Love Faith and Sacrifice Part 0/18 All rights are reserved by StormyNite written in March of 1998 Sequel to Alone....#7 in the Second Chance Series Time line: 6 weeks after the birth of Kathryn Grace de Brabant Knight....Jonathan has turned 5 Natalie held the baby in her arms and cooed as they rode up the lift. Jonathan stood by his father holding the diaper bag for his mom as Nick moved several of the suitcases around so they could all ride up together. It had been a wonderful family break and they'd enjoyed every minute of it. The weather in France had been wonderful and the servants had all doted on both Jonathan and Kathryn as Natalie recovered from their daughter's birth. Nick's family estate was in the usual immaculate condition, and none of the servants ever seemed to notice he never aged. Of course, most of their families had been with the de Brabant family for over 6 centuries and either knew what Nick was or didn't care. The farmers who cultivated the land saw him only as their savior and a distant relative of the original Nicholas de Brabant. Nick and Jonathan had spent hours riding the estate as Nick took great pride in teaching his son the fine art of riding and wine making. Most of the estate, both leased and owned by Nick, was now devoted to growing grapes. They'd even built their own small winery that produced only a very select dry white wine that was sought after heavily in France. It was a pleasant surprise to Nat to find their own wine label presented to them as the best the restaurant had to offer one night when they dined in Paris. Nick never ceased to amaze her with his business skill as well as his devoted attention to her and the kids. She had never believed her life could be so full, nor she could ever be this happy. Each day when they lay down to sleep she said a silent prayer of thanks for that dark night 6 years ago that they'd both made the right choice. Nick smiled at his wife and daughter as Natalie obviously drifted off to somewhere else. She was getting as bad as he was at times. He gently ran his hand over Kathryn's lovely round face and she reacted instantly to him by trying to suck his finger. She truly had an appetite and a nice set of lungs which she exhibited frequently when she didn't get what she wanted. "And where are you, my love?" Nick gently caressed Nat's cheek with his other hand as Kathryn sucked on his finger. Nat leaned into his caress, then smiled. "Oh, I was just thinking back to that night 6 years ago when I rode this lift up to see you." Pure love shown in her eyes as she met his. "What we did that night saved us both, Nick, and I'm so thankful you can't imagine. I never believed I could be so happy." A slight twinge of doubt crossed her face. "Are you happy, Nick?" The blue gray in his eyes twinkled brightly as he leaned over to kiss her gently. "In 800 years you could not find a happier person, Natalie. You and the kids have made me whole. You've made me realize that my humanity is not based on what I am, but who I am." He leaned down and picked up Jonathan into his arms as the lift stopped. "I love you all more than life itself and I am the happiest man alive. I have a beautiful son, daughter and wife who loves me unconditionally." Jonathan leaned into his father and hugged him tightly to which Nick reciprocated. "Who could ask for more?" Nick beamed at Nat and the baby in her arms. Nick opened the door to the lift and stepped through carrying his son. Instantly he knew something was wrong and he stepped in front of Nat and the baby. Jonathan felt his father tense and searched the room as well. Something smelt wrong. "What is it, Nick?" Nat covered the baby quickly as Nick sat Jonathan down and shoved his little hand into hers. "I don't know, Nat. You take the kids and go back outside. Not in the garage....outside. I smell blood and lots of it." He searched the room with his vampire vision, yet could find nothing. "I don't hear any heartbeats but ours, but I don't want the kids to see it if there's a problem." He ushered them back into the lift and shut the door. As soon as the lift engaged Nick began his search. They had stored all the artifacts and tarped all the furniture before they left, leaving the security code with the renovation company. Kathryn's room was to be finished before they returned. He only hoped it was just some minor accident with the construction people that was causing the smell, but he doubted it. It was way too strong and way too fresh. Theressa had come by to check on things as they progressed and untarped everything after the construction people finished. Quickly Nick searched the downstairs and found nothing. When he entered their bedroom he found the body. Being careful not to disturb the crime scene, he went to check it closely. Pulling his sleeve over his hand not to disturb any fingerprints, he turned the body over carefully to discover Lyle Forester, one of the largest drug distributors in the city, dead of multiple stab wounds. One of the ornate, tiny, sharp daggers he'd presented to Natalie last year as a gift protruded from the dead man's chest. ----------- Part 2 Nick stepped out of the lift with his cell phone stuck to his ear. He'd called the precinct to let them know about the body and notify Tracy in particular. Nat stood by the caddie with Kathryn and Jonathan waiting patiently for his return. She watched him closely as he hung up the phone. "What is it, Nick?" Worried blue eyes met his. "It's the body of Lyle Forester. He's been stabbed at least a dozen times and left bleeding all over our bedroom floor. I've called the Captain and Tracy. Your office is on the way, and so it Trace." Nick reached down and picked up his son. Jonathan leaned into his father and patted his face, lovingly easing Nick's tension. Nick turned to smile at his son. "I really wish you could teach me how to do that." Jonathan giggled and then hugged his father. "Why don't you hold Kathryn, Nick, and I'll run up and see what I can determine before they get here. It might save some time." She adjusted the baby and prepared to hand her to him. "No, Nat. I don't want you up there. It's your dagger that's the murder weapon. One in the set I gave you last Christmas that came from that Mexican excavation site that I worked on." His worried eyes met hers. It didn't take much of an explanation for her to understand the implications of the dagger. "How could that be, Nick? Those daggers was sent with the rest of our stuff to storage." "I don't know, Nat, but I'm going to find out. Why don't you and the kids stay at Theressa's until I get some answers and we get this mess cleaned up." Tracy's car pulled up next to them followed by the coroner's wagon and the ambulance siren could be heard several block away. Tracy jumped out of the car and headed for them both. Immediately she reached for the baby which Nat gladly handed over. "Oh, my goodness. She has grown." Tracy ran her hand over Kathryn and smiled in a motherly way, then stared at Nat. "She's going to have your hair, Nat but Nick's color....what's the term? Strawberry blonde?" Tracy handed the baby back to Natalie, then reached for Jonathan still nestled in his father's arms. "Hey, little man....how's it going? Did you learn how to ride that horse you wrote me about?" Tracy smiled broadly and pulled Jonathan into her arms. Jonathan hugged Tracy and giggled as she tickled him. "I have real potential!" He stated proudly then looked at his father. "At least that's what Dad says." Articulate and clear as ever, Tracy marveled at his maturity level. "Well, I've got to go to work now. Unfortunately, it's in your house." She placed him on the ground and Nat reached for his hand. She knew Nick would go with Trace as they checked out the body. "Shall we, partner." Tracy quipped extremely glad to have them both back although a nice dinner would have been a better reception. "By the way.....welcome home. I missed you all." She headed toward the garage and Nick followed. ------------ It had to be the blond protecting her. The rumors were true. She'd finally married. He thought that wasn't possible but there she stood with him and two kids. They should be arresting her anytime now. The kids weren't going to save her....not this time and neither was the blond guy either. If he did, he would take care of him and the kids as well. This time he was in control of everything and he was going to claim what was rightfully his without any interference. He watched as the large black man arrived at the scene and took control. Must be the Captain or someone with power. Good, that meant step one was complete. He turned the ignition on the Ford and it started immediately. Pulling away from the curb slowly in order not to draw attention, he left the scene. When he turned the corner and headed for the freeway, another dark sedan rounded the corner and he stared at the petite brunette behind the wheel in fascination, then smiled. ------------- Theressa pulled up beside Nick, Nat and the kids and bounded out of the car. Jonathan spotted her first. "Aunt Theressa!" He screamed and ran for his favorite aunt. She swooped him into her arms and made her way to Nick and Nat. "What happened?" Theressa hugged her sister carefully as she held the baby and questioned Nick. "There's a body in the loft, Theressa. We just got in. Can you take Nat and the kids over to your place until we get this wrapped up? Kathryn shouldn't be outside in this damp for very long." Nick stared at Nat who started to object, then looked at the little bundle nestled in her arms and relinquished. "No problem, Nick." Theressa leaned over and picked up the diaper bag and ushered them all to her car. Nick threw a couple of the suitcases in the back and sent them on their way. ----------- As soon as Captain Reese hit the scene, he made Nick stand clear. Now he became the observer to the whole proceedings as they dusted his entire house and hauled the body away. It was apparent the Captain didn't want any problems with the Crown claiming he tampered with evidence. Reese and Tracy finally called it quits as they strung more yellow tape across the threshold of the loft. "It would appear, Nick, that someone wasn't quite aware that you and Natalie were out of the country. ME says the body's been dead for at least 8 hours, but I'm willing to bet we will find only Natalie's fingerprints on that dagger or yours. You didn't touch it before you called us did you?" Reese was certain Nick was smarter than that. "No, Captain, I didn't. Nat, the kids and I have the perfect alibi at 40,000 feet over the ocean for the last 8 hours. I guess that means it someone with a motive of revenge. I'll start pulling possibles as soon as I get Nat and the kids settled in at Theressa's. Whoever it was knew enough to get into our storage compartment and find the daggers, but not enough to know we missed our scheduled flight back. There were only a few people who had access to our arrival time, so whoever did this went by the original itinerary. How soon on the tox and fingerprints?" Nick knew time was of the essence if they were going to get to the bottom of this and prevent it from happening again. "Jerry says we'll have print info in about 30 minutes, tox will take a little longer. I want both you and Natalie working on this, but we have to make sure you're cleared from the Crown's point of view. Not that Forester is any loss, but I don't like people getting away with murder on my watch." Reese stared at the last of the tech crew coming out of the loft. "You know, Nick, if this guys good enough to get into your storage compartment and the loft, you won't be safe here until you get your security changed. Maybe we should put you and the kids under protective custody until we get this all straightened out?" "No, Captain. It would never work. Too many leaks in the department for safe houses. I have somewhere else in mind, and the body guards can't be bought. I'm going to go send Nat, the kids and maybe Theressa as well. We don't know how far this guy is willing to go." Nick pulled out his keys and headed for the car. "Nick!" Tracy yelled before he started the engine and ran to his door. "What is it, Trace!" "I need to talk to you about something." She looked around nervously at the Captain as he spoke to the young officer in charge of the scene. "It's about Vachon." Her voice was a whisper, but she knew he could hear it. "I know this isn't a good time, but I need Natalie to look at some things." Worry was etched into her young face as she spoke. "I'm going to get Nat and the kids moved. I'll be in later and you can fill me in, but Trace, they aren't going to let either one of us do anything at the precinct until this" Nick nodded toward the coroner's wagon pulling away, "is taken care of." "I understand, Nick. I'll push the fingerprint analysis and verify your alibis. As soon as the Crown has proof you were on a plane when this guy died, you will be free and clear, and so will Nat." She smiled hopefully, then backed away. Nick hoped she was right as he started the car. --------- Theressa rocked Kathryn in her arms as Jonathan finished his chicken noodle soup. Nat was still upstairs taking a shower when Nick walked in. "Hi, Dad!" Jonathan chirped when he saw his father. "Hi, yourself, little man!" Nick sat down at the table with them and Jonathan shoved his soup bowl in front of his father. "You can have mine if you want." He piped in a cheerful voice knowing full well his father wouldn't touch it, then he smiled mischievously as Nick made a face of disgust. "Nice try but I've learned my lesson with you. Just because it looks like it's got eggs in it doesn't mean it really does." Nick leaned over and tickled his son until he giggled uproariously. Nat watched from the top of the stairs at Nick and Jonathan, and marveled at their ability to communicate and understand each other without words. It was the blood bond, and the love that they shared. It pleased her to no end to watch them. It made her feel warm and mushy inside. She was sure Nick would never understand it, but Theressa caught her eye and smiled. It was a woman thing. "Well, that certainly is a wonderful sound after tonight." Nat glided down the stairs and sat in the chair Nick pulled out for her. "Our son is trying to make me sick again. He gets a kick out of watching his dad hurl in the sink. I think he's developing your sense of humor, Nat. Sort of like laughing every time I couldn't tolerate one of those famous protein shakes of yours." Nick chuckled and ruffled his sons hair, causing them all to laugh with delight. "So tell me what they've found out." Natalie needed to know whose fingerprints were on the dagger. "Forester was stabbed 10 times and bled to death on our bedroom floor. They found close to $100,000 in drugs in a bag under our bed and your fingerprints were the only ones on the dagger. If we hadn't been on an airplane with 360 other people at 40,000 feet we would be looking for a lawyer. It was a perfect set up. No forced entry, no stray fingerprints, lots of drugs and one dead body. The question is were they trying to frame you or just use the commotion and trauma of a legal defense and murder to distract me." Nick's reached for Nat's hand, pulled it into his lap and caressed it gently, then spoke softly to his wife. "Know anyone who wants you behind bars or in the gas chamber bad enough to risk killing one of the largest drug dealers in the city?" Nick knew the answer before he asked. Natalie's past was his as his was hers every time they exchanged blood. There were no secrets between them and never would be. "Not the last time I checked, but I could go back and check the cases I testified in over the past several years. Maybe there's someone in there who holds me responsible for their conviction." Her worried blue eyes met his, but no guilt showed in her face. She did her job and testified honestly. If someone was out for revenge because of what she said, then so be it. She was not to blame here. Nick smiled and pulled her into his lap, then caressed her face lightly. He wished desperately that someday he could feel the same way about his life. He envied her that. Without speaking, she leaned over and kissed him, then whispered into his ear. "You will, my love, you will." He pulled her close, then ran his fingers through her luxurious hair and breathed in her scent. "I want you to pack up the kids and go to the Raven." Nick let his eyes rest on Theressa's before he spoke. "You too, Theressa. Whoever this is obviously wants to get even with Nat or myself. That puts you at risk as well." "I'll be fine, Nick, but if it makes you feel better I'm sure Lucien won't mind." She smiled and let her mind drift to the image she carried of LaCroix in her mind. Nick would probably question her sanity if he could have read her mind. Nick's cell phone rang and he pulled it out of his coat pocket on the first ring. "Knight!" "It's me, Nick." Tracy sounded hurried as she spoke. "I need you and Nat at the morgue. There's another body. Get here quick. I don't want to have to deal with the Captain and all the embarrassing questions on this one." She walked around the room as she spoke letting the confusion and trepidation seep into her voice. "On my way, Trace. Has the Crown cleared us?" Nick waited impatiently and pulled Nat tighter into his embrace as she watched him closely. "Captain's getting it cleared now. You're on the passenger log and so is Nat. Your passport stamps were logged in to clear you. We need you both." "Done, Trace! We'll be there in 10 minutes. You send a unmarked car over here with someone that knows Theressa. Okay?" ----------- "Hi, Jill!" Nat greeted her co-worker with a hug. "I see business is booming, as usual." She noticed two covered bodies over on the tables behind them and forced a smile. Tracy stood near Nat's desk pacing back and forth waiting. "Nat!" Tracy almost jumped when she heard her voice and she immediately sought Nick's form. "He went up to the precinct first to check with the Captain, before we got too involved and caused problems. He'll be here in a few minutes, Trace." Nat disengaged herself from Jill's hug and proceeded over to her desk. She almost dreaded what she'd find. After 6 weeks, she was sure the paperwork alone would be mind-boggling let alone the clean and finish work she'd have to do for her fill in. Nat looked around the morgue not noticing anyone else then turned questioning eyes to Jill. "Where's my replacement, Jill. Why isn't he here?" Tracy grabbed Nat's arm to pull her attention back to her. "That's part of the problem, Nat. Your replacement couldn't handle the load by himself and the Captain's constant barrage of complaints about his work, so he left 2 weeks after you and Nick did. They sent this guy up here that's on a study program. He's from New Orleans, Louisiana and he agreed to cover only if he got to stay on and study with you when you got back." Tracy looked nervously at Jill. "It's really okay, Nat. He seems like a really nice guy. His work is acceptable and I don't understand why Tracy is so upset. I'm not a pathologist but I've watched you enough to know when a guy has bled to death. Tracy seems to think it's more than that." Jill didn't smile or frown when she met Tracy's eyes but just wrote her off as being a paranoid detective. "I'll let her fill you in. All the paperwork is on your desk. Only you will know if it's right or not. I'll talk to you later." Jill headed for the door. "I'm going to go pick up the tox reports and I'll be back in about an hour. By the way, you look great. I guess Kathryn hasn't kept you up all day then?" Jill smiled, then pushed out the door. Nat waved, then turned her attention back to Trace. "Okay, spill it! What's the real problem?" Nat started for the bodies on the table followed closely by Tracy. "You tell me, Nat." Tracy walked over and pulled the sheet off the first victim. "This is the fourth body in 4 weeks and they all look the same. This guy, Lyle Duvall, claims that each one of them died from massive blood loss from multiple wounds over their body inflicted guessed to be a very strong male opponent. He also claims there's no similarities between the victims and the way they were killed." Tracy eyed the young woman on the table before her. "You tell me where the multiple wounds are, and how you could call that wound over her jugular anything other than a vicious attack by an animal." Tracy looked around the room skeptically before she continued in a whisper. "Or a first kill. This has vampire written all over it and this guy doesn't see any similarities? I'm willing to admit it's massive blood loss, but she doesn't have more than 5 or 6 scratches on her except that massive tear in her throat. He's covering it up and I want to know why." Tracy watched Natalie closely as she eyed the body and finally looked up to meet her eyes with more than just a touch of fear written in them. Nick popped in the door moments later. Relief was written on her face when Nick pushed through the door. "Nick?" Nat's voice was filled with doubt and something more. He was at their side within a heart beat and stared at the body. "What is it, Nat?" Nick pulled the sheet further off the body, then let his eyes survey the dead woman's throat. He'd recognized the same thing Nat had within seconds. "It's just like the guy from the museum." Nat stated calmly, then turned to meet Tracy's eyes filled with pain. "He's losing control again, isn't he?" She looked at Nick and Nat knowing full well that she already knew the answer. "It can't be Vachon. He would have told me." Doubt filled with pain echoed in her voice. Nick went to her side quickly and pulled her into his arms. "I'll have a talk with him. Is this what you wanted to talk about?" She nodded affirmatively on his shoulder as she sobbed slightly. With tear streaked eyes, she finally pulled her head off his shoulder. "What are we going to do, Nick? What am I going to do?" "We'll figure it out, Trace! Just have a little faith." Nick wiped the tears from her cheek. "It's more than that, Nick." Nat interrupted them causing them both to turn together. "We have a problem with this new guy. And the question is why isn't he reporting it? We are going to have to tread lightly and find out the whole story. There has to be a reason why because the whole community could be at risk here." --------- Part 3 Lyle stared at the picture in his hands for more than a full minute. He was finally going to meet her. She was the one. He was certain of it. From all the little tidbits he'd gleaned over the past 6 weeks, Natalie Lambert Knight was the woman. She had been chosen by the great ones and he would make sure she understood the enormous tribute and honor he was giving her. He smiled, oblivious to the others in the room. He'd come up to the precinct to drop off the paperwork on the Jane Doe he'd just finished. What he didn't understand was Detective Vetter's big problem with his work. The woman obviously died of blood loss. He had to admit that the Captain was starting to listen to her slightly and he would have to pay closer attention to his work now versus his research. Besides that, she had returned and he was going to permanently ask for the night shift, since that's what she worked. He would convince her she'd made a mistake. Mother said her children were special, so he'd take them too, but then he and Natalie would make beautiful babies. The smile spread even wider as he continued to stare at Natalie's picture. Green finally walked over and tapped him on the shoulder. "I don't mean to break your bubble or anything Duvall, but the lady is married.....very married, and Nick doesn't take to kindly to guys hitting on her. He didn't before they were married and he's even worse now. They don't call him the 'Knightmare' without cause. He's not the type of guy you want to get pissed. Believe me when I say put all those ideas out of your head." Green shook his head in disbelief. Duvall had been here six weeks and all he did was ask questions about Lambert and Knight. He was in for a rude awakening. He knew Duvall didn't have a problem with women because half the day shift had hit on him, but he'd set his sights on Lambert 2 weeks after he'd been here...and he'd never even seen her. It would only get worse after he saw her. Motherhood suited Natalie and she looked prettier today than the day he'd meet her 7 years ago, and if he was forced to admit it Knight made a great husband and father. Who would have guessed. "So you're saying she's a one-woman man, and it's Knight." Lyle smiled wickedly, slicked his hair back and sucked his gut in slightly and preened. Green just rolled his eyes in disgust. "I'll bet you and" he motioned around the room to all the listening ears, "that I can take Natalie away from Knight. Let's say, in less than a month. Any takers?" Nine hands flew in the air with twenties and fifties. Lyle was a little astounded how quickly they responded, but then they didn't know how charming he was and how the ladies loved him with or without his special talents. He quickly started collecting the money. "Okay, one month from today. Natalie dumps Knight for me." He smiled with glee. ------------ Natalie finally finished the autopsy on the young woman and stripped off her gloves and scrubs in the dressing room. It appeared to be a first kill. The marks were different when you pulled away the torn flesh. As she changed, she let her mind wonder as to this Lyle Duvall's reasoning for letting it slip through. She would go back and check the previous victims and meet the man before she made any decision. It was possible he was just too naïve to notice them. After all Jerry didn't over at Castle Rock, but not drawing a connection between the victims was out of her realm of belief for coincidence. Maybe this Lyle was just to inexperienced to recognize anything but the blatant stuff. She would check him out. She received his permanent transfer to the night shift when she walked in tonight. He'd requested it claiming he wanted time to learn from her. Although it was flattering, Natalie's skeptical nature had already taken hold. No one works the night shift without a very good reason by choice, and she would find out what his was. She changed and brushed out her hair, then sat down at her desk to go through the files. ---------------- It was incredulous that she would send her children to a place like the Raven. He sat quietly in his car across the street as Theressa unloaded Jonathan and Kathryn from the car. It was a bar for pity's sake and not a very upscale one it would appear. He watched Theressa ring the buzzer and a tall pale man opened the door. Within seconds the young boy squealed with delight and hugged the tall older man. He sat and watched in fascination as the man leaned over and kissed Theressa softly on the lips in a possessive way. She responded and caressed his cheek in response when he broke the contact. Obviously, they were more than friends. ---------------- Theressa sat at the small table eating an early dinner with Jonathan. Oddly enough Lucien had requested to feed baby Kathryn. Theressa wasn't sure whether she was thrilled or leery at Lucien's request, but he'd taken the bottle and returned to his private chamber to feed her. She was certain Lucien would never hurt his granddaughter but something nudged the back of her mind as she ate with her nephew. Something she should remember that she'd read. She relaxed and pushed into her link with LaCroix and felt his awe of the young child in his arms and something else. He was hiding something from her. Even she knew that. She would check on them shortly if she felt anything more from him, in the meantime she felt maybe that little domestic chore of feeding the child would soften him up a little more. They only had a day or so until Nick got all the security back in place at the loft. Nick wasn't crazy about leaving any of his family at the Raven for an extended period of time. Although every one of the vampires living here doted on the children and feared LaCroix, there was still a risk....and it was a nightclub, not a perfect home environment. ------------------ The more she read in the files, the more concerned Natalie became. Not only was there a distinct pattern in the kills with the exception of one, there had been a deliberate cover up by Duvall. He purposely claimed one as animal attack, another by vicious human attack, then another by unknown force. Looking at the pictures alone, made it quite obvious they were all similar in nature. Last but not least, they were all street hookers. He stood silently watching her from the door way. She was prettier than her pictures. The way her auburn hair surrounded her face like a halo beckoned to him, and he found himself drawn to her like a moth to a flame. This was right. He could feel it with every breath he took. "I see you are looking over the files." He sounded casual as he entered the room. Natalie looked up to see a very handsome, dark-haired man in his mid thirties with piercing blue eyes. He walked with a certain degree of arrogance associated with royalty and left no room for doubt that he was a sexual animal on the prowl. She watched him almost strut across the room to impress her, and she found it difficult to repress the smile coming to her lips. She mentally shook herself in order to get control and place the professional mask back in place. "You must be Lyle Duvall." Natalie offered her hand over the desk, but refused to stand. Lyle clasped her soft hand in his, then turned it quickly and bent to kiss the back of it. "At your service, Dr. Lambert." He beamed a smile to her and held onto her hand until she pulled it back. A great sense of loss overwhelmed him when she freed her hand from his touch, but he needed to get control so he too put his professional face forward. "I assume you agree with my findings?" He waited for her to congratulate him on his work. Natalie stood and walked around her desk and locked eyes with him defiantly. "I, Dr. Duvall, do not agree with any of your findings. From what I've read so far, I find your work to be incomplete, inconclusive and negligent. Now, I realize you are new and short handed, but at this point, in order to satisfy the crown I'm going to have to get exhumation orders on the other bodies and hope I can correct your mistakes. I don't know what they do in the states as an autopsy, but here in Canada we treat every body with respect and a full investigation whether they are a millionaire or a street hooker." Natalie let her anger reach her face as well as her voice. He'd brushed them off because of who they were. Taken back by her anger and lack of interest in his charm, Lyle stepped back involuntarily. This was most unexpected. "I don't understand, Doctor. Are you implying my work was negligent due to those women's occupation?" Natalie with her short, petite form walked closer and would have shoved her face in his if possible, but the height difference didn't leave her that option. So she placed her hands on her hips and glared into his eyes and let the anger remain in her voice. "That's exactly what I'm saying, MR. DUVALL!" She purposely left off the Doctor uncertain that he was even that. She would find out everything about this man and she would do it tonight. He watched the fire dance in her eyes and it enthralled him. He reached unconsciously to touch her face as he'd done in his dreams so many times. "There's no need for anger, Natalie, but it does make you more beautiful." The shock of him touching her enraged her more and she slapped his hand away. She was certain gold flecked her eyes as she felt her fangs begin to ache. Now, she fully understood how anger fed the beast, because she wanted to rip him apart for even thinking he could touch her. She watched him start to reach for her again and before she could react, a single hand gripped his arm causing him to wince in pain. "Trust me when I say you really don't want to see my wife get angry, Mr. Duvall!" The words were like iced steel as Nick finally released Duvall's arm and glared at him. Nick could feel Natalie's anger even in the precinct and decided he'd better make a quick visit. Kathryn's birth had put a strain on her control that she hadn't regained, and her need for his blood seemed to be increasing. Duvall turned to meet the cold blue eyes of none other than Nick Knight. His pictures had not done him justice either and it bothered Lyle. Nick was a handsome man with a virile quality that exuded from him with no effort, and he was slightly ticked at finding another man making a pass at his wife. "I'm sure you're quite correct, Detective." He tried to make the title demeaning and distasteful, but it didn't work. Nick placed himself between Nat and Duvall before he spoke almost in a growl. "You would like ME angry....even less. Let me assure you of that. I'm going to make the suggestion you leave now and request another shift before either one of us do something we will regret later." Gold touched Nick's eyes. Duvall caught it immediately and stepped back in fear. It was true. His mother had been right. Part 4 ------------- LaCroix carried the baby into his chamber and sat down in his favorite chair. He'd felt her mentally tugging at him all evening with curiosity and a slight bit of fear. Of course, Nick had taken Natalie and the children to France only 10 days after Kathryn was born in order for her to rest. So he'd not had much time with his granddaughter. He'd spent many an hour wondering if she would be the one the manuscripts had foretold instead.....and would she willingly take her place by her teacher's side. So much had changed, yet so many things remained constant within the community. He was the leader not only by age, but by respect and yes, fear. LaCroix realized that many of the young ones feared him and the evil within him reveled in it, but the side that Theressa kept nurturing fought hard to surface. He stared in Kathryn's blue eyes as she lay quietly in his arms and a feather touch of curiosity brushed the surface of his mind. Yes, she had powers just as Jonathan had....only in a different nature. Given time and training she could use it for the good of their kind. She would need constant tutoring and he would have to be careful in order for Nick not to suspect his plans. "Yes, little one, I know you are there and I will be there for you. You need not worry. I will teach you all that you need to know, and we shall start with just a glimpse." LaCroix stuck his finger into his mouth and pulled the tip across his sharp canine, letting it bleed freely. He watched the blood pool for a second, then started to bring it to the child's lips. A cold force engulfed his hand and refused to let it move. He struggled, applying his vampire strength, yet could not seem to get his hand any closer to the child. Kathryn wiggled in his other arm, then smiled and cooed. When he pulled his hand away from the child, the cold disappeared and he had free use of his hand once more. Puzzled by this turn of events, he relaxed and tried creating a link between him and the child mentally. Quickly, he was slammed hard back against the chair by some invisible force causing him to almost drop the baby. What air that was in his lungs was pushed out with a savage force, causing him to gasp and try to remain control enough to hang onto the child. Then Kathryn giggled and reached up at something behind the chair. LaCroix turned to watch a figure materialize before his eyes. Having grown accustomed to the unusual over the centuries, he waited and brought the child closer to him for protection. When the form solidified disbelief registered on LaCroix's face. "Well, at least you have some fatherly instincts." A familiar voice from the past echoed throughout the room. "But the idea of letting the child feel the evil within you before she learns to treasure what life and love have to offer her is not going to happen." Schanke walked around the chair and stood before LaCroix and Kathryn. Kathryn giggled once more and reached out to the shimmering solid form before her causing Schanke to smile. "Yes, little one, I'm here for you." LaCroix recovered quickly and smirked. "Let me guess, you're here to protect the child from me. Her guardian angel, of sorts?" LaCroix placed his stoic mask in place not questioning the fact that Nicholas dead partner could be standing in his bed chamber. He'd seen too much in connection to Nicholas. Why not this? "Actually, no, Mr. Nightcrawler or LaCroix or whatever you call yourself now. I'm here because someone upstairs thinks you have a shot a redemption. So like it or not, I'm here to help YOU. Guess you could say I'm your new conscience." Schanke walked over and sat down on the side of the bed, then bounced up and down smiling the whole time. When he finished he turned his attention back to LaCroix. "Believe me when I say you were not my first choice of assignments." He stood then walked back over to LaCroix as he sat holding Kathryn. "So, lets get this straight from the start. I'm not a fan of yours because I've seen the hell you put Nick through....and I honestly don't think you can change, but there are others who think you might have a shot at it. So they are willing to give you a chance. So from now on, get used to looking at both sides. I can't actually make the decision for you, but I can prevent you from doing something without looking at the whole picture." Schanke walked over and blew a kiss at Kathryn who cooed loudly when the wind brushed her face, then Schanke looked into LaCroix's remote cold eyes filled with doubt. "Are you really willing to sacrifice Theressa, Nick and Jonathan by polluting Kathryn's blood with the images from your mind?" LaCroix glared angrily at Schanke, then turned and walked to the bed and placed Kathryn in the center. Placing his stoic mask in place and reigning in his anger at this new form of interference, he returned his attention to the spectral image before him and calmly took control. "I don't see how that is any of your concern, Mr. Schanke. What I do with my granddaughter has nothing to do with Nicholas or Jonathan.....and least of all Theressa." "Really?" Just for the effect, Schanke actually floated over next to LaCroix instead of walking. "You really think Nick or Theressa would be thrilled to know that you were feeding Kathryn your blood, and the images of all the evil you've done to indoctrinate her into the idea that killing is okay and common place. You honestly think Nick would allow you near her after that, or Theressa would see any good within you? And as far as Jonathan goes, he would know instantly what kind of horror you would subject her mind to. They are mentally connected in case you didn't know. You think he would idolize you so much if he knew all the things you'd done to his father as well as his mother." Schanke shoved his face into LaCroix's before he finished. "Think this through, Mr. LaCroix, before you sacrifice everything you cherish. Decide which is more important because once it's done there are no more options." Schanke's form began to shimmer, then fade but the words echoed in the room. "The choice is yours!"" "Lucien?" Theressa could feel the doubt within him from the other room and came to see what caused it. He stood alone beside the bed with a strange look on his face so she approached slowly. When she stood in front of him, she touched his face softly and brought his attention back to hers. "What is it?" Her words were a whisper that created a warmth he'd long forgotten. He leveled his blue eye to her brown ones and weighed his options. ------------- 3 days later: Alma sat listening to Jonathan play the last few stanza's of the classical piece from Bach. Although it was a simple piece designed for a child's hands, she couldn't help notice how gifted Jonathan was and how taken he was with the music he created. A smile crossed her lips when she finally decided how she could repay Nick and Natalie for all their confidence and trust in her. She'd long admired Natalie and had been thrilled each time she or Nick had sought her out to watch the children and protect them. No one in centuries had ever really trusted her until now. Each time, she felt a warmth she'd thought long gone over the centuries return...and she was grateful. Maybe she could finally do something they'd both appreciate and like. Quickly she went to the phone and dialed. If she was in luck, Elise would be in and willing. After all, there were no hard feelings and there was a debt that needed to be repaid. ---------------- Natalie had just finished calling the loft and verifying everything was okay. Alma was with the children and two other vampires stood watch in the garage and outside. The security codes had been changed, the alarms upgraded one more time so Nick and she had moved the children and themselves back home. She only wished Theressa had opted to stay with them, but she chose to go home instead. LaCroix had promised Nick he'd keep an eye on her without her knowledge, and have a few additional overly sensitive eyes keep track as well. There were some advantages of the vampire community that she could get really used to, and by in large most of the vampires she'd become closely connected to were extremely cautious and completely in control of their lives. Many of them did not revel in the fact that they were killers by nature, but virtually none of them felt guilt or remorse . Most of them were responsible individuals who paid their debts without question and exhibited a great sense of community when it came to the protection of their own. Like it or not.....she, Nick and the kids were a big part of the community, and they would protect them to their deaths with no questions asked. With that thought, Natalie returned to the paper work in front of her. She was greatly relieved to find when she came in tonight that Duvall was not on shift. She had requested for him to be transferred and actually thrown out of metro, but she'd been outvoted do to the lack of personnel on the night shift. Each time he worked with her, he made her skin crawl and she continually put more and more distance between them. Since Nick's threat, he'd not touched her except with his eyes and some implied innuendoes. She simply ignored them and continued on with her work. She'd spent numerous hours going over his shoddy work in order to make a connection between the victims and develop a link. With the exception of one body, she found a great deal of similar traits in the murder and she suspected that 3 of the 4 victims were murdered for some cult ritual. She had no proof , so she'd been doing internet searches on cult sacrifices using large amounts of blood every time she got a chance. The fourth victim she had no doubts was a first kill by a vampire and it was eating at her. Nick was doing an intense search of the community and they both knew where it would lead. ----------- Daniel had been pacing the floor of his apartment for over two hours. Ever since Vachon's return from the dead, Tracy had cut back on their time together. She was confused and scared. Daniel knew she loved him from her blood, but he also knew she still loved Vachon as well. He was the past and she carried a great deal of remorse and regret from their past relationship. Vachon represented the old Tracy and the noncommitted, gung-ho girl that pushed into anything in order to succeed. A part of her missed that, but the more mature Tracy recognized the dangers and the problems in a relationship and lifestyle like that. She had to make a decision as to which Tracy would move on. Just which Tracy would win, Daniel wasn't sure. Finally giving into his own anxiety, he left his apartment and started walking. Somehow he ended up near the lake, walking the footpaths around the shimmering pool and let his mind drift back to the first time he let himself taste Tracy's blood. He noticed the jogger just up ahead as his shoes reflected the moonlight on the iridescent strip in the heal. He heard before he felt the present of another vampire. Across the lake he watched a black streak attack the jogger from behind and throw him to the ground. Daniel didn't hesitate and flew across the lake. He could hear the growl as the vampire attacked, and Daniel threw himself onto the form at full speed knocking the attacker off the injured, terrified man. White fangs flashed in the moonlight and black hair blew in the wind behind the red eyes that met Daniel's. Only seconds later, the vampire attacked Daniel in anger. With quicker response times than his mortal counterpart lying perfectly still on the ground, Daniel rolled into a standing position and drew his gun. He fired three times as the creature lunged forward. A scream tore from the vampire's lips and he clutched his heart as one of the bullets lodged in his shoulder touching his heart. He collapsed to the ground. Daniel went to the vampire rolling on the ground in agony and prepared to fire again into his body if necessary until the creature rolled over and faced him. Vachon's warm brown eyes met his filled with agony, as he moaned softly and readied himself to be staked or shot again. Confusion was written in his eyes along with regret when he gained control of the killing beast that had possessed him moments before. Daniel put up his gun and pulled out his cell phone to call an ambulance for the downed jogger. He reached to help Vachon up, but he pulled away uncertain of Daniel's intentions. "It's okay, Vachon. I'm not going to hurt you. I need to get you some help." The pain in Vachon's shoulder was radiating outward throughout his entire body. He had no choice but to trust him. Daniel picked Vachon up and headed for his parked car on the side of the street. ------------ LaCroix walked through the bar silently listening to the familiar sounds of the night as he began to lock up. He'd finished his last broadcast and decided on a late night stroll to put his thought back into order. Somehow, it didn't surprise him when he'd ended up at the base of Theressa apartment watching her move back and forth in front of the window getting ready for bed. He'd talked to her earlier at the museum when she was working, and tried to get her to stay longer with him at the Raven but she wasn't buying. Ever since that night with the appearance of Schanke in his bedroom, she'd backed off. Was she hiding something or did she know more than she was saying? He'd learned to never underestimate her. She wasn't angry yet, but she would be and he wasn't sure he could handle that. He missed her, in his bed and in his blood. She was a part of him that he'd grown accustomed to and actually craved if he would admit it, but that would be a weakness and he didn't allow himself that. He shook his head in disgust at the thoughts, but he couldn't dispel the warmth she created in his heart even now as he watched her in the window. Finally, he took to the air and returned to the Raven. A sweet smell touched his senses when he stepped into his private chambers as the copper and salt order permeated the room and the blood scent washed over him. Fresh kill...and it excited him within seconds. His sensitive vision spotted the body in the middle of his bed as the front door crashed open. "Freeze!" Two voices screamed in unison from behind him. "This is the police!" Part 5 ----------- The door burst open in the quiet morgue and Natalie tossed her pen into the air in shock. Daniel carried the now limp form of Vachon over his shoulder. Quickly he deposited him on the cold metal table on the far side of the room. Natalie was at his side instantly. "Daniel, what is going on?" She quickly turned the body over and gasped at the sight of the blood pouring freely from Vachon's shoulder. She turned confused blue eyes to Daniel's and waited for a response. "I had to shoot him to keep him from killing a jogger down by the lake. I loaded my 38 with wood tipped casings just in case I was attacked. One of them must be close to his heart." Sad eyes met hers. "I....I just couldn't kill him." He let Nat fill in the rest. Daniel knew she was aware of the problems. Natalie gently touched his shoulder. "You did the right thing, Daniel. She'd have never forgiven you if you'd killed him, even though it would have been justified." She quickly drew her attention back to Vachon and switched to 'doctor mode'. Quickly she tore his shirt away and found her probe. Moments later she extracted the bullet and Vachon gasped in pain as the tissue around his heart sucked closed and stopped oozing his life force onto the cold metal slab. Daniel held him still as Natalie shunted an IV line into his stomach and turned on the flow of blood from the blood bag she'd retrieved from the refrigerator. As the blood entered his system and his body began to heal, Vachon moaned softly and finally came conscious. The room was still spinning and the pain washed over him, but it was less now and he could feel the power of the blood being pumped into his stomach. He awoke with a scream on his lips and sat up. He stared at the needle in his stomach, then followed the tubing to the bag attached and ripped it from the stand. Planting his fangs into the bag he drained it within seconds, yet the need for human blood still overwhelmed him. His eyes flashed red as he locked onto Natalie's heartbeat, but there was something familiar about it that his poisoned mind couldn't grasp. He reached for her and locked his eyes to hers as she slapped his hand away. Anger caused a growl to form on his lips and he reached again only to have it slapped hard with super human strength followed by strong male arms forcing him away from her. Quickly another bag of blood was shoved into his hands and he downed the contents without thinking. Still the pain washed over him. He needed something else and instinct told him Natalie could give it to him. "Stop it, Vachon!" Natalie yelled as she pushed the third bag of blood into his hand. "Get control of it!" Her words were a command and part of him responded while he drained the third bag of blood...but the pain still persisted. Tracy ran down the hall as she entered the coroner's building. Something was wrong. She could feel it from Daniel. She'd been avoiding him and Vachon trying to get her feelings straightened out, but she couldn't stop the blood link between Daniel and herself. She followed it to the coroner's building. She was sure Nick would soon follow if it involved Nat. She pushed open the door to see Nat slap Vachon hard across the face and Daniel restrain him from attacking Natalie. Instantly she recognized the problem. Divia's poison was at work again. Divia had enjoyed killing so much she'd tainted everyone she touched. Vachon said the pleasure was so intense it drove him insane. Apparently he wasn't strong enough to fight it alone. She pushed into the room, reached over and grabbed the scalpel on the table, then sliced her wrist. Daniel felt her enter the room and watched in fascination as she sliced her wrists so easily. Instantly his own fangs dropped and he fought the urge to come to her as he struggled to hold Vachon away from Natalie. Calmly Tracy walked to the table and placed her wrist over Vachon's lips, then she locked eyes with Daniel. Immediately, Vachon latched onto the bloody wrist offered to him. With the first drop of her blood, the pain within him stopped and he basked in the warmth of her love. Yes, Tracy still loved him. She loved him enough to save him from the torture within his mind and body, but she'd changed as well. He felt the pain and regret wash through her as she stared at Daniel. Her love for Daniel tore at his heart and caused yet a different pain than he'd ever known. She was not the same woman he'd left so many years ago. She had hopes and desires that involved more than becoming a vampire. Tracy began to weaken, but he still wanted more. More of her love, more of the woman, more of her soul that she guarded so carefully, then she pulled her wrist away and he felt desolate. Tracy's eyes spoke of regret, and Daniel was certain he'd lost her for good. All this time he'd been trying to give her space so she could sort out what she wanted. She'd obviously made a choice and it crushed him like a lead weight over his chest. Daniel felt Vachon relax with the first taste of her blood. He knew what that felt like...the pleasure and warmth of her love. It would calm the beast and the man would gain control, but his own loss caused a pain he'd never felt before. Daniel released the young Spainard and stepped back. He couldn't bear to watch any longer. She watched doubt, then pain etch itself into Daniel's eyes as Vachon sucked her blood into his system. It was her love of him that would calm the beast, and instinctively she knew it. Love was stronger than the vampire or the man. Nick and Natalie had taught her that, but she wasn't prepared for Daniel's reaction. She didn't want to hurt him. She loved him. In a different way than Vachon and maybe even more. She should have known what Daniel had been doing. He was so much like Nick, it was scary. He'd been giving her room to sort our her own feelings at the cost of his own, and he assumed the worst. When Daniel released Vachon, she pulled her wrist free from Vachon's lips. "No, Daniel!" Tracy whispered as he stepped back. "It's not what you're thinking." She rushed around the table and stumbled as she became light headed. Daniel immediately caught her before she fell and wrapped her in his arms. They sank to the floor together. Slowly she caressed his face as he held her. "It's my love for him the calms the beast and drives the poison away. I can't let him suffer." Her eyes watched his for understanding and she knew he didn't understand. Defeat and resignation was written in his eyes. "No, you don't understand, Daniel. I love you, too. Please don't walk away from me because a part of me still loves Vachon. He needs me, just as I need you." She caressed his face again, then took her nail and scratched her neck letting the blood begin to seep to the surface. "Love me, Daniel, as I love you and help me find a way to work this out." Without hesitation she offered him her neck, and he accepted. Nick walked in as Daniel sank his fangs gently into Tracy's neck and drank in the sweet essence he craved. Love and understanding flooded through him and he released her neck with tears in his eyes. Nick knelt down beside them on the floor and held Daniel's arm for support as Tracy collapsed into Daniel's arms from lack of blood. Tear streaked eyes met Nick's. Nick understood the struggle and pain that raged within the young man before him. "Give it time, Daniel. You all just need time to work this out. She loves you both and all three of you have to come to terms with that before you can move on." Nat squatted down beside them and wrapped her arms around Nick, then rubbed Daniel's arm. "Love will find it's own way, Daniel. You ...." She looked at Vachon , who sat shakily on the edge of the table, obviously not stable and even more confused than before, "....and Vachon just need to give her time." She smiled then rose from the floor with a little help from Nick. "Put her up her on the table and I'll give her some blood." Quickly, she checked Tracy's vitals. The warmth in her smile and eyes along with the positive nod from her head told them she was okay. "She'll be okay, Daniel. It was just to much to quickly for her body to compensate." She hooked up another IV and gave Tracy some glucose, then a unit of blood. Neither one of them had taken to much and she would be fine. When she finished, she went back to check on Vachon. His warm brown eyes greeted her and she was relieved. "I see the Spanish guitar player has returned. You want to tell me how many time this has happened?." She eyed him carefully not really expecting him to be honest with her, but she was wrong. "Sorry, Doc. They are getting fewer and farther apart, but they seem to overwhelm me. Most of the time I can fight it and control it, but the need for blood is incredible. I've kept a big stash at my place, but tonight I just couldn't sleep and I went walking. I lost control. I know that's no excuse for attacking that man and I'm sure I did it a month ago as well, but I can't remember when it's over." Vachon hung his head guiltily. "I guess that means you and Nick are going to have to turn me in, but I honestly can't remember much when it's over." His sad brown eyes met hers with remorse. "I didn't really mean to hurt anyone. That's not necessary anymore and the community frowns on it....but the pleasure Divia felt in killing brings out all the baser needs that we carry in us, and sometimes I can't....." Natalie touched his shoulder gently. "I understand, Javier, but we can't let it happen again. If it makes you feel any better, I think you've only done it once, but it has to stop." Nat looked to Nick for support. "The guy you attacked tonight is okay, Vachon. The woman a month ago was not. We found out she was dealing drugs on the side when we did the routine check, so I don't know if there's any witnesses or if they're credible. We are going to have to play that one by ear, but you've got to be under constant care until this is out of your system. This can't happen anymore. Do you understand me?" Vachon nodded his head in agreement. "I'll make sure someone is with me all the time. Will that do?" Vachon need Nick's support. He could turn him over to the council or the police for what he'd done. He'd put the community at risk and that was not acceptable. His life was in Nick's hands. "Good enough for now. We'll see how it goes." Nick cell phone rang and he flipped it open. "Knight! .........I understand.....on my way!" Worried blue eyes met Nat's when he turned. "They found another body. They need us both." Natalie waited for what he wasn't telling her. "It's at the Raven, and they're holding LaCroix!" Nick leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. "Call Theressa and make sure she's alright, then tell her to meet me there. I may need her help." He looked at Daniel still holding Tracy's hand, then at Vachon. "You finish here, then meet us." She nodded and he disappeared. Part 6 ------------ When Nick arrived at the Raven, the entire perimeter had been taped off and the small crowd of onlookers was beginning to disperse. After all, dead bodies were almost commonplace in the section of town. Reese had been called as soon as the first detective recognized the similarities in the stab wounds compared to the Forester case. Miller had been the one to receive the phone call from the uniformed officers at the scene. Apparently they'd received an anonymous tip only minutes before and decided to check it out. Miller knew that LaCroix was somehow connected to Knight, and called the Captain immediately. Someone was obviously after Knight and anyone connected to him. LaCroix gave him the creeps. It was like he was immune to the death, and it was nothing more than a nuisance. He'd been more than cooperative in letting them search the place and sat waiting patiently for Nick to show up. He'd let the Captain and Knight handle it from here. He couldn't stand places like this. The Captain had been getting all the particulars from the men and to be perfectly honest was waiting on Nick before talking with LaCroix. He frankly didn't relish the idea of telling LaCroix they were going to have to take him downtown and book him. It never ceased to amaze him that Nick and this man were even connected. You could actually feel the evil around the guy. Once before he'd tried to prove wrong doing, only to find him lily white all the way down to parking tickets. Yet, you knew he was guilty of something. You just couldn't prove it, and Nick never denied or affirmed his relationship with Lucien LaCroix....but Jonathan did. At the hospital when Kathryn was born Jonathan screamed with delight and called LaCroix 'grandfather'. They were connected, very closely connected, but that was personal and Nick never talked personal. Everyone in the precinct knew that, and you don't get to choose your relatives. Reese eyed LaCroix as he sat at the table sipping a glass of wine, calmly while forensics finished searching his private chambers. Nothing seemed to phase him when suddenly he turned and stared at the outer door. Seconds later, Nick stepped through. Their eyes met and a silent exchange occurred. Somehow LaCroix knew Nick was here. How was that possible? Nick surveyed the scene quickly and gave into the blood bond between him and his father. Their connection was strong as ever when Nick gave into it, but Nick had control of it now and that irritated LaCroix to no end. Natalie's blood gave him control and a inner strength he'd never known he possessed and nothing, including LaCroix, could penetrate their bond when they were together. Tonight, however, he would be the dutiful son as well as the detective. Tonight, LaCroix needed him. It was an hour before sunrise and if he guessed correctly from the look on the Captain's face, they were arresting LaCroix. He better make this quick. "Fill me in, Captain." Reese stared at how quickly Nick and LaCroix both placed those infamous masks of indifference in place. If he hadn't been watching closely, he'd have missed it all together and he shook his head in amazement. Well, it was Nick's life, not his. "An anonymous phone call went to the precinct and we sent a couple of uniforms over. They walked in to find your friend, LaCroix, standing over a dead body in his bedroom. We found this," Reese held up another small dagger that matched the one they'd found in Forester a few days earlier, "If I'm guessing, it's the missing dagger from the set that was given Natalie you'd mentioned. They found at least $50,000 in heroine in the briefcase by the bed and another $100,000 in cocaine stashed behind the bar out front. I'm willing to bet it's LaCroix's fingerprints are the only ones on the dagger." Reese looked sternly at Nick. "Whoever this is, Nick, they have an inside track to your personal life. Not very many people know there's a connection between you and LaCroix. You're not very open about your past or your friends with the exception of Natalie. If I hadn't been at the hospital when Jonathan called him......" "He took me in, Captain, a long time ago, when I had no one else. He's the closest thing I have to a father and has been for a long time. Let's just leave it at that. My past is just that, past but I always repay my debts." He walked over to LaCroix and watched his father calmly set the glass on the table. Nick eyed it closely with amazement in his eyes. "You truly are without fear, aren't you LaCroix?" He eyed the bloodwine that sat swirling in the bottom of the glass and Nick reached to down the remains before the forensics crew came to check it, then sat the empty glass back on the table. LaCroix smiled in satisfaction aware that Nick was concerned for his welfare. "They are going to take you downtown and book you. It's a set up to get to me...first Natalie, now you. We'll have to hold you until I can get your bail arranged." Nick looked at the skyline through the window as the first vestiges of sunrise began to break through and he smiled when he turned back to his father. "How do you feel about riding in the trunk?" The low growl he received made him struggle to keep from laughing. Reese approached them slowly. "You're going to have to come downtown with us, Mr. LaCroix, until we can get this all straightened out. I'm sure Nick can get something arranged for bail and we won't fight it since there are no eye witnesses. We have to follow the rules, though." LaCroix stood in one fluid motion with the grace and ease of a long-time gentlemen. "I perfectly understand, Captain. I'm sure this misunderstanding will be handled quickly and with a man like yourself in charge, I'm sure efficiently." LaCroix smooth facade oozed forth and had it's desired effect on the Captain. Reese smiled with LaCroix's acceptance, yet marveled at the feelings that surrounded him. What was it about this guy....evil to congeniality, and you believed it all? Nick watched the uniformed officers escort LaCroix out of the Raven, then brought his attention back to the Captain. "You know this is a frame as well as I, but the question is why? I'm willing to bet that this is as perfect as the murder at my place, only LaCroix won't have an iron clad alibi like Natalie and I did. You don't want to keep him in jail very long, trust me when I say this. He's not a complacent person, nor very agreeable when he's angry." "I'll run the whole scenario by the prosecutor, Nick. LaCroix is guilty of lots of things I'm sure, but he didn't do this, even I know that. You find the guy who's responsible, Nick, and do it now. The body count is making the Crown nervous, and you know how they feel about not having someone behind bars." Reese left the implication hanging in the air, then left. ----------- At the precinct: Theressa ran into the precinct. Nick spotted her immediately. It was already after sunrise and time was of the essence. Quickly he escorted her to the corner where they could talk privately. "Listen to me, Theressa. The caddie is in the parking lot." He handed her the keys. "Bring it around to the underground garage on the corner." "They're not going to hold him? You know he didn't do that, Nick." Worry etched her eyes as she spoke and stared at the sunlight pouring through the window. Nick carefully avoided it. "I know that, Theressa and so does the Captain. That's the only reason I could arrange bail. Whoever this is, they want everyone around me in trouble, but we have to get LaCroix out of here before he starts smoking and combusts in front of the whole precinct. He doesn't have the hour that I do. Now hurry! I'll bring him down there as soon as the paperwork clears." His worried blue eyes met hers, then she sprinted off to get the car. ------------- Damn it! He slammed his fist against the steering wheel. They were letting him go. He watched them walk through the door. The blond guy had a lot of clout within the police department. The frame was perfect. There was no way the Crown would have given this LaCroix bail, and if they did it would be so high there was no way a cop and a coroner could come up with it. It was time to get more direct. He would have back everything that was his and he was not going to wait any longer. He threw the car into gear, spun the tires till they squealed and pealed out of the parking garage. Nick stared at the car from a distance and tried to get the plate number but it was too far away. Part 7 ------------- Natalie finished bagging the last tissue sample for shipment. Lyle had worked silently beside her for over an hour paying close attention to every detail. Apparently her long talk and threat to have him removed had worked. Over the past several days, he'd eased off his frontal attack and slipped into his 'I'm really a nice guy' mode. He'd been more than helpful and quite good in his technique. She was certain now that at least he'd done some sort of forensics before. She was still waiting on the reports from his prior job. "Well, what do you think, Natalie?" Lyle asked casually. "You think there's any drug usage or anything for the tox people?" His voice was neutral and his tone inquisitive. Her blue eyes met his as she tried to size him up even further. What was there about this man she didn't trust? He'd been more than a gentlemen after Nick's little lecture. She smiled and relaxed a little. Maybe they'd just gotten off on the wrong foot. She would try again and give him the benefit of the doubt. "I doubt it, Lyle. Looks fairly cut and dry to me. Multiple stab wounds causing a severe loss of blood. Any one of the three larger wounds could have killed him, but he died slowly that's for certain. I'd like to think at least he was drugged and didn't feel it but from the jagged edges around these two wounds above the heart, I'd say he put up a struggle." She sighed, then stripped off her gloves and headed for her desk. She was tired and it was almost noon. A loud commotion in the hall caught her attention and then a blond bundle of energy rushed through the door. "Mommy!" Jonathan squealed when he saw Natalie at her desk. Tracy popped through the door carrying Kathryn in her arms looking a bit exhausted. Nat quickly swept Jonathan into her arms and headed for the back room away from the body on the metal table at the far end of the morgue. Tracy's tired eyes met Nat's. "Sorry, Nat. I forgot how you don't like the kids next to the bodies, but Nick ask me to drop them off with you. Something about a dentist appointment for Jonathan and I couldn't resist the urge to play Mom with Kathryn." She plopped the diaper bag down by the chair and then unwrapped Kathryn who immediately giggled, cooed, and smacked her lips causing both woman to smile. "I don't know how you do it. They require so much energy." Tracy caressed Kathryn's face with longing in her voice. Nat carried Jonathan to their side and squatted down beside them. "With lots of help, Trace....lots of help." "They are beautiful children, Natalie." A deep male voice echoed from behind them as Lyle stood silently at the door admiring the children. Jonathan tensed in Natalie's arms then relaxed and wiggled out of her grasp. He immediately went to Lyle side and blatantly stared at him. Lyle squatted down to eye level before he spoke. "My, you are a handsome young man. I'm Lyle Duvall. I work with your Mom." Lyle offered his hand to Jonathan like an adult and Jonathan accepted with a smile and shook his hand firmly. Lyle was astounded when the child touched his hand. A feeling of warmth and contentment flooded through him and he watched the child intently. It came from the child and a faint glow shimmered in the air around him and intensified when he giggled. When Jonathan pulled away from him the feeling disappeared and he felt bereft in a field of cold air devoid of any emotions. Lyle cast bewildered eyes toward Natalie who watched him intently. "He has a special effect on most people. You aren't the first." Natalie stated quietly then reached to pick up her son. Jonathan hugged her fiercely then kissed her on the cheek. "They are beautiful, Natalie. Any man would be proud to claim them as his own." Lyle turned his attention to the baby and walked over beside Tracy. Kathryn cooed and giggled even more as Tracy tickled her. "She's just like her mother." Lyle said in awe as he watched the child squirm in Tracy's arms. "May I hold her?" He looked to Nat for approval. A slight doubt crossed Nat's mind, but she knew it was foolish so she agreed. "Of course, just watch her. She's a wiggler and she doesn't bounce well, yet." Nat smiled sheepishly. "Voice of experience it sounds like." Lyle smiled and picked up the squirming bundle. She was perfect. Jonathan was perfect. Natalie was perfect. It was all fitting into place nicely. There was only one small detail. He could overcome that and anything else thrown in his path. After all, Momma had taught him everything he needed to know. Once again it was time to use some of his special talents and hers as well. ------------- Later that evening: Theressa placed the key in the lock. She'd spent the day going over the evidence with Nick and Lucien at the loft. Natalie had stayed to finish the autopsy and then taken the kids to their doctors appointments leaving the loft finally quiet enough for everyone to catch a few hours of sleep. Natalie had to be exhausted by now but she assured them she'd catch up tonight and Alma was going to watch the kids for her while she slept. The case was almost airtight, just as it would have been with Nick and Nat if their plane hadn't been delayed, but the missing daggers from Nick's storage compartment and the single unidentifiable fingerprint on one of the heroine bags lead credence to the perfect frame. As Nick said, "there is no such thing as a perfect frame", and he and LaCroix should know between their years of experience. Lucien was not in the least bit worried and Theressa felt she knew the answer why. It was something she hadn't dwelled on, but knew was inevitable. Vampires move on, and like it or not Lucien LaCroix was a very old vampire and he'd been in this lifetime a long time. If he was forced to move on, so be it. It was part of his life. She'd finally decided she would return to her apartment, take a quick shower, change, then meet LaCroix at the Raven before they opened. Maybe there would be more clues there. Nick was not really hopeful, but at least they'd cover all their bases. When she pushed open the door, she immediately sensed his presence and she stepped to the left out of instinct, deflecting the first blow. It had been meant to knock her out, but with her agility and quick thinking it only grazed her. She rolled with the punch finally slamming her shoulder hard against far wall when she hit. She was dazed, but still conscious as she tried to catch her breath. "Well, that was impressive. I must say you have improved since our last encounter." Paul stalked across the room and reached to pull his wife off the floor. "And who pray tell taught you that?" Paul grabbed her collar and pulled her off the floor choking her in the process. "I'll bet it was that blond brother-in-law of yours, wasn't it? Or maybe your new boyfriend?" Paul pushed her hard up against the wall and ground his lips into hers, then bit her lip as he retreated. "Well, it's not good enough, Bitch! You are still my wife and you will be until Hell freezes over." He slapped her hard, causing the blood to flow freely from the cut on her lip. Instinct kicked in along with rage. Theressa kicked with her foot and knee, landing it firmly in his stomach. Paul gasped for air as he fell backwards away from her in shock. She had such power for one her size as he cradled his stomach from the force of the blow. Theressa wiped her mouth and stared at her so-called dead husband. Her head throbbed and her mouth ached but anger controlled her. He'd come back from the dead to possess her again and she wouldn't tolerate it. Not this time, not ever again would a man treat her as he did. Her anger turned to fury as she walked forward and kicked him in the face sending him sprawling across her floor. "Get out, Paul!" She screamed in rage. "Before I do something I will regret. I don't know how or why you decided to disappear, but you are DEAD. Do you hear me....DEAD to me? You are history in my life and nothing you do or say is going to change it. The 'Little Miss Punching Bag' you left behind doesn't exist anymore. "Crawl back into the hole you dug yourself out of and get out of my life...now and forever!" She walked over beside him. He grabbed her leg and jerked. She tumbled to the floor beside him and he rolled his entire body on top of hers, slapping her hard and smashing her head into the floor with a loud thud. "You're mine, Theressa, as you shall always be...to do with as I please, when I please....because I'm your husband." He doubled his fist to punch her hard in the face as her angry eyes defied him. He laughed insanely, then started to beat her. She was his and he would do with her as he pleased, but she didn't cower from him any longer. She would.....he would make sure she was afraid. He raised his fist to strike her again only to be tossed physically across the room like a rag doll. When he pulled himself off the floor with the help of the wall, he felt himself airborn once more smashing hard against the opposite wall. As he slid down the wall, he crashed into the lamp beneath him. A low growl could be heard as he opened his eyes. He was jerked into an upright position by his throat, then body slammed against the wall. Red eyes met his and the raw power that engulfed him turned into sheer terror. Paul screamed for his life. "I should rip your throat out for touching her, but instead I think I'll give you a little taste of your own medicine." He once again threw Paul across the room smashing him into the far wall with such force that the plaster gave way. Without hesitation, he flew to the man's side and hauled him off the floor barely conscious ready to drain his life away. "No, Lucien!" Theressa screamed. "Not like this. He's not worth it!" She grabbed LaCroix's arm as he'd turn Paul's head to expose his neck. The vampire wanted revenge and so did the man. He would not tolerate anyone hurting his family...not now....not ever. It was time Theressa understood that. "This is justice, Theressa!" He growled with his fangs extended, but she wasn't frightened. "He will not hurt you again.....ever!" He jerked Paul's head and started for his neck. "No, Lucien! One evil for another is not justice. Evil begets evil and that's not what I am. I won't have his death on my conscience out of anger. Once I would have.... but not now. I want more from life than that." She held his arm solidly unafraid of the vampire and his eyes met hers. "Tell me you want more than that, too." She waited silently for him to decide and watched the war between the vampire's lust for blood and the man that struggled within. Finally, he released him and tossed him on the floor. "As you wish, Theressa, but this is not over. You cannot change what he is and you are only delaying the inevitable." He stared at her angrily and regained control. Theressa walked into his arms and held him tightly without a word and waited. She would not give into the evil and she marveled at the fact he hadn't either in spite of how badly he wanted to. Silently they stood in the room in each others arms trying to gain a new perspective. The anger slowly faded and LaCroix questioned his own motives as he had numerous times since meeting Theressa...then Schanke's word's echoed in his mind. "The choice is yours!" He snorted in disgusts with himself but didn't release the warm body in his arms. Part 8 Lyle whistled as he finished the last of the tissue samples and headed for the computer. She would be in later tonight. She was scheduled off tonight, but with the car accidents they'd called her in anyway. She was beginning to soften. He could sense it now. She would be his just as mother had promised. It was almost midnight when he heard her distinctive steps coming down the hall. Natalie pushed the door open wearily. She'd only gotten 5 hours sleep, but she supposed that would have to do. At least the kids were asleep for Alma when she left. It seemed liked she'd been on a constant merry go round since they'd returned. The thought no more than crossed her mind and she laughed out loud as she stepped into the room. Yes, she knew Kathryn was as gifted as Jonathan. She'd felt her touch her mind repeatedly just as Nick had. If she were guessing Kathryn, would be a total telepath before she hit puberty. The traits were getting stronger everyday but somehow among all the chaos in her life, she was happy. Yes, truly happy, and that made her smile even more. "It must be something wonderful to bring that kind of smile to your face," Lyle said softly as he watched her enter the room. She was beautiful when she smiled, even when she was tired. He would cherish and baby her, and make her rest and take care of the children. When she became his wife, she wouldn't work anymore....not his wife. He never wanted to see her cry or have dark circles under her eyes again. "Oh, Lyle! I didn't see you there. I guess I was spaced off somewhere again. I was just thinking about Kathryn and something she did tonight." She smiled sweetly not about to give him her real thoughts. "Care to share?" He asked sweetly. "Nothing you'd appreciate....let's get to work. I see the last 3 car accident victims aren't here yet. Show me what you have on the first." She walked to his side and picked up the folder. Her diamond ring sparkled in the light reflecting a thousand points of light in the room and he instinctively reached for her hand. He'd never noticed it before and he turned her hand toward the light to get a better view. Natalie was accustomed to people noticing the ring and didn't pull away even though her instincts told her otherwise. She was immensely proud of the ring Nick had made for her. It was something especially made and designed with his love, and she never took it off willingly. "It's magnificent, Natalie. Knight has exquisite taste....." Lyle stared at the ring then at her. "...but then we already knew that didn't we, since he married you." His blatant flattery made Natalie smile. "Okay, enough of that. Let's get back to work." Natalie grimaced as she heard the back morgue doors open and the gurneys were wheeled in. She sighed and reached for her lab coat on the peg behind her desk. "I think, however, I'm going to need a big shot of caffeine to get through this one tonight. She watched them push the 3rd corpse carts into the room. "Let me get it for you, Natalie. I think I'll need a hit myself before we get started." Lyle jumped up and headed for the coffee pot as Nat went to sign the papers from the ambulance drivers. "Thanks, guys!" Nat waved as the drivers disappeared out the door and Lyle handed her a steaming hot cup of coffee. "Thanks, Lyle." Nat accepted the cup and sipped the steaming hot brew as she flipped through the chart. "Okay, Lyle, let's get to work. I'm going to take Mr. Draimer here and you can take his father. Whoever finishes first can start on grandma. It looks pretty cut and dry, but we'll need to be thorough." Nat sat down the chart, her cup, and gloved up one more time. ------------ Somewhere around 4 am they took a break. Natalie was beginning to feel the lethargy and drain on her body from the lack of sleep. She needed chocolate and she needed it now. She stripped her gloves off and headed for the coffee pot and her desk. "I don't know about you Lyle, but I'm beat and I need a quick fix here." Nat rummaged through her desk until she found 2 large chocolate bars. She handed one to Lyle and sat down wearily at her desk. Lyle refilled her cup and topped off his. "Caffeine and chocolate.....woman's answer to legalized drugs!" She stuck a chunk of chocolate in her mouth and followed it with a large slug of coffee. Lyle chuckled as he watched her enjoy the chocolate and had to agree with the outcome. Within 10 minutes they were energized and back at grandma on the table. Another 10 minutes passed in light conversation and the banter between them seemed more than cordial. "You have such quick hands, Natalie." Lyle leaned over and touched her fingers through the rubber gloves as she finished slicing the tissue sample cleanly. Such warmth passed between them and Natalie turned to find him staring at her. She dropped the scalpel when he caressed her palm and such a feeling of desire washed through her. It was so pleasant and unexpected, she gasped. "It's alright, Natalie, darling." Lyle walked around the table still holding her hand gently in his as he continued to rub the base of her wrist with his thumb. When he reached her side, he pulled her glove off her other hand and caressed it as well. Natalie started to pull away until his fingers began to massage up her arms and the pleasant feeling of desire was replaced with pure pleasure. She felt herself give into it. What was happening to her? She stood mesmerized as she watched his fingers massage her arms and she felt weak all over, yet hot and filled with a longing she only felt when she was in bed with Nick. "Yes, Natalie, give into the feeling. It's something only I can give you. Something that was meant to be, just as we are meant to be. Give into it, Natalie. Give into the longing and the desire to be one with me." He leaned forward and pulled her into his arms and sought her lips. With the first touch of his lips to hers, she moaned with desire and she couldn't stop herself from seeking more. Her lips were like wine, and her smell made him want her more intensely than ever before. She was his, but she was fighting it. What made her so strong? He pulled her hard against his body, letting her feel his erection and desire, then plunged his tongue deep within her mouth. She would be his tonight. --------- Nick sensed the change in Natalie as he walked down the hall with Tracy. Pleasure washed over him through their link and he smiled. She must have hit up the chocolate bar stash again to get her through the night. Quickly, he walked down the hall in an effort to catch her indulging in her second most favorite pastime. He pushed open the door and froze in his tracks. Tracy ran straight into his back. "Nick? Why don't you warn a person....." Tracy watched Natalie wrap her arms around Duvall's neck and melt into his embrace. She turned to Nick and watched the anger rage within his blue eyes, then turn to pain as Natalie kissed Duvall openly. "Nick?" Tracy watched her partner turn without a word and walk out the door. Part 9 Such pleasure washed through her as his lips met hers and the feel of his hands on her body. It was Nick's hands, Nick's lips that danced in her mind and she responded accordingly. It felt so good, so right and she wanted more, then pure agony tore through her. Such pain and anguish washed over their link and she was confused. She was hurting him. How was that possible? She loved him. She could never hurt him, so she pushed into their blood bond and he pushed her away hard. "Nat!" Tracy almost screamed when she turned back to the couple embracing in front of her. Anger washed over her as she watched Natalie kiss Duvall back. "NAT!!!!" This time she did scream and Natalie pushed back almost unaware of her circumstances. "No! Nick?" Nat opened her eyes to Lyle Duvall grinning outrageously at her, only then realizing what she had done. She turned to face Tracy who stood silently at the door infuriated. "Oh, my God! What have I done, Trace?" Nat searched behind Tracy and immediately bolted for the door. Tracy grabbed her arm and stopped her bodily. "I don't think that's a wise idea, Nat." Troubled blue eyes met hers as she held Natalie forcefully away from the door. Trace turned and glared at Duvall, then she was forced to catch Natalie as she swayed and started to fall to the floor....something was wrong....very wrong and Duvall smiled gleefully like the cat who'd just swallowed the canary. It wasn't exactly what he had in mind, but the effect was satisfactory anyway. Doubt was such an easy tool to use on a couple, and Natalie's response was genuine, of that, he was sure. ------------- Nick tried to shut his emotions down. He refused to think or to feel, but he hadn't succeeded. The more he tried to blank out his mind, the more his mind brought back the vivid image of Nat in Duvall's arms kissing him back....and she was kissing him back. He finally realized he was regaining his humanity, otherwise this wouldn't hurt so badly. He tried to breath but it just made him ache more with doubt and angst. Finally, he pulled into the garage and flew up the steps. Alma sat quietly reading the latest novel by Michael Crichton and she put it down surprised. "Is everything okay, Nick?" Alma had been around Nick long enough to realize when he was stressed. Most vampires she knew didn't express emotion, but Nick did, and she liked it. You could feel the life within him and around him....and it excited her. She would have chased Nick madly if she thought it would have done any good, but even she was smart enough to know that Nick's heart belonged to only one person, and she couldn't fault him on taste. Natalie was a wonderful woman and Alma admired her more than she could express. Sad blue eyes filled with pain and doubt greeted her, then the vampire within masked the man beneath, and he shut down. "Everything's fine, Alma. I just got done early. Are the kids asleep?" He asked softly in an attempt not to wake them. "Kathryn's sound asleep and Jonathan dozed off about an hour ago. I can stay until Nat gets here if you want to catch some sleep." She waited patiently hoping the man with the problem would surface again and she could help. "No, you go on home, Alma. I'll take it from here....and thanks. You're a life saver." Nick smiled then leaned over and kissed her on the cheek softly. "My pleasure, Nick. Just call me if you need anything." Alma smiled then headed for the lift. Nick went to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of cow's blood, then shoved it back onto the shelf and reached for the special blend that LaCroix had brought for himself in order not to drink 'Nick's swill' as he called it. He needed something stronger, tonight. He pulled the cork with his teeth and started to drink, then decided against the animal approach. Quickly, he brought a glass from the shelf and poured it to the brim. Without hesitation he drained the glass and poured another, then walked silently to the couch. He drained the glass for the second time and sat down to think. "What had he not done? It was obvious Natalie wasn't getting everything she needed no matter what she said. Somewhere, he had failed her as he had everyone else in his life. The pain he'd felt earlier returned full force. How could he live without her and the kids? He stood up frantically and paced the floor in front of the fire running his hands through his hair in frustration. He refused to believe she didn't love him anymore. He'd have known that....she would have said something......what...what ....why? Desolation replaced the pain as he paced and searched his mind from their last blood exchange when a small voice from the foot of the stairs caught his attention. "It's okay, Dad." Jonathan stepped silently onto the floor in his sock-covered feet and walked slowly toward his father. Nick scooped him up and hugged him fiercely, and let the peace that Jonathan always brought with his touch caress his battered heart. Instinctively, Jonathan held onto his father and shared his love. "Mom loves us, Dad. She'd never leave us. We are all family. Grandfather even says so." Jonathan caressed his father's smooth face as he talked and smiled. Nick captured Jonathan's hand in his and kissed it softly. "You're right, Jonathan, as usual. It's just sometimes adults don't always say what they mean, and things don't work out like we think they should. That's when we have to work harder at being a family." Nick smiled at his young son then kissed him on the forehead. "Now, you get upstairs to bed. It's way past your bedtime." Nick sat him down and gave him a fatherly swat to start him on the way. Jonathan smiled and bounded back up the stairs until he reached the top step and he hesitated. "Dad, have faith in Mom!" The wisdom spoken was from a much more advanced child than his 5 years indicated. "I will, Jonathan. Now you go to bed." Nick pointed toward Jonathan's bedroom door with a stern look on his face, and the small blond bundle headed in the right direction. Nick returned to the bottle on the table and poured another glass when a voice from the past echoed through the room. "He's right, Partner. Faith got you this far. Don't lose it now." "Schank?" Nick turned in astonishment to see Schanke's form shimmering in the low light behind the couch. "Yup! And they said you were slow." Schanke floated toward Nick with that effervescent smile and his pudgy belly from too much souvlaki. "You totally amaze me, Nick. All that time you were protecting the rest of us from the bad guys, you saw yourself as the devil incarnate. It took Natalie to show you that all you really needed was faith. You found that in yourself and her....don't let it escape you again." Schanke began to fade and shimmer as he spoke. Nick reached out to touch him. "Schank! Don't go!" "Can't, Pard! You're not my assignment. You've got your own guardian angel. Believe me when I say he's had his hands full." Schanke smiled warmly. "But, I'll be around if you need me. After all, what are partners for?" His voice faded only to be replaced by the sound of the lift kicking on. Part 10 ADULT Natalie rode the lift up in silence. She could feel Nick's presence, but he'd shut everything else down between their link. She wished she could learn how to do that. Age did have it's advantage in some things. Tracy made her wait and analyze what had happened and she still couldn't understand what came over her. She loved Nick. Why would she kiss Duvall? It didn't make any sense and the pain she'd caused her husband tore at her soul. They'd been through so much, surely she wasn't cracking up now. Not now that everything seemed to be working itself out. She stepped into the loft hesitantly, but braced herself for the worse. He stood by the fireplace drinking a glass of blood and never turned when she entered. Raw pain washed over their link and she gasped with the enormity of it, then he turned his eyes to hers. What she'd felt was mirrored in his eyes, and if she was honest, she was not sure if the situation was reversed, if she'd still be here right now. "Nick.....I.....I....don't know what to......." She stumbled for the words as her fear of losing him crashed down upon her heart. Tears started to roll freely down her cheeks and she tried to continue on, unable to give him any satisfactory answers. "I don't know why I did that, Nick. I love you. You know that! It's just that one minute we were cutting up a body, and the next minute I felt such pleasure I couldn't resist. It was like pure emotion and pleasure and I...." "I don't want to hear this, Nat." Nick walked over to the refrigerator and poured another glass of blood since he'd already finished the first bottle. Then he turned pain-filled blue eyes toward hers and downed the fresh glass of liquid quickly. "You craved something I can't give you. Let's just leave it at that." Pure frustration and agony tore at him, and he leaned back against the fridge unable to speak or deal with it for the moment. "No!" Natalie ran to him and wrapped her arms around him as he stood. "It was you I saw in my mind, not Duvall. Help me, Nick. Help me to understand this. Am I going insane? If I'm becoming an insensitive monster, then why does this hurt so much?" Tears flooded her face as she sobbed in his arms. He finally gave into her warmth and wrapped his arms around her. Her warmth eased his tortured heart, although the pain and frustration he felt from her confused him even more. He wanted her happy again. She was hurting just as he was. She did still love him and they had to find a way to get past this....together. He buried his head in her auburn curls and caressed her openly as she sobbed. "Forgive me, Nick." Her eyes were touched with gold when they met his filled with need, and he couldn't deny her. Without hesitation, he tore open his shirt collar and offered her his neck. Need and desire flooded his senses as she planted her fangs into his neck. She drank deeply and they sank to the floor as he let himself become one with her once more. The pain of betrayal, his fear of her leaving, the thought of living without her, and his love for her in spite of what had happened coursed through his veins. Without a second thought, based on faith he let it flow into her. She was his life, his heart, his soul and without her he was the empty shell she'd found on that morgue table so many years ago. Tears began to flow down his cheeks as the pleasure he always felt from their union engulfed him. So sweet, yet bitter because he couldn't understand what he'd done to cause this. "No, Nick! You didn't cause this." She removed her fangs as his doubts assailed her and he placed the blame of it all himself. In his mind, it had to be something he couldn't give her, that she needed. Something the vampire had taken away from him and her mortal soul craved. "Help me, Nick. Help us! Feel what I am, and how I feel about you. Love me, Nick! Be one with me. The answer is in my heart." She offered her neck to him but he pulled away. "I can't, Natalie. I'm not that strong." He started to rise off the floor and she stopped him with her eyes. She raised her hand to caress his face and he placed his hand over hers in need of her touch and pulled them both to their feet. "I love you, Nick. Have faith in us. Have faith in me." Her eyes begged him and he couldn't deny her. Slowly he lowered his head and sank his fangs into her tender neck. Warmth and love flooded through him immediately, then the images of Duvall and the pleasure and lust overwhelmed him. He gasped and pulled free unable to stand it any longer. "I can't see this.....Don't make me feel it through you...I'm can't, Nat...I can't....." He panted between breaths and once more pulled free. "Please, Nick! Not like this....love me, Nick, as I love you. Feel all of me, all that I am before you throw US away." She pulled him back to her neck as she sobbed openly now. "Please, have faith in us." Unable to deny his own heart, he planted his fangs back into her neck and drank deeply. Images of them together, of Jonathan, of Kathryn, their struggles to be together flooded through him along with the images of Duvall. Slowly Duvall's face became his and the pleasure and lust she'd felt washed through him. Her love was only complete when she was with him...not Duvall. She turned Duvall's lips into his and Duvall no longer existed. They were one...body and soul through more than their blood, and the peace he felt was only matched by her love for him. She was confused, but her mind had only reacted to what she thought she saw and felt, then a faint bitter taste assailed his senses and he withdrew. Startled eyes met his when he pulled away afraid that she'd lost him. "He drugged you, Natalie! There's something in your blood that doesn't belong there. Something that makes you see what you want to see. When I tasted it, I saw us together making passionate love." He leaned over and kissed her swollen lips, then her eyes, and then her forehead. "It's what I see when I daydream. It's what I crave the most....." She brought her lips back to his and silenced him. "Then make love to me, Nick, because you are what I crave every moment of my waking hours." She pulled his lips back to hers and plundered his mouth with her tongue. She wanted to possess him, to love every inch of him, until he screamed for release. She ran her hands down his chest to his pants and then lower, never releasing his lips. She wanted to feel his hands all over her body and him writhing beneath her in need. He groaned into her mouth when she cupped his balls in her hands and kneaded gently. Her mouth was to sweet, and she felt so right in his arms. His hands roamed freely over her back and pulled her hard against his quickly forming need. Each time she caressed him he grew in her hand, and he wanted more. More of the warmth and love she possessed for him and completeness they felt when they were together. He released her lips and kissed softly down her neck as she fumbled with his jeans while he quickly divested her of her blouse and bra. Unable to control the desire within him, he kissed her breast then sucked the nipple into his mouth making her gasp and slow the onslaught with her hands. Gently he rolled her other nipple in his hand as he cupped her breast while he worshipped the other one in his mouth with his tongue. Unable to stand the desire to have his skin next to hers, she tore his shirt open with one hand and then arched back in his arms as he suckled her breast. The moan that escaped her lips as his head dipped lower only excited him more, and he knew instinctively that she wanted to feel his naked body against hers. He trailed kisses down her stomach stopping at the waistband of her pants then quickly divested her of the bothersome clothing, and then his own. He pulled her hot body next to his cool one and lifted her easily into his arms. He returned his lips to hers once more as they walked. The gentle friction between the naked bodies and the magic of his fingers across her naked back served only to increase each other's desire until she thought she'd go mad with need of him. "Nick!" She gasped between kisses as he carried her to the rug in front of the fireplace. "I need you...all of you." He kissed down her neck licking ever so gently over the now healing wounds he'd created earlier, while her blood called to him like never before. She arched her breasts into his chest as he continued to suckle her neck and finally gave into both the man and the vampire. He planted his fangs into her willingly neck and his hard cock into her hot core at the same time. With the first taste of her blood, his lust overcame him and he plunged deep within her. Each stroke brought her such pleasure, which she passed onto him, and they lost themselves in each others desire and need. Her body responded to the feel of him and she pushed into it, meeting him stroke for stroke letting her blood create such erotic sensations and pleasure he thought he would die. When he pulled his hard cock out, she whimpered from the loss, forcing him even deeper within in her with each stroke. His love for her poured through their blood connection and drove her mad with desire. Sensing even a greater need, Nick withdrew his fangs and his hard shaft, then flipped her over on her stomach. She whimpered in protest until he plunged back deep within her from behind gaining even yet deeper penetration until he touched her very center. He let the head of his shaft caress her and retreated only to return harder each time driving her over the edge. Her body began to contract around him as she screamed his name in release. He basked in the feel of the muscles contracting around him and lost all sense of reality. He needed her to feel his love, his lust, the animal, the man, the vampire so he pumped hard into her once more giving into them all. "Natalie! Come with me! Come with me, my love." He groaned into her ear from behind and gave her his wrist. "I give you everything, Natalie. Everything that I am is yours." He exploded within her pumping his seed deep into her groin. She planted her fangs in the tender flesh of his wrist and drank in his love greedily, savoring the raw pleasure and depth of his love for her. When she released his wrist all the doubt and pain was gone. Love and faith had once again kept them together. ------------------- The lovers lay exhausted on the rug in front of the fireplace and Nick gently caressed her back while he laid light kisses down her shoulder. She purred like a kitten with his touch and snuggled into his arms. "You are going to catch a cold like this." Nick wrapped his arms around her lovingly and pulled her tighter into his arms. "Ummmm" She turned and snuggled even closer burying her head in the furry blond hair on his chest. "You can give me a cold like this anytime, as long as you're here to take care of me afterward." Her bright blue eyes glistened with tears knowing full well how close she'd come to losing him. Nick brushed the small tear that escaped her eye away gently, then kissed her lips softly. "I will never stop loving you, Natalie.....now.....or ever....and I would never leave unless it's what you wanted." He leaned over and kissed her forehead like so many times before. "You are my heart and my soul, and you've made me realize more times than I can count....that faith in myself....and in us..... is just as important as love." Blue eyes filled with a sadness and something else greeted hers when he continued. "I won't deny how much it hurt to see you in his arms, and how easy it was to doubt myself, but I never stopped loving you and having faith in you. You are the smartest woman I've ever known, and sometimes I think you're going to wake up and realize just what a dunder-head I am and take a hike." He smiled weakly causing her to laugh. She then quickly reached up to kiss him hard on the mouth. "Well, dunder-head or not, I love every inch of you." She wiggled her naked body closer to his, then smiled wickedly. "Some parts more than others!" She feigned innocence as she let her hand drop a little lower and caress his upper thigh. "Care to show me which parts?" Nick stretched out and let her hands have free roam over his groin and moaned when her delicate fingers encircled his once again hardening shaft. "I would love to show you specifically what parts, but I think the bedroom would be a better place since we have little ears around that might get curious." She stood up slowly accentuating each movement in order to entice him more, letting his hand trail down her naked thigh as she rose. When she stood she offered him her hand, then smile lasciviously. "We wouldn't want to have to explain Daddy's loud screams or moaning to a 5 year old." Natalie slowly licked her lips with a deliberate sensual motion, then headed for the stairs. "You don't think they heard the last ones?" He chuckled as she swayed sensually before him. She turned and smiled wickedly. "They haven't heard anything....yet!" Part 11 ------------- Theressa knew is was early for them, but she hadn't slept all day. Her thoughts were her own as she rode the lift up to the loft. Lucien refused to leave her alone after she bared her soul about living with Paul. She'd watched him bank the anger behind his blue eyes. A part of it thrilled her to know that he cared, yet a bigger part frightened her because she knew what he was capable of. Why, now, had Paul returned from the dead? Why disappear for over 10 years, then suddenly show up unannounced? Paul had always been the jealous type along with violent. During their brief marriage, she'd become accustomed to the beating both mentally and physically, and a big part of her said she deserved it after all that had happened with Tasha. Tasha had forgiven her and moved on with her life. She and Nick, even with their little problems, had the perfect life. A life Theressa only hoped that someday she could have in some degree or form. Those hopes were rapidly diminishing since Paul's return. He would never give her a divorce. He'd see her dead first. The lift stopped and Theressa stepped out to find Jonathan placidly eating a bowl of cereal watching the Learning Channel. "Hi, little man!" Theressa came over an hugged her nephew. "Hi, Aunt Theressa!" Jonathan said between bites. "Mom and Dad still sleeping?" Theressa eyed their bedroom door still closed upstairs. He nodded his little blond head and smiled mischievously. "They were up late....making up." His eyes gleamed with knowledge well beyond his years. "Ah!" Theressa tasseled his blond head then tried to scold him with no effect. "You know it's not nice to eavesdrop on your parents when the 'make up'." She tried to be stern with him but his little cherub face and curly blond hair just made it impossible. "I know you and your dad are blood connected, but adults need private time for grown up things." Jonathan placed his cereal bowl on the coffee table then crawled into his aunt's lap. "I know, Aunt Theressa. That's why I didn't bother them. I took care of Sissy this morning. I'm a good big brother and Dad really needed Mom to take the hurt away." Sad blue eyes met Theressa's brown ones, then brightened as he relaxed as pushed into his link with his father. "The hurt is all gone now." Theressa started to ask, but thought better of it. It was so easy to forget that Jonathan was only 5. Sometime she thought he was an adult, but when the green lizard frogs jumped on screen and he squealed with delight, she remembered his age. Moments later Nat stuck her head out the door to see what the problem was. She saw Theressa and Jonathan and came down to check it out. "Let me guess, Jonathan....frogs again, right?" Natalie smiled as she descended the steps and watched her son plant himself 2 foot away from the screen to get a better view. "Mommy! I want one! Just one, Mom!" His blue eyes danced with excitement as he pointed to the screen for the hundredth time in the past week. "We'll see, Jonathan. It would have to be all your responsibility....no messes, no smells, clean cages, etc. You know Sydney would eat him if he escaped." She used the 'mother look' and the stern voice, and Jonathan bounced over to her joyfully. "I will, Mom! I will take good care of one. I promise. I take good care of Sissy." Jonathan went to the kitchen sink and pulled out the empty bottle he'd placed there after feeding his infant sister. "I changed her smelly pants, too." Her turned up his nose in disgust. Nat leaned over and picked up her son with a smile. "Yes you do, Jonathan, yes you do. You didn't have to change her pants though. I would have done that." "You needed to take Dad's hurt away....." He touched her cheek softly with understanding and the calm, and the peace he imparted once more touched her. ".....and yours too. You are all better now?" He asked innocently already knowing the answer. It used to shock her when her son knew so much at his age, but she was starting to get used to it slowly. The blood connection between Nick and Jonathan was so strong she doubted there was very little Jonathan didn't feel when Nick was upset. Nick could block it with great effort on his part, but that wouldn't have been possible last night. Jonathan would have felt both their pain through Nick, but hopefully not the other things. She blushed at the thought but decided at least both their children knew how much they loved each other and them. "Okay, little man. You can have the frog." Jonathan squealed with delight and wiggled out of her arms. "I'm gonna tell Dad we are frog shopping tonight!" Jonathan headed for the stairs at full speed as both Nat and Theressa laughed. It felt good to laugh. Theressa stopped as the little blond head disappeared behind Nick and Nat's bedroom door, then sighed. "What is it, Theressa?" Nat walked over to her sister concerned, then noticed the slight puffiness covered by makeup on Theressa's face. Where did she start? This would upset Natalie as much as herself. It wasn't fair. "It's....Paul" She watcher her sister closely for a reaction and saw the anger flash quickly across her face. This wasn't fair....she couldn't do this, so she headed for the door. "Theressa! What is it about, Paul? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have reacted." Natalie caught her at the lift door. "You came here for help, so let me help." She touched Theressa's face tenderly and Theressa winced in pain from the bruises she'd so carefully hidden. "No, you have enough problems, Nat." Theressa stared at the door where Jonathan went with knowledge of things she wasn't suppose to have. "Nick and I are fine, Theressa. Jonathan shouldn't have told you that, but he's 5. He hasn't learned the difference between public and private knowledge." Natalie locked her arm through Theressa's and pulled her back into the room. "Nick and I had a test of faith yesterday, and we won. Everything is okay....honestly." Natalie watched her sister's eyes glisten with tears and she automatically hugged her. "It's okay, Theressa...honestly. Talk to me. Tell me what happened." "I couldn't stand it if you and Nick broke up." Theressa snubbed softly on her sister's shoulder. "You guys are perfect together....you have the perfect marriage.....perfect kids....and your love for each other touches everyone you meet. I'd go crazy knowing something I'd done caused...." "Theressa, what are you talking about? You haven't done anything to cause problems between Nick and I....and as far as perfect marriage....There is no such thing. Good marriages require love, faith, and sacrifice to last. It takes lots of work, no matter what anyone says. Nick and I are still trying to stumble through, and we make mistakes....lots of mistakes but it has nothing to do with you." Confusion was written on Nat's face as she spoke. "Yes, it does, Tasha!" Her eyes filled with regret. "Paul is back.....He's not dead and I'm sure he's the one who tried to frame you for that murder, and now Lucien. He hates you for interfering so many years ago and he's seen me with Lucien. He's as insane as ever, and he won't settle until I'm his possession again....or dead." Undeniable fear was written on Theressa's face. Shock registered on Natalie's face as her sister continued to ramble on. "It's not possible, Theressa. You said they found the body and positively identified it." "I didn't see the body, Tasha. They told me it was too badly burnt and they identified it by his dental records. At that point, I didn't care. I was free at last. I wanted to celebrate that I finally had my life back." Theressa looked at her sister to see if there was recrimination in her eyes but there was none, then she continued on. "He was so deep into the drug cartels that I had no idea where or when he'd show up....and when he did, it would take a month to recuperate. The last few months we were together he beat me so badly each time our maid had to take me to the hospital." Desperation was written on her face when she spoke. "I can't go back to that...not now...not ever." "You won't have to, Theressa." Nick spoke softly from behind them. "No woman should have to tolerate that kind of abuse." Nick walked around in front of them and rubbed her arm gently with concern. "I'll make sure of that." "No, Nick! He's an animal and I don't want you, Nat or the kids hurt. I couldn't stand that." She pleaded with him. "I know you....and believe me when I say you're no match for Paul even with the fact you are a vampire. Paul doesn't believe in rules....or playing fair. He gets what he wants, no matter what the cost. He has no conscience, no morals, nor qualms about anything he does." Nick smiled then chuckled slightly. "I know you think I'm a knight in shining armor and I'm flattered, Theressa, but believe me when I say I have a dark side that would put even LaCroix to shame at times. It's why I fight it so hard. This time, Theressa, you're not alone and Paul doesn't have any idea as to what.....or who..... he's dealing with." Nick reached over and touched her cheek softly. "Besides, unless you're ready to see LaCroix move on, we have to get Paul to admit to the murders. It's a perfect frame leading everything to LaCroix. Unless we get a full confession, the Crown will have no choice and neither will LaCroix." Nick turned and kissed Nat softly on the lips then caressed her cheek. "I'm going to go over and have a chat with him, and try to get him to control that famous temper of his. Maybe we can come up with a plan. I don't think his normal solution will fix this." "I stopped Lucien from killing him the other night, Nick. It's so easy for him to let the vampire free. It scares me." Theressa hesitated then continued on. "A part of me wanted to kill him, too, and I'm afraid to admit it, but it excited me." Worried brown eyes met Nick's. "He's slowly bringing me across, isn't he?" Theressa wanted verification from Nick of what she expected. Nick watched her closely to determine if it was what she wanted before he decided how to phrase his answer. Anger touched his eyes when he realized LaCroix hadn't explained everything to her beforehand. "He could bring you across anytime, Theressa, but he hasn't. Are you developing some of the traits and his attitudes....yes. Any amount of his blood that gets into your system will affect you. The more you give into it, the faster it happens. If you drink from him after he has fed from you, it will bring you across. Whether it will be permanent depends on how much you both take." Nick pulled her trembling hand into his and held it for comfort. "Decide what you want, Theressa, before you go on. You've been with him often enough now that the effects may not wear off, but you're still human. Your heart still beats and you must willingly come back to him to be brought across. You have the final choice in becoming a vampire or dying. Think about what you want and don't let this problem with Paul push you into something with LaCroix you're not ready for." Theressa nodded in understanding and braced herself for what was to come. The timid little mouse that Paul had been married no longer existed, so why was she feeling so weak, so helpless? Enough was enough....she wasn't that person anymore and she certainly wasn't going to let Lucien or Paul either one possess her. She belonged to no one but herself, and it was time she acted like it. Squaring her shoulders and putting her professional face in place, she faced Nick with a decision. "You're right, Nick. The decision is mine with both Lucien and Paul, and I've made it. I'm going back to the museum to finish a few loose ends and then I'll meet you at the Raven. We are going to stop Paul this time for good." Theressa leaned over and kissed Nat on the cheek and headed for the door. Part 12 ---------- Theressa had been plagued with numerous little projects for the past month with ancient French manuscripts from the 9th century. She'd relentlessly poured over each of them, looking for all the answers the National Museum wanted in relationship to authenticity and numerous contradictions from an earlier manuscript in their possession. She had to have the entire report ready to be faxed before midnight tonight. There was only one section she hadn't successfully translated yet, and she hoped the work would distract her enough to step back and take a clear look at the rest of her life. Work always seem to clear her head and she needed that tonight. The last section was finally starting to make sense when she saw a reference to another manuscript she had only glanced at a week ago. Quickly, she pulled it out and sorted for the right page and translated. She exploded in anger and threw her pencil across the room when she finished. "Damn him! Damn him to hell and back!" She quickly flipped back several more pages and read intently, then slammed the book closed and headed for the door. -------------- Nick could feel the anger within LaCroix even across town. The fact that he was still at the Raven amazed Nick as he drove the caddy up near the entrance. It was still early and the club wouldn't open for several hours yet. The question was why was he letting the anger fester? It wasn't like him, and Nick had his own anger to deal with concerning Theressa. They would have it out this evening and either changes would be made, or LaCroix would leave. Either way, Nick would make sure Theressa had a choice in what was happening to her. When he entered the Raven, the silence was almost deafening. The usual noise from the cleaning crew, and the bar being readied for opening was obviously absent. Without knocking, Nick stepped into the back room to see LaCroix standing, staring out the window in silence. His usual stoic mask in place, yet anger bordering on rage screamed through the link between them. Nick slammed his own wall in place and pushed back with his own causing his father to finally turn and face him. Nick stood and waited. "I would ask what has brought you, Nicholas, but since I already know it would be a waste of time." LaCroix walked to his small private bar and poured a glass of blood. "You have to stop, LaCroix. What you're doing to Theressa disgusts me." Nick's anger flashed in his eyes. "Since when did you resort to rape?" LaCroix reacted immediately, grabbing his son and slamming him against the wall, then growled in anger. "What I'm doing with Theressa is nothing compared to what that piece of filth did to her, and you and she expect me to sit by and do nothing." Anger washed through their blood link on both their parts. LaCroix tossed Nick hard across the room smashing the end table as he fell to the floor. "Really!" Nick growled in anger. "Since when is taking one body and soul without their knowledge or acceptance called anything but rape." Nick lunged at LaCroix forcing him hard against the wall and bearing his fangs in his father's face. "I don't see how your treatment of her is any different than his. He just leaves more identifiable marks......or had you considered robbing her of her humanity slowly without her knowledge a form of foreplay? Or was it just another game for you in your never ending quest to totally possess anyone who is around you to prove the vampire is stronger than any humanity left inside you. " Nick's anger began to flare even brighter. Both men were looking for a fight...a release....something to convince the other that they were wrong in their judgement. The stress and blood loss from the night before had taken it's toll on Nick, but his anger fueled his physical disadvantage. LaCroix's frustration with Theressa's husband and her refusal to let him kill Paul served to spur him on. They both needed a good fight, so both vampires gave into the rage. Nick slammed back into LaCroix causing him to grunt in pain as they both crashed to the floor rolling over the smashed endtables and glasses that had been knocked to the floor. Glass cut into their skin but neither noticed as they continued to toss each other around the room using all their vampire strength. Nick, at a major disadvantage from his lower consumption of blood and his changing metabolism, soon began to tire. LaCroix sensed it immediately and went for the throat. Slamming the butt of his hand into Nick's abdomen and pushing up, he managed to snap several ribs and crush several internal organs causing Nick to double in pain, gasping for breath. LaCroix grabbed the table leg without thinking and lunged once more at his son. Nick rolled and let the wood shaft snap in half as it hit the floor. He quickly snatched half and shoved it into LaCroix's stomach causing him to grunt in pain. "Enough!" Nick growled when he pulled the stake free, but LaCroix would not be appeased nor beaten by his weakened son. Nick gasped for breath and tried to right himself through the waves of nausea and pain that coursed through his body. LaCroix stood hesitantly and watched his son falter, then attacked again from behind exposing Nick's neck without much resistance. His son's blood and slowed heartbeat from his slowing forming mortality beckoned to him, and he needed to possess it. Only then would the vampire be calmed. He wanted more, he wanted Nicholas, his son...inside him, filling the void that was forming, that he couldn't stop. Without regret he planted his fangs in Nick's neck and drank deeply. Pain and anger flooded his senses, then a great peace that he'd never felt before washed over him. Nothing had prepared him for what he felt from his son and he wanted more...no, needed more and he drank greedily. There was no fear, only resignation in his son, as Nick finally gave into him and let LaCroix find the solace he sought in his blood. They'd been so close for so many centuries, he knew exactly what his father needed from him. Nick's feelings for Natalie and the children overwhelmed LaCroix and he craved what he felt even more. The faith and love his son now possessed both enthralled and intrigued him and he drank more without a second thought. He felt the confusion and disappointment Nicholas held in discovering LaCroix's deception with Theressa, and Nick's fear that his father would be forced to move on. Nick did not want him to leave. The shock caused him to release his son's neck in awe. Nick's love included him in spite of all that had transpired between them. He wanted LaCroix around his family. He wanted his children to see both worlds, both good and evil, vampire and mortal, to make them complete. The trust he placed in LaCroix both frightened and thrilled the older vampire. LaCroix finally came to his senses as Nick collapsed in his arms limply, and he realized what he'd done. Nicholas could always make him lose control. It was a talent that only Nicholas had managed over the centuries. Quickly, LaCroix sliced his wrists and placed it over his son's mouth. "Drink, Nicholas." He forced some of his blood between his son's lips while he lay limply in his arms. Nick moaned slightly as the blood crossed his lips and trickled down his throat. He coughed raggedly and gasped for breath as he slowly awoke . "No!" Nick weakly pushed his father's wrist away from his lips. "I don't.....want the anger, the evil within you." Nick's blue eyes met his father's. "You can't possess want you truly want through me, LaCroix! You have to sacrifice your power and the evil to learn to love again." Nick tried to weakly rise but was unable without LaCroix's help. Slowly, Nick finally managed to stand causing the broken ribs to slip through the muscle in his rib cage and he gasped in pain once more. LaCroix supported him with one arm and placed the palm of his hand on the protruding rib and pushed sharply, forcing it back into place. Nick screamed in pain as it snapped into the proper position. LaCroix reached behind him and grabbed the blood in the bottle on the counter and shoved it into Nick's hand. "At least drink this! It will take the edge off the pain until you heal since your too hard-headed to do the smart thing." LaCroix watched as Nick drank the entire bottle in one gulp and let the healing effect of the blood course through his veins. LaCroix continued to support him until he could finally stand on his own. The outer door slammed with a vengeance and she burst into the destroyed room in anger. "You Son of a Bitch!" Theressa screamed at LaCroix, then threw the old manuscript at his feet. "This is what you are up to, isn't it?" Anger flashed in her eyes as she spoke, then she finally noticed the room in a shambles and Nick's disheveled state and it fueled the fire. "It isn't enough you want to use me, but you are willing to use innocent children to control Nick and obtain more power. That's what this is all about isn't it, Lucien? Your need to possess people, to live through them and then move on because you never have to sacrifice anything that way." She walked up to him filled with rage. "Well, it's too late for that now. You're committed to me now whether you like it or not because you didn't explain the whole package. Well, guess what, Oh Great Ancient One! I'm becoming a vampire without my approval and that's against the code.....then....and now." She immediately turned her attention to Nick before she spoke. ".....and to top it off, he'd planned on using Kathryn and Jonathan in his little quest for power. He didn't bother to tell you that, did he, Nick?" She turned her angry eyes back to LaCroix's before she continued. "Hell will freeze over before you get a chance to let the evil within you corrupt them!" Nick looked at LaCroix confused, and saw the same look of confusion in his master's eyes. "What are you talking about, Theressa?" Nick moved slowly to her side, not fully recovered from his earlier little physical entanglement. "That!" She pointed at the manuscript on the floor, and glared at Lucien.. "The other night I felt such strange sensations from you when you were with Kathryn and I couldn't understand why. Then I ran across this again tonight." She leaned over and picked up the manuscript. "He who controls the child of darkness brought into the light will be touched by a gift of great power. That child will guide all who follow into the light for eternity with a power that came be matched by no one but his teacher....and they shall rule side by side.....forever." She glared at Lucien with anger and disappointment. "You were trying to touch Kathryn with your mind the other night. Trying to let her see the advantages of evil before she'd ever been exposed to the good.... all to gain power." She walked over and shoved her small frame in his face. "I will stake you myself before I let the evil within you control that child." Disbelief registered on his face only for a brief second before that famous cold mask of indifference fell into place, then he turned to walk back to the window picking up a glass of blood along the way. "If that's what you chose to believe, Young One, then so be it!" Blue eyes of stone turned to greet her, but pain and regret washed through their link, out of his control. He mentally chastised himself when he watched her react to it. She'd felt the pain immediately, and the regret before he pushed it back behind his wall under control. Immediately, she became confused. Had she been wrong? Words never hurt him....not Lucien LaCroix. Only then did she have doubts. Nick felt the sharp quick pain of regret from Theressa's words and watched them struggle with their emotions. He watched LaCroix step back and away as he had so many times before, more than willing to let her think the worst of him even though they weren't true. "You're wrong, Theressa." Nick said softly bringing an angry glare from his father. "Stay out of this, Nicholas. This is none of your affair." His eyes threatened his son but to no avail. "LaCroix would be trying to teach the wrong child if that were the case. Both Kathryn and Jonathan have never been in the darkness. They may be part vampire and part mortal but they have never been touched by the evil and bloodlust that makes us the creatures of the night restricted to the darkness of our own souls. They were both created and born in love based on faith. Even if LaCroix tried to show them the evil within us all, it would not give him power. It would only let them see him for what he is, then they would have to decide which to accept." He stopped to watch her realize just exactly what he was saying, and the truth finally registered. "You are the Child of Light....not Jonathan?" She said in awe after realizing the obvious. "And Tasha is your teacher." She stared at Nick like he was a stranger she'd never met before. He walked over and caressed her arms to calm her down and bring her back to him. "The power they are talking about is love, Theressa. With love, faith and sacrifice anything is possible. That is the power that shall last for all eternity, and those that are willing to try can walk in the light again without shame or regret. That's the promise in the manuscript and it's been told in numerous languages over the centuries. I doubt very much if Natalie and I are the guides to a whole new generation of our kind, but if we are, then so be it." He waited for her to understand before he continued. "Know that if you decide to stay with LaCroix it has to be by both your choices, not just his." Nick glared at his father for a moment. "He's tried the dictatorial approach for such a long time, it's a hard habit to break." Nick finally smiled at his father, then Theressa. "Remember though, he was a Roman general and they never took orders well....not to mention they were never in touch with their emotions." He chuckled, then headed for the door. When he reached the outer door, he stopped and turned. "We need to work out a plan that will get your husband to admit to the murders, Theressa, or our famous stone wall over there will be spending the next 50 years behind bars." Nick stared at his father concerned, then reached out with his link offering his support. "It has to be something you BOTH can live with....and legal, or Nat will be raising our kids alone and that's not high on my list." He reached for the doorknob with one final word of advice. "Paul has no morals or scruples." Nick looked at LaCroix with years of understanding. "Sort of like you, LaCroix. Use that to your advantage." He stepped out the door. Part 13 --------- Natalie paced the floor as she waited and listened intently to Jonathan practicing on the piano. He was good, very good for a child his age. Alma had been right all along when she said Jonathan was a gifted musician. She would make sure he got the best teacher, but it had to be someone that was fun, not a taskmaster. Natalie cringed at the thought of her 3rd grade music teacher. Of course, maybe she would have been treated differently if she'd been as gifted as Jonathan. If this woman didn't get here shortly she was going to have to leave. Normally, Nat wouldn't have even considered anyone that Alma suggested but she really wasn't given much choice. Alma felt obligated to this woman for some reason and Natalie didn't really care to guess why. So if interviewing her for a position got Alma off the hook, it was the least she could do. Alma had saved them more times than she could count watching the kids on short notice. The fact that Alma was a vampire actually made Nat feel more comfortable with her. Nat smiled at the thought. She'd rather have her children watched by one of the community than a mortal. Wow! When had that changed? She had to admit it was a fact now, nonetheless. The lift kicked on drawing Natalie's attention to the door. Now how is that possible? She didn't have the code nor did Nat release the lift from up here. Who was this woman? Moments later, the lift door opened and a petite, auburned-haired woman stepped into the loft searching it closely with green eyes filled with mischief. When she spotted the Steinway and Jonathan seated at it, her eyes began to dance with amusement and something else, then she tamped it down and snapped her professional mask in place. She walked forward gracefully in her trendy, 2 piece double-breasted suit and extended her hand, then smiled. "I'm Elise. You must be Mrs. Knight!" She spoke softly with no accent at all making her all the more intriguing. Natalie accepted her hand graciously and Jonathan bounced off the bench to stand quietly by his mother. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Elise. Alma seems to think my son might benefit from your expertise." Natalie smiled and tried to decide if Elise was vampire or mortal. Although her skin was pale, the predatory feeling that followed most of the vampires Natalie had met did not surround Elise. On top of that, she didn't move with the catlike grace Natalie had come to notice about most of the community. "Would you come in and sit for awhile and give me a little background on yourself?" Nat motioned toward the couch. Elise ignored the couch, went straight to the piano. She seated herself comfortably, adjusted the bench, then started to play. Within minutes the whole loft was filled with incredible music ranging from the classics to modern jazz. Elise's fingers worked magic on the keyboard as both her heart and soul became one with the ivory keys, creating a mystical connection between the music and the listener. Each note elicited some sort of emotion from Natalie as she stood mesmerized by the young woman on the bench before her. When Elise stopped, Jonathan squealed in delight and bounced over to the bench. When he arrived at Elises side, he bowed from the waist in a courtly manor, bent down on one knee, and lowered his head before he spoke. "Teach me, Miss Elise. Teach me how to make the music alive." He raised his head with blue eyes filled with awe. Elise stood and lifted his little hand, bringing him up to a standing position. "You must let me feel what is within you , young man, before I can answer that." She turned and motioned for him to sit at the piano. When he struggled to get on the bench, she leaned over and helped him up. Jonathan began to play a piece Nick had written for him only this year. It was more New Age than anything else. Jonathan had entitled it "The Peace Within" because it made him feel 'loved' as he put it. Natalie had been amazed at Nick's ability to write music, and Jonathan's incredible talent to make it have a life of its own. As he played the piece slowly, the feeling of tranquility that Jonathan brought with his touch filled the room. Elise smiled broadly when he'd finished and clapped loudly. "You truly have your father's touch, yet more. I shall teach you , Jonathan, if you desire it.... as I taught your father. We shall see who is the most gifted, providing of course your mother approves." Elise turned back to Natalie who stood silently watching the exchange between this strange woman and her son. "I suppose it will be alright, but I have to know a little more about you to feel comfortable with this. You said you know my husband. You taught Nick? How long ago was this?" Nat searched Nick's memories through their blood link and could not find anything in connection to this woman and it concerned her. Elise smiled, adding a twinkle to her eyes. "Yes, Doctor, I knew your husband many years ago and taught him for many years. I'm sure he will attest to my reliability as well as my expertise." "Why would you want to teach my son? You are obviously more than just talented... I don't understand...." "To repay a debt, Doctor......and to help create magic through music. Music is a gift to be shared.... and to teach the young how to feel the magic inside is a challenge." Elise walked over to Natalie and extended her hand. "I will guard him carefully, be sure of that, Doctor. He is a treasure to be cherished and watched over for centuries to come." Elise clasped her hand on top of Natalie's and held it firmly. "You are everything I have been told, Natalie....good mother, beautiful, yet open-minded. I would be honored to teach Jonathan all that I know." She waited for Natalie's response. A warmth passed between their hands as Natalie stared into Elise's eyes and she felt strangely at home with her, almost like they were sisters. She shook her head to clear the feeling, then smiled. "Nick and I would be pleased as well." Jonathan bounded off the bench, returned to Elise's side, and tugged on her skirt. "Can we make magic now?" His blues eyes danced with excitement. "Maybe tomorrow, Jonathan. I have to find a place to stay and your mother has to speak with your father." Elise smiled knowingly at Nat. "Tomorrow we begin!" Elise headed for the lift and Nat stopped her before she entered. "I don't even know your last name. Who shall I tell Nick is going to teach Jonathan?" "Just tell him....Elise. He will know who it is." The green in her eyes danced with amusement as she watched the curiosity build in Nat's blues eyes, then she hit the down button on the lift. ---------- Theressa watched Nick disappear out the door and felt really stupid. She should have known when she read that. All the new feelings she was experiencing made her edgy, and the anger and distrust she'd felt with Paul only fueled the budding powers and senses she was slowly acquiring without her knowledge. She should have been furious with Lucien about not telling her everything, but instead she was angry with Paul for trying to destroy everything she'd come to treasure. She'd been with Lucien enough to know, he never gave anyone the full details, and he was also more than willing to let you think the worst of him. It was a sign of strength in his mortal days. He'd never overcome that in 2000 years, and a part of Theressa understood it. She didn't approve of his methods, but she needed some sort of commitment that he wouldn't leave her hanging before she went forward. Her thoughts turned back to him as he watched her intently through cold blue eyes, hiding what he truly felt. The fact that he hadn't beaten her senseless or thrown her out for accusing him of trying to abuse his granddaughter was a good sign. She should feel regret for thinking the worst of him, but she'd seen enough in his blood to know that Lucien LaCroix was perfectly capable of using anyone....if it suited his purpose. She wasn't that naïve, then a realization hit her as she stood staring at his blue eyes. "You've known for a long time that Nick was the one foretold in the manuscripts." It was a simple statement and she didn't really expect him to respond. "It's why you've fought so hard to turn him back to his true nature isn't it? So you wouldn't lose him?" Theressa walked slowly toward him and stopped only a breath away before she spoke again. "You can never lose someone you love, Lucien. They are always in your heart. That's what being alive is all about. The only person who lives forever is one who has loved and been loved. You can never lose Nick. He loves you in spite of all that has happened." She started to step back when he grabbed her arms and held her in place. Anger then anguish and regret washed through their link before he spoke. "I only wanted the child to know me....to know that I was there for her. I wouldn't have ...." She silenced him with a kiss, then wrapped her arms around his hard body Without hesitation he pulled her hard up against him and deepened the embrace. The feel of her body against his and her lips enticing him to deepen it even more,, elicited a groan of pleasure from him and relief. The thought of her anger and hatred hurt him more than he'd cared to admit. Not only was his blood having an effect on her, but hers caused a change within him as well. She pushed her tongue inside his mouth and sucked gently, wanting his fangs to drop. When she felt them drop, she sliced her tongue on the sharp tip and let him suck a part of her into him. Pleasure ripped through her and she wanted him here and now. Every muscle and cell of her body belonged to him, and she would deny it no longer. "I'm yours, Lucien" She panted when he released her lips. "If you want me?" Her brown eyes questioned his. He kissed down her neck, gently nuzzling it which she offered freely. Her blood called to him as he sucked and licked the vein at the base of her neck. He wanted her body and soul inside him for all eternity, and she was willingly offering it to him. He started to sink his fangs into her neck when the shimmer behind him froze him in place. Power washed through the room followed by a frigid cold, and Schanke appeared seconds later. LaCroix growled in frustration. Part 14 -------------- Natalie walked into the morgue with her mind still going over the events with Elise. Who was this woman to Nick? Why did she feel so comfortable with her? They'd promised no secrets between them, so needless to say Nick had a few answers to come up with. Jill ran up to Nat as soon as she entered the morgue. "Nat!" She said a little fearful. She held a lab report in her hand. "What is it, Jill?" Natalie reached her hand for the report. "It's that blood sample you gave me yesterday. There was a real weird combination of herbs and drugs in it, so I sent it over to the University and they broke it down further. Some of the components of it are blood.....human blood. They ran a DNA work up on it and I put it in the computer to see if there were any matches." Jill looked around the room extremely worried. Natalie scanned the report noticing all the components. She tried to remember just exactly where she seen some of these ingredients when she did her research on rituals and sacrifices. Then she noticed Jill hesitate, and reached her arm out to comfort her fear. "It's okay, Jill. What did you find?" "There are several matches, Nat." Jill waited and her eyes searched the room before she whispered. "There were cells in that blood sample mixed with the ingredients that came from those dead prostitutes we did this last month. I doubled checked Their blood was used in some sort of drug or potient. Whoever you got that sample from was drugged with not only chemicals and herbs, but human blood cells from those woman. Why would anyone do that? It's some sort of cult thing, I know it." Jill was becoming really agitated, as well as Natalie. "There was something else in that blood sample, Nat. Some unknown cell with an attachment on it. It was attached to about 20 percent of the cells. The guys over at the university said it had some real strange properties. When they exposed it to sunlight it imploded and destroyed itself along with all the cells it was attached to. Who's sample was that? They want more of it to analyze." Natalie stared at her co-worker and thought quickly. It was a sample from a close friend who doesn't want to be a guinea pig." The guys at the university will just have to suffer through withdrawal, but my friend was obviously drugged with this potient that contained the human blood cells. Did they say at the university exactly what the effect would be with this chemical combination?" Natalie put on her profession boss face and expected answers. Jill recognized her stance immediately and responded accordingly. After all, she worked in the morgue, she should be used to all kind of weird stuff. It was obvious Natalie was taking it as business as usual, so she would as well. "They said it would act as some sort of mind control drug which would make the victim very receptive to any suggestion. They guessed from the use of the human blood that they were probably using it as some sort of aphrodisiac as well. One of the guys over at the university was big into the voodoo stuff they do down in New Orleans and in Africa. It's sort of his hobby. He said the voodoo queens use human sacrifice and blood from their victims to enhance sexual desire." "It would also make it stronger if the victims were sexually active prior to their demise." Natalie mumbled more to herself than Jill. She remember the article she'd read earlier. "That would explain why the use of prostitutes. Who better to guarantee they had sexual endorphins in the blood stream before they killed them? " Natalie put all the pieces in place, then tried to control the anger beginning to build within her. "Thanks, Jill. That was great work. I'll contact Nick and Trace and let them handle this from here." Jill nodded with the praise and headed back to her office. Nat picked up the phone and dialed Nick's cell phone. When she finished, she dialed the Captain and went over the details and requested a warrant for Nick and Tracy. "I'll meet them there, Captain, with the warrant......I know I don't usually attend arrests but this is different. This is personal!" Natalie hung up the phone, collected her papers and grabbed her jacket, then headed for the door. She would put an end to this now. ---------- The growl from Lucien's lips brought Theressa back to reality. She had been willing to be his totally and he'd stopped. Why? Then she noticed where his eyes were focused, and she turned to watch the shimmering form become solid before her eyes. He was the exact image of Nick's dead partner Schanke. She gasped and stepped back slightly. "So the answer to all your problems is the same?" Schanke snorted with disgust at LaCroix. "You think if you kill her and bring her across, it's done? Guess again, bucko!" Schanke walked over closer to them while LaCroix gained control of his beast and retracted his fangs. "What is it you want, Mr. Schanke?" LaCroix made his voice more neutral than he felt since his options for getting rid of Schanke were more than just limited. "What I want, My Old Fanged Friend, is for you to think about the whole picture and what you have to lose here." Schanke stared at Theressa and smiled. "Hello, Theressa. I'm your ancient boyfriend's conscience here." He chuckled at the thought. "You're Nick's old partner Schanke. The one who died in the plane crash. I recognize you from the pictures at the loft." She stood in awe as the figure before her just smiled and nodded the affirmative. "I'm also here to see that Mr. Nightcrawler here doesn't screw things up and gets a shot at redemption. Of course, I think it's futile myself but you seem to have a positive effect on him." "And just what do I have to lose here, Mr. Schanke? Theressa is more than willing to give herself to me. That is all that is required from our code...willing acceptance." LaCroix smiled smugly. "True, Old Fanged One, but only if she knows the whole story. You haven't been quite forthcoming with all the details and problems associated with your condition. Ask Nick. I'm sure he would have been a little more hesitant if he'd known the whole story.....and last but not least.....what do you think the good old husband is going to do with you or Theressa once he finds out?" "He won't be around to cause any problems. That is quite simple enough to fix." LaCroix eyed Schanke openly with delight in his eye at the thought of killing Paul. He should have done it earlier and none of these problems would exist. "Oh, right! Kill the husband, leave yourself open to the murder trial and investigation, force Nick to save your butt and get you out of the country, and finally lose everything he's worked for." Schanke shook his head in disgust. "You are a self-center bastard, aren't you?" He glided over to LaCroix and stood only inches from him before he let his anger release. The cold wash of anger filled the room making Theressa shiver and step back, but LaCroix didn't budge. "Just how much are you willing to sacrifice, LaCroix? You kill Paul, and bring Theressa across. Nick has to save your ass and get you out of the country thereby leaving Nat, who, by the way will probably stake you for bringing her sister across without her knowing everything.....and Nick loses his family because they can't survive without his blood. When he finishes hating himself and you, he'll walk into the sun and so will she." Schanke looked at Theressa. "When she finds out she's lost everyone and everything that means anything to her, she'll kill herself in what ever way she can. Oh, and let's not forget that Nick might need your help in the years to come. After all he's got two children and a wife that all require his blood to survive. How long do you think he can keep that up without help?" Schanke calmed slightly, and walked over to sit in the chair on the far side of the room. "You'll be alone once more if you survive, and no one will be there to even care. You're to old to die by normal means, you already know that. So you can spend eternity letting the evil within you fester and grow until you are like Divia was. So way your options carefully, Mr. LaCroix. Take stock in what you have now and decide what your future will be." Schanke looked sad as he stared at Theressa then at LaCroix. "You are a fool if you throw away her love and Nick's. Eternity is a long time to be alone!" Schanke's form began to shimmer again and he finally disappeared. "Lucien?" Theressa questioned as LaCroix continued to stare at the place Schanke disappeared. She touched his arm to bring him back to the present. "He's right you know. For the first time, we all are truly family. I want to be with you, Lucien, but it scares me. There is so much I don't know or understand, but I know I love you. That will never change no matter what I see, but I don't want to live without Tasha and the children either....and Nick needs you." She walked away toward the window and stared out into the darkness for a moment and thought. "And whether you will admit it or not, you need Nick, as well as me." She turned to face him once more. "I can live with that, Lucien, because I love Tasha the same way. Let's find a way for us all to stay together. Let's find a way to make Paul confess and we can all stay together...here in this place .....in this time." Her eyes were filled with hope and need as a single tear escaped her eye and ran silently down her cheek. Faster than she could see, he was at her side. He raised his finger to the tear and gently wiped it away, then pulled her into his arms and nestled his head in her brown curls. "I'd thought this cold heart was dead, Theressa, until I'd met you. You make me feel things that I'd forgotten ever existed. Be patient with me. I was never very good at waiting and explaining myself. It wasn't they way I was raised, and I've had centuries with no one to show me any alternatives." He released her and gently kissed her on the lips. "Let us find a way together to eliminate our little problem that will make my son, the policeman, happy." He smiled when she nodded in approval. "Together.... has a nice ring to it, Lucien." She kissed his nose, then grabbed his hand and they headed for the main bar to make a plan. Part 15 ------- Nick paced beside the caddie as he waited for Natalie to arrive with the warrant. Tracy watched him like a hawk. Twice already he had started for the door, and Tracy had stopped him. "All the pacing in the world is not going to make the Crown move any faster, Nick." Tracy said for the second time. Nick stared at the window in the building before him and his anger began to flame brighter. Duvall had drugged Nat to seduce her. He would kill him slowly for that. Tracy watched the golden flecks touch Nick's blue eyes and knew exactly where his thoughts were. On the way over, she'd called Vachon hoping he'd be able to help in a crisis. Nick very seldom lost control except when it came to Natalie. She was going to need more than mortal help. Nick began pacing again and finally took to the air. "Nick, you can't....." Her words were lost in the wind as Nick disappeared. She ran for the doorway only to find Vachon pinning Nick up against the wall. "Wasn't it you, Knight, that told me self-control was the answer? If you rip his head off, you won't know why he did this." Vachon held the older vampire against the wall preparing himself to be tossed up against the nearest hard surface. Nick hissed and threw Vachon hard against the nearby wall. "Stay out of this, Vachon. That bastard would have raped Nat and fled the country. He's done it before. I'm just going to make sure he never does it again." Nick growled through his extended fangs in full vampire mode. "Right, Nick! Aren't you the guy that's been telling me that I can fight Divia's poison and win? It's nice to know that when push comes to shove, you let your beast have complete control as well. Guess that doesn't make us much different, does it?" Vachon waited for the words to sink in. He was sure that if the situation had been reversed and it was Tracy the guy tried to do his number on, Lyle Duvall would already have been dead. Then again he didn't have Knight's control. Vachon's words were like ice water on a fire. Wasn't that exactly what he was doing? Letting his beast have control when he got angry. Nick pushed the vampire back into submission and sagged against the wall. When he opened his eyes, the steel gray-blue in his eyes had returned. The man once again conquered the vampire. He looked at Vachon still sitting on the ground where he bounced off the wall. Nick walked over and offered him his hand. Vachon watched him closely, then accepted. He knew Knight was strong but he'd never had first-hand knowledge. No wonder the Raven was a mess when he and LaCroix got into it. Vachon smiled, accepted Nick's hand, and pulled himself to his feet. He dusted off and rubbed his shoulder. "I would hate to see you get really pissed, Knight. Especially if you drank human blood on a regular basis." Nat walked up beside Tracy as Vachon was tossed across the doorway. Natalie put one hand on Tracy's shoulder to stop her forward motion while she mouthed the words. "Wait!" When Nick came to his senses, they approached. Nat eyed her husband closely and smiled at his victory. She'd been having a hard time herself fighting the beast within after discovering what Lyle had intended to do. She would like to personally break his neck for what he'd done, but it wasn't an acceptable alternative. They had to find out just exactly what he was up to so they could prevent it from happening again. She walked up and wrapped her arms around Nick and breathed in his scent, letting her love and warmth flow through their link. He responded immediately and relaxed. They had conquered both their beasts, and kept faith in each other. Together they had won. Each day they grew stronger together, and the trust they'd built between them was their anchor. Natalie removed her head from his shoulder with a sigh and let determination and rational thought replace the anger that had threatened to overwhelm her. "Let's go get this bastard! I don't want him doing this to anyone else. The Crown says we can fight extradition because of the murders, but I don't think Lyle did this alone. We want all of them." Her determined blue eyes met Nick's. "Let me go up first and pretend to be drugged. Let's just see what he has in mind. You, Tracy, and Vachon will be close by." Nick started to object when she silenced him with her finger on his lips. "I love you, Nick, but this is personal. He drugged me! I need to understand why." He nodded in agreement and she started for the stairs. --------- Lyle was extremely agitated. He'd been throwing things throughout the apartment all evening. Knight and Lambert were still together. Greenwall rubbed it in his nose earlier this evening. Said he'd seen the Knights kissing in the parking lot, then laughed and said...."Told ya, loverboy! Just 1 week left and I'm going drinking on my winnings." "What went wrong, Mother?" Lyle turned for the tenth time and questioned his mother as she sat stirring the chemicals in the small metal bowl. "Sometimes, it takes more than one dose, my son. If she is the woman we seek, her powers are strong and it will take the blood of many passionate women to overcome her. You must be patient." She smiled benevolently at her son. Lyle stormed over to her side and squeezed her arm in a fit of rage. "How many women, old woman? How long before she is mine to do with as I please. She's different than all the rest. She has a strength that I can't explain, and her children have an unusual affect on me. Explain that to me!" He shook her violently, then a soft knock sounded at the door. "Who is it?" Lyle growled barely controlling his rage. "It's Natalie, Lyle. I....I.....need to talk with you." She hesitated and prepared herself for the job at hand. The old woman smiled with glee and clapped her hands in triumph. "You see, my son, I told you she would come around. She is the one.....I know it!" Lyle hurried to the door pushing back his anger, and making a plan as he walked. He opened the door to the woman he'd dreamed about for years. She was his....one way or another...tonight. "Natalie, what a pleasant surprise." His eyes danced with glee as he opened the door wide for her to enter. Natalie walked into the room slowly, almost in a trance-like state and breathed deeply. The smell of the chemical in the air was pungent and strong. She used all her will power to keep from giving into the nausea that it caused. She eyed the old woman in the kitchen still stirring a mixture on the stove. Her eyes turned to meet Natalie's and she gasped in surprise. Both eyes were white yet opaque at the same time. She was old, but one could not tell just how old because her movements were deliberate. The old woman smiled in recognition, as the feeling of heat washed over Nat. She glanced at Lyle, then the old woman again and noticed a pale yellow haze that surrounded the woman momentarily, then evaporated into the air as she watched. "This is my mother, Natalie. I'm sorry if she startled you. When you're blind it's difficult to move around, and her eyes frighten some people." Lyle took Nat's hand and guided her to the couch. "Tell me why you've come?" Lyle pushed slightly but not obviously. Natalie appeared to be feeling the affects of the potient even now. He could see the slowness in her actions and the indecisive nature she portrayed. "I....I...really don't know, Lyle. I just felt compelled to see you. I don't understand any of this...any of what I feel. It's all so strange to me....I don't...." Lyle leaned over and clasped her hands in his, then locked eyes with hers before he spoke. "It's alright, my beloved. I will tell you everything you need to know. You are with your king now and we shall rule our people with pride, joy and justice." Lyle leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips. She did not respond hotly, but she didn't fight it either. The potient was working. ......only not fast enough. He needed her to drink more. --------- In the hall, Nick felt Lyle kiss Natalie and he almost bolted through the door. Only Tracy's hand on his arm stopped him. "Don't let him get to you, Nick. She's playing the part. Feel it through her and listen. I can't do that....but you an Vachon can. We need the answers first." Her calm voice soothed his anger and Nick pushed into his link with his wife until she responded in kind. A smile crossed his lips. "She's okay, but he's nervous. She's not the putty in his hands he'd hoped for. We have to be ready." Nick turned concerned blue eyes to his partner. Tracy cocked her pistol and smiled. "Just give the word!" ---------- The old woman walked forward carrying a mug. Graciously, she handed the mug to Natalie. "Drink, my child, this will make it all clear." "I....I...don't think I understand." Natalie spoke in a monotone as she accepted the mug. "That's it, my love." Lyle pushed the mug toward her lips. "Drink and it will all become clear to you." Natalie brought the mug to her lips slowly. Lyle watched her intently with their eyes locked as she pretended to drink from the mug. Lyle took the cup away from her after she drank, then set it on the table beside him. "Now, my sweet Natalie, you will listen to me." He leaned forward and kissed her softly and caressed her face. She sat completely still and continued to stare at him. "Do you understand, my love?" Natalie nodded yes but never took her eyes off his. She kept them neutral and listened. "You are to be my queen. You are special as I am. We are of the blood of the ancients and shall rule all our people. No price is to high to keep our people faithful to the religion. Your children are special as ours will be, also. They have special powers and they will increase under our tutelage. The practice of voodoo will be the norm, not the exceptional. We shall return to New Orleans and rule over the city with power and magic." He leaned forward to kiss her once more and caress her face. She sat stone still and did not respond. He backed away and flashed angry eyes toward his mother. "It's not enough! She's still not responding to me. We must kill another and drain her. I must have the passion, the fire that burns within her. I must have her begging in my arms. I can't deal with this." He motioned to the immobile figure in front of him. He started to strike her to get a reaction. "Maybe you just need stimulated." He raised his hand to slap her. On the downward stroke, she grasped his hand only inches before it struck her. Using her vampire strength she squeezed hard until she felt his wrist snap, only then did she let the gold flecks dust her eyes....then she smiled. "If I want stimulation, I have a husband for that. One who would never raise a hand to me." She watched shock register on his face, then pain from his broken wrist. "You bitch!" He screamed. He lunged, only to find fingers wrapped tightly around his throat pulling him up by his neck. "I told you once, you wouldn't like my wife when she's angry.....and I have killed people for far less than what you tried to do." Nick growled and let his fangs drop. Lyle screamed in fear at the creature before him. Nick tossed him across the room like a rag doll. His body hit the far wall hard enough to break the plaster, yet he stayed conscious and tried to scramble to his feet. "What....What are you?" He stammered in fear as Natalie came up beside her husband and let her fangs drop in anger. "Your demise, Lyle Duvall, the end of your sick quest for power through death!" Nick reached for the trembling man on the floor and locked onto his heartbeat. "You will not remember us like this. You will tell the police everything you've done. You will tell them every detail freely or the beast will return and finish what you started. Do you understand?" Nick waited. "Tell them everything....tell them I murdered the women. Tell them .....I will tell them." He mumbled and Nick released him letting him slip to the floor. He turned to find Tracy handcuffing the old woman. "I've already called it in, Nick. They should be here shortly." She stared at the pathetic mess on the floor and shivered with disgust. "I wonder how many more women he killed in New Orleans before they shipped him out?" Nat wrapped her arms around Nick's waist and hug him tightly. He turned and smiled down at her. "I guess that answers the questions about three of the women murdered." He bent down and kissed her forehead. "Actually, all four of them. They found blood cells and DNA matches from all four of the women in the drug they made." Nat turned and smiled at Vachon. "Guess that let's you off the hook after all." Tracy smiled from ear to ear and hugged Vachon, then kissed him on the cheek. "You controlled her, Javier! The poison no longer controls the vampire." Relief shown in her eyes and something else. Maybe there was a chance for them after all. She wouldn't give up hope on him...not now...not after all they'd been through. Part 16 ------- It was the blond again. Paul sat in his car outside the Raven. They were all connected somehow. He would put an end to this once and for all. He wasn't sure how Theressa had gotten so strong, but it would never be enough. She was his and he would see her dead before she spent the night in another man's arms. Paul let the anger rage within him and made a decision. Tonight, after the bar closed, he would eliminate all forms of interference. -------- Several hours later Theressa worked behind the bar pouring drinks. She kept a close eye on the door expecting Paul at any moment. LaCroix appeared behind her without a sound. "He will not do anything in a crowd, young one. He is a coward at heart. He will use the darkness and the late hours as his weapons, only he is unaware of who he deals with. He thinks us mortal....that will be his undoing." Cold, calculating eyes met hers. Theressa shivered when she saw it and he immediately softened. "I apologize. It is a hard habit to break." LaCroix retreated a step, then clasped her hand in his softly. "You are forgiven, Lucien. Just remember how to use it when Paul shows up. He will be here tonight. I can feel it. When I don't return to the apartment, he will come here. He will not tolerate interference in his life.....and you are definitely an interference." She leaned over and kissed him softly on the cheek. The others in the bar stared in amazement at Theressa's open affection for LaCroix. Who would have believed a mortal could turn the infamous General's head? Most of them enjoyed the benefits of the improvement in his temper. For that, they were grateful for Theressa and showed her respect. They also had Nick and Natalie to deal with if anything happen to her. To have an enemy of Nick, LaCroix and the Good Doctor was not advisable. Too many debts were owed, so everyone accepted and protected Miss Theressa while she was in their presence without a second thought. LaCroix locked the front door after the last patron left, leaving only Theressa, himself and Randolph at the bar. Nick and Daniel were on their way. Nick refused to let Nat anywhere near any more violence tonight. Something had happened earlier that made him edgy and he'd refused to elaborate. "You may go home now, Randolph." LaCroix spoke softly to his bartender. "We'll finish everything else tomorrow." Randolph nodded in agreement, untied his apron and headed for the back door. Theressa picked up the cloth and started wiping down the bar top to keep busy. The silence in the bar was eerier while Theressa felt every nerve in her body burn with tension. A slight noise was heard from LaCroix's private quarters and he smiled. "It would appear, my love, that the game's afoot." He smiled wickedly and offered her his arm. She smiled and accepted it graciously. "Now, remember, he has to confess to the other murders before...." She looked at him skeptically "....you do anything to him, and no killing him." She turned and looked at the front door. "Do you think we should unlock the door for Nick?" "Why, young one?" He has a key and doesn't need it if he has forgotten. Theressa looked sheepish. "Sorry, I forgot who I was dealing with. Silly me, to be bothered by simple mortal boundaries." LaCroix leaned over and kissed her gently, then let his fingertips gently caress her face before he spoke. "Be aware, young one, you are mortal.....and bullets will kill you." A look of genuine concern crossed his face. "You have my word of honor, I shall not take any chances." She smiled with more hope than she'd felt in the last week that everything would work itself out. -------- Daniel rode silently in the seat beside Nick as they cruised across town. He'd read the report about Duvall and in particular the section exonerating Vachon of any wrong doing. What would that mean? Would Tracy let their relationship fall by the wayside to finish what she started with Vachon? Could he live with a decision in which she wouldn't see him any longer? She loved him, but she also loved Vachon. It was in her blood and he so desperately wanted her to know that he loved her enough to let her go, if it would make her happy. It would tear him apart slowly and he knew it. "Out with it, Daniel." Nick said calmly as they drove across town. "I'm not sure I know what to say, Nick. The whole thing is really out of my hands now. Before, Tracy felt obligated to help Vachon....something left undone....and I could live with that. To make matters worse, I like the guy. He's so many things I wish I could be." Daniel's sad eyes continued to stare at the road as he spoke. "And so many things you're not, Daniel. This Tracy fell in love with what you are, not what she wanted you to be. There were a lot of reasons Tracy and Vachon never furthered their relationship. Vachon has changed from his ordeal just as we all do when we age. We either grow up and learn from our mistakes, or we die. That's true if you're mortal or vampire. Tracy just has to decide which Tracy Vetter she wants to grow old with, then she can decide whether you, Vachon, or someone else is the person she wants to share it with. There are no guarantees in life, Daniel. No one ever said life was fair. If you truly love her, you need to tell her that and make her understand the final decision is hers alone, not yours or Vachon's. Loving someone does not guarantee they will love you back, and you have to accept that or you'll go insane....but you have to tell her. Women read all kinds of things into silence from a man. Believe me when I say that." Nick let his mind drift back to a number of conversations, or lack of conversations, when he and Nat skirted their feelings. "You're saying that I have to be honest with my feelings and tell her, or she may not be honest with hers about me?" Daniel stared at the older blond vampire sitting beside him. "You and Nat had similar problems?" He said in awe. "You are so perfect together, so united, so much in love that anyone can feel it when you're together. You two are the ones who gave me enough faith in myself to even try to get involved with a mortal. I just thought...." Daniel hesitated and tried to put into words what he felt. Nick stopped the car at the light and turned to face his young companion. "Daniel, any relationship takes work. Don't ever think Nat and I never fight, disagree or doubt each other.... because we do. All good relationships are filled with tests and growing pains, and ours have been a little tougher than most, but with love, faith and sacrifice we make it through together. That's what you feel when you're around us. Our strength together, based on love, makes us able to deal with anything life throws at us. Nat reminded me of that the other day." Nick noticed the light and sat in silence remembering the pain he felt when he thought Nat had fallen for Duvall. "It was Duvall wasn't it, Nick?" Daniel watched Nick closely and knew he was reliving something. "He drugged her into submitting to him and you thought you failed her in some way?" Nick's blue eyes turned to his with acknowledgement in them. "How did you get past it? How could you forgive her after seeing them together?" "Faith, Daniel....She asked me to have faith in her and our love together....and I did. No matter what happens between Nat and I, I know that she loves me for who I am and that she has faith in us together. I will never throw that away. I suggest you, at least, give Tracy and yourself a chance to find a place where you are together....or you're not. A place based on love and faith....or just friendship. If you truly love her, and she loves you, you will find a way to be together. If not, then you will have to move on, but don't throw away your chance at happiness because there's competition. Tell her what's inside here." Nick poked Daniel over the heart and tried to make sure he understood. A horn honked behind them and Nick finally hit the gas and sped down the street. Minutes later they pulled up in front of the Raven. "Thanks, Nick." Daniel smiled sheepishly. "I guess I thought you wouldn't understand, but I was wrong. I will tell Tracy exactly everything I feel....tonight." "Let's go to work, Daniel." Nick pulled a key from his pocket and slipped it into the lock. --------------- Security in this place was really lax. Paul dusted his pants off after he climbed through the back window. Everyone was gone but Theressa and her boyfriend. Paul snorted in disgust at the thought. You'd think she'd had better taste. A tavern owner, for pity sake. He had to admit the guy was in good shape for his age, but if his wife was going to try and dump him, you'd think it'd be for someone rich, or at least young. Paul traveled quietly through the hall using only a pen light. He could hear voices from a distance and instinctively knew one was Theressa. He would take that happiness right our of her voice just as soon as he killed LaCroix. No more 'Mr. Nice Guy'. He was through playing the cat and mouse game. You want something out of the way, just shoot it and drop it in the lake somewhere. That's what his father always said.....Daddy was such a smart man, just greatly unappreciated for his talents. Paul smiled at the thought. He turned and found himself in private quarters. This must be where LaCroix lived. Paul eyed them carefully noticing the antiques and the lush carpet and silk sheets on the bed. Well, at least the guy had some class. He slipped into the shadows as the voices rounded the corner and stepped into the room. "He is close, young one. In the next room." LaCroix pulled out a remote and hit record, then placed it back in his pocket. Silently the recorders clicked on. They stepped into the room with happy faces in place. LaCroix shut the door behind them, then turned to greet his guest. "How good of you to join us." LaCroix's smooth voice echoed throughout the room as his stoic features fell into place. Paul stepped out of the shadows, leveling the 9mm even with LaCroix's chest. "So kind of you to invite me, Mr. LaCroix, and to bring the entertainment." Paul eyed Theressa beside LaCroix with a malevolent glare. "Let's see....do I want to kill you first and let her watch, or do I want to beat her to death right before your eyes and kill you afterwards......decisions....decisions." Paul laughed loudly and waved the gun carelessly about. "I see you didn't bring a weapon....pity." LaCroix stepped in front of Theressa and let the gold fleck his eyes before he spoke. "I rarely have need of any weapons." LaCroix let his power pulse from his body slowly for the man to feel it, as it washed through the room unleashed. "Right! Step in front of the bitch and take all my fun away. I think I'll just gut shoot you and let you watch me rape her while you die ,or maybe I'll cut her up like Forester and that other little moron who thought he could run the drug business up here. You Canadians are such a weak lot...so easy to manipulate and get rid of." LaCroix pushed Theressa behind him and to the side before he advanced. "Here, let me show you." Without hesitation, Paul fired his 9mm directly into LaCroix stomach and laughed as the smoke trailed from the gun barrel. LaCroix stopped only momentarily from the force and lowered his eyes. When he looked up red eyes and fangs greeted his assailant. "It would appear, Monsieur, that some of us are not as easily handled." Paul screamed and backed up, unloading his clip into LaCroix as he advanced unharmed. LaCroix grabbed him by the neck and slammed him up against the wall, lifting him off the floor several feet with one hand. Anger radiated around and through the room from him and he felt invigorated...alive....filled with the desire to kill. "What are you?" Paul shrieked through labored breaths. "I'm what nightmares are made of, my evil friend. I'm what you wish to become only you've not had enough practice. I'm going to give you a glimpse of pure evil, a glimpse of what I can do without a gun." LaCroix planted his fangs into the man's neck and drank deeply and pushed images of his past 2000 years into his mind at once. Pain assailed him from the terror of the man's mind and something else. Strong arms grabbed LaCroix's from behind. "Enough, LaCroix......enough!" Nick yelled at his master as he pulled him away from Paul's neck before he killed him. LaCroix growled with the interference and Nick wrapped his arms around his father forcefully. "You have to help, Theressa. Killing her husband won't do that!" Nick's eyes motioned to the still form lying in Daniel's arms on the floor. "Let me go, Nicholas." LaCroix hissed at his son as Theressa's pain washed through their blood link. It was her pain he'd felt, not Paul's when he drank. Nick released his father. LaCroix hurried to Theressa's side, knelt to the floor, then pulled her into his arms. Daniel pulled out his cell phone and dialed for an ambulance and metro. Paul screamed and held his head in agony as the images of death and destruction with such hatred and evil flowed through his mind like water. Image after image got brighter and louder in his mind until he screamed once more in torment. Nick grabbed his arms and handcuffed them behind his back, then tossed him on the floor to suffer and returned to his father's side. LaCroix sat holding her in his lap, putting pressure on the wound in her shoulder that bled freely. Her pulse was thready as she began to go into shock but she fought valiantly as her life's blood drained through his fingers onto the floor. Weakly, she opened her eyes and watched the golden flecks enter his. A part of her wanted to come to him, but her heart and soul could not go along. "Promise me, Lucien, you won't bring me across." She whispered softly. "I can't follow you into the darkness without knowing all that I face. Don't ask it of me. I follow the light and so shall you if it be God's will." She reached up weakly to caress his face lovingly. "I want us together in the light, Lucien but I need you to have faith....faith in us." "Theressa....." He whispered in torment as he held her, feeling her life slip away. "I cannot lose you......I....." Her pain ripped through him through their blood link and he pushed his strength back into it, all the time rocking her gently in his arms. "Faith, Lucien.....I have faith in you." Her words slipped away as the blackness engulfed her and a scream tore from his lips. Part 17 ---------- When LaCroix looked up his eyes had turned red and his fangs extended. He would not lose her. He'd lost Fleur. He would not lose Theressa. His head started for her neck without hesitation when a strong arm grabbed his shoulder and pushed him back. "No, LaCroix! She will not come back for you. You will kill her and the love she has for you will be gone forever." Nick applied more force to stop his father and make him realize what he was about to do. He would not let him bring Theressa across...not since she specifically ask LaCroix not to. He would die at his father's hands first before he would let him take Theressa against her own will. Anger pulsed through their connection as LaCroix growled. "I will not let you take her away from me like you did Fleur....not this time, Nicholas. This time she will be with me forever." LaCroix shook Nick's hand free from his shoulder and glared at his son. "I did not take her from you, LaCroix!" Nick hissed back at his father in anger. "He did!" Nick pointed to Paul writhing on the floor in the corner. "......And he will have won if you kill her....and you will kill her, because she won't come back from the light for the vampire inside you. Whether you like it or not, you don't have any power over her and draining her will only satisfy you for a day....then she will be gone forever. Are you willing to sacrifice what you have now for one day of pure love.....or do you want more?" Nick's eyes flecked with gold and turned red before he continued. "I will kill you myself before I let you bring her across against her will." Determination along with anger washed through their blood link and LaCroix recognized the truth. His anger turned to grief and released her into Nick's arms just as the paramedics burst through the door. The paramedics worked feverishly stopping the flow of blood and readied her for transport to the hospital. The sun had risen only ten minutes before as LaCroix and Nick watched them triage Theressa. Daniel took Paul with the uniformed officers to metro as he babbled incoherently about monsters, death and evil. Nick handed Daniel the recording as he left with a silent understanding that he would wait with LaCroix. Nick picked up his cell phone and hesitated before he dialed Nat at the morgue. He hoped maybe she'd already gone home, but doubted it with all the evidence to compile on Duvall. He just wished he didn't have to tell her over the phone, but there was no other option and he was worried about LaCroix. He'd shut down...closed the link between them and that wasn't good. He'd only felt him do this one other time when Fluer died, and he didn't want to go there. This was different. Theressa wasn't dead....but she refused to be brought across. Nick knew no matter what happened, he would stop LaCroix if he tried again. He owed Theressa that much. "Nat?" Nick said softly on the cell phone. "There's been an accident and you need to meet us at the hospital." Nick waited but could feel the tension between their link and her heart beat increased enough for him to hear it over the phone. "How bad, Nick? Tell me!" "Theressa took a 9 mm through the shoulder. She's lost a lot of blood and is in shock. They are transporting her now. We should be there in about 10 minutes. I'll meet you there." "On my way!" She hung up and grabbed her coat and keys. "Sir, you can ride with us if you like." The paramedic addressed LaCroix who stood by watching the proceeding fighting the feeling of loss that surrounded his cold heart. He masked it carefully in his stoic expression, but uncertainty and regret etched his eyes when he turned to meet the young man's stare. "I cannot." He simply stated and watched them roll her out of his private chambers, then turned to his son. Refusing to admit anything, he simply let his eyes return to the cold of the night and he walked calmly to the bar. Nick turned to the young paramedic. "I'm coming with you instead, Mr. Warren. She is my sister-in-law and my wife will meet us there." Nick reached out with his link to his father and still felt nothing. He walked to LaCroix's side and touched his father's shoulder gently. "I'll call you as soon as I know anything." LaCroix squared his shoulders at Nick's touch but refused to answer, retreating into a wall of indifference. ------------- Nat sat at her sister's side as the day passed with no change in Theressa's condition, while Nick filled out the paperwork via the phone with Tracy and Daniel. The sun was entirely too bright for him to risk moving anytime before dusk now. He'd called the Raven several times, receiving only the machine each time. Nick was now worried. Nat held her sister's hand as Nick explained what happened and her heart ached for her younger sister. Life had been so unfair to Theressa. First their parents, then Paul, and their strained relationship, then finding she and Nick and LaCroix only to have them ripped away from her. She understood Theressa's fears of being brought across because she'd experienced them quite frequently herself when she glimpsed the evil within the beast. The difference was Natalie knew that with love, the beast was manageable and you didn't have to kill to be a vampire. She wasn't sure LaCroix could ever get to that state. Therefore, he would never be able to let Theressa see the other alternatives. Could she honor her sister's last request and let her die right before her eyes as Richie had done? She didn't think she was that strong, but she knew Nick was. He would die before he let Theressa be brought across against her will. That thought alone gave Natalie some peace as she watched the monitors slowly records all Theressa's vitals signs. "How is she?" Nick spoke softly as he entered the room. "She's stable and that's good right now. The bleeding stopped and if she makes it through the next couple of hours, she has a chance." Tears welled in Nat's eyes as she spoke. Nick was at her side immediately. "It's okay, Nat. We are with her. She's not alone, and she never will be. We are family and she knows we love her." He tilted her head up to meet his eyes, then kissed his wife softly on the lips. "Faith.....she has faith, Nat, and that will be enough....that and our love." His blue eyes created such warmth around her and a feeling of unity, that for the first time all day, she was certain everything would work out alright. Nick held his wife in his arms and caressed her back until she relaxed and accepted the truth. Near dusk Theressa struggled through the cloud surrounding her. There was someone she had to see....someone who needed her. The pain in her shoulder had lessened and she could feel her blood pumping through her veins. What was it she was suppose to remember? One more little step and she would be through the darkness. There was light...light on the other side of the darkness and she had to get there. She knew that as sure as she breathed, so she forged ahead. Low voices were coming from her side and she opened her eyes. The lights were so bright that she squinted, then moaned as the pain shot through her head and into her shoulder. "Theressa?" Natalie spoke softly as she leaned over the bed. "Theressa, can you hear me?" Natalie smiled with relief as she'd watched the monitors for the last hour. "Tasha?" Theressa throat was so dry the word were almost garbled. Natalie reached for the water glass and let her sip just a mouthful to moisten her mouth. "That's right, Theressa. It's Tasha....Nick's here, too. You're going to be fine." Relief was expressed in her voice like soft waves of laughter on a rainy afternoon. "Where's Lucien?" She asked weakly, letting her eyes focus as she searched the room. Nick leaned over the bed for her to see him clearly before he spoke. "It's not dusk yet, Theressa. He'll be here as soon as he can." The answer seemed to relax her and she drifted peacefully back off to sleep. Nick's worried eyes met Nat's with the uncertainty laced clearly on his face. "I'm going to go check on him. He's not answered the phone all day and it's been dusk for over 15 minutes." He leaned over and kissed Nat on the forehead, then headed out the door. --------- LaCroix threw the last glass of blood in his hand hard against the far wall of his bedroom, then snapped the closure on his travel crate. He then went to the bar and poured another glass. Several empty bottles littered the counter and he shoved them onto the floor in a fit of anger. He gulped the blood greedily, savored the taste on his tongue, then calmed a bit. "What's the matter, Oh Mighty Evil One?" Schanke's voice, laced with sarcasm and disgust echoed throughout the room as he materialized behind LaCroix. "The little mortal refused the vampire, so you're going to hit the road?" Schanke waited for the explosion which didn't take long. "Get out!" LaCroix hissed and let his power pulse throughout the room. "EWWWWW! I'm scared! What are you going to do? Kill me?" Schanke floated closer to the angry vampire. "Be kinda of tough, don't you think?" He smiled arrogantly, then forged ahead. "She rejected the vampire, not the man....you hard headed, self-centered idiot. You'd think at your age you'd learned how to control that temper of yours, but then again, I guess it's easier to walk away angry than admit the man inside you still lives. I guess the sacrifice of any control to a mere mortal is more than the vampire can handle and you are happy just the way you are. Guess they were wrong and I was right. Finding a mortal who loves you in spite of what you are isn't enough to make you think twice." Schanke shimmered in the light as the anger radiated around him from the furious creature in front of him. "I am perfectly happy with what I am, Mr. Schanke." LaCroix ground out and pushed his temper back into the recesses of his mind. He forcefully calmed himself, then resigned himself to what he already knew. "It is obvious that Theressa is also perfectly happy with her current state.... and I shall honor her request." LaCroix turned calmly, then sat down at the small bar with his back facing Schanke. "I'll believe that when pigs fly, LaCroix." Schanke chuckled and began to shimmer. "Think long and hard, Mr. Nightcrawler, before you throw away her love of the man. It may never come again." Schanke's voice faded as he disappeared. ----------- Nick pushed hard into his link with his father only to meet a brick wall of silence. This was not good. He pushed open the door of the Raven and went directly to LaCroix's private quarters. LaCroix sat in the same chair at the small bar as he had early that morning. Only the empty bottles and broken glass littered on the countertop told Nick that he'd had some solace during the day. LaCroix's traveling crate was sitting in the center of the room packed but not locked, caused Nick to hesitate briefly. LaCroix stiffened when he felt his son enter the room, but refused to push into their link. A part of him wasn't prepared for the answers he would find there. Some things were better delayed and he was certain this was one of them. If she was dead, he would have known it, but her not wanting him at her side was almost worse. The vampire refused to believe it was important, but the man knew differently. Had she wanted to see him? She'd refused the gift of darkness and immortality out of fear, and that was his fault. His arrogant pride just assumed she would quest after eternal youth and vitality at any cost as so many others had, but she was different. She was like Nicholas. Maybe that's what attracted him to her. Maybe that's how she had worked her way into a part of his heart he didn't know existed anymore. Could he live without it? Should he live without it? He knew the answer just as he'd accepted his need of his son in his life at any cost. Some sacrifices were worth the price. "She's going to be alright, LaCroix." Nick waited for a reaction but felt nor saw none. "She's asking to see you. At least see her before you vanish into oblivion." LaCroix snapped the stem of the wine goblet between his fingers sending the goblet section crashing to the floor. The wall he'd carefully ensconced himself behind all day cracked, letting his doubts and relief flood his whole body. Nick smiled as their link returned and the cold blue eyes he'd come to hate over the last 8 centuries, met his for the first time filled with relief. "She is in love with the man....She only tolerates the vampire. Get used to it, my friend. It runs in the family." Nick smiled then looked at the trunk key sitting next to the car keys on the counter. Nick motioned to the keys on the counter. "Which one are you using tonight?" LaCroix followed his gaze, then stared at the trunk and made his decision. He reached over and picked up the car keys without hesitation. Nick smiled with relief. "Guess this means I'm finally get to drive the jag." He stared at the bar counter littered with empty bottles. "It's obvious you're in no condition to drive.....or fly." Control and skepticism rose to LaCroix's eyes as he raised one eyebrow in questionable silence. With 2000 years of practice he let the stoic facade slip into place, then tossed Nick the keys. Part 18 Finale ------------- Nat rode up the lift, weary beyond words. Nick would be home shortly. A quick stop at metro and they were off for 2 days. LaCroix finally was ensconced at Theressa's bedside and she would recover. The recording of Paul's confession completely cleared LaCroix and the Crown was seeking a psychiatric evaluation at this very moment. Paul's ramblings and incoherent speech after they arrested him made him a prime candidate for the maximum security funny farm. That brought a smile to her face. That was even better than prison.....She'd been there. Being locked in a padded cell for the rest of your life would be a fitting end to Paul's abuse of his wife and the people around him. Yes, that was justice, even more than a bullet. She had to admit, sometimes LaCroix's devious evil side had some benefits. Only he would have thought of such a fitting end for a piece of slime like Paul. As Nat reached the second floor, beautiful music filled the room. It was some combination of modern jazz mixed with a little ragtime. She was certain she'd never heard it before, then she remembered Elise and her talents. With all that had transpired in the last 2 days, she hadn't had time to talk with Nick, and they'd tentatively set today as Elise's first day with Jonathan on the piano. Nat pushed open the lift door and her senses were flooded with a feeling of gaiety, joy and mischief all rolled into one. Jonathan giggled above the piano as he danced in mid air to the lively chords Elise extracted from the Steinway. Nat gasped when she saw the demure woman she'd met two days earlier standing as she played, wiggling her derriere and moving her feet in time to the music. Her hair was no longer brushed into a neat pageboy but wild and alive like the music she played.. It was like the music breathed a life of its own funneled through the creature who played it, making it dance in your mind and body as it filled the room with great joy. Jonathan laughed in sheer delight as he spun like a top high above the piano. "Look, Mommy! Miss Elise is teaching me to feel the music...." He twirled for his mother in place high in the air. "......and it makes me fly." He giggled again as he gave into the sensation and began to gyrate in time to the music once more. Nat smiled at the joy on her son's face, but fear touched her heart as she watched him lift even higher into the loft. More questions popped into her head, but the music enchanted and held her in place and she, too, gave into the feelings the music evoked from her. Whatever Elise was, the only word that described her talent was....magical. Natalie felt her husband touch her through their link and the lift kicked on. Finally, she would have some answers. Nick listened intently to the music and knew immediately who played it. It had been a little over 2 centuries, and he'd forgotten what magic she created with her music. He pushed open the door to find his son dancing in the air, his wife mesmerized and Elise completely absorbed in her music. He relaxed and reached out with his mind to the magical creature at the keyboard. She stopped immediately and the smile on her face made her green eyes twinkle with delight once more. "Nicholas!" She flew to his side and wrapped her small arms around him. He picked her tiny form up and twirled her in the air in delight, as she showered him with kisses all over his face. Jonathan floated to the floor beside his mother as they watched the reunion. Nat watched Nick and Elise together, yet felt no jealousy. How strange she thought, but she knew from what she felt from Nick that there was great joy in his heart from seeing this woman. She would wait for his explanation. "Elise, you have not changed. You are still that magical pixie who brings joy and mischief wherever you play. How long has it been?" Nick sat her down all smiles as he eyed her closely. "All is as you hoped?" He asked knowing full well she was happy because it sang in her blood. "A long time, I'm afraid. Right after Ludwig died, I think." She saddened with the thought then brushed it away. "My life is more than I had ever hoped for, mon maitre. I have no regrets and rejoice in every new decade that I greet. There is such talent to discover and such life in the new music that they bring. I feel such gratitude to you that I can never repay." Elise fell to the floor on her knees in homage before him. "No, Elise!" Nick pulled her to her feet. "I am not your master. You are but a free spirit just as Ludwig claimed. I only touched you with a gift that you can pass on for eternity. You owe me nothing, but to be happy." He twirled her around again causing her to laugh once more. "....and it would appear you are. That fills me with greater joy than you will ever know." Nick gently placed her tiny feet on the floor. "I am happier than I have ever been in my life, Nicholas, and it would appear you are as well." Elise turned to Jonathan and Natalie standing quietly by the piano. Elise felt Nick's slow heartbeat and smiled. "It would appear that you, too, have made progress in your quest and they bring you great joy as well." Elise smiled at Natalie. "She has great love and faith in you, Nicholas, to trust you in the arms of another woman." Mischief played in her eyes. "It would appear your blood link is not quite complete." Natalie walked forward and Nick wrapped his arms around her waist possessively and kissed her tenderly on the lips. "This is Elise, Nat. She was my music teacher a little over 200 years ago. As you can tell, she has a special gift that she still loves to share." A small pain crossed Natalie's heart as she realized that Elise was Nick's child. He'd brought her across to bring her talent to the world for eternity. She understood, but a small part of her ached knowing he'd kept it from her. She thought they had no secrets. Nick immediately sensed her pain and pulled her close into his arms. Lovingly his finger tips caressed her face and auburn curls while his love for her pulse between their blood link. "I do not know why you could not feel Elise in my blood, Natalie. I have not purposely hidden it from you. Our blood link is not yet complete, and I honestly don't know if it ever will be since we are both changing. I would suspect you did not feel Elise because I have no regrets about bringing her across. She is happy and has been for over 200 years. Our time together was spent in music and friendship with a very talented, special man. I never loved her except as a friend." Nick kissed Nat softly again. "Most of my life has been filled with regrets, but Elise is not one of them. She brings me great joy and happiness and I want to share that with you." Love shown brightly in his eyes as Nat brought her lips back to his once more. Finally, Natalie made the connection. Elise....Ludwig....several centuries. Here was the Elise of the song so famous by Beethoven centuries before. When would she ever get use to this? Then again, it could be very enlightening. Nat's smile was infectious along with mischievous when she finally released her husband's lips. "I will hold you to that, Nick Knight, later when we are alone. For now..." Nat turned to Elise with a bright smile on her face. "....I want to feel the music too." Elise chuckled in delight and headed for the piano. Before she started to play she turned to Nick still holding Natalie at his side. "You are very lucky, Nicholas. You have a son who is more talented than yourself, and a woman who loves you unconditionally. A rare prize to be cherished. Guard it well." Elise finally sat at the piano and the music and the magic filled the air once more. ---------- 1 week later Nat opened the lift door to find Tracy fidgeting with her hands and staring at the floor. Instantly Nat knew something was wrong. "What is it, Trace?" Nat said calmly, pulling her into the loft out of the lift. "Nat, I don't know if it's okay or not, but I brought both Daniel and Vachon to help me babysit tonight." Tracy's eye's held more than she was saying and Nat wasn't quite sure what she wanted her to say. "Trace, it's okay not to know just exactly how you feel about both of them. If having them both around the kids will help you, I think it's fine and I'm sure Nick won't care. You know we trust all three of you. So if this will help you make a decision, then go for it! Heavens, girl, they are both great looking men....keep them both. If they are okay with it.....and you, then we are too." Nat smiled and pulled her into the kitchen so she could finish making up the bottles for Kathryn. Tracy sighed with relief. "I thought you'd think less of me if I couldn't make up my mind. I love them both and I can't give either one of them up right now. I need to find out what I want out of my life first." Tracy looked at Nat sheepishly. "Guess it's my age showing again. I want my cake and the ability to eat it too." Nat laughed. "I did too at your age, Trace. I did too! Come on, Nick is finished dressing and looking after the kids. You help me with my hair, okay?" Tracy nodded and they both headed upstairs. ------------- The girls were putting the final touches on Nat's hair when Daniel and Vachon arrived. Jonathan squealed in delight and threw his hands up for Daniel to pick him up. "I show Uncle Daniel my new frog?" He waited for Daniel to accept his invitation with excitement dancing in his little blue eyes. "I'd be thrilled to see that new frog, Jonathan." Daniel placed him on the floor and they headed for the stairs. Vachon stood around shifting from one foot to the other as Nick held Kathryn in his arms and watched his son with amusement. "They get along great." Vachon watched Daniel and Jonathan disappear into Jonathan's room. Nick eyed the young Spaniard carefully. He was changing slowly. Maybe Trace was right. He would eventually grow up. He felt a tinge of guilt knowing Daniel had an advantage by association. "Jonathan's just been around Daniel longer, Vachon." Nick walked over and placed Kathryn in Vachon's arms. "You can get to know Kathryn the same way." Vachon eyes registered disbelief when Knight placed his young daughter in his arms. She was so tiny and fragile and he didn't know the first thing about kids. Knight trusted him....he wouldn't throw that away. "Don't worry, Vachon. She won't bite....at least not yet....and I didn't know anything about kids when I started either. She'll grow on you, but watch her. She reads minds!" Nick smiled and headed for the fridge. He grabbed the closest bottle Nat had prepared and stuck it in the microwave. When the timer buzzed, he removed it, tested it, then handed it to Vachon. "Just don't let her drink it to fast or she will throw up on you. I'm going to finish dressing and check on Nat. Answer the door when the buzzer sounds." Nick bounded up the stairs two at a time. Vachon settled into the chair and gave the small infant the bottle. She stared at him intently as she fed and a small whisper touched his mind and he was caught. He sat entranced as the small young life before him touched his mind searching for simple things to recognize him by. He worked hard to hide the evil images he carried with him in order not to scare her. She pushed the bottle away and giggled. He laughed at her antics and she pulled the bottle back to her mouth. The buzzer rang and he walked over to identify the party, buzzed them in, then returned to the chair. Theressa wore a dark burgundy spaghetti strapped full length gown made out of some shimmering material that caught the light as she stepped into the room. The wound on her shoulder was barely visible due to her increased metabolism. The slit on the dress went almost to mid thigh and invited stares with each step she took. The gown clung to her sensually enticing and moving with a life of its own begging all who saw it to touch. LaCroix wore a black tux fitting his form snuggly, accenting his hard lean form. His hand snaked around Theressa's waist possessively when Vachon's eyes undressed her right before him. With great effort, he tamped down the little green monster that reared it's ugly head, but he pulled Theressa closer to him as they walked further into the room. The action was not lost on her, and she smiled demurely. "Well, isn't this a little domestic for you, Vachon?" LaCroix eyed the small bundle in his arms, being a little more snide than required, but fitting after Vachon had stripped Theressa naked before him. "I was about to say the same, General. I would have thought the opera would bore you by now....but then again maybe it's the company that keeps your interested." Vachon suppressed a grin as he tried goading LaCroix. It was something he wouldn't have dared 5 years ago. Before LaCroix had time to respond, Nat and Nick appeared at the top of the stairs. Natalie wore a dark velvet, green, form-fitting gown that molded her body to perfection. The slit on her gown went all the way to her panty line exposing one perfect leg and the three inch spike heels she gracefully wore. The front of the gown was a v-neck plunging low over the breast line revealing her increased cleavage that she'd gained since giving birth. The back of the gown scooped low to the waist finishing in layers of velvet folded loosely just above her hips. She wore the deBrabant family necklace around her neck with elegance and pride. Tonight the jewel set in the center of the piece, sparkled a dark green that matched the gown that she wore. Her hair cascaded in soft waves over her bare shoulders and jeweled combs with diamonds and emeralds held one side away from her face. Nick's lust was almost palatable when he gazed at his wife and offered her his arm. He black tux seemed woefully plain compared to the beauty and grace his wife exhibited by his side. She accepted his arm with a smile and they glided down the stairs together. Tracy followed behind them and laughed when they reached the bottom of the stairs and Natalie reached around to pinch Nick's ass. Nick jumped, then smiled as she leaned over and whispered. "Keep those lascivious thought for later....and remember, I just love men who don't wear anything under their trousers." She cast her eyes downward knowing full well Nick never wore anything under his tux in order to feel the silky material he'd had it made out of. Vachon eyed the doctor with appreciation and envy, and smiled at Tracy as she stood half way down the stairs staring at him feeding Kathryn. He smiled when he realized it pleased her, then he glanced at the group before him. They made a stunning foursome...elegant, refined and something else. Was it security or love that he felt when he watched the 2 couples in front of him. He shook his head in disbelief. Who would have believed the changes he saw before him. "Well?" Vachon cleared his throat as he held the tiny bundle in his arms and felt a warmth he'd never known before. "Who would have thought, Kathryn, that you would have even been here..." Vachon stared at LaCroix and smiled. ".....and your grandfather could stay with a mortal for over 4 years and still not bring her across." Kathryn giggled, but it did not stray his view from the couples before him, nor his thoughts on the subject. "I guess that means there is hope for us all." 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