated blood scent rose to tease him. The vampire in him growled and threatened to surface. Somewhere in the back of his head, his chevalier training kicked in and he knew he had to take control of the situation. “I’ll be honest, Nat. I can’t undo what’s done. You are a survivor of a vampire attack. To the Enforcers that makes you either a potential hunter or vampire. With us or against us, but they haven’t been actively searching for you as I have. You have a bit of time. That TV clip was not on a popular programme. I was lucky to even catch it. Nat, please accept. Use my resources to move you and your family…” He couldn’t bear to say ‘husband’ – it conjured too many images of her being loved by another man. He had more than a little trouble looking at her after that thought. “You need to disappear, Nat. We can work out the details of how you and yours will live under my protection…or...whatever you decide.” He left out that he hoped that she would choose to leave her husband behind. He would never dare suggest it. But it didn’t stop him from hoping. “Whatever I decide…,” she whispered, grim-faced. “Tell me Nick, what do I have to look forward to? No matter where I run now, I’ll be looking over my shoulder. Then there’s Stu, how the hell do I explain all this to him?” she hissed in exasperation, rubbing her forehead. For the umpteenth time since making the call to Nick’s cell phone, Natalie wished she had not decided to talk to him. To rip up and burn that card he’d given at the airport. The underlying feelings that led to the call had been complicated. Always, there was that pull of just Nick and it had mingled with her curiosity to understand exactly what had happened. She felt guilt too. She really shouldn’t be feeling all this for anyone but her husband. She was completely unprepared for what Nick had told her. She had mentally played out their conversation along the lines of him asking forgiveness for abandoning her, that they could perhaps be friends again. She thought he would be content to let her live her new life once they got the apologies out of the way. The implications of what he told her now shook her. She understood at last she’d never escaped that night. She’d had a short reprieve. Illogically, she wanted to be in denial. To forget about the danger that she had somehow avoided the last four years through plain ol’ dumb luck. To delay the decisions that would have to be made. Though Nick had not said it, she knew the only thing that would set her free would be to turn vampire. It would be the only choice to satisfy the Enforcers. She would be a member of the Community – an asset rather than a potential security threat. And Nick would be a part of her life; again. some part of her mind reminded. But what do you do about dear Stu… And if IF she decided to be brought across, could she count on Nick to do the deed? Would he lose his nerve in the process and let her die? Toronto had shown her that he would rather die with her than have her live his cursed life. Had he really changed enough to adjust that belief? Nick watched her. It was all he could do with her mind was closed to him. After he had explained to her the after effects from their last night together, she now understood how the blood link worked and like she’d been born a vampire promptly shuttered her thoughts. She was still angry that he had not explained it sooner. She had been feeling his “shadow” on her mind since the day he had stalked her like a green, lovesick boy. He still didn’t know why he didn’t just speak with her directly then. Fear, he supposed. It had not been one of the high points in his life, but with Natalie he found that he didn’t care if he seemed the fool. He only knew he loved her and desperately wanted her back in his life in any way. He’d be satisfied with whatever crumbs she’d be willing to throw him. It had been difficult to be away in Manila, the blood link had been weak, almost as useless as it had been when he had been in Europe. It comforted him to be able to feel her in his mind. Even now, despite her closed thoughts, he relished the clear, living connection. It told him that she was there, a part of him. He needed it like an addict. If she wanted to and focused her attention, he knew Nat would be able to “hear” him in the back of her mind. He widened his end of the link, sending warmth and understanding for her difficult situation. Hers remained stubbornly shut. Misery and worry chased over her features. Nick felt a wave of sadness move through him then wrap around his heart. Nothing good had ever come out his love for her. He should have walked away the very first time they met. But his greedy heart never gave him a chance. Even now, it selfishly hoped that…What? That she would abandon her husband for him? It was an insane thought. Oh, he had not forgotten their kiss at the airport. She still had feelings for him. But she was a woman of integrity and logic. She wouldn’t choose him. No sane person would trust him – a bloodsucking monster who had left his woman to die alone after promising to love her forever. She kept silent. Locked out of her mind, he waited. A vampire had the luxury of time. She did not. He prayed that she would take up his offer to keep her safe. Even if it meant that he would have her near but never truly have her. //Please God, don’t let me lose her again…// But would God not curse me for coveting another man’s wife? // Bound in the misery that swirled in their minds and in their blood, neither noticed their silent watcher slip away. Chapter 6 He was relieved that she never had a clue of what he’d done today. She’d come home from work early. If she’d been to work at all. He hadn’t stayed watching for long after seeing Talie set her anger on the blond man. When she got home, Stu was pleasantly surprised when she practically ripped his clothes off and pushed him into bed. No woman; who’d come from a lover, would do that. But it unsettled him that when at the end, it felt as if she hadn’t been quite there entirely. Tellingly, that she was asleep now instead of sharing after-sex cuddles told Stu that things were very wrong. Natalie always liked the intimacy of just lying next to each other afterward, the comfort of relaxed, casual touching, the whispering…It was as if she needed the extra reassurance that she would not be abandoned. Still, what did her secret meeting mean for them? He left the bed and decided to break yet another trust. He searched through her bag. The jumbled innards reflected the turmoil her mind was in. Nat while occasionally harassed and in a hurry was usually very neat and organized. The inside of the bag looked like it had been searched by the hand of a desperate thief. Carefully, he sifted through the contents. Nothing but the expected. He had almost put everything away when he caught sight of the thin card carelessly tucked in the outer pocket of her checkbook cover. The card was marked with a rampant lion crest. It said simply Nicolas de Brabant, Brabant Foundation. Fine print below the name gave the foundation’s address and contact in Brussels. On the back, a hasty scrawl revealed a cell phone number. The card showed several signs of being crumpled then smoothed out again. The call register on Nat’s cell showed that she had made a single call to the number just the day before. Blondie. He’d bet it was him. Who the hell was he to Natalie? What was going on between them? Chapter 7 //He lay crumpled on the floor of the darkened room. Several empty bottles of blood lay scattered around him. Despite all he had drunk, the blood did nothing to quell the images tormenting his mind. He was wrapped in loneliness, in wanting love that he could never have -- the weight of it all strangling him. // In the bedroom, Natalie woke up abruptly from her slumber. Dazed and still confused from sleep. She had been dreaming of Nick. As his pain hissed through her mind, she belatedly realized what had happened. She didn’t know whether to be mortified or angry that Nick had in effect, a ringside seat to …what had happened between her and Stu. So much for privacy – there was none in a blood bond. The mix of emotions Nick broadcast alarmed her. She needed to reach him. Talk to him. Something. When she came home, Stu had been there waiting. Steady as always, innocent of any knowledge of the darkness his wife had brought into his life. Guilt had overwhelmed her and she had hoped making love to him would clear her conscience. Instead, in her conflicted state, she had wrought even more havoc. // Great going Nat, chalk up another big score for the screw up column.// Through the blood she felt Nick’s mind shut her out abruptly and surely as the iron gates of a medieval fortress. That made her nervous. She simply had to talk to him. No matter how inadvertently it had happened, mentally broadcasting to Nick what went on in her bed was cruel. She rolled off the bed, hastily dressing as she went, then headed to the family den for her bag. As the door swung open, Stuart knew there was no backing out of this confrontation. Not this time. “Who the hell is he Talie?” “Hnnhh..?” Wrapped up in her need to talk to Nick, the question had been so unexpected, she was certain she heard her husband wrong. He threw the card onto the writing desk. “Nicholas de Brabant. What is going on with you two?” There was an edge to her husband’s voice, the hint of threat that had never been directed at her before. “How…” Then she saw her open bag, the cell phone left on the desk – screen still on the call register. “You had no right to paw through my things. Why, don’t you trust me, Stu?” “I don’t know if I should, Talie. You’ve been acting strange; I don’t know what to think. I followed you and…and I saw you with that man today,” he countered, voice bristling with distrust. Clearly, he thought she was having an affair. That angered her. How dare he! She had been thinking of him, of their marriage. “Stuart, stop it. I haven’t done anything wrong. Nick and I…it’s…it’s complicated. There’s too much to explain.” “Try me,” he challenged. “I can’t, I wish I could but I can’t.” He was unmoved. “Can’t or won’t Talie? What is it about him? You’ve never kept secrets from me before. You’ve never ducked out from work before. Never, not when you’re sick, not even when we first married.” She knew he was right. About not keeping most secrets from him. Save one very important one. She worried at her lower lip, at a loss for the right thing to say. She wanted to scream. But it would not help. So she kept silent. The blood link was suddenly leaking Nick’s feelings again. It pulsed, pulling at her. Needing her to be with him. She needed to make a decision. She needed to get to Nick. She needed to explain things to Stuart. There was no time. Stuart’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. More angry accusations were threatening. “Come with me,” she said quickly. Stu blinked, realizing belatedly she was indeed already dressed to go out. “Where?” “You want to know what’s going on? Get dressed and come with me. You’ll understand when we get there.” Chapter 8 He didn’t trust her to drive. Her hands were shaking too much anyway. Nick was transmitting his feelings of despair and pain again the strain was taking a toll on her. She hoped he wouldn’t do something drastic. She knew she couldn’t stop him if he did. All she could do for the moment was follow the distress to its source. Much like their last night together, she didn’t have a plan for Nick, she was letting her heart dictate. She only hoped that it wouldn’t result in disaster again. “Turn here.” “Wait, here, over this way.” “Talie, where is this guy staying?” “I don’t know. Just do as I tell you.” Stuart turned his eyes from the road to look at his normally calm, organized wife. //What the hell is happening? // She looked like a woman possessed by some evil demon. Her hair wild, eyes shut tightly as she focused on her entire being on…what? “Up this road Stuart, hurry.” He blinked and refocused his attention on the driving. He recognized the neighborhood -- it was somewhere in Seletar Hills near the old airport. The whole place was an enclave for multi-millionaires, wealthy Indonesian and Indian-born tycoons; chosen for its rare, wooded location and convenience to the small airport that served private pleasure planes and business jets. “Stop here, Stu”. Natalie was practically ready to jump out of her seat. “He’s here.” “Now what?” He parked the Toyota at the side of the property and stared at the austerely designed home. It was set well back from the perimeter walls and looked more solid than the bunker-like US Embassy that was downtown. The security lights were on but it looked like no one was home. “We’re going in.” “You mean break in. In case you haven’t noticed, Talie, it’s the middle of the night and no one’s here to let us in. This just keeps getting crazier. You don’t even have any idea if this is the right place, do you?” Frustrated and angry at being doubted so many times, she slapped him then. It stunned both of them. Never, ever had they been physically violent with each other. She half-wished she could recall the action. “You’ll regret that Natalie.” He said quietly, eyes hard and unblinking. “I’m sorry…Stuart.” She wasn’t sure if there was any way to soothe him and his hurt pride. Fixing her eyes on him and pouring every bit of sincerity into her words, she tried again. “Stuart, this is not some whimsical adventure outing we’re on. I need you with me. I don’t know how I’m going to get in but I do know I need to be in there. I promise; you’ll get your answers once I’ve sorted out what’s happening with Nick.” With that she turned to the sliding metal gate that barred the way into the mansion. He stood rooted, unsure what he could do. He watched as Natalie tried out a set of figures into the security keypad beside the gateway. The gate opened with a soft mechanical whirr. Before he could ask her how she figured out the pass code, Natalie ran down the brightly lit driveway. Stuart got into the car, restarted the engine and cautiously followed her down the brick and tile driveway. The front door was closed but unlocked. The metal gates clicked shut. Natalie was now only the sound of urgent footsteps in the upper level of the house. He followed her above. Chapter 9 When Stu found her, she was crouched over de Brabant’s still body. He couldn’t see any signs of breathing. No pulse he could detect either. Dried streaks of blood marked the sides of the man’s mouth and eyes. Hell, the body was cold. The whole situation made him queasy. Tentatively, he ventured a suggestion. “Talie, shouldn’t we be calling an ambulance or the police?” He heard her mutter something that sounded like “Won’t do any good.” “Damn it, Nick, don’t go into withdrawal on me. I’m here. You called and I’m here now. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Nick. It was an accident. Wake up. Please. Wake up.” Desperation marked her voice. She began hitting the dead man’s face. He had never seen Natalie this out of control or more physically violent. No response came from the still form. Clearly, his wife was getting hysterical. He felt a pang of sympathy for the dead man. He had to try to get through to her again. “Talie, he’s dead. Call the police. Let them get whoever killed him...” She turned teary, maddened eyes on Stuart. “Shut up. SHUT UP! You don’t know anything about this.” Her eyes caught the gleam of the car keys in his hand and she snatched the bunch away. “He’s not dead. He’s unconscious, I will wake him up.” Natalie began flipping the key holder until she came to the small Swiss Army knife that was always attached to the ring. With a wry smile, she used the knife to draw a shallow cut in her palm. “It always comes down to the blood doesn’t it, Nick.” Stuart was seriously wondering about his wife’s sanity – she seemed to have snapped entirely. Horrified, he watched her push open de Brabant’s mouth and tip the welled-up blood in. When the dead man caught the bleeding hand in his own, clamping the bloodied palm it to his eager mouth and began to suck, Stuart started questioning his own mental well-being. Then he saw Natalie’s suddenly still face and the almost guilty light of pleasure in her eyes. His insides recoiled in instant disgust. “You’re sick…both of you!” he blurted. To Stuart’s utter amazement, de Brabant sat up and opened freakish, gold-flecked eyes to look directly at him. Reluctantly releasing Natalie’s still bleeding hand from his mouth; he kissed the back of it tenderly then whispered reverently to her, “Thank you”. “She’s a treasure, MacGee. You are a lucky man.” The voice was gentle but carried a strong feeling of menace. Stuart began to feel the hairs on his arm and neck rise in a rash of gooseflesh. Swallowing his nervousness, Stuart decided to brazen the threat. “Look, I don’t understand what sort of demented game you two are playing. I don’t want any part of it. I just want my answers and I’ll leave.” “What would your questions be MacGee?” replied Nick calmly, his eyes once again a mortal’s sapphire-blue. “I want to know what’s been going on. She…she’s been hiding things from me,” said Stuart addressing his words to de Brabant but as he spoke, hurled a disappointed look to Natalie. She looked down. Nick clucked disapprovingly at catching the couple’s silent communication. He pushed up Natalie’s chin. “You’ve done nothing wrong, Nat.” Moving from Nat, he stepped closer to Stuart, scenting his rival’s agitation and unease, the predator within him relishing the tang. “If you want to know, your wife has been protecting both of us. You should be pleased at such loyalty. You haven’t figured out what I am, have you MacGee?” “Other than a certified nutcase? No.” “Very funny, MacGee. Don’t. Push. It.” Nick growled, from where he suddenly stood behind Stuart, just a little too close to his neck. “Look at me, MacGee.” Stuart almost jumped away from the cool breath that blew at his collar. “Hey, you’re getting a little too continental on me. Give me space….” When he turned to actually look at de Brabant, what he saw shocked him into silence. The freakish, gold flecks in de Brabant’s eyes he saw earlier were now full on, glowing golden irises. Fangs threatened from the man’s mouth and a very real feeling of power and danger emanated from his tightly checked stance. “What the hell are you?” “As I once told Natalie, something very different from you. I am a vampire. The secret that has burdened her all these years.” Casting a glance to Natalie for guidance, Stuart could barely believe it when he saw her quickly nod in confirmation. “How..?” “How all this began is not important. Natalie has not told you before, but you are both in danger. Today, I offered her means to escape that threat. You have a choice, to uproot your life and go with her or to stay. That is what she wanted you to know tonight.” “What? You expect me to believe that?” “Believe it, MacGee. She knows far more about vampires than is healthy for any mortal. Be grateful that you even have a choice. I could alter your memories and leave you to carry on your life but she has no such luxury. She must disappear or die.” The room suddenly felt very, very cold. But Stuart ignored it. He still couldn’t process the things he was being told. He wiped the thin film of sweat that slicked his palms. “All this is just too bizarre…just unreal. I don’t know what to say.” It seemed he was frozen in indecision forever. He jaw worked in frustration while he eyed the vampire before him. De Brabant eyed him coldly. He literally had to make a life and death decision in just a few seconds. Turning his eyes on his wife, Stuart held out his hand. Accepting his hand, Nat gave him a watery, tentative smile, “Thank you, Stu. I couldn’t find a way to tell you before. It had to be your decision.” Nick silently crushed the upwelling of jealousy within him as he watched them link in that simple gesture. He averted his eyes to spare himself the sight. Natalie felt his disturbed emotions but couldn’t say anything else. She didn’t think it was going to be comfortable for any of them for a long, long while… Chapter 10 In the end, Natalie and Stuart MacGee were lost at sea. Recreational scuba divers, they disappeared while diving in waters off the Riau Islands, just 40 minutes out of Singapore harbor. It wasn’t an unusual occurrence as the favored dive spots in the area were criss-crossed with treacherous undersea currents. At least, that was how it was recorded on the official police report. Without family living in Singapore to press for investigation and without bodies to autopsy, the case file was quickly closed. Neither of the two mortals had experience “moving on” vampire-style. Neither expected to find it easy. Because they did not have the vampire’s facility and skill at quickly “becoming” their newly-provided identities, Natalie and Stuart would have to do it the hard way – spending time cooped up to study and practice the nitty-gritties with their vampire benefactor until they thoroughly assimilated their new identities. Two days after they “died”, Lacroix turned up at Nicholas’ doorstep. Nicholas mildly surprised Lacroix by not being hostile to his arrival, in fact almost welcoming him. Later the same evening “Well, this is a cozy arrangement, mon fils,” drawled Lacroix as he offered Nicholas their evening “cocktail”. “Your former paramour, her husband and you, the frustrated chevalier; under one roof. All the ingredients for a French farce. ” Not a growl. No drink thrown in his face. He must be losing his touch. The boy refused to look at him. Lacroix clicked his tongue in warning. “Beware, mon fils. You are thinking with your heart again. This arrangement simply cannot end well. The man loves her and how long before you betray the depth of your feeling for his wife?” Nicholas ground out, “I cannot say, Lacroix. I only know I have to try.” “You are resolute. Very well, I will say no more on the matter. Let us join the mortals at their meal shall we?” Relieved that Lacroix was going to let him continue with his decision unimpeded, Nicholas could only nod in silent thanks and led the way to the dining hall. Stuart eyed the new arrival. If anything, he appeared even more dangerous than de Brabant. “General Lacroix”, if that really was his name, certainly had a military bearing about him and the hardened eyes of someone who intimately knew about death. Many, many times over. That the man was coolly sipping blood mixed with Burgundy at the dinner table made it difficult for Stu to digest his own meal. Natalie didn’t even pretend to eat. Her eyes were shooting a whole arsenal of death at Lacroix. His wife obviously hated the vampire and didn’t care who knew about it. Stu wondered what bloody history they shared. He hated the helpless feeling of not knowing the back story of the situation. Talie was very cautious about her secrets and wanted to protect him from her deadly knowledge. Always the outsider, he’d give anything to really understand what now went on in her head. In that silky, condescending tone he knew riled her, Lacroix greeted his one time adversary, “Ah, Doctor Lambert. Nicholas was right; living in the tropics seems to agree with you. You look radiant my dear.” “The name is Robinson now, Lacroix,” she told him coolly. More invisible daggers flew at him. He had to chuckle. The air crackled with tension and unspoken curses. Things were going to get more interesting soon. Warning: Mention of Adult activity in following chapters. Nothing really explicit to warrant Adult post header, though. But please do turn away if it makes you uncomfortable. ;) Chapter 11 She moaned, her body arching suggestively into his as she slept. Stu shifted away uncomfortably. It was obvious she was having another erotic dream. The first couple of times, he played right along and got hot sex for real. But a sleepy, misplaced whisper revealed just whom the dreams were about. De Brabant. They never indicated otherwise in front of him. Never behaved inappropriately through the fortnight that they had been living under the same roof. But Stu was sharp enough to recognize the vibes. The sleep-blurred words merely confirmed that his host and his wife were intensely drawn to each other. Although both claimed their past relationship had been “good friends” or “patient and doctor”, Stuart knew there was more. And he knew he felt miserable. Lord knew what his wife felt these days… Rolling on his back, Stuart considered the mess he was in. The whole situation grated on his nerves. He hated being dependent on de Brabant, hated feeling helpless to say or do anything about the situation but knew there was no choice. He understood enough that if he left de Brabant’s protection, out of loyalty, Natalie would leave too and that would mean certain death for her. As screwed-up as his marriage had become, he couldn’t live with her death on his conscience. They would be leaving Singapore soon, with fresh identities to resettle some place where they would remain under de Brabant’s protection but hopefully not in as close quarters as the present. He prayed it would be enough to fix things between him and Nat. In his locked bedroom at the upper level of the house, Nick lay back utterly spent. She was so close, still wrapped in slumber just a few rooms away. He wanted badly to take Natalie for his own. The bleeding bite he’d left on his wrist was starting to heal. How long would he be able to resist her? He’d tried – he was drinking more blood now than he ever had previously. He’d even started drinking donated human blood. Still her blood called to him. Soon…soon no other blood would satisfy. He’d restricted his time in her company. Saw her only when Stuart was around as buffer. But through their blood link, he felt her. Her dreams spilled into the link and asleep, her subconscious spoke the way she never would when awake. Telling him things she would never speak aloud because of her loyalty to her husband. The blood never lied. He would have to move them soon before he lost control. Tomorrow he would push the agents for the travel papers. Chapter 12 She couldn’t believe it. They would be leaving Singapore finally. Even now, Nick was closeted in the study with the transport agent to ensure that the trip would go smoothly. Stuart was somewhere in the house, most probably brooding. Her husband was unhappy and there was not a damned thing she could do to reassure him. She’d deliberately stayed away from Nick, avoided saying or doing anything that would send the wrong signals. He too blocked their link. But still, Stuart grew more distant. It was as if, he could read her inner longing. She knew now they should never have married. But she’d been desperate to prove that she could survive losing Nick. That she could live a normal, mundane life. As if she could return to such a thing after Toronto and be content. In her dreams she was free to be with Nick the way they should. If only. But she had made commitments. And what’s done is done. Her thoughts were interrupted by the gentle creak of the door opening. “Excited for the upcoming journey, doctor?” Natalie squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself to stay civil to Lacroix. Why did he bother with her? Squaring her jaw, she turned to face him. She could still make small talk, couldn’t she? Pleasantly, she said, “A little, yes. I’m surprised though at how smooth starting a life over can be…but then I suppose all this is nothing new to you.” He had that reptilian smirk on. Oh how she loathed him. “No, it is not. My son has had much practice at it as all of our kind does. It is only occasionally when he forms unnecessary entanglements that moving on becomes…troublesome.” “And that’s when you step in to smooth things…” “Naturally, my dear, that’s what I do best.” Smirk. //The hell with civility.// Four years of thinking Nick was dead; Lacroix had to answer for that. “So that’s what you were doing in Toronto. You lied to me to smooth things…” “I saved you both from death. It would have been a terrible waste of two lives. The way you both carried on was completely self-destructive. Surely you can see that now.” “I wasn’t suicidal! We were trying to be together. A little human comfort, if you can understand that. Nick…needed” Lacroix actually laughed aloud, cutting her off. “It simply amazes me how such an intelligent person can have so little thought to the consequences. He was half-starved and emotionally overwrought. You expected restraint from him. He should have drained you then moved on to the next sweet young thing that caught his eye.” She slapped him. He never even flinched. Just flashed that condescending smile. He’d won that round. Rubbing her stinging palm, she glared at him. “Really, just why are you here Lacroix?” “I do not want a repeat of Toronto. I’m sure you’re aware Nicholas wants you, your blood. Give to him. Let him bring you across.” “And that benefits me how?” He casually circled her as if considering…where best to bite. “Why, doctor, you get what you really want. Our dear, Nicholas, permanently.” Why was he doing this? “And if I refuse Lacroix?” “Come, come…you are a logical woman. What possible benefit could there be in being a supplicant for his protection when you could be his consort? Why cling to mortality, to age and wither away into a wasted shell when you can retain all that you are for eternity?” She gave an inelegant snort of disgust. “I see. I’m supposed to casually dispose of my marriage, my husband and every single scruple I have in the process. Not to mention destroy whatever’s left of Nick’s soul by having him turn me vampire after he’s railed for years about what a curse it is being a bloodsucker. Jeez, you never ask much of anybody, do you, Lacroix? Maybe that’s why your children flee you like the plague.” That pushed a button. He leaned menacingly closer. “I have always done what’s best for my children. Being childless, you could never understand. Would you stay helpless while your child destroys himself?” “Well, maybe you should quit giving him a reason to want to destroy himself. Nick has been torn up inside for a long time. Long before I ever appeared on the scene. If only you were a bit more accepting, Lacroix. You knew he wasn’t always unhappy being a vampire. He just cannot be an unfeeling killer for the rest of this life. ” “Ah, but you deliberately miss the point, doctor. He has every reason to destroy himself as long as you are still warm and breathing. He wants to be mortal for you and mortals die, ma enfante. But if his chosen is as eternal as he…then he will always have hope in his darkness.” The old devil did know how to pull at her heart. But she reminded him, “He would never agree Lacroix. I’m sure you recall his words, he would never condemn me to join him in the dark.” “You’ll find that he is much changed, doctor. He used to think only mortality would redeem him. After he lost you, well…here he is again. Charging back into your life. You don’t really believe he is here to save you because he feels obligated, do you?’’ sneered Lacroix. “That would not be the Nicholas you know and love so well, now would it?’’ Lacroix knew that he getting to her. Almost fatherly now in his manner, he whispered, “Give it up doctor. Stop fighting so hard. I only speak the truth. It need not be more complicated than it is. He wants you, you want him. Be done with your sham of a marriage. Let go of that mortal bond. You would make an excellent vampire – you have the fortitude and spirit to ride out the centuries with grace. Nicholas could not have chosen any better in finding a companion for eternity.” He left Natalie. Wrapped alone in her thoughts. And temptation. Chapter 13 The travel arrangements were ready. He held the folder of documents, wanting to deliver them personally to Stuart and Natalie. Nicholas prepared himself to step back a little, watch over her while letting her live the life she deserved. Without danger or fear, especially from the threat that was much larger than The Enforcers. He knew he would kill her with the intensity of his need – just today he consumed three more bottles of blood than he would have usually required. A long ago warning flitted through his mind. He had to deny his bloodlust to ensure her safety. In effect, it was a bit like a wolf in charge of protecting sheep. Guarding her from others while desperately wanting her for himself. He quickened his pace to her room. Once she and her husband had the papers, he had arranged to leave by private jet for Manila tonight. Just until she got to safety at the secure location. He caught her scent before he even saw her. Her heart beat steady and beloved. He felt his own heart beat twice and his vision momentarily flashed to amber when he realized that she was alone in the room. “Nick…” “Nat…uh…where’s Stuart?” “Walking his frustrations outside, I expect. He’s getting cabin fever.” “I’ll come back later then.” He almost made it to the door but a brief touch on his arm effectively rooted him. “Nick...I” Whatever she meant to say never got said. His hand clamped around her wrist and she was pulled close for a hard, brutal kiss. Things got rapidly wild after that. It didn’t matter the door was wide open. Silk and cotton were tugged. Stretched. Torn. Warm breath and tongues swirled. Seeking. Touching. Smooth flesh. Silky hair. Slick moistness turning to sweet friction. The world took on a red veil. There was a brief outcry of pain. Then pure pleasure and Natalie’s love flooded his senses. //I love you so much Nat…// He knew he should pull away, but couldn’t, wanting to be wrapped endlessly within the sensation. He felt her love warm the cold, locked away parts inside him. Felt her dreams, fears and regrets. Awash in emotion, he was certain he would not survive being away from her again. Bliss beckoned them both but abruptly; he heard a wet, crunching sound and just moments later, the pain registered. “You bastard. Rot in hell…” Nick couldn’t respond. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing spilled forth save a warm rush of blood that had forced its way up his esophagus and now made its soundless track from his lips to his shirt. A crude stake, formerly a chair leg hastily broken off, protruded from Nick’s chest. But what alarmed him was not his own pain. The force of the stake thrust had not only violently torn through him but had managed to injure Nat as well. They were pinned together, her blood and his mingling. Nat was already unconscious and she would need help soon. But Nick could not move without tearing her flesh further. He couldn’t see Stuart, trapped as he was facing Nat. He feared that Stuart would kill them both. “Stuart…please.” He was quite prepared to beg for her life. In hysterical tones, Stuart railed at him. “She trusted you not to hurt her. We were going to leave! Why couldn’t you let her alone?! Wh…” There was a muffled cracking sound followed by the heavy thud of a lifeless shell hitting carpeting. Nicholas was gently lifted free by strong, capable hands. He felt the dull pain of the wood pass through him and the slight sucking sound it made as it popped free of him. A bleeding wrist was clamped to his mouth and he drank greedily. His master had saved him again. Natalie’s fate was less certain. The stake was firmly imbedded in her wound. Her breathing was difficult and she was very pale from blood loss and trauma. //Lacroix…she’s badly hurt. I fear for her…// //You must decide Nicholas. Not I. You have tasted her blood and know best whether she would choose life or death. What will it be? You have little time…she will not survive if we move her for mortal medical care. // Nick closed his eyes as the twin waves of pain and despair crashed through him. Once again he had failed Nat. They were again at the same point as at that night in Toronto. Flashback: Toronto The pain tore through his chest. But he suffered it gladly, knowing that it would free him. To be with Natalie. As his vision dimmed, he wanted his last thoughts to dwell on her love, her bravery and her faith in him. He had failed her. He’d taken too much. Painfully, he made an effort to stretch out a hand and touch her face one last time. It proved too much. “Forgive me…” he whispered. He never felt the strong hands that pulled him away from her. When he came to again, he knew. Lacroix had deliberately missed hitting his heart with the stake. His master was watching with troubled eyes from the far end of the room. “Why can’t you let me go?” “You did not know what you asked of me, Nicholas. You and my memories are all I have of Fleur.” “So you let Natalie die. Alone.” “She matters little Nicholas, despite what you feel now. You’ll find another, you always have. As I’ve said once before, your heart remains untouched.” “You are wrong.” The wound in his chest was beginning to heal but was fragile enough that Nicholas moved with some difficulty. In his hurt state, his vampire senses were doubly sharp. He didn’t need a window to tell the sun was high. He had a chance. Carefully shielding his thoughts, he edged closer to that golden hope hidden behind the thick, blackout curtains. All he needed was a moment of distraction from Lacroix. // Wait for me love…I will be with you soon… // There was no pain as the sunlight swept over him. He prayed Death would arrive swiftly. Chapter 14 Death had not come then. Instead he discovered that his beloved’s blood had changed him into a vampire who could walk in sunlight. SHE had saved him then. Perhaps he would be her savior this time. By letting her decide. //To live or die, my love...it will be as YOU wish.// He knelt close to her, reverently brushing aside her wealth of chestnut curls then bending to taste again the rich flavor of her blood. For an instant Nick glimpsed the lightened doorway. She was very close to leaving him. Voice cracking in fear and hope both, he pleaded, “Natalie, come back to me. Return and don’t leave me alone without your love.” The threshold beckoned. The light within promised many things – comfort, love, absolution and freedom from pain. Except Nick did not await her there. Natalie hesitated. She knew she would never see him again if she stepped through. His voice was calling from far away. The pain continued to throb. It would be the most natural thing to escape through the light. Still she held back. “Come through, Talie. This is where you belong.” Stuart was now standing inside the light. He looked calm and rested; so unlike the tense, unhappy man who had been her husband these last days. “Stu…oh, Stuart. I’m so sorry I wronged you.” “Talie, I made my share of mistakes with you. I'm the reason why you arrived at this crossroad. There’s nothing to forgive. Come, join the light.” She wanted to, but remembered. “Tell me, Nick will never cross into the light, will he?” The glow on Stuart’s face dimmed slightly. “No, not without you,” he confirmed. “Will I really make a difference?” His smiled sadly, “Talie, the darkness and despair around him will not let him come through without you. If you don’t join now, it will be a long road back. You may even lose your path.” Natalie knew her decision would be the right one. It had to be. Nick felt her lips move against his wrist. After the first couple of gulps, her eyes opened, they were a soft, tender gold and full of love. “I couldn’t leave without you,” she whispered as she looked into his eyes, which shimmered with unshed ruby tears and some strong unspoken emotion. His voice failed him again. He clasped her close instead, almost not believing that she would give up the light to come back for his stained soul. //I love you, Nat. Always.// Natalie smiled at the warm surge of his love flowing through the blood link. Their golden gazes met and held. “We’ll find our way together, Nick.” “Together. It’s a promise.” FIN (for now)