Disclaimer: I don't own any of the FK characters, however the story is mine, so all comments can be sent to Javieress at Pridenjoy02@AOl.com. Anyone wishing to archive has my permission just tell me first. For three weeks Tracy and Nick had been working on a rather gruesome case involving a serial killer whose victims were all beautiful, blonde and as close to physical perfection as mere mortals can be. Because of the obvious physical attributes of all the victims, the nightshift had dubbed the case, The Princess Case. The body count so far was four in three weeks. The police department had no suspects and the killer didn't seem to be showing any signs of slowing down. It was a particularly macabre case because in addition to murdering the women, as if that wasn't enough, the killer had raped and mutilated them. Tracy and Nick had established some connections between the victims. The physical appearance of all the women was similar, almost identical, and they all moonlighted at a high-priced gentlemen's cub downtown, called "Desires." Tracy and Nick had been stuck on stakeout duty for the past two weeks. They had come to the conclusion that the killer either never entered the club, preferring to admire his future victims from afar, or he was careful as not to be the least bit conspicuous. Either way, it seemed the members of the Toronto Metro Police Department, specifically Tracy and Nick had a lot of hard work and long nights ahead of them. It was briefly mentioned that Tracy going undercover inside the club might be the trick to luring out the killer, and giving the Department the break in the case they desperately needed. Someone (gee, I wonder who, NICK) then reminded everyone involved that since the last undercover operation ended with Tracy being drugged, almost killed, and having to shoot the perpetrator, that maybe another undercover operation wasn't such a good idea. Although Tracy wasn't fond of the idea of dying at the hands of a psychopath, she hated the insinuation Nick's comment made, that she couldn't do her job. I mean, what did everyone think, that she had worked so hard, and graduated at the top of her class at the academy to sit behind her desk and be told she couldn't hack it on the job? Did they all fail to realize that although the outcome was not what they had hoped, Tracy had ended the perpetrator's killing spree? The truth be told, had she not gone undercover the man would probably still be out there murdering women. As Tracy sat at her desk she stewed about all the injustices that were heaped on her based on the fact that Commissioner Richard Vetter was her father; heaven forbid anyone let his fragile, helpless daughter actually do her job. Tracy knew she had to get some air before she killed someone, and her high and mighty "guardian protector" partner was looking like a pretty good target. She stepped outside into the frigid air, breathed deep, and began to realize how good it felt to get away from the case, and her partner, even if the moment wouldn't last. She felt a slight breeze caress the back of her neck. "Aren't you supposed to be working? Don't tell me the straight and narrow Detective Vetter is slacking." Tracy nearly jumped out of her skin, "Vachon!, I hate when you sneak up on me like that," although she should be used to it by now, it was one of his favorite games. Tracy punched him in the arm, and as always Vachon just grinned at her. "I swear, one of these days your going to sneak up on me like that while I'm holding a sharp wooden instrument in my hand. I bet it won't be so funny then." "Well, you're in a great mood tonight; what's wrong the coffee shop out of your favorite mocha java?" " Oh, shut up Vachon." Just as he was about to make another smartass comment, he noticed the look on Tracy's face. " Trace...you okay"? " No, no I'm not okay. I'm so tired of everyone trying to protect me and keep me from doing my job. I'm a big girl and I can take care of myself, God knows I've been doing it long enough." "Trace, if this is about Nick, I'm sure he means no disrespect, he's your partner, he's just looking out for you." Vachon knew Nick's concern had less do with the job than with the newly acquired, supernatural acquaintances she had developed. "Oh, how would you know what Nick thinks?, and it's not just him, it's everyone, including you." "I have enough on my mind with this case without worrying about why my partner is so fond of playing a second father to me, and you think I need you to always watch my back." Vachon remembered Tracy mentioning the case she and Nick were working on. He knew that she was working overtime and knew that the condition the bodies had been found in did a number on her emotionally, although she'd never admit it, least anyone think she wasn't the rock she pretended to be. "Tough case, huh"? "Yeah, you could say that, I guess I'm just suffering from lack of sleep due to all the night's on stakeout duty, which by the way are getting us nowhere." "Sorry, Trace." "Yeah, you and the four dead women in the morgue." "Look Vachon, I should really get back inside before Nick thinks I've run off. He may think he'll have to do the paperwork all by himself, although it would serve him right." "Okay, see ya." Before she could turn around he was gone, flying through the night again. Tracy had been so busy reading the riot act that she hadn't even asked Vachon why he had dropped by to see her. She headed back inside thinking that she hated being hostile to him, after all, he was the only one who could cheer Tracy up just by being near her. Ever since Vachon had dropped (quite literally) into Tracy's life, she felt that for the first time in her life she could really be happy. Of course that was until she remembered the whole "I'm a mortal, you're a vampire thing." Still, she did like being with him, although he did bring out some qualities in Tracy she wasn't sure she liked, like vulnerability. She didn't feel that way because he could kill her with one bite; she felt that way because he seemed to really know and care about her, though he would never admit that. Vachon wasn't fond of letting anyone think he had any permanent attachments to anything, especially people. Tracy thought about Vachon, maybe he didn't care after all: maybe she was just a distraction in his endless existence. Still more times than not, when they were together, and he looked at her in that way he had about him, she felt like he felt something too. "Oh, Vetter, get over it, you're going to drive yourself nuts"!, she said out loud, as she sat down at her desk. Nick was nowhere in sight. He was probably at the Coroners Office again. He seemed to spend more time there that at the station. Tracy wished, along with everybody else in the world, that he and Natalie would just go ahead and get together and stop playing this whole "were just friends" angle. Just as Tracy was about to call Natalie's office Captain Reese walked up. "Tracy, go home, Nick's already gone, both of you have been working your butts off on this case and need some rest." "But Cap., what about the stakeout"? "Tracy, go home, someone else can handle it tonight. I'll call you if anything happens." "Okay Cap., thanks." He was right, she and Nick had been working hard and Tracy was exhausted. She grabbed her coat and headed for the door when the Desk Sergeant yelled, "Vetter, phone call on line one." Tracy contemplated not taking the call, but it could be important. Picking up the phone she said, "Vetter here." "Hey, kiddo," Tracy knew that voice and a smile crossed her face. "Aunt Lilly"? "Yep kiddo it's me." "Where are you" Tracy asked? "Actually, I'm at your immaculately clean apartment; I sweet-talked your landlord into letting me in." That didn't surprise Tracy, her aunt was very good at sweet-talking to get what she wanted. Aunt Lilly was what was referred to as a free spirit. She was creative, beautiful, and everything opposite her brother Commissioner Richard Vetter. Maybe that was why Tracy liked her so much. "What are you doing in Toronto," Tracy asked? "Oh, you know me, I was traveling around and thought I'd pay a visit to my favorite hardworking niece." Aunt Lilly was always traveling; it was another characteristic of her free-spirited personality."Great, well I'm booking off early tonight, so I'll be home soon, make yourself comfortable, and Aunt Lilly, I'm glad you're here." "Me too, kiddo, see you soon". Hanging up the phone Tracy rushed to her car, she couldn't wait to see Aunt Lilly, though it now seemed rest would be the last thing sh'd be getting. Aunt Lilly was a big talker. The minute Tracy entered her apartment she hugged her aunt. Aunt Lilly quickly pulled Tracy to the sofa to sit next to her and started talking about all her latest adventures. On safari in Africa, visiting the castles of Ireland, and finally what had brought her to Canada, perusing the lushest botanical gardens this side of South America. Finally, after two hours Aunt Lilly took a breath, "So, how have you been"? Tracy answered with hesitation in her voice. "I'm okay, I guess. Were working on a pretty tough case right now, it's pretty much drained me." Aunt Lilly raised an eyebrow, "A case, huh? I think maybe there is something else." Aunt Lilly knew Tracy too well; she couldn't hide anything from her. Tracy gave in. "Well, I'm having some problems at work. My partner seems to think he's been appointed my guardian, and that means protecting me from doing my job." "Also, my Captain is so worried about my father that he tries to keep me in 'safe' situations. I just wish everyone would realize that I didn't make Detective in just five years by needing protection, and always being safe." "As if that isn't enough, there's also this guy..., It's a weird situation." Aunt Lilly smiled, " A guy, huh?" Tracy gave in; it didn't look like she would be going to bed anytime soon anyway. "Yeah,he's a friend I guess. It's a really strange relationship, if you can even call it that ". "So, that's what's got you so flustered, this friend"? A defensive look crossed Tracy's face. "I'm not flustered", how dare anyone think the cool-headed Detective Vetter was flustered, about a guy no less. "I'm just confused". Aunt Lilly wasn't convinced, "I'd say scared was more like it". Tracy quickly sat up straight, "Scared, oh please". Aunt Lilly looked straight into Tracy''s eyes, "That's right, scared, why can't you just admit it"? Just as Tracy was about to strike back Aunt Lilly said, "Tracy..., you've spent your entire life living the way others thought you should, trying to make up for things that were never your fault. Trying to be perfect and orderly to make up for having a chaotic, and alcoholic mother; working your ass off to be the best "by the book" cop you could be for a father who only wants to control you". "What about who you are, what you want"? "You love this man, don't you"? Tracy's mouth fell open, "No, I don't love him, I just...". Aunt Lilly looked at her with a "you can fool yourself, but you can't fool me" look. Tracy thought to herself Oh Vetter, who are you kiddin, of course you love Vachon. You love the way he stands up to you and doesn't let you always win; you love the way he casually touches your hair when he's talking to you, and most of all you love the way he makes you feel safe. Lets face it, no one has ever done that. "All right Aunt Lilly, so I like him...a lot". Well, c'mon, she wasn't going to give in totally. "You like him a lot, huh, that's it"? Tracy's heart sank as she said the words. "That's all it can be". Aunt Lilly looked at Tracy; it was her turn to be confused, "I'm not sure I follow you". "Aunt Lilly, for the first time in my life I know what I really want, who I really want, and I can't have it". Aunt Lilly shook her head, "Why"? "Some things are impossible Aunt Lilly". "Nothing is impossible dear". Tracy wasn't sure she could make her aunt understand; she wasn't sure she understood the situation totally. "Tracy, love is never impossible, hard and complicated sometimes, but never impossible". Tracy wasn't sure she believed her, "Then maybe it's just wrong Aunt Lilly". "Tracy, I've watched you go from a child who sheltered the burdens of an adult, to an adult who shelters the burdens of the world. I know there have been men along the way, but never any who touched your soul, and wanted to share your burdens. Now you think there is one, and your going to tell me you think it's wrong? How can a love that burns in your soul, and leaves you feeling empty without it be wrong"? Tracy really hated that Aunt Lilly could read her so well. "This love comes with a price". "All loves worth having do dear; is it the price you're really concerned about"? "No, I'm afraid [she hated admitting that] that my love won't be enough for him; and with this there is no turning back. I'll live with the decision I make for eternity." "Then I suppose Tracy, you have some questions to ask yourself, because in the end all that matters is whether the price you pay is better or worse than living the rest of your life without the one thing that brings you true happiness." Tracy knew Aunt Lilly was right, she did have a lot of thinking to do, but her head hurt from all the soul searching. She needed a shower and at least a couple hours sleep before her next shift. "Goodnight, Aunt Lilly." "Goodnight kiddo, and Tracy...whatever decision you make will be the right one, if you make it with your heart." With that said Tracy headed for the bathroom, stepped into the shower, and let the hot water try and wash away the tears she was so desperately trying to keep in. She fell into bed after her shower from shear emotional and physical exhaustion, only to be awakened an hour later by the insistent ringing of the phone, followed by Nick's voice on the answering machine. "Tracy...Nick [as if she couldn't tell], Cap. just called me; they found another body and need us at the crime scene ASAP. I'll swing by and pick you up." Tracy lay in bed hoping the call was a bad dream, but knowing it wasn't, she threw back the covers and pulled herself out of bed. It was going to be another long night. Natalie was already at the scene, which happened to be a sleazy downtown motel called "The Coachouse," when Tracy and Nick arrived. Nat was standing next to the covered body, which lie at the foot of the bed, when they entered the room. Before they could ask, Nat said, "It's bad, real bad, your boy outdid his self this time." Tracy moved to uncover the body "Sure, what hotel are you staying at"? "I'm sorry to say, not a very nice one. My trip was planned at the last minute, and the only room I could find was at "The Lighthouse Inn" downtown. Tracy's detective radar began to go off full blast. She knew "The Lighthouse Inn," and except for the name it was identical to "The Coachouse Motel," where the last body had been found. Tracy thought, surely it can't be this easy, surely it's coincidence. "You know, it's going to be hell trying to get a cab on Friday night, why don't you just let me drive you home, if you promise not to tell my boss." A smirk crossed the man's face, "I won't tell, if you don't." A chill raced down Tracy's spine, "Just let me grab my jacket, okay?" Tracy ducked into the private restroom. "Nick, Nick, come in, can you hear me"? "Yeah, Tracy, I heard everything, this might be our guy, I'm coming in." "No, Nick, we don't have any evidence, and you know as well as I do if we bring him in based on the fact that he might be our guy, he'll walk." "Tracy, you are not going anywhere with this guy, he could be our perp, planning to make you his next victim." "Nick, there's no other way, besides, this is my job, and you'll hear everything anyway." "All right Tracy, but I'm calling Reese for backup." "Fair enough." "Tracy, please, be careful." Tracy walked back out, "Okay, all set." Tracy and the man left the club and headed towards his car, which was parked in the back lot. She got in the driver's seat as the man slid into the passenger seat, eyeing her the whole time. He was quiet on the drive to the hotel, Tracy figured he was sizing her up. They arrived at the hotel, and Tracy realized she'd been right, this place looked just like "The Coachouse Motel." The hotel looked as if it hadn't been painted in over a decade, and it smelled like moth balls. Tracy got out of the car and quickly looked around to see if Nick was anywhere in sight. The man got out and started to fumble through his pockets, looking for the room key. "Found it"! He slowly opened the door, and hesitated, waiting for Tracy to enter. Nick and Vachon had seen Tracy exit the club with the man and get in his car. They followed the car to the hotel, and were now perched atop a building on to opposite side of the street. Nick had decided that flight would be an easier and less conspicuous way to follow the suspect and Tracy, but in leaving the van, he also left the equipment that let him hear the feedback from the wire. They would have to rely on their extraordinary hearing abilities to follow conversation. Tracy entered the hotel room, and sat in a chair beside the bed. The man sat on the bed and gave he ran impish grin that made Tracy's blood run cold. He grabbed a pen and paper and began to write. Great, Tracy thought, what's he doing now, making out a grocery list? Tracy's heart stopped as she looked up and saw the words he was now holding in front of her. "Detective, please, be so kind as to remove the wire, and lay it on the bed." "If you scream, or try to alert attention in any way, I'll shoot you." Tracy now noticed the gun that was gripped in his hand. She slowly stood up and removed the wire. "Good girl, now sit back down please, everything is so much nicer now that were alone. Don't you think"? "What I think is that you're a crazed lunatic who likes cutting up women," that's it Vetter, go ahead and piss off the lunatic. Tracy knew there was a chance she wouldn't make it out of this room tonight, but there was no way in hell she was going down without a fight. "Didn't anyone ever tell you not to be rude to your host," the man smirked as he slipped on a pair of surgical gloves. "Last time I looked, this wasn't a dinner party, and what kind of host slices up his guests"? "My, you are a spunky one. I'll bet you're going to be lots of fun." "You know, I wasn't planning on introducing myself tonight, but you intrigued me, such a beautiful woman in such a dangerous profession. I was planning on continuing my game a little longer, which I now know will be impossible, as I'm sure police officers don't take kindly to one of their own being murdered. But all good things must come to an end." The man stood, walked to the dresser, opened a drawer and removed a large briefcase. When he turned around and headed back towards Tracy, she noticed that he had left his gun on the dresser. "Now detective, I'm afraid this will hurt a bit." He was holding a surgical blade in one hand, and the rope in the other. Before Tracy had a chance to think, she rushed him with all the strength she could muster, pushing him to the floor just as Nick burst through the door, followed by Vachon. Tracy grabbed the gun off the dresser, and, pointing it at the man, who now looked completely stunned, said "Go ahead asshole, give me a reason." Tracy heard sirens, and thought to herself, typical, now that the hard work is done the Calvary shows up. When they arrived back at the station house Tracy's mind was a fog. The suspect was taken into custody and was currently being processed downstairs when the Assistant District Attorney came to take Tracy's statement. All Tracy could think about was how had Vachon gotten to the hotel, how had he found out about the operation, and why was he with Nick? Tracy's mind was on overdrive, "Nick, what was Vachon doing at the hotel with you tonight?" Nick looked at Tracy and tried to conceal the grin threatening to cross hi face, SHOWTIME, he thought. "Vachon"? "That snitch of yours. Tracy no one was at the hotel tonight but us until the rest of the squad showed up ". "Are you sure you're feeling all right"? So, Tracy thought, Vachon had whammied Nick again, well that was good, less fallout to deal with. "Tracy, Nick, in here please," Captain Reese and the Assistant D.A. entered one of the interrogation rooms. "I just need to take your statements while the events are fresh in your minds, I'll try to make this as quick and painless as possible." Nick and Tracy rattled off the details, leaving a few choice ones out, like the involvement of a vampire, but the Ass. D.A. seemed satisfied. "Well, that should do it, thanks guys; we'll be in touch." Just then, Captain Reese walked in the room, "Tracy, your father is on the phone." Tracy knew after the night she'd had there was no way she could deal with daddy. "Do me a favor Cap.; tell him I already went home." She looked at him, pleading with her eyes. "Okay, Tracy, I guess I owe you one." "Thanks Cap. ." As Tracy and Nick walked out of the interrogation room, Nick gently squeezed Tracy's shoulder; "Tracy, I know I overstep my bounds sometimes with you and the job, but I want you to know that I think you did a great job tonight. You're a good cop Tracy." Tracy resented Nick's "protection" most of the time, but she did respect him as a person, and especially as a cop, "Thanks, Nick, that means a lot." Captain Reese walked up to Tracy and Nick, "Tracy, I believe you've earned some much needed vacation. I don't want to see you in her for at least a week." Normally Tracy would have argued, after all the job was her life, but she needed some rest, and to take care of something very important. Something that should have been done a long time ago. "Thanks, Cap., I believe I'll take you up on that." Tracy headed for the door with Nick on her heels, as he opened the door for her; [Nick was a lot of annoying things, but he was always a gentleman] he said, "Caps right Tracy, you have earned a vacation, do you want a ride home?" "Thanks Nick, but I have a stop to make before I go home." Nick knew exactly where Tracy was headed. Normally Nick would have warned her off about Vachon, but he had seen the look in the young vampire's eyes when he thought Tracy was in trouble, and he knew all to well what it was like to love a beautiful, headstrong mortal. Vachon was waiting at the top of the stairs when Tracy entered the church, "Trace...." "Look Vachon, before you start with the Mr. Protective stuff let me tell you something; I'm a cop, tonight I was doing my job, and sometimes that means taking risks. You can't just burst in and kill someone every time you think I'm in trouble." "What the hell were you doing there anyway, how did you find out about the operation"? The look on Tracy's face made Vachon wonder if he should tell her about going to her apartment, and listening to her messages, but he didn't want to lie to her, about anything, anymore. "Well, I went to your apartment tonight, but you had already left for work, so I called the station and the desk person said you were out, so I listened to your messages." "You what"! "First, you break into my apartment, which I have to say I'm used to, but then you listen to my messages too"? "Who do you think you are Javier? I don't need you to protect me out of some sort of sense of obligation, I don't want you to...." Vachon stopped her mid-sentence, "Then what do you want Trace?" Before she could stop herself she heard the words come out, "I want you, Vachon!" Oh shit, did I just say that out loud, Tracy thought to herself. Vachon smiled that irritating, intoxicating, mesmerizing grin he had at her. "Trace...," but before he could finish, "Look Vachon, I know what you are, and I know what I am, and I know it may be difficult." "Difficult, huh"? There was that smile again, God, why did he have to do that? She turned into a cream puff every time he smiled at her. Be strong Tracy, she told herself. "Yeah, difficult, and maybe six months ago, if someone would have asked me if I would prefer you to be mortal, I probably would have said yes, but not now. Whatever you've done in your 465 years has made you the man you are today, and I may not like all the things you've done, but I love you, all of you, and if that means I have to love the vampire as well as the man, then I do." "And if you tell me that you don't feel the same way, or it's too dangerous, and all we can ever be is friends, I'll accept that, but I had to tell you, I needed to tell you...." "Trace, mi querida, stubborn and strong, yet so fragile. In 465 years no one has done what you do to me. You make me laugh, you make me mad, you stir my soul and make me want to be with you forever." Tracy's heart sank; she had expected him to make excuses, and avoid the whole issue, standard Vachon behavior. Tracy tried to keep her voice from shaking from the tears that were trying so hard to come out. "You mean, you..."? "Yes, cara, I love you. From the moment I saw you, you set my soul on fire." In the next instant Tracy felt Vachon's lips pressed into hers in the most passionate, liquid, soulful kiss, the kiss it seemed she had waited an eternity for. "Vachon," Tracy whispered, "I need you...please." She heard Vachon's hurried breath as he said, "I can't, I need the blood Trace." Tracy looked deep into the eyes that she loved, that were now sprinkled with golden fire, "Then take it, I trust you." Vachon put his strong hands on Tracy's shoulders, "Trace..., do you know what you're asking?" "Yes, Javier, I'm asking you to make love to me, man and vampire." The words melted in him, and he realized that even if he wanted to, which ha didn't, he couldn't deny her anything.They were on Vachon's bed before either one knew it, sliding inside the cool sheets. Vachon kissed Tracy with such heated passion, but also an incredible tenderness, as if she were the most cherished of possessions. "I need you, cara," he whispered in her ear, as he trailed kisses down her body, taking her places she had never been, even in her dreams. Tracy's tongue caressed Vachon's fangs. "Trace...," Vachon looked at her, blood tears swelling in his eyes. Tracy touched his cheek, looked deep into his vampire eyes, "Javier, I love you, all of you." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tracy lay on Vachon's chest; his fingers caressing the now healing puncture wounds on her neck as he listened to the rhythm of her breathing. Javier Vachon, 465 rouge vampire had finally found the one thing he could never live (figuratively speaking) without. Hw had tasted in Tracy's blood a love that came from her soul as well as her heart, a love he had tried to deny, but couldn't, a love just like the one he had for her. He had found the woman he was made for. As the sun rose, the two lovers slept, wrapped in each other's arms, knowing that no matter what happened tomorrow, they would never be apart again. And there was a light in the darkness A soul for the soulless And they knew their love would bind them together for eternity Be kind please, I'm posting this at 4:00 a.m. Hope you liked it.