Shades of Change by StormyNite 1997 All rights reserved by StormyNite This is a sequel story to Shadow Dancer. It is also a crossover story between Forever Knight and the television show Walker/Texas Ranger. Forever Knight is owned by Tri-Star and Sony and Walker/Texas Ranger is owned by Kickbox Production. Part 1 Dallas, Texas...1997 It was almost 3 a.m. when she pushed open the back door of the club. It was a perfect night for Dallas. Erin glanced at the stars shining through the break in the clouds and smiled. It had been a profitable evening. She'd made over $100 in tips. She was going to have to fill in for Tanya more often. She'd always thought erotic dancing didn't pay well until Tanya told her the amount of money she was taking home each week. Oh, well maybe the club owner would call her. He seemed pleased with her performance tonight and the patrons loved it. Erin's black hair swung loosely to her waist as she began to hum softly on her way to the car. Inserting the key into the lock she noticed a shadow and turned slightly. Her last conscious thought was to scream, but it was to late. ------------- "I can't believe they didn't turn this over to us sooner. You'd think with multiple homicides with the same MO throughout the city that they would at least consult us." Trivett pushed his hat off his forehead in frustration. Walker remained silent as they sped through the streets to the murder scene. There was nothing to say that would appease Trivett's hurt feelings about being cut out of the loop. In truth, he had been following the case reports since the second victim. She had been a friend of Alex's, and she'd asked him to check into it. This was number four inside of 2 months. They had a serial working now. Walker pulled the truck along side the black and whites and spotted the temporary ME leaning over the body. "Anything helpful, Marci?" Walker leaned over the body to see if he recognized the victim. "I think we got lucky this time, Walker." Marci Gleason, temporary ME to the city of Dallas Coroner's office, handed a bagged belt buckle to him and smiled as she stood up. "Unless our victim here has an incredibly large thumb, I think we have a perfect print of our killer." She glanced back at the still form at her feet. "According to her handbag, she's Erin Stephenson. She's 29 years old and a law clerk for Simons and Garth downtown. What she was doing here at the wee hours of the morning is up to you and Dallas PD. From the looks of her, she fits the same profile of the other girls except they were all dancers. Maybe he's branching out now." She sighed with regret as she motioned for her assistant to bag the body." "Not quite true, Marci." Trivett stopped by Walker and flipped open his notebook. "Apparently, she was dancing last night to fill in for a friend. I just talked with owner and got the name of the friend.." Trivett motioned to the sign above the back door. "According to the owner, this place is known for it's high quality dancers, and they screen all the clientele closely. ID's and membership cards are required. The owner says Erin was just filling in for the night because Tanya recommended her. Everyone seemed to like her stuff and he was thinking of hiring her full time if she wanted it. Anything different about this case over the others, Marci?" "No, I'm afraid not so far. She'd been hit with a blunt object, probably knocking her unconscious. She was beaten, then raped and finally killed. The girl was probably awake through the beating. I won't know for sure until I get her back to the lab. If he holds true to the pattern, there will be a great deal of vaginal tearing and semen in the canal. If you guys can catch him, we can nail him dead to rights with the DNA profile." "Thanks, Marci. Come on Trivett, we need to speak with the girlfriend and then I want to do a cross reference on similar cases while we wait for the fingerprint match. There's something vaguely familiar about this case." Walker kept searching his memory as he headed back to the car. -------------- It was almost dawn when Nick hit the up button on the lift. He was tired and hungry. Two homicides in one night, both family arguments turned violent. What was happening to the family today? A familiar heartbeat caressed him as he rode the lift up. Nat booked off earlier with a headache to die for. He was pleased that she came here instead of her apartment. In the past 6 months they'd spent almost all their off time together. He'd finally convinced her to bring clothes over to the loft and leave them to save the travel time. He wanted her to move in with him, but fear for her safety still governed him. The thought of having her sleeping in his arms every day and being there when he awoke overwhelmed him at times. Each time they made love and he drank the nectar that flowed within her veins, he wanted more. More to the point at times he felt consumed with the need of her love and warmth. He was terrified to fully give into his baser needs. If she were with him all the time, he wasn't sure he could stop himself. The increasing headaches and nightmares had him concerned. He opened the lift door quietly trying not to wake her as she tossed and turned on the couch. She mumbled in her sleep as he walked to her side and knelt down. Brushing her auburn curls away from her face, she winced and then screamed in terror. Sweat cover her forehead and Nick pulled her immediately into his arms. "It's okay, Nat." He soothed her as he held in his arms. "It's only a dream. You have to wake up, Nat. You're dreaming!" He kissed her forehead and rubbed her shoulders in an effort to bring her awake slowly. She saw the shadow from the side as his hand came down. Pain racked her body as she collapsed by the car and he kicked her. She tried to scream, but it was silenced by a hand over her mouth. She fought back and he slapped her hard into the side of the car. Blood flowed from her mouth and anger poured through every pore in her body, yet he was so strong and she couldn't stop him. She screamed again when he tore her clothes from her petite frame, and then she felt tender hands caressing her, calling her name. Was she dreaming? The voice was Nick's. Love and hope flooded through her as his name came to her lips. "Nick?" She whispered in relief when she opened her eyes to concerned blue ones. Tears streaked down her face and he gently wiped them away. "It's okay, Nat. You were dreaming." Gently he pulled her head against his shoulder and ran his fingers through her hair. Natalie sobbed and gave into her fear briefly. The comfort of his arms and strength made her finally get control. "Nick, it was the same dream again. It's like it's me but not me, and then he starts to rape me...." "You're safe now, Nat. I won't let anyone hurt you." He continued rubbing her shoulders and then back to her hair while doubts ravaged his own mine with the validity of his words. Could he keep her safe, when her biggest danger was himself? She nestled closer and let her hands run over the hard planes of his back as he cuddled her. This felt so right. This was they way it was suppose to be. The way they were meant to be and Nick pushed back his doubt once again and gave into the feel of her in his arms. "Tell me about it. Maybe it will help." He continued to caress her as she spoke, never letting her doubt the security that he offered. "It's always the same. First there's a shadow, then the beating, and finally the rape. I never see his face, but I know he's a big man and he's strong and angry. It's like it's me, but not me. Sometimes I run, sometimes he knocks me unconscious for awhile, but I can still feel him there....but he always ends up killing me. The last thing I remember is screaming your name." She pulled away from him slightly to meet his eyes. "Do you think this is from you drinking my blood? Are these memories from your past that I'm seeing?" She waited as she watched the pain in his eyes. Then she realized what he thought. This wasn't Nick, and she knew it. Every fiber of her being would scream in recognition if it had been. That wasn't what she meant. "No, Nick! I know the man isn't you, but it could be something you've seen or been near or connected too." She didn't want to hurt him, but she had to know. She had to be able to make some sense of this if she was going to keep her sanity. It was like a physical blow, that Nat could think he would hurt her like that, then he realized he'd had similar thoughts earlier. Could she ever really be safe with him unless she was a vampire? She was being honest with herself and asking him to be the same. If they had a chance to be together, they had to see the whole picture. She had a right to know the beast's capabilities and he was frightened she wouldn't like what she saw. She watched the indecision in his face and the fear. She knew Nick was terrified that he would kill her in a fit of passion. It was in his blood when they made love. He was slowing letting his guard down allowing the images to pass between them. Many of them were frightening. The anger that he fought to control all the time scared her more than she was willing to admit, but the passion and love that went along with it made her crave him even more. "I love you, Nicholas Knight. I know you'd never beat or rape a woman. Drain them yes, but hurt them like that before....no way. But if this is someone you've seen or known in the past then it would explain what I'm seeing. I've never felt or seen anything like this before." She ran her fingers gently down his face and realized there was no way these were images from Nick, then she felt guilty. "I'm sorry. If I'd thought about it for awhile, I would have never said anything. It's just that I feel like I'm missing something here and there's a connection. I'm scared....forgive me?" She waited, drowning in his blue eyes. Nick removed her hand from his face and kissed the palm gently. "You have every right to question me, Nat. It's not like I've been a perfect angel for 800 years. If you'd described the scene with him ripping your throat out, I would be inclined to believe the images were from me....I've done a lot of things in my life that I wish I could take back, but watching a man beat a woman without interfering is not one of them." "Forgive me, Nick? Please!" Nick pulled her lips to his gently. "There's nothing to forgive. You just have more common sense than I do, and I should have thought about it first. Maybe we should stay away from each other for awhile. Maybe putting some distance between us will make...." Natalie, pulled his hand into hers and then placed it over her breast through his silk pajama top that she wore. Then she pressed her body into his and found his lips. He moaned with desire as her nipples hardened beneath his hand. She broke their kiss as her hands splayed across his flat stomach and started towards his jeans. "I don't think distance is what I need, Nick. What I need is to be with you completely." She lowered her hands to the bulge in his pants and massaged him until he groaned and pulled her lips back to his. In one swift motion, he picked her up and flew them upstairs. Part 2 -------------- Alex walked into Ranger headquarters with a smile on her face as she tossed the file onto Walker's desk. He looked up into her smiling blue eyes and grinned himself. He loved to see her happy. With their jobs and the chaos in the last couple of months, they'd had little time for fun or just spending time with each other. "So, what brings that smile to your pretty face, counselor?" Walker picked up the file and flipped it open. "The fingerprint on the belt buckle belongs to a Jason Harwood. He has a rap sheet as long as my arm. He was let out of prison exactly 2 months ago. He was in for armed robbery and released on good behavior after 6 months. There's a last known address, relatives and friends list for you guys to check out. I doubt if he's at that address, but it's a place to start. The DNA profile is a match for the other 3 victims and the MO's the same. If you guys can catch this slime we can put him away for life." She waited for Walker's reaction patiently, and sat on the corner of his desk while he scanned the file. Jimmy came over to Walker's desk and read over his shoulder. Within minutes, Trivett returned to his computer and started calling up information. "It says here, Alex, that his cellmates asked for new accommodations on several occasions, but it doesn't say why. According to this, he had 3 cellmates in 6 months and they still let the guy out on good behavior. Incredible!" Disbelief registered on his face as he closed the file. "I'm going to start there. Trivett, you check the LKA and do me a favor?" Walker stood as he spoke. "Sure, Big Dog!" Trivett swiveled in his chair to face Walker. "There's something bothering me since they turned this case over to us. There was a similar case up in Canada sometime last year. Can you pull up the Canadian case files, maybe do some of that computer magic you do, and find out if there's anything they will part with? See if maybe we can talk to the officers involved along with it." Walker grabbed his hat from behind his desk and pulled Alex to her feet at the same time. She stared at him unexpectedly. Walker placed his hat on his head and smiled. "Not that you don't make a beautiful desk fixture, Alex...." He reached into the drawer that was beneath where she'd been sitting. "....but, I need my gun." He pulled out his pistol and slipped it into the holder on his belt. He lifted her hand into his and rubbed his finger over the back of it gently before letting it go. "Gotta go! Call me on my cell phone, Trivett, if you come up with anything." --------- Walker followed the warden into the community room at the prison, trying to keep an eye on the inmates as they passed. He couldn't afford to be lax inside this institution. He'd put entirely too many of these guys in here in the first place. "I'm telling you, Walker, this guy Harwood was really strange. He was obsessed with his brother. When he was killed up in Canada, he went nuts. I only got a brief case file with the particulars, but let's just say his brother got what was coming to him. He'd killed 4 or 5 women and then tried for the 6th. She was used as bait by the police department and they set him up. They caught him in the act, and he was killed while he tried to do the woman after he shot a cop. Apparently, the cop's partner shot him before he could get off another round. Harwood went berserk and we had to put him in the psychiatric ward for a couple of months. You can talk to the shrinks if you want, but he freaked out all his cellmates. Hayes has agreed to talk with you on the condition that you take his case out for review again." The warden grabbed Walker's arm as the door opened and Hayes stepped in. "I'll leave you two alone. There's a guard outside the door and we'll keep the place empty while you talk, but watch this guy. He's in here for murder on 3 counts." The warden walked past Hayes, glared, and then shut the door behind him as he walked out. Hayes was a black man in his early 30's. Tall, thin with a toothy smile that made you wonder why he was in a penal institution. He had killed his neighbor and his wife because of some minor discrepancy over property lines. During his pursuit and consequent arrest, he killed a Dallas police officer. He had been sentenced to three, thirty year, back to back sentences in a maximum security institution without the option for parole. "Humph! You aren't what I expected, Walker. They way they talk around here, I thought you be at least 7 foot tall with arms the size of a bear." Hayes circled Walker as he talked. "Looks can be deceiving, Mr. Hayes." Walker sidestepped gracefully as Hayes lunged toward him only to find himself tumbling into the nearby chairs. The loud crash brought the guards through the door. "It's okay, fellows. Hayes here is just a little clumsy." Walker extended his hand to the man on the floor and pulled him to his feet. "Right, clumsy....that's all, fellas." Hayes mumbled as he stood and dusted the dirt off his pants. The guards closed the door and returned to their posts. Hayes stood solemnly before Walker. "I owe you. You could have turned me in. I'd have spent a week in solitary for that." "I need some information on your old cellmate Jason Harwood." Walker watched his face closely when he spoke the name. Hayes' breathe caught slightly and then he recovered. "Jase was a nutball! Scary as hell, and completely out of control All he ever talked about was getting out of here and doing some Canadian broad called the Shadow Dancer. Shit! He didn't even know her real name, but apparently him and his brother were up there in Toronto and watched her dance. They had to have her. He said she was a cunt just waiting to be screwed. Him and his brother had been taking turns with the broads up there. Course he thought it was cool too beat 'em senseless before he messed with them. Then they'd do 'em with a knife or a club. Apparently, his brother decided to have his fun with this Shadow Dancer even after Jase got busted down here. He got wasted by some local cop and Jase became obsessed. All he ever talked about was how he was going to do her. I guess from what I read in the paper, he's practicing before he goes north for the real thing." "You trying to tell me that these 4 woman died because Harwood is practicing before he goes after this dancer?" Walker's face remained passive as he stomached churned in disgust. "That was the plan. He's practicing till everything's perfect, then he's going back to Canada to boff the bitch, then kill her slow like. He seems to think she killed his brother, not the cop, and he ain't stopping till she's dead and the cop too." Hayes smiled as he watched the anger build behind Walker's eyes. At least is wasn't a total failure of a day. He'd managed to get the infamous Cordell Walker pissed over something he couldn't control. Life was sweet and he rather enjoyed the control. Walker simply turned and walked out the door without a word. ---------------- Texas Ranger Headquarters Walker threw his hat in disgust at his desk a soon as he entered the room. Trivett was startled with his unpredictable outburst while he thumbed through the papers in his hand. He'd turned over the paperwork to the Captain when he'd recognized the connection between the two cases. Harwood's brother was a Canadian citizen at the time and the file had been closed. "I take it, it wasn't good news at the prison?" Walker sat down behind his desk and ran his hands through his hair in frustration and disgust. "The guy is killing these women for practice. He wants to perfect his technique before he gets to the real target. A woman called the...." "Shadow Dancer!" Trivett completed the sentence and handed Walker the file. Apparently, Metro Police used this exotic dancer as bait and they set up Harwood's brother. "He was one sick dude, just like his brother. He killed 5 women in Toronto with almost the identical MO that our guy has down here. Metro had lost him several times, so they decided to bait him. This woman, the Shadow Dancer, was the hottest exotic dancer in town because no one knew her name or when she'd show up to dance. Somehow Metro got her to agree to help them. She went along with the plan as long as she had a personal body guard. Harwood's brother made a run at her in her dressing room. He'd been using some knock out drug to make his victims helpless before he had his fun. Her body guard took a bullet saving her, and his partner nailed the guy before he could get his second round off. The cop who was guarding her took one in the back and it passed through him and into Shadow Dancer. They were both hospitalized only briefly, and the case was closed after they matched all the DNA samples. So, our guy Harwood must be planning on revenge and thinks he needs to perfect his skills." "His cellmate said Harwood was obsessed with this Shadow Dancer and the cop who shot his brother. Harwood told him he was going to practice here in Dallas till he'd found all his brother's mistakes, and then he was going to have his fun and kill her. Lord knows how many victims will make him feel comfortable enough to head north. We have to talk with the Canadian cops handling that case." Walker reached for the phone. "It's already in the works. I turned the request and paperwork over to the Captain an hour ago. Word was we will have to wait till the night shift came in because both these guys work nights." Trivett stared at his partner waiting to see if there was something he'd forgotten. "We need to stop this guy before he kills again. Hopefully the Canadian government will lend a helping hand before this guy decides to take his fun north." Walker flipped through the papers Trivett had given him when the phone rang and the fax machine behind him started to print. All standard disclaimers are in Part 0/14 with a background review. Many thanks to Penny Thomas and Katherine Robert for beta reading this one for me. All comments are welcome at Stormy's place linked below. Email me direct for any missing parts. You must see end Part 3 to have a complete copy. Part 3 --------- Toronto: Natalie walked into the Captain's office and shut the door behind her. Reese raised his head from the file he'd shoved his nose into all night since he came on shift. "Good to see you, Natalie" Reese stood like a gentlemen and motioned for her to sit. "You, too Captain. It's nice to see you back again while Captain Cohen gets a well deserved vacation." Natalie sat across from him and waited. Reese would spit it out in his own time. It wasn't often she was called out of the morgue on short notice with a ultimatum to drop everything at once. Reese sat back down behind the desk and handed several photographs across the desk to her. Natalie, took them gracefully and flipped through them. They were pictures of four, dead, young women in various positions at the scene of the crime. Severe bruising, contusions and broken bones were evident in the pictures of the bodies. They were all close to the same age and most were either completely nude or partially nude. After close scrutiny, she noticed the one girls legs and then went back to check the others. Reese waited patiently as his favorite ME perused the pictures and then went back the second time. He knew instantly when she made the connection. "Well, tell me what you think?" Natalie handed the pictures back to him before she spoke. "They are all dancers, same MO for each, and all four of them were beaten while they were conscious. Let me guess....all raped as well." Natalie shuddered slightly when her eyes met Reese's. "Same as our guy Harwood 6 months ago I bet." Reese leaned back into his chair and studied the woman before him. He still couldn't get over the fact that she, Dr. Natalie Lambert, youngest ME in the city of Toronto was the famous 'Shadow Dancer'. Every time he thought about it the more outrageous it sounded, but it was a fact or they would have never stopped Harwood's killing spree. Now after 6 months it's started again, only not here. Natalie was cool, Reese would give her that. She waited patiently for him to acknowledge her findings and fill her in. It was a waiting game that she was in no hurry to win. "It's worse than that, Natalie. It's Harwood's brother! He was released from prison a little over 2 months ago in Dallas, Texas. He is on a practice killing spree until he perfects his skills enough to come after the 'Shadow Dancer'. He's killed 4 woman already and a 5th is already missing today. We've been asked by the Dallas PD, the Texas Rangers, and the crown to cooperate in any way we can to help catch this guy before he kills again." Reese waited for his meaning to sink in. Natalie stood, walked over to the window, and stared at Nick and Schanke as they sat at their desks filling out last night's paperwork. "I suppose that means I'm going to have to dust off the costumes one more time." She turned back to the Captain to find him almost behind here staring at Nick and Schanke as well. "I know you said the Shadow Dancer was permanently retired, Nat, but...." "I can't let innocent women be killed, Captain, when this guy really wants me. Has the crown okayed me going?" A part of her wanted the answer to be no, so she had more time to prepare herself and Nick. Nick would not take this well. He didn't like it the first time, he certainly wouldn't like it when he found out that it was in Dallas. "You, Nick and Schanke were all cleared 30 minutes ago. They want this stopped, if Shadow Dancer is willing, before other Canadian citizens get killed. According to Harwood's cellmates at Huntsville, he won't stop killing till you and Schanke are both dead. I don't like sending you down there alone with strangers and I didn't figure you would go without Nick, so I got him clearance as well. Is this going to cause a problem?" Reese already knew the answer before he'd asked. After all, he seen Nick's response to using Natalie as bait last time. He didn't really want to be around when she told him. It was about time these two made it official but Reese wasn't going to be the one to bring it up. "It's okay, Captain. I'll tell him. When are they expecting us?" "Tomorrow night, if possible?" Reese handed her the entire file. "The crown pulled some strings and got you a lecture spot at the Medical Forensic conference as your cover. Of course, I didn't tell them exactly why you were going and they are paying for an extra ticket for the Shadow Dancer, but I wasn't going to trust your life to bureaucracy, either ours or the American's. I'm going to leave the details up to you three to work out how you want to handle everything. You can go as Shadow Dancer or Dr. Natalie Lambert either one...the choice is yours. Just let me know and I'll forward all the information to the Texas Rangers office. They are coordinating your security and the whole sting operation. Hopefully it will work as good on Harwood's brother as it did on him." Reese walked over to the door and opened it slightly. "This is not mandatory, Natalie. You don't have to do this." "I know, Cap, but I wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing other women died and I could have done something to stop it." Natalie smiled and pushed open the door. Reese nodded in acceptance and held the door as she passed through heading for Nick and Schanke. Natalie walked over and sat down on the corner of Nick's desk. He glanced up and smiled as her skirt slipped up her thigh when she sat. Lust dusted his eyes when he finally brought them to hers. It didn't matter who saw it anymore. It was common knowledge that Nick and Nat were spending almost all their free time together. Nick heard the grumbling from the defeated losers and the 'adda boys' from the others cheering them on. It was all in good nature, but sometimes it bothered him. He had never been very good at letting others into his personal life. "Will you two cut that out!" Schanke threw his pencil at his partner across the desk. "People are starting to talk every time you two shut a door behind you. It's getting embarrassing." Nat and Nick chuckled together. "Okay, Schank....we wouldn't want to do anything to embarrass you...." Nick tossed the pencil back at his partner. "If that's possible, I mean." "Right, sure! Pick on old Schank. Everybody's whipping boy!" Schanke sat up straight, feigning insult, and brushed his suit jacket. "Okay, Schank. We'll try to control our baser needs when you're around." Nick turned on that boyish charm and Schanke just rolled his eyes. "What's up, Nat?" Nick eyed the folder in her hands. Natalie handed the file to Nick. "I need both of your help." She waited as Nick flipped open the file and Schanke came around to read over his shoulder. Reading faster than his partner, Nick kept handing the pages back to Schanke over his shoulder. Within minutes, Nick knew exactly what she needed. His blue eyes locked with hers and her heart skipped a beat. He always had that effect on her, and he could put the fear of God in you when he wanted. "You can't possibly be thinking of...." Anger brushed her facial features as she stared at the man she loved more than life. "Yes, Nick. I am! I can't stand by and watch innocent women be murdered while he practices. I couldn't live with that....and neither could you." She waited for her words to sink in and get him past the knee jerk reaction. She leaned over and pulled one of the photographs of Erin Stephenson and handed it to Nick. "To top it off. That's the woman in my dream two nights ago." Nick stared at the picture and then at his beloved Natalie. "You're seeing visions of the murder? How is that possible?" Confusion along with worry now crossed his brow. "I don't know, Nick! But I'm going to find out!" She reached over and pulled the file from his hand and then cradled his hands in hers. "Come with me and be Shadow Dancer's Shadow one more time." Part 4 ------------ Dallas, Texas The fax machine finally stopped spitting out information, files, dossier and background information on all the murder cases in Toronto last year. The final documents were complete personnel files on one Nicholas Knight and Donald Schanke and a short memo concerning the availability of Dr. Natalie Lambert, ME in charge of all autopsies. Alex noticed Natalie's name upside down and snatched the paper from Walker's hand. When she finished reading, a wide smile crossed her face with delight. "Something I should know about, Alex?" Walker watched her eyes beam with delight as she finished reading the memo. "Oh, it's nothing, except the ME in charge of those cases is going to be giving the lecture series over at the convention center and she's an old friend." Alex flushed red with the thought of the last time she'd seen Natalie and the circumstances. "Okay, what gives, Alex?" Trivett was completely baffled when Alex turned red and seemed embarrassed. "Oh, it's nothing, Jimmy. It's just that the last time Natalie and I got together we ended up in jail for starting a riot. Of course, we had partied just a little too much and when Natalie ripped the strippers g-string off , we got arrested." The scene from the girls night out flashed in her mind and she began to giggle. They'd had a great time and never before had she felt so uninhibited. She and Nat had stayed in contact briefly over the past year and half but they'd not had the opportunity to visit and relive the moment. "Let me get this straight. You and the top ME of Toronto went to a strip bar and de-pants a guy." The smile on Walker's face was incredible, and his eyes danced with delight to discover a wild side of the infamous hard nose DA standing before him. "Well, not exactly. We had help from another friend in the FBI and we were all a little drunk at the time. If it hadn't been for Natalie's friend who bailed us out, we'd have probably still been locked up." Alex tossed the sheet back on the pile of papers and grabbed her briefcase sitting on the chair. "In any case, Natalie's staying over at the Marriott and is available for any questions you might have. I think I'll ring her up and have lunch. Maybe she can be of help with this Shadow Dancer and the case." Alex headed for the door while Trivett and Walker stared in disbelief. She stopped before she pulled open the door with an afterthought. "Anything you want me to ask her specifically, guys?" "Yeah, Alex. Find out all you can about this cop Nick Knight and his partner Schanke. Apparently Knight was the one shot protecting the Shadow Dancer and is in charge of her protection while she's down here...and Schanke is the cop who killed Harwood. Metro PD thought it might sweeten the trap if Schanke was along. I want to know how good these guys are and just how far I can trust them. The last thing we need now is an international incident." Walker sat down with Nick's file on top to study it closer. Alex walked back to Walker's desk when he mentioned Nick's name. She leaned over and plucked the picture from between Walker's fingers. She took one quick look at Nick's picture and smiled again, then handed it back to Walker. "I'd say right off hand you're in luck, Walker. Not only can Natalie give you information on Nick Knight, but I can as well. He's the friend that bailed us out of jail. He's a close personal friend of Nat's. I was a little nervous about my reputation when I got back, so I checked Nick out. He's one of Toronto's best and not bad to look at either." Alex winked and headed for the door one more time. "See you all later." She disappeared out the door. Trivett stared at the closed door. "Did she just say what I think she said?" Walker laughed uncomfortably. "Yes, Trivett she did, and I don't think I like it." Walker handed Trivett Nick's file. "I just hope he's more than a pretty boy." Trivett skimmed Nick and Schanke's files while Walker looked over the case reports. The more he read, the more similarities popped out. The fact that this exotic dancer was willing to play pigeon and set Harwood up was the only way Metro had been able to catch the guy. It appeared his brother would be just as elusive, but using a woman as bait made him nervous. It would be hard enough to guard her in a secure location. How they were going to protect her in a dance bar and trap this guy at the same time was going to take a great deal of preparation. "Walker, come over here a minute will you?" Trivett motioned to his partner as he sat behind the computer terminal. "What is it, Trivett?" "Our Canadian friends, here. Alex's friend, Natalie, is the youngest ME in the Canadian province and has been cited on numerous occasions for solving cases. Don Schanke is an unusual case. Ranked very high among his peers, cited for outstanding service but nothing super special until he was partnered with this Nick Knight. Since they've been partners, they received several Partners of the Month, highest conviction record in the city along with the highest arrest record. This guy, Nick Knight, is rather mysterious. He works nights only due to some allergy to sunlight, never had a partner until Schanke, incredibly high conviction record prior to their partnership, cited repeatedly for valor and outstanding bravery in the line of duty, yet completely a loner. They also claim him to be the top interrogator in all of Metro. His psyche profile says he's bright, articulate, inventive, unemotional, and volatile at the same time, yet he cares what happens to the victims. His Captain claims he's the best man to have for backup in any case he's worked." Trivett handed Nick's file back to Walker. "It would appear, my friend, you might have met your twin. This should be interesting to see." Walker took the file and glared at his partner who sat with a huge smile on his face. "Come on, Trivett. Let's go pick up our Canadian night owl and this woman before I change my mind and ask for a new partner. --------- Natalie and Alex sat at the bar finishing their second glass of wine. They'd been chatting for over 2 hours when Nat noticed the time. "I'm going to have to be going, Alex. I have a lecture in the morning and I have to meet with some specialists tonight to go over some last minute data." Natalie signaled for their check. "I understand, Nat, but first tell me what you know about the woman they call the Shadow Dancer." Alex had completely lost track of time and one of the reasons for dining with Natalie. They'd relived the strip bar, problems with men without naming them, and finally pushed on to work. Natalie was a little stunned with Alex's request. She had expected Alex to grill her about Nick and Schanke, because she'd remembered Alex mentioning her friend Walker last year when they commiserated about their men problems.. When all the papers came through, she, Nick and Schanke went over Walker's file along with Company B of the Texas Rangers. Alex's friend Walker was not only legendary but his air of aloofness and mystery reminded her of Nick in a lot of ways. It was no wonder she and Alex got along so well. "Not much to tell I'm afraid, Alex. She was an exotic dancer that appeared out of nowhere and always danced behind a silk screen. She never danced the same number twice, nor stripped totally. She was very mysterious and her real name was never mentioned. I'm not sure the police ever found out who she was or at least it never went into the file. I'm told she danced everything from interpretive dance to exotic sexual stuff. The men flocked to watch her because of the mystery and the tease I think. She helped Nick and his partner nail that guy Harwood and then retired. I'm afraid I don't know much more than that." "I assume you and Nick are still seeing each other and you know he's guarding her again down here this time." Alex watched her friends expression trying to read between the lines. She knew Nick and Natalie were much closer than friends. From all indications and the look of happiness on Natalie's face, she assumed it had gone further than that. "Yes I know, Alex. I was told right before I left that your department and the Texas Rangers might need some feedback from me." Natalie schooled her face into a professional mask. She didn't need Alex getting suspicious already about her participation in the case. "Nick was the one shot during those cases last year, wasn't he?" Trying to keep her face devoid of emotion, Natalie plunged forward. "Yes, he was. It was only a minor wound and he was released that same night, but the Shadow Dancer refused to have anyone else accompany her down here, from my understanding." "Doesn't that bother you? I mean I know you and Nick were close friends but this woman obviously has some traits that men like a great deal." "I'm sure she does, Alex, but I'm not married to Nick and if I don't trust him now, I never will. Sometimes I want to strangle him but our relationship is quite complicated." Nat sighed with frustration. "Sometimes I just want to chuck it all and move to California in the sunshine, but then I start listening to my heart instead of my head and I'm in trouble." Nat looked at her watch again. "Listen, Alex, I've gotta go. I'm sure we can get together later in the week if you want, but talk to Nick and Schanke about Shadow. They were much closer to her for a long period of time. If there's anything that you and Walker need to know, one of the two of them will have the answer." Nat rose and grabbed her suit jacket from the back of the chair. "See you later. Maybe we can find a good strip bar and relive our night of fun." ---------- Walker watched the tall, blond man from the photograph escort a small petite woman with raven black hair streaming down her back through the service door to the hotel. Behind came a shorter dark haired man in a standard trenchcoat. Both were alert and very close to the woman. Their protective instincts were almost personal as they escorted her to the elevator. Walker stepped clear of the wall and faced a 9mm within a blink of an eye. The blue eyed blond man wore a black leather duster with the ease of one accustomed to wealth and virility for years. There was no hesitation or doubt in his eyes when he stepped in front of the woman for protection. "Walker, Texas Rangers!" Walker displayed his badge slowly. "This is my partner, Trivett. We were expecting you at the airport." "Nick Knight, Ranger Walker....and this is my partner Don Schanke. The lady of course is the Shadow Dancer. I changed the arrangements at the last minute in order to enhance security. We won't be at this hotel much longer either." Nick reached into his pocket and pulled out a slip of paper. "That's mine and Schanke's mobile numbers along with our pagers. He and I will be your only contact with Miss Shadow. She has agreed to dance at a prescribed location to draw out Harwood. We will need the location and the private number of the owner to set things up. If she remains true to form she will have to dance several nights during the week to draw attention to herself. We can coordinate security on a daily basis, but we won't be able to give you more than an hour's notice. It's too traceable and the chances for leaks are too high. The less your department knows about Miss Shadow's location, the safer she will be. We've arranged private quarters for her and my partner since they are the primary targets. I'll be the main liaison between our departments." Nick's eyes didn't breach any contradiction and Walker liked what he saw. They might have a shot at Harwood after all. "Understood, Detective. We'll be in touch." Walker extended his hand and Nick grasped it tightly. Part 5 Adult ---------- Edwin Larson supervised the installation of the silk screen and the lighting strobes. He was fascinated with the fact that he'd been approached by the Texas Rangers to let this woman perform. After all, he'd had numerous problems getting open in Dallas to begin with. His club, Night Fantasies, had been open a little over a year. It was an exclusive strip bar that catered to the wealthy eccentric types in Dallas. Although numerous patrons were not club members but invited guests, he still managed to keep class in the club. Most of his dancers were incredibly talented, and only stripped totally on rare occasion. They earned good tip money and very seldom left with the clientele, so he felt good about his relations with the police. His girls had become concerned after the last killing. It was obvious this serial killer was deranged and after exotic dancers. They were scared, and they had a right to be. Edwin wasn't sure when Walker called, if this was the right thing to do. After all, if this drew him to their establishment, it put all his girls in danger...but someone had to help take this guy down. The rangers had promised protection for all his girls, which was more than he'd had before. So at least his girls' odds were a little better than the average dancers in the city. To top it off, Walker used an old debt from Vietnam as a final wedge to insure his cooperation. He owed the man, and the least he could do was help him out a little. The silk screen slid silently down to the floor and the strobes flashed once. Edwin stepped back off the stage and hit the main floor lights, then glanced at the finished product. Ernie had installed the props on stage and hit the test pilot on the fake fireplace. Edwin was shocked at the effect of the screen from the back of the room. This was going to be interesting. He'd heard of the Shadow Dancer from a friend of his in Canada. Edwin had sat through hours of description of her provocative performances. He hadn't believed a word of it, nor the effect of the screen...but it appeared tonight he was about to find out. Walker informed him of the sparse information he was to give the crowd and the final comments he was to make after the performance. Frankly, he'd seen the best in the exotic dance world, and there was very little that would force him to restrain most of his crowd. They came to watch, dream, and once in a while touch, but that's where the lines were drawn. It was going to be interesting. -------- Schanke stood at the bar with Trivett, eyeing the silk screen rollers near the ceiling. He smiled with the thought of watching her perform again. If only he could get Myra to come and watch, and maybe take some hints from Natalie. Of course, Myra would never believe that the Shadow Dancer was Natalie to begin with. It was hard for him to accept it at times. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed it either. Trivett eyed Schanke closely. Walker circled the room checking all the exits closely. He'd set up plain clothes officers both inside and out on less than 4 hours notice. Knight had informed him, security wouldn't need to be to tight tonight until the word got out. This was still a little far fetched in Walker's opinion as to how Shadow Dancer would draw Harwood in. The man was not an idiot and would surely know this was a trap. Down deep somewhere, Walker suspected Harwood's obsession would find a way...maybe not at the club, but he would find a way to get to her. It was up to Knight and himself to make sure that didn't happen. So far, Walker had been impressed with Knight. In 24 hours, he'd managed to make himself and Shadow Dancer disappear in Dallas. Schanke was not as good, but Knight informed him that Schanke had agreed to be the visible one to antagonize Harwood. It was risky, but Schanke, with all his boisterous antidotes and laughable behavior, was a good cop. Walker had to admit, he and Knight made a good team. "Okay, Schanke, let me get this straight, "Trivett eyed the silk screen closely. "This woman is going to perform an exotic number behind that screen without stripping that's going to set this guy off? Your partner is back stage at all times as her protection. You switch from front to back while Walker and the rest of us float the room to find this guy." Trivett shook his head in disbelief. "It's not going to work. I've seen some pretty wild stuff here in Dallas. It will take a lot for them to start using word of mouth to bring this guy in. I still think we should have made a tactful public announcement." The screen began to roll slowly down and Edwin Larson headed for the stage. "Trust me on this one, Trivett. The word will be on the street tonight. That is unless all the men in this room are dead to begin with." Schanke smiled and checked his microphone before Larson made the announcements. "Gentlemen and the few ladies that we have out there. It is a pleasure for me to introduce a special guest for you tonight from Canada. As usual, please remain seated throughout the performance. Tonight, Night Fantasies is proud to present the one an only....Shadow Dancer!" The house lights dimmed and the shade lights on the screen popped on slowly across the front of the stage illuminating one small section of the screen at a time. The music started in the background softly with the intro, then the gas jet popped on the fireplace behind the screen, casting dark and light shadows across the room. In the firelight you could see a tall lean man reclining on a padded chaise lounge beside the fireplace. A loud knock came from the door on the stage and the music of Rod Stewart echoed through the room building slowly in intensity. Who's that knocking on my door? It's gotta be a quarter to four Is it you again.... The man rose slowly to the knocking. He wore very tight jeans and a lose shirt that was hanging open in the front with the tails pulled out from sleeping. His hair had been pulled back in a pony tail. He reached back to free it from the holder shaking his hair free in time to the music. He slowly approached the door running his hand through his hair in an effort to awaken. Coming round for more? Well you can love me tonight if you want But in the morning make sure you're gone He opened the door and stood back and stared in obvious shock. I'm talking to HOT LEGS! A long perfect leg touched by a sheer whisper of silk appeared through the door. The rest of her body remained hidden in the darkness until her 3 inch high heel touched the floor. Wearing me out HOT LEGS! The backlights dropped and the front stage lights cast light into the darkened recess of the open door, and she stepped into the room provocatively, with slow deliberate steps toward the man before her. She wore a tight, leather, halter top disappearing under a sheer material that caressed her legs as she walked. Splits in the material allowed full view of her legs and thighs with each step that she made. You can scream and shout HOT LEGS! Are you still in school I love ya honey. She approached him slowly, enticing him with each movement of her body until she stood directly in front of him. Her long hair trailed down her back swaying with the material as she moved. The combination of hair and silk danced in rhythm to the beat of the music in layered shadows on the screen before the audience. Ever so slowly she extended one leg around his lower calf and leaned forward only slightly, letting her upper thigh graze his. They were in profile to the audience when she let her tongue escape her mouth and lick her lips sensuously. You got a most persuasive tongue You promised all kinds of fun Her hands ran up his chest and massaged him openly as she brought her lips close to his. She then ran her tongue over her lips one more time. So close to his yet not touching. But what you don't understand I'm a working a man Gonna need of shot of vitamin E By the time you're finished with me. She stepped in closer until her pelvis touched his upper thigh. She slid slowly down his body dragging her entire body over his while her tongue flicked tiny circles on his bare nipples through his open shirt. I'm talking to HOT LEGS! You're an alley cat HOT LEGS! When she slid off his thigh on the last beat she stepped out quickly in a dancer's pivot causing the silky, split skirt to fly up. She turned fully again as a burst of wind from the fan on the side of the stage popped on. Her skirt rose high exposing her well proportioned back side and thighs. She danced around him in the wind sporting a tiny g-string pantie till she ended up behind him. HOT LEGS! Scratch my back HOT LEGS! Bring your mother too I love ya honey. He turned slightly to reach for her behind him only to find her hands caressing his chest from behind. Each movement, intentional and enticing as she raked her long nails down his chest causing him to arche into her. His arousal was becoming evident through his jeans as her hands went lower with each chorus. HOT LEGS! HOT LEGS! HOT LEGS! He reached for her hands to force them lower. She pulled back and away in a pirouette, presenting her backside profile to the screen. The shadow left very little to the imagination as once again the fan blew up the silky skirt allowing full view of her g-string clad derriere. Then her hands began to move over her own body caressing her sides and pushing her breast out even further as her hips swayed in time to the music. Imagine how my daddy felt When you jet-black suspender fell Seventeen years old She did a pivot turn to face the audience and let her long hair dance to the rhythm. Her hands caressed her own body openly as her legs and ass swayed in front of his lust filled eyes. He's turning sixty-four You got legs right up to your neck You're making me a physical wreck She was lost to pleasuring herself for him when he stepped forward and tore the silk skirt away. I'm talking to HOT LEGS! When you sat in my shoes Are you still in school Clad now in only in a g-string and black leather halter top, she stepped into his embrace. You're making me a fool I love ya honey His hands started at her shoulders, and slowly slid down her back to her ass as she ground her pelvis against his in time to the music. He pulled her hard against his arousal as the music screamed through the speakers. HOT LEGS! Making it out HOT LEGS! Keep your pants insured Each stroke of her body against his was matched by the hands on her ass till she placed her palms on his chest and pushed him away. Keep your hands to yourself I love ya honey He fell gracefully back to the chaise lounge and lay down on his back. She stood haughtily with her arms across her chest, having obviously changed her mind. He raised one arm to beckon her to him, causing her to flip her head in the negative. He returned his hand to his thigh and brought it slowly to the tight bulge in his jeans and waited. HOT LEGS! Wearing me out HOT LEGS! You can scream and shout She watched in fascination then raised her hands over her head. Bringing them down her torso slowly, she teased him while she walked toward the figure prone on the couch. HOT LEGS! You're still in school I love ya honey She danced in front of him using her hands to caress and accentuate her movements, until she gracefully stepped across him and straddled the chaise and the man beneath. HOT LEGS! She moved closer toward his face with her thighs after each phrase. HOT LEGS! She touched his bare chest with her inner thighs on each movement. HOT LEGS! Finally she stopped with her g-string enticingly above him and then reached for his long hair flowing softly on his shoulder. HOT LEGS! You're well equipped He licked his lips when he brought his hands slowly up her outer thighs pulling her hot sweet mound toward him. HOT LEGS! Are you boogy whipped She shifted her weight side ways, dragging her inner thigh across his waiting lips one direction. HOT LEGS! I just love your lips I love ya I love ya I love ha honey She shifted the opposite direction with each beat driving him mad with desire. He arched with his pelvis in need and pulled her toward his waiting mouth. Each stanza echoing through the speaker driving him closer to what he sought. HOT LEGS! HOT LEGS! Wooooooooo! HOT LEGS! Giving in to his demands, she placed her mound over his mouth as he planted his face into her crotch while the words: 'I love ya honey' echoed through the speakers one more time, and the lights went out. Nick groaned in pleasure when he pulled her hot sweet body into his face. Pushing the g-string away quickly, his tongue found her most sensitive spot and he sucked gently. Natalie willingly gave into the feeling his body always had on her. Realizing their position, he stood her up quickly, pulled her into his arms and flew to the back room. All standard disclaimers are in part 1. Many thanks to Katherine Robert and Penny Thomas for beta reading this one for me. All comments are welcome at Stormy's place linked below. You must see End Part 6 to have a complete copy. Be aware that this section contains explicit, graphic sex and if you are offended by that use the delete key. Those of you who are not, hope you enjoy it. Part 6 Adult --------- Seven men lunged toward the stage as she sat down on Nick's face. Walker stood silently beside the screen, stunned with the performance. The bouncers were mesmerized to the point that they didn't react. Walker was the first to respond as several men from the audience reached the screen. A struggle ensued but with the help of the bouncers, Walker quickly had the clientele under control. Trivett's mouth dropped, as the glass of soda he drank slipped to the floor. He stared at the screen and couldn't speak. Edwin Larson stood transfixed throughout the presentation, collapsing in a chair breathing heavily when the lights went out. When he didn't get any response from his partner, Walker nudged Trivett. "Trivett! Earth to Trivett!!!! Jimmy??? You with me?" Trivett turned to notice his partner standing beside him for the first time. "Did you see that, Walker...I've never seen anything like that...I thought they were going to...." "I know, Trivett. I know. I had a similar reaction, but we've got work to do. We have to check to make sure Harwood's not here, and Knight has the Shadow Dancer safe in her dressing room." Walker turned to Schanke. "Can you raise your partner, or is he as affected by her as the rest of us?" Walker touched Schanke's arm bringing him back from his trance. "Ah...no....ah....Nick's not....oh, Hell!" Schanke flipped open his microphone. "Nick, you there, partner?" Schanke waited, not really expecting an answer because he had a good idea what his partner was doing right now. At least, he knew what he'd be doing if Myra did that to him. Nick flipped open the microphone hidden on his open shirt when he heard Schanke call through the tiny receiver planted inside his ear. He shut the door behind them and locked it as he responded. "We're fine, Schanke. Just clear them out and meet us backstage in an hour." The microphone went dead in Schanke's ear and he smiled in delight. "It's about time, partner. It's about time." Schanke looked at Larson. "Go do your stuff now, man. You have to get them in control or this is all for nothing." Larson nodded and headed for the stage and the microphone. "Gentlemen, please take your seats." There were grumbles and a few bits and pieces of obscenity tossed around, then they finally complied. "Miss Shadow, as I said, is a guest from Canada. She is known for being rather eccentric and unpredictable, but she has promised me she will dance again this week for you all; however, she won't commit to a specific night. Needless to say she has a bit of a problem with security, so I don't know what night to expect her. All I can tell you is she will return this week and possibly next as her time permits. I hope you enjoyed the performance and as usual all the tips are to be placed in the center of the table. Enjoy the rest of the evening." Larson returned to Schanke. "Was that right?" "Perfect!" --------- Nick pulled the earpiece and microphone and threw it across the room. Lust filled his eyes as he pressed Natalie hard against the wall. Finding her willing lips, he plunged his tongue into her mouth and then sucked hers hard into his with increased urgency. Natalie ran her hands down his back and pulled his body hard against hers. Pure carnal lust engulfed her when her hands found his hard penis fighting to free itself. She ripped his shirt off while his lips licked and sucked their way down her neck. Her blood surged through the vein at the base of her neck driving him onward. She wanted him, all of him, right here, right now. She tore at his belt finally getting it released as his lips found her breasts and freed them. He sucked first one and then the other into his mouth. A groan of sheer pleasure tore from her when her nipples hardened, causing him to suck even harder. His other hand tore her g-string from her body, while she pulled the blond wig from his head in frustration to get to the silky blond hair beneath. The wig gone, she ran her hands through his hair and forced his hot mouth back to her breasts where he stopped. Her body sheened with perspiration and need when he slipped his finger into her wet core. He stroked her slowly at first until she whimpered in protest while his lips worshiped her breasts. She arched into his hand in need and he responded with a growl of pure animal lust. He pulled away slightly and her blue eyes met gold. Unafraid, she pushed him backwards to the chaise lounge behind them. Straddling him like she'd done on stage, she pushed her mound into his waiting mouth. Pulling her hard into him, he planted his face into her welcome core and tasted the honey that flowed freely. He found her clitoris and sucked gently at first, then plunged his tongue inside her to taste what she had to offer. As his tongue stroked inside her, she rode and pulled his head with a rhythm as old as time. His hands pulled her ass and cunt with each stroke until she screamed his name in pleasure. The orgasm swept through her with such power while Nick sucked her precious fluid into his soul....but it wasn't enough. He pulled her up in one quick motion and pressed her hard against the wall. He unzipped his jeans and freed himself from the tight cloth, pushing it over his hips. His need was beyond reason as he held her hands above her head and sheathed his hard cock deep within her. A short gasp of pleasure passed her lips when he entered her, followed by a whimper of protest when he began to withdraw. His erection was so hard it hurt, and he plunged back into her. She lifted her legs and wrapped them around him as he pounded hard into her willing body. Each stroke more pleasant than the one before. She thrust out to meet him, rising slightly each time to touch her clitoris and stimulate her already hot body. Spiraling upward toward oblivion, they pounded each other in animal lust, each stroke deeper than the one before. Natalie lost all rational thought as he touched her very core. She wanted all of this man now and would not settle for less. "Come to me, Nick. Give yourself to me. I want to feel you come to me. I want to feel your love." Lost to her entreaties, he stroked deeper and gave into his body. With one final stroke, he released his seed deep within her, screaming her name in release. He was lost to the feel of the man within the woman and the love that he felt for her. She felt his seed pump hard into her when he plunged deep within her one last time, and she surrendered to it fully. Her own orgasm started deep within the pit of her stomach and radiated out toward him, contracting around his hard cock. His reaction was immediate and he pushed hard into her once more, letting her body pull the final seed of his love from his groin. Warmth spread through him when his eyes met hers. Then a pain he never felt before, cascaded through his blood. Fire burned within him and tore at the bliss they just shared causing the beast to surge forth. She watched the warmth and joy flood his face, then pain. Agony washed across their link. Still standing with her legs wrapped around him and his hard cock deep within her, she offered him her neck and the relief her blood would give him. Regret etched his face when she pulled him to her throat. With the first drop of her blood, the fire and the pain ceased. Then her love assailed his senses and he drank deeply. He pushed harder into her and pulled her tighter into the embrace of death, lost to the beast once again. She began to fade and yet he wanted more. More than he'd ever wanted before, and she wanted it too. She wanted to be with him for all eternity....together....soulmates util the end of time but the child appeared. Their child, the child of both their dreams...the one desire they both shared beyond all else and he stopped. Pulling his fangs from her neck, he looked into pain filled blue eyes. A single tear escaped her eye and guilt washed through him. "Nat, I'm sorry." He kissed the tear away and felt the fatigue within her. "I took too much. Damn!" He pulled her off him and carried her to the couch. "Natalie, forgive me? I...." She pulled his worried face down to hers and made him hold her. "I wanted to come with you. I wanted to be with you for all time, but I want our child more. Can you forgive me? Forgive me for not being strong enough to give up the hope of creating a child with you.?" A sob tore from her throat and she held on tight to his neck. "I want our child, Nick. Our child, conceived in love not in bloodlust." She openly cried now on his shoulder and he just held her tighter. Slowly he pulled her into his lap and buried his head in that lustrous mound of auburn curls. "I want our child too, Natalie. Our child, not a child of death but one of life. That's what made me stop." Nick forced her to look at him now. Tear stained eyes met his, followed by a sniffle and then finally a smile. Nick lost track of the emotions playing across her face until she finally jumped up from his lap. "Nick!!! Nick!! Don't you realize what just happened?" Nick looked at her state of undress, the blood semen smeared on her thigh, smiled, and then frowned. "Yes, Natalie....I made love to you like a rutting bull and almost killed you. Enjoyable though it was, I don't think that's cause to celebrate." Nat grew lightheaded and stumbled. Nick caught her before she hit the floor, feeling guiltier than ever as he cradled her in his lap. How could he claim to love this woman and do this to her? But how could he let her go? He smoothed the auburn curls from her face while she regained her equilibrium and then her exuberance as they sat on the floor. "Don't you see, Nick? You made love to me. You came to me like a man, not a vampire. You reached orgasm before you reached the need for blood. Don't you see? The man wanted me more than the vampire and the vampire wanted revenge. Your love for me, and your desire to create a child is based on love not lust...well at least not bloodlust anyway. Don't you see, this has never happened before? Before, you needed my blood to reach your release. Tonight you didn't." Natalie reached up and pulled his lips back to hers. "This is progress!" Nick picked her up and sat her down on the chaise lounge. He walked across the room to get a blanket and some orange juice from the small refrigerator in the back. When he returned, he handed her the orange juice and placed the blanket over her naked body. Fear and doubt edged the blue of his eyes and the creases in his forehead. What they experienced tonight was not like anything he'd every felt before, and her exuberance gave him more hope than they'd had in a long, long time. "Tell you what, my dear doctor, if you can forgive me for behaving like a rutting bull and almost killing you, then I'll promise not to be so angsty and pessimistic and see this little step as progress." Natalie could feel the guilt through their bond. She relaxed and pushed warmth and love back into it. He felt it almost instantly and pulled her back into his arms. "I love you, Nat, and I think I always have." She held him tightly relishing the feel of his arms around her. The feeling that it was the only place she was safe. The feeling that they could work anything out together. "I have loved you from the moment I unzipped that body bag, Nicholas Knight....and nothing is ever going to change that." A loud knock made them both jump and Schanke's voice boomed through the door. Part 7 Nick tossed on his clothes with vampire speed, while Natalie jumped behind the screen. Nick reached out and felt 3 heartbeats on the other side of the door. "Schank's got company, Nat. It looks like Miss Shadow needs to reappear." Nick waited for her response and worried, Nat was moving slowly from the loss of blood. "Okay, Nick. Just stall a little bit for me. I'm moving kind of slow." She stuck her head around the screen and smiled. "But it was worth it!" She giggled. He smiled and stuck his tongue out at her. Nick opened the door and Schanke, Walker and Trivett stepped in. Walker scanned the room looking for problems immediately, and Trivett anxiously searched for Shadow. Noticing a form behind the changing screen, he relaxed slightly. He turned his attention to Knight who had closed the door behind them and sat down on the couch on the far side of the room. The ease and grace in which the man moved unnerved Trivett, just like Walker did when they first met. There was not a trace of fear, or lack of self confidence in anything Knight did or said. The more he was around the guy, the more similarities he noticed between him and Walker. They should be partners and he and Schanke should team up....super cop and the side-kick. That's what he felt like most of the time. Just once he'd like to be top dog....and he was sure Schanke felt the same way. "Miss Shadow, is that you behind that screen?" Schanke already knew the answer before he spoke. He assumed Natalie was putting herself back into costume, since he was positive she and Nick hadn't been playing cards for the last hour. Schanke cast a quick glance at his partner, noticing the calm and pleasant glow to his normally pale skin. Yup, they weren't playing cards....that was a given. Somehow, that pleased Schanke more than he realized. Maybe he'd see those two married yet. Trivett stared at the screen and waited. He was rewarded when a jean clad figure encased in thigh high leather boots stepped from behind the screen. This time she wore a strawberry blonde wig done in a long, gypsy cut. A tight red t-shirt encased firm breasts, covered with a bolero, jean vest embroidered with black ravens in flight. Dark sunglasses covered her eyes and red lipstick in the exact shade of the t-shirt graced her sensual lips. Jasmine permeated the air as she walked slowly toward the vanity and picked up a long leather duster similar to the one Nick had worn several days earlier. With the coat draped over her arm she turned her attention now to Trivett who watched her every movement closely. Shadow walked directly in front of Trivett and slowly licked her lips. She brought long red nails up his shirt front and stopped, just as she touched the skin on his neck. She spoke softly to Schanke although her attention was focused on Jimmy. "You were expecting someone else, Mr. Schanke?" Schanke chuckled at Trivett's lack of comfort. He remembered the feeling well when Nat had done that to him. God, it was unbelievable she could turn a man on like that one minute, then be so professional the next. The more he learned about the elusive coroner, the more confused he became. Maybe that's why she and Nick belonged together. One mystery deserved another. Trivett finally found his tongue. "Ah....Miss Shadow? That was an incredible performance." His had completely stopped breathing when she continued to trace her finger up his neck. Then she brought her lips close to his. He leaned forward to kiss her and she smiled as she backed off. "Thank you, Mr. Trivett. I'm glad you enjoyed it." Walker appeared silently behind her. The action would have unnerved a great many people, but she was used to Nick doing it. She turned slowly to meet his gaze. "You have a question, Ranger Walker?" It was more a statement than a question, and Walker recognized the tone. What was it about this woman than initiated such a response from men. She was confident, sensual, bright, and incredibly sexy....but completely unafraid. Most women in her circumstances would have been a little unnerved by his actions and demeanor....and he liked it that way....but she was not. That intrigued him more than he was willing to admit. "Actually, I did, Miss Shadow. I wanted to know who the male dancer was that accompanied you tonight. We weren't informed of any other parties to be secured." Shadow held out her coat to Walker for his assistance before she spoke. "That was an old friend who helps me out periodically. Sometimes I use men from the audience, but in a number like tonight I prefer to use someone I can trust." She slipped her arms into the coat, and Walker lifted it gently onto her shoulders. Long fingers and nails pulled blonde hair from under the collar and let it float softly over the black leather. She turned and presented herself to him seductively before she continued. "Detective Knight assured me my friend would be in no danger, so I asked him to come down. He has personal business here to attend to, so I may use him again." She smiled and then walked over to Schanke. She ran her fingertips slowly over his lapels and down the front of his jacket in a possessive manner, then smiled as Schanke swallowed hard. "I wish you wouldn't do that, Miss Shadow. You know I'm a married man." He clasped her hand in his and then gently pulled it off his chest. She chuckled and then glanced at Nick. "Well, Detective Knight, I'm ready. Shall we go?" Larson popped his head in the door without knocking. Seeing the beautiful woman decked in leather before him, he momentarily lost he speech. "Ah, Miss Shadow?" He waited for her to ask him in. "Yes, Mr. Larson." She moved slightly, and found Nick by her side ready to step in front of her for protection. "Ah....Ah....I collected over $1500 in tips for you. Would you like them now or should I cut you a check? No one has ever collected that much before and I wasn't sure if you wanted to carry that kind of cash." "Send a check to the Children s Home here in Dallas, Mr. Larson. They need the money. I dance to catch a criminal. The money is not important. Please be aware I will call and check if the money was sent....and thank you for opening your club up to the police for this little operation. I'm sure you will be rewarded." She glanced at Nick, letting him know she was ready to leave. "Thank you, Miss Shadow. Your performance was worth more than all the risks. I'd heard you were incredible, but that performance was an understatement. My bar tonight was quadruple what it normally is, so I'd say I've been amply rewarded If this gets that crazy man off the streets then all my girls will be safe. Thank you for your efforts. You just let me know what, and when you need it, and my place is yours." Shadow walked over and kissed him gently on the cheek. "I will Mr. Larson. I will!" Shadow nodded at Detective Knight, he opened the door and preceded in front to check out the premises. Moments later, her returned and offered her his hand. She gladly accepted and stepped through the door closing it behind her. Walker reached for the door to follow. He opened it to a vacant hallway with the scent of Jasmine still lingering in the air. Puzzled, he turned to Schanke. "You want to tell me how he did that?" Schanke just shrugged and smiled. "When I figure it out, I'll let you know. In the meantime I have to go and change hotels again." He turned his attention back to Larson, who stood quietly, just staring at the space Miss Shadow had occupied. "We'll call you, Larson, when she's going to perform again. Remember what I told you about answering when her next performance would be?" Schanke waited slightly irritated with Larson's far off look and lack of attention. "Larson!" "Oh, yes, Mr. Schanke! I'm to say I only get 10 minutes notice before she dances, and they will know when the screen drops." Larson finally came back to the present and rubbed his hand with glee. "Do you know what this mystery is going to do for my business?" He searched the eyes of the lawmen before him. "It will make me a fortune!" Larson walked over and hugged Walker unexpectedly. "Thanks, Walker for choosing my place!" Larson started whistling and headed for the door happily. ----------- Nick landed them softly on the balcony of the Marriott only 5 minutes after disappearing from the night club. Using his vampire senses again, he reached out for possible dangers inside the room before he touched the balcony door. They were 15 floors up and the room was registered in Natalie's name. He came and went through the balcony only, and had his supplies delivered by messenger. Natalie had only minimal presentations to give, but sufficient to make her presence known throughout the pathology community of Dallas. Her presentation on DNA analytical comparisons on severely deteriorated tissue was received extremely well and offered for publication by the Dallas Medical Review. She was asked to repeat the lecture tomorrow afternoon at 3 by the convention heads, due to an illness of one of the lecturers and several doctors complaints about having missed her presentation. Nick finally let Nat enter and he secured the room. Nat pulled the blonde wig and freed her auburn curls, shaking her head with delight. She removed the vest, tossed it on the chair, and sat down on the couch. Extending one leather encased leg above her head, she whined pathetically. "Please, Nick!" He smiled, grabbed the heel of the boot firmly, and pulled it free. With a sigh, she wiggled her toes in front of him. He leaned over and kissed them, eliciting a giggle from her lips. "That tickles, you know?" She giggled again as he ran a single finger down the bottom of her foot. "Yes, I know. That's the whole point isn't it?" Bright blue eyes filled with mischief met hers. She dropped her foot to the couch and extended the other for like treatment. When he finished tickling her to distraction, she pulled it away. It was good to laugh again and she loved it when Nick was in a playful mood. It made her heart lurch to see him happy. They'd come so far in such a short period of time. Each time he let her just a little further inside that guilt ridden soul of his. With every new bit of information she gleaned, the more amazed she became at his ability to survive with his mind intact. She shook her head to clear the funk because tonight, they were both happy...and they'd made progress in his search. Albeit, a small step, but at least one positive enough to renew their hope. Nick watched her mind work as she stared at him. "Penny for your thoughts." He jumped over the back of the couch and pulled her onto his lap. She loved the feel of his arms around her, and she gave into his cool hands that massaged slow lazy circles on her back. "Hmmm....that feels good. You missed your calling as a masseuse." She leaned over and dropped her head on his shoulder as he continued to caress and massage the knots in her upper back and shoulders. "What makes you think I haven't." She raised her head slowly from his shoulder, then smiled with yet another piece of information. "I should have known you had practice somewhere." She leaned over and kissed him briefly on the lips. "I've got to rack out for awhile. I have to be up by 1 and at the convention center tomorrow afternoon. So, as much as I enjoy all this attention. I've got to get some sleep. Especially if I'm going to dance tomorrow night." Nick picked her up like she was a feather and carried her to the bedroom. Placing her on the bed, he grabbed the comforter and tucked her in. "I'd offer to keep you company, but then neither one of us would get any sleep....and I don't think you could tolerated the loss of anymore blood tonight." He kissed her forehead and then smiled sheepishly. "Nat, I'm sorry about tonight. I got...." She reached up and silenced him with a kiss. "What are you sorry about, Nick? The part where you made me scream with pleasure and want more of you, or the part where you let me feel how much you love me?" She waited patiently for him to forgive himself, because she had no regrets. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, Natalie Lambert, but I'm very thankful that you're a whole lot smarter than I am." He leaned over an kissed her softly one more time on the lips. "Sleep well, my love. I'll be on the couch if you need me." He turned out the light and shut the door. Exhaustion claimed her. Nick dialed Schanke's mobile number and he answered on the second ring. "All tucked in, Schank?" "Right, Nick! You and Natalie are playing house at that big fancy hotel and I'm playing gypsy, by changing one flea bag hotel for another. Myra's given up trying to call me and using the pager instead." Schanke snorted with disgust. "I can't even get room service!" Nick laughed as he listened to his partner complain. "Okay, Schank, You take over guard duty of Nat and fill in as her dance partner, and I'll be the diversion." "Right, sure. I'm sure Myra would really understand me doing erotic dancing with a half naked woman in front of 300 people. And when she found out it was Natalie, I'd be skinned alive. I think I'll just keep the job I got. You think he'll show this week?" "The word will be out in a couple of days. He'll case the joint first, it's our job to spot him. If he's half as good as his brother...it will be a job. But he won't try for her until he's sure he can have her. That's why he s been practicing. You just have to make sure you're visible. His hate for you has to be as strong as for the Shadow Dancer, but it will depend on what he wants satisfied first....lust or revenge. We have to be prepared for both." ----------- 5 nights later Harwood checked his fake mustache and coke bottle glasses before he stepped out of the car. This was a setup. He could smell the Texas Rangers a mile off. There was no way the real Shadow Dancer was in Texas, but he had to see for himself. He'd watched the place 2 nights in a row and followed one of the patrons to his car last night. Shoving a gun in his face and crawling in the back of his car, he learned all the rules and regs for access to the club. He gleaned what information he could about the dancer that had performed that night and the sporadic nature in which she appeared. Even through the fear that permeated the man's body, raw physical need engulfed him when he talked about Miss Shadow. Within thirty minutes, the man lay dead and his ID and car were now the property of one Jason Harwood. Harwood cut his hair and dyed it to match the ID and proceeded to enter 'Night Fantasies' a little after 10 p.m. Shadow Dancer never performed before midnight, any night she'd been here. So there was no need to think she would be earlier tonight. After ordering a double scotch on the rocks, Harwood sat down to wait and listened to the low chatter throughout the packed club. The main topic of conversation was whether the Shadow Dancer would be here tonight. Harwood watched the bouncers closely and then noticed the extra plain clothes officers present. When he looked closer, he recognized several faces from the paper, so he decided to pump the bartender. Placing a twenty on the counter. "Who's all the extras, Joe?" Harwood read the name tag before he spoke. Joe looked at several of the men at the end of the counter. "Oh, just a bunch of the local Texas Rangers and a few of the Dallas PD. Started out at security for the Shadow Dancer, but frankly I think they're all as enthralled with her as everyone else. Our business is through the roof, and we had to take on a couple of extra bartenders. He motioned to the man at the end of the bar. Harwood did a double take at the chunky balding guy pouring the drinks at the end of the counter. It was Donald Schanke. Jason Harwood had committed his face to memory along with the blond cop that saved the Shadow Dancer from certain death. Nick Knight, according to the Toronto write up that he acquired after the accident, threw his body in front of an oncoming bullet and deflected it away from her body. Schanke burst through the door and nailed his brother. They both would pay, and then the Shadow Dancer. Jason downed the double and ordered another. When he turned the silk screen began to drop and the crowd cheered. Shadow Dancer was about to perform. Harwood, along with 300 other people, stood mesmerized by the shadow on the screen. Tonight she did a provocative number to "Too Sexy For My Clothes". When she finished, four bouncers appeared at the sides of the screen and waited for the crowd to calm down. At the far side door stood the blond cop, Nick Knight and non other than Texas Ranger, Cordell Walker. It was obvious from their demeanor, that they knew each other and were working closely on this endeavor. Hatred burned like an inferno in him, as he eyed the men standing at the entrance to the stage. He owed Walker for his last trip to the slammer and the blond cop, too. No reason why he couldn't have a little fun and take them both down at the same time. If he was lucky, maybe he could get Schanke in on the deal as well. Jason drained the last of his scotch and smiled, as the plan began to take shape. He watched Knight disappear behind stage only moments after the stage lights dropped, while Walker stood in place. It was obvious they both were on guard duty. "Never fear, Ranger Walker. I won't take her tonight....not tonight....but soon." All standard disclaimers are in part 0/14. Many thanks to Katherine Robert and Penny Thomas for keeping me in line. You must see end part 8 to have a complete section. Email me direct for any missing parts. Age statements required for adult sections. All comments are welcome at Stormy's place. Part 8 Alex waited at the bar as CD poured her another glass of wine. She glanced at her watch several times, then the door before CD just couldn't stand it anymore. "Okay, Alex, what's up? If you're waiting on Cordell or Jimmy they won't be here until after that floozy, erotic dancer finishes tonight. Shoot....half my customers won't show up until they're sure she's not dancing or she finishes. I bet Larson is beside himself with what this has done for his business." CD slumped over the bar looking at the few regulars that sat eating chili and drinking beer. "Yup, I sure hope this works, and they get her out of here in one piece cause I need my business back. I bet all the other dancers in town will be thrilled to see her go, too." "CD, if she catches this maniac, then all the other dancers in this town can sleep and work a whole lot easier. I know I will." Alex patted CD's hand in consolation. "Don't worry, CD. I'm bringing you extra business tonight. I have a friend who's been in town for the last week over at the convention, and she's off for the weekend now. She's supposed to meet me here. I'm going to introduce her to some of your infamous, special chili. So warm up a bowl. We've got a lot more catching up to do." Alex noticed the door open and Natalie stepped in out of the wind. "There she is!" "My, she's a pretty thing. I bet she's a school teacher or something?" CD eyed Natalie closely as she walked toward, Alex after waving from across the room. Alex chuckled at CD's remark and jumped off the chair to greet her friend. She escorted Natalie to the bar. "Natalie Lambert, this is CD Parker, retired Texas Ranger, and owner of this fine establishment....and the best chili maker in all of the state of Texas." Natalie extended her hand while a warm smile lit her entire face. "Nice to meet you, CD. Alex has told me a little about you. I suppose, being the glutton for punishment that I am, I'm going to have to have a bowl of your best stuff." CD beamed with pride. "Comin right up, little lady." He returned only moments later carrying a full bowl of CD's special chili. He placed the bowl in front of her and immediately grabbed a glass of water and set it on the counter. Nat looked at the chili, then the water. She laughed. "I take it, I'm going to need that!" She motioned with her spoon toward the glass of water. "You betcha, little lady. I guar...an...tee it!" Natalie took a bite, immediately grabbed for the water, then fanned her mouth. With her eyes watering, she gasped for breath. "Whoa! That's hot!" Alex glared at CD. "You didn't give her the hot one did you CD? You know only Walker has the stomach for that." CD looked sheepish and removed her bowl. Seconds later he returned carrying another. Natalie eyed him skeptically, then Alex. "It's okay, really." CD said apologetically. " I just couldn't resist. It's sort of a Texas tradition to initiate the Yankee's. This one you'll like. I promise!" He pushed the bowl toward her. She took a small bite and then smiled. "It's great, CD, but you have to remember I'm not a Yankee, but a Canadian. I guess that means I have to eat the whole bowl now that I've confessed." "You're from Canada? Walker and Trivett are working with a couple of Canadian cops trying to flush out that piece of slime that's killing good Texas women. You might know them?" CD was anxious to impart all the news he'd gleaned from Jimmy, Walker and Alex in order to impress her and make up for his bad joke. "You mean Nick and Schank?....Yes, I know them CD. They work Metro Homicide and I cover that division. Matter of fact, Alex here knows Nick. He bailed us both out of jail on one of our little slips into the darker side of Toronto." Nat chuckled while she watched Alex blush. CD watched Alex turn scarlet, and was instantly hooked. "Okay, Alex! Fess up! Why would you and this pretty young thing need a Metro Homicide cop to bail you out of jail?" "Oh, that's easy, CD. Alex and I went to a male strip joint, got drunk and ripped the clothes off one of the strippers. Nick is a personal friend and he didn't think one of the cities ME's should spend the night in the tank. So he took mercy on us all and bailed us out." Nat laughed as Alex groaned and dropped her head to the table in embarrassment. CD burst out laughing. "Our little Alex? I'd have paid good money to see that. Did I hear you straight when you said you're an ME?" Natalie smiled, as she watched Alex turn two more shades of red. Finally she directed her attention back to CD. "Yeah, CD. I'm a Medical Examiner for the city of Toronto. I know....you thought I was a school teacher, right?" Natalie's bright smile feigned hurt, then she passed her arm under his nose. "See....ode de formaldehyde!" CD was in shock as Walker, Trivett and Schanke breezed in the door. "Walker, how'd it go tonight?" "Just great, CD. No problems." Walker and Trivett eyed the pretty auburn haired woman sitting next to Alex . Alex had forgotten they'd never been introduced. She'd talked about Walker, and Nat about Nick for so long the other night at dinner that she'd felt they already knew each other. They shared the working woman's dilemma of not enough time to work on the relationship, and the regrets and doubts they both had. "Walker, Trivett....this is my friend Natalie Lambert from Toronto whom I told you about." "Ah, the g-string remover!" Walker smiled and this time, Nat blushed. Trivett offered his hand to the petite beautiful woman in front of him. "Do I want to know this story?" Then Jimmy remember Alex's statement about her friend earlier who was staying at the Marriott for the convention. "You're a Forensic Pathologist?" He stared at the woman before him in disbelief. Schanke walked to Nat's side, leaned over, kissed her and smiled. "Yes, Trivett, I can attest that our lovely Natalie is not only an ME, but she's the best in the city. She makes Nick's and my job a whole lot easier." Walker sat down beside Alex and eyed CD. "I think our friend here, CD needs the house special. I mean the good stuff. He likes his stuff hot." CD smiled and returned once again with another special. Schanke sat down and plowed in. The water went untouched as he began to moan in pleasure. "This is great stuff! Within minutes the bowl was empty and he turned to stare at 5 stupefied faces. "What??? There's a problem? You don't have anymore?" Walker was the first to laugh and then Natalie. "That's our Schank!" Natalie slapped him on the back in a congratulatory manner. "By the way, where's Nick? Still babysitting Miss Shadow?" Schanke smiled conspiratorially. "Yeah, I'm suppose to relieve him in about a half hour. You want me to send him over for a bowl of chili? That would be worth a million bucks. Mister finicky meets Texas fire bowl. Can you take pictures? I know lots of guys at the precinct would pay good money for that one." He laughed and Nat chuckled at the thought of Nick eating CD's chili. Schanke glanced at his watch. "Speaking of which, I guess I had better get a move on if I'm going to relieve him on time. Gotta do the scenic route all over town to make sure I'm not followed." Schanke leaned over and gave Nat a brotherly kiss on the temple. "See you, Doc! Don't let the blond bomb keep you out to late." Schanke waved goodbye and headed for the door. Alex glanced at her friend, surprised a little at Schanke's friendly manner. She knew that Nat worked close with Schanke and Nick, but she had the sneaking suspicion that Nick and Nat were a little closer than her friend had led her to believe. At least if his partners comments were to be taken seriously. Maybe the information Nat gave about Nick was just like what she'd done with Walker....enough but not the whole story. Alex smiled knowingly. Admiration for her friend just grew. There was more to Natalie, than met the eye. She liked that. They were more alike than she thought. Jimmy monopolized Natalie as Walker filled Alex and CD in on the Shadow Dancer's progress. The crowds were larger each time and the word was definitely on the street. They were blatantly waving a flag in Harwood's face. It was just a matter of time before he accepted the challenge. Nick was certain Harwood would make a run at Schanke and himself first, but Harwood's obsession with Shadow could not be downplayed. So they remained ever watchful and searched the crowds diligently. Alex could tell from Walker's description that he had grown to trust Nick and respect his opinion. Nick cruised in the door some 30 minutes later. Leather duster blowing behind him as the cool night wind kissed the long blond waves of his hair. Alex couldn't help but notice how attractive he was. He was even better looking than she'd remembered. He possessed an aura of confidence and sensuality that exuded from him when he entered the room. She didn't know how her friend dealt with the competition. Every woman in the bar turned and noticed when he entered. With a flick of the finger, he could have had any woman there in under 30 seconds. There was just something incredibly sexy about tight jeans, black leather and silky blond hair. Alex found herself attracted as well, and that was difficult considering her feelings for Walker. He took in the bar in one quick glance and spotted Natalie. Alex turned to watch her girlfriend. It was no wonder they had problems. With that kind of animal magnetism, he probably had to beat women off with a stick. But Nick had eyes for no one except Nat, and she was all smiles. In 4 swift strides, Nick was beside her planting a kiss on her forehead. "Hi, Nat. Long time...how's the conference going?" He backed off slightly, but the look of possession in his eyes was not lost on Alex nor Trivett who stood watching the aloof detective he'd worked with all week. Never in a million years would he have suspected such a small petite package could capture the aloof detective. Of course, she may not be what she seemed. He'd learned that with Alex. Blonde and pretty didn't mean what it used too....and Walker was a different person around her. It was obvious the good detective and Doctor Lambert were more than...just friends. When the music started, Trivett was the first to drag Natalie to the dance floor. CD and Walker were still working on Nick to try some of the house special. Finally giving in, Nick braved one bite which made him almost violently ill. The water did not do much to chase away the taste either. CD was too busy patting him on the back while he laughed to notice Nick's reaction to the water. Nat chuckled from the dance floor when she witnessed Nick's initiation. She was amazed he'd given in, but she guessed the friendship developing between Walker and himself was worth a little humiliation and discomfort. Trivett followed her line of vision. "Don't worry. It's the one side of Walker you don't see very often. He's never very mischievous except where it comes to CD's chili. You should have seen me with my first bite. I made a less than graceful exit to the men's room and lost my lunch. The fact that Nick kept it down made points with CD and Walker." He twirled Nat on the dance floor making her smile in response. "You're very graceful, Mr. Trivett." Natalie returned effortless into his arms as they continued. "It's my partner!" He smiled graciously. When he turned, Nick tapped him on the shoulder to cut in. "Trivett, you have to let me cut in before CD makes me eat an entire bowl of that poison!" Nick glanced back at Walker and CD deep in conversation with Alex, then extended his hand to Nat. "Would you mind, Jimmy? Nick and I haven't been able to talk for awhile." Nat schooled her best professional face into place, but it didn't fool Trivett. He'd lost the battle before the fight had begun because he couldn't compete with something that already existed. With a sigh of regret, he turned her over to Nick. Alex and Walker watched Nick and Natalie glide effortlessly across the dance floor. Each movement fit together like a hand in a glove, without effort or fatigue, creating graceful beauty with each step. They'd danced together long enough now that each anticipated the next move. They let themselves relax and enjoy their time together pushing all the current problems and fears behind them. Trivett studied them closely, letting himself wander back to the performance the first night by the Shadow Dancer and her mysterious dance partner. It was obvious, Nick and Natalie were not strangers on the dance floor as their bodies melted together and flowed with the music. It was his set of slow dance numbers that played on the juke box when he'd asked Nat to dance. Now he regretted giving up his position. He shook his head in an effort to remove his present train of thought. He was a cop and she was a pathologist. There was no way.... "You looked troubled, Trivett." Walker swung his chair around to face his partner. "Well, yeah, big dog....Nah, it's a dumb thought. I guess I'm just tired." Jimmy reached over and drained his bottled water. "I'm calling it a night. I'm not used to all these all nighters like our Canadian friends there. I like working the day shift." Jimmy bid them farewell and left. Walker smiled at his partner for not being able to get past his own mental image of the couple on the dance floor in front of him. When you take away what you know and go only by what you see, the answers to a lot of questions stood right before them....where Nick was staying, and how he'd managed to keep the Shadow Dancer's location a secret for the past week. Alex watched the dawning light of discovery cross Walker's face. She'd recognize it anywhere, now all she had to do was get him to share. CD couldn't stand himself anymore and finally cut in on Nick. Nick bowed out gracefully and returned to Walker and Alex at the bar. Walker handed a beer to Nick then continued to watch Natalie dance with CD. "How's the Marriott, Nick?" His eyes never left the dance floor while he waited for Nick's reaction. It was another test of sorts, and Walker wondered if he'd passed. Nick also continued to stare at Nat in CD's arms while he twirled her in a big circle causing her to laugh. "It was the dancing....right?" Nick stared at the beer in his hands and decided to brave it. Who knows maybe he wouldn't throw up till later. Walker turned and offered his hand to Nick. "Thanks for trusting me. I realize it was a risk, but I would protect her with my life if it came to it." Nick listened with both his vampire senses and his heart and saw the honesty in Walker's eyes. He could trust this man and it just might come to that. All Standard disclaimers are in Part 0/14. You must see End Part 9 to have a complete section. Thanks again to Katherine and Penny for beta reading for me. All comments are welcome at Stormy's place linked below on my signature file. Be warned, there is some off color language in this section. Not much and I would still rate it PG13 but I thought I would let you know in advance. Part 9 ------------- The car engine idled quietly as he watched her from a distance. He had to give her one thing, she was a tough lady in the courtroom. Harwood had donned another disguise and sat in the back of the courtroom while Alex got yet another conviction on a 2 count murder. She was feeling pleased that after 2 years, they had finally put away a man who was not only a confessed rapist, but a murderer as well. They had dotted their I's and crossed their T's, and once more justice prevailed. She felt good. Alex closed her briefcase and headed for the reporters that she knew awaited her. Harwood pulled his plain, black, stolen van up next to the curb. Without bothering to make any pretense about illegally parking, he opened his door and left the motor running. Calmly, he walked up the steps to the courthouse where Alex Cahill stood answering questions from a group of reporters. Harwood appeared to be walking by the group up the steps into the courthouse. When he cleared the group, he moved sideways quickly on the steps, pushed his way through the reporters knocking several down, and grabbed Alex by the throat. He shoved a gun into her ribs and growled into her ear as he pulled hard on her throat. "Scream and I'll blow you away right here, bitch!" One of the nearby reporters screamed when she saw the gun. Most of them stepped back with the cameras still rolling. "That's it, bitch! Keep those damn cameras rolling. I want the whole world to see." Harwood jerked Alex harder against his body, eliciting a gasp as she struggled to breathe. "Stop struggling, or I'll shoot you right here in front of them all." He pushed Alex forward, jerked the gun from her side, then slammed the butt of the gun into her ribcage. She screamed in pain while her knees buckled. He held her tightly by her throat and the world began to swim in darkness before her eyes. "This is for you, Walker!" Harwood screamed at the cameras. "She's mine now, and you are just going to have to live with it for awhile. Think about all the fun I'm going to have with her before you get there. Maybe if you're fast enough, you'll still find some pieces." Harwood virtually carried Alex down the steps. Several men started toward him and he produced the gun as a warning. When he reached the van, he swung the door open and smashed his gun upside her head. He tossed her limp body in the back, slammed the door, and ran for the drivers side. Within seconds, he was gone. The sirens could be heard in the distance bringing a smile to his evil face. Life was good when a plan came together. ------------ Walker paced the floor behind his desk while Jimmy worked his magic on the computer. He'd played the tape over and over again, listening to every nuance in Harwood's voice when he screamed at the camera. The pain in Alex's face ate at his soul. It had been 5 hours since the kidnapping and Walker said a silent prayer for Alex as his temper simmered. They needed a break and Harwood's attack on Alex was completely unexpected. Walker had called Nick and Schanke to inform them of the days events. Nick assured him that Shadow was safe and secure, and would stay that way. He would be at Ranger headquarters within the hour. Trivett slammed his hands down on the keyboard. "Damn! He has completely disappeared. The car was stolen, the plates were lifted from a parked car on 4th and we've got nothing!" Nick pushed open the door to find two very frustrated men. Anger engulfed him in one swift breath. With little effort, he felt Walker's barely controlled rage. It was like watching a caged animal. Nick knew exactly how he felt. He'd dealt with it enough in his own life that he could recognize pure frustration tinged with fear even without his vampire senses. "Maybe, I can help. Let me see the tape." Walker motioned for Nick to view the screen on his desk. As soon as he was seated, he hit play. The tape from early this afternoon echoed through the room once more. Nick felt Walker's rage flowing in even tides through his senses as Harwood struck Alex. Agony tied with frustration caused Walker to slam his fist through the screen, shattering the glass on the monitor into a million pieces. Blood poured from the cuts on his hand and he didn't seem to notice as he stared at the dark screen. The sweet smell of fresh blood along with the anger that flowed from his friend caused Nick to push away quickly. Gaining control of his hunger and the desire to embrace the anger from Walker, Nick recognized the game. He won't kill her, Walker. He wants you out of the way. You're a hindrance to his goal. If I'm guessing, he will try something similar with me. We are in the way and we frighten him. You don't savor the prey until you're sure your competition is gone. It might be lethal, and Harwood knows it." Walker took several deep breathes and finally recognized the truth behind Nick's words. "You're saying he's using Alex to lure Walker out, so he can kill him and get him out of the way?" Trivett came around his desk to confront both Nick and Walker. "You honestly believe he won't rape or kill her until he has Walker in his sights?" Jimmy couldn't believe what he was hearing. Alex was probably already dead or close to it. Harwood was an animal. Nick was giving him too much credit. "He can't afford to have Walker enraged. He just wants him stressed with the doubt and the fear that waiting causes. He'll call and set the place. He'll need to have Alex alive and well enough to convince Walker to help her." The phone rang on Walker's desk. The tracing equipment popped on seconds later when Walker picked it up. "Come to the warehouse on 11th and Hill. Bring the blond Toronto cop with you. Either one of you doesn't show up and I start cutting pieces off her and shipping them back to you in a box. No other cops, nor that stupid partner of yours. You two alone, and unarmed or I kill her slow. Got that, Walker?" Harwood chuckled with glee. "I want to talk to Alex, you piece of...." "Now, now, now, Ranger Walker! I'll let you talk to the pretty lady. Did I tell you what nice jugs she has. I just love to touch them." Harwood leaned over and ripped open the front of Alex's blouse revealing her breasts encased in a lacy push up bra . Then he slapped her hard. "You bastard!" Alex screamed and kicked with her free foot as she sat tied to the chair in front of Harwood. She received a harder slap for her efforts. "Now see, Walker. She's thinks Mom never married Dad. Pity, too, I just love a woman who doesn't prejudge me by my parents checkered past. Alas, poor Alex has chosen to piss me off. He slapped her the third time causing her to scream in pain. "Be here in 30 minutes or she's mine....all mine." The phone went dead. Walker threw the phone across the room and headed for the door. When he reached the door, he turned to Nick much calmer than before. "You coming?" Nick smiled, stood, then grabbed his coat from the back of the chair. "I thought you'd never ask. I do so hate to miss a party I've been invited to." The two men swept swiftly out the door. Part 10 ------------ Harwood whistled while he taped the anti-personnel mine under the base of Alex's chair. He checked the timer and then the pressure plate when he stepped off. He smiled with glee as he watched the fear escalate in her eyes. She was a pretty thing. Maybe if Walker didn't blow her up by being stupid, then he'd take her....spoils of war. He did a double check of the light sensor that swept the pressure plate some 20 feet in front of Alex's chair, then switched on the audio equipment. If he'd had more time, he could have had it all on video, but on such short notice he would have to be satisfied to listen to it all....over and over again. He sighed with anticipation, then turned to his victim. "Never fear, pretty thing. If your boyfriend doesn't kill you, I will. Only I'm going to have a lot more fun with you than him." Harwood began to laugh hysterically as he headed for the door. He tripped the set switch on the way out and closed the door. He would listen from a distance. One could never be to careful with 3 bombs in the warehouse. He didn't want to get caught by anything stray blowing in the wind. --------- Nick and Walker jumped out of the truck 21 minutes after the phone call. Nick listened to Walker's heartbeat and marveled at the change in him over the past 20 minutes. He had completely shut down the anger and replaced it with control and a power from within. Nick would ask him how he did that, later. "You want the front or the back?" He waited as Walker sized up the warehouse. "I was invited first, so I get the front door. I'll leave the back to you." Walker turned to face determined blue eyes. "It's a trap, you know that....So be careful." "The same goes to you, my friend. Just remember, he's insane, so nothing is beyond him. Keep that in mind." Nick nodded goodbye and trotted for the back entrance. --------- Walker edged through the front door after checking for trip wires. Stepping inside, he noticed the light sensor above his head to the right, then another on the floor to the left. Being careful not to step in their direct line, he worked his way toward the center of the building where a bright light glowed in the darkness. He could see Alex tied to the chair. Fear sparked from her eyes when she saw him. With her mouth taped shut, she nodded slowly trying to tell him something. Carefully, he continued to search for possible traps until he was 20 feet away. He noticed the beam and stepped around it only to hear the deadly click of the pressure plate kick on the timer. "Oh, that was good, Walker." Harwood's voice boomed through the speaker. "I didn't really figure you'd make it that far, but I see I was wrong. Guess that means Knight got the back door. I haven't heard a loud boom yet, so I guess he's still trying to find all my little toys. By the way, you have 5 minutes until you go boom, unless of course, Knight sets it off sooner. The plate you're standing on is another one of my hobbies. It's a anti-personnel mine of sorts. It's good for about 20 feet in any direction. I didn't want to damage the merchandise if she behaved. I promised her a little of the good stuff. So let me explain the rules to you, Walker. If you move or step off the plate, it goes boom. If you wait 5 minutes, it goes boom. If your lovely girlfriend over there gets free and moves off her chair and her feet touch the floor, she goes boom. If you blond partner sets off any one of 6 sensors, you and he both go boom." Harwood began to laugh again through the microphone. "This is such fun. I can't wait to try all my toys on Miss Shadow when I'm finished here. You are such a nuisance, Walker. You and the blond cop, you're always in the way, always trying to save the damsel in distress. It's disgusting and it turns my stomach. When you two are gone, the world will be mine again." Walker stared at the speaker over Alex's head but froze in place. Nick appeared behind Alex, hidden by several crates. Walker started to warn him but Nick but his fingers to his lips in the sign of silence, then pointed to the speaker above Alex's head. Slowly, he watched Nick climb several crates and disconnect the audio equipment. With the plug pulled, Harwood's ears were now silent. "Nick, we've got less than 3 minutes before this thing goes up. Is there a way you can get to Alex without stepping on the plate under her feet. It looks to be a 6 foot rectangle around her chair. You wouldn't happen to be able to fly or anything would you?" Nick felt the fear in Walker, but it wasn't for himself. His thoughts were for Alex. Without a word, Nick floated down and hovered over the floor behind Alex. Quickly he untied her hands and whispered into her ear. "Don't move, Alex. I'm going to untie your feet, but I want you to keep them right were they are. Do you understand me?" She nodded yes, as Nick proceeded to untie her feet. Another minute elapsed while Walker stared at the man before him floating miraculously above the floor sensor plate. When he finished, Nick put both hands under Alex's arms from behind and lifted them both straight up into the air. He landed them softly behind the crates where Nick first appeared. Alex turned to stare at Nick in shock. He calmly pulled the tape from her mouth and her voice still would not come. Finally she stuttered. "How did....?" He smiled with understanding and placed a cool finger to her lips to silence her. "I'll explain later. Just trust me. Get behind the crates!" Nick ran to the edge of the pressure plate that Walker stood on. Resignation and acceptance of his own death was written on Walker's face as he locked eyes with Nick. The timer hummed softly and Nick lunged at vampire speed toward Walker. The floor exploded around them but they were almost clear. The wooden slats on the floor shattered into a million pieces, while metal shards implanted in the center of the bomb flew out and skyward into anything in their path. Nick covered Walker's body with his own while crashing them hard against the wall. Walker grunted from the impact and fought to stay conscious. He felt the impact on Nick's body as metal pieces cut deeply into Nick's side. Nick's blood poured freely onto both men's clothes. The second explosion destroyed the final section of the floor, flooding the room with wood projectiles. Nick screamed as one impaled him from the back. Within seconds, he threw himself off Walker's body. Alex screamed from across the room as she watched the blood surge from Nick's back. "NOOOOO!!!!!!" She ran, heedless of any possible danger. Nick slammed his back against the wall in an effort to drive the offending object out of his body. Fire burned within him and he began to breathe in labored breaths. He grabbed the metal shard from his side and pulled. The sucking sound of bloodied tissue slapped against the metal, then finally freed itself from his body. The wood stake from the flooring protruded outward over his left shoulder. He grasped at it frantically trying to remove it. His strength had deserted him and the beast was fighting for it's survival. Somewhere deep inside, the man thought to give into the inevitable, and free himself of the beast forever. Natalie's image swam before his eyes causing him to scream in frustration. Once again he slammed himself hard against the wall, driving more of the stake through his shoulder to the front. Agony ripped through him and his knees gave in. Slowly he slid to the floor using the wall for support. Walker stood dazed against the far wall, trying to clear his head. Alex reached his side and checked him closely for damage when she noticed the blood on his shirt. She tore it open to find no damage. She turned as Nick slammed himself into the wall for the second time and agony tore from his lips. "Come on , Walker. We need to help Nick." She placed her arms around his waist and they headed for Nick, now slumped on the floor in a pool of his own blood. Walker used Alex's strong arms to steady himself as they proceeded to Nick's side. The dizziness was subsiding slowly. Alex gasped at the sight of Nick. Blood poured from his shoulder freely, his eyes were now golden and his skin almost gray. The stake stood a good 6 inches out of his upper shoulder and he struggled valiantly trying to remove it with no luck. Quickly Walker knelt to the floor and placed his hand around the stake. He applied pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. "Find a phone, Alex and call 911! I'll try to stop the bleeding....hurry!" "NO!!!!" Nick screamed when she started to move. Alex froze at the sound of his voice. "Look at me, Walker...." Walker was concentrating on applying pressure to the wound without pulling the stake out while his left hand applied pressure to the seeping wound in Nick's side. "Look at me!" It was a command now. Walker's eyes finally met Nick's. Fighting for every breath as fire ravaged his body, he gave in to the beast. His eyes flared red and his fangs dropped. "I am not human, Walker. I won't live long enough to see the hospital, and there won't be any body for you to explain. Pull the stake from my shoulder. It touches my heart and I shall truly die." Nick's voice rattled but his eyes turned back to gold while his fangs remained. The man that loved Natalie finally pleaded. "Please, Walker! I know you don't understand....just pull the stake free." Nick groaned in agony now as his strength flowed away in a slow even tide. Alex shoved her fist in her mouth to keep from screaming, when Nick's eyes turned red and evil coursed through the room. Fear engulfed her until she thought she would scream, then it was gone, pushed away somewhere, waiting for it's own time. She watched as Walker grabbed the stake and pulled. The scream that tore from Nick's throat was neither human nor mortal but filled with anguish and pain. It echoed into their ears and the empty warehouse denoting finality, and Nick slumped forward onto Walker's shoulder. "Is he....?" Alex squatted down by the two men. Blood poured freely from the wound in his back and his front with no sign of stopping. "I don't know, Alex. He shouldn't be alive as it is! I don't know what he is or how to help him." He gently laid Nick back on the floor. He tore strips from his own shirt and stuffed them in Nick's shoulder, and pressed hard to stop the flow of blood. Walker searched for an answer. He let his mind float back to White Eagle's stories of the creatures of the night. Those that flew, lived only in darkness, and fed off the blood of humans around them. He stared at Nick, lying deathly still on the floor and could feel no pulse. He should have been able to feel a pulse this close to the heart. "What is he? He flew, Walker! He actually lifted us both up and flew." Alex said in awe as she watched Walker push harder on the wound in Nick's shoulder. "I don't know, Alex, but he just saved both of our lives and I'll be damned if I let him die here in this cold desolate place. I'm going to pick him up. You see if you can apply pressure to his back over his shoulder and we'll take him to the ranch." Walker picked Nick up carefully causing him to groan in pain. Joy touched both their faces. He was definitely alive. "He needs more than the ranch, Walker." Alex stated calmly while she pushed hard on the entry wound in Nick's back. "If he's what I think he is, the hospital can't help him....and maybe we can't either....but we're going to try." Part 11 ------- Walker laid Nick gently on his bed. The bleeding from his shoulder had slowed but had not stopped, while the wound in his side was healing on its own. Alex removed the pressure bandage to find the wound in his side healing right before her eyes. "I don't understand any of this, Walker. His side is closing and healing at incredible speed. This is impossible!" Walker removed the bandage from his shoulder and Nick groaned from the pain without regaining consciousness. "Well, the wound in his shoulder is different for some reason. We need help and I haven't a clue. He reached for the phone and dialed Schanke. "Nick is that you? It's about time." Schanke didn't do anything to hide his irritation with his partner. "Schanke, it's Walker. I need to talk with Natalie. Is she there?" Alex cast a strange glance at Walker for even thinking Nat would be anywhere near Schanke and the Shadow Dancer. "Hey, no problem she's right here. Did you find Alex? Is she alright?" "She's fine, Schank. Thanks. She's right here with me but Harwood got away. Now I really need to talk with Natalie." Walker was losing patience and he only hoped Nick's condition was not an unknown element to her. They were close, really close, from what he could tell. Knight couldn't possibly keep something like this from her....could he? "Sure, no problem. Tell that partner of mine to call me when he gets in, okay?" Schanke handed the phone to Natalie who'd been pacing the floor for over an hour. She had gone to the bathroom twice and gotten ill. Schanke knew something was up. So he waited. "Walker?" Nat's voice was even shaky to herself. She couldn't imagine it sounding anything less to Walker. "Listen to me, Natalie. How much do you know about Nick? I mean about his allergy to the sun." Walker waited and held his breath. Nat could sense the strain in Walker's voice. She placed her hand over the receiver and glanced at Schank. "Schank, it's Alex. She needs a female shoulder to cry on. I'm going to go over there for awhile. Could you get my car for me?" "No problem, Nat. She's okay, isn't she?" Nat nodded in the affirmative and waited for Schanke to close the door before she spoke. She removed her hand from the phone and gave into the connection between Nick and herself. His pain vibrated through the link but it was fading. He was losing the battle. "Tell me where he is, Walker, and how bad?" "He took a stake through his shoulder and one through his side. The one in his side is healing but he's still losing blood through the one in the shoulder. He wouldn't let us take him to the hospital. I...we...don't know what else to do." "Was the stake wood?" Fear gripped her heart as she held on tight to the phone. "Yes, but I pulled it out. That's what he told me to do. The pain caused him to pass out. We're at my ranch. Tell me what to do to help him." Uncertain, but with no other choices, Nat had to trust Walker. "Give him blood...I know you don't understand this but give him fresh blood...horse or cow, it won't matter. Let him drink it and be careful. If he's not in control, you're in danger. Give me directions and I'll be there as soon as I can." Natalie wrote the directions down, hung up the phone, ran to the refrigerator for supplies,and rushed out the door. Walker stared at the phone for a second and then glanced at the injured man on his bed. How could a man in Nick's condition be dangerous to anyone. "What did she say, Cordell?" Alex gently grabbed Walker's torn sleeve to bring him back. In a quiet voice filled with disbelief, he answered. "She said give him fresh blood to drink and to be careful until she got here." Walker stared at Alex. "He's a vampire, Alex! That's the only answer." Walker rose from the bed where he sat by Nick and pulled Alex into his arms. Wild stories ran through his head and he fought to push them back. They were all about bloodlust, death and the inherent evil that possessed the creatures of the night. Of course, they were all fairy tales, until now, but then most legends and fairy tales started from something. His Indian heritage had taught him that. If Nick possessed half the powers that were described in the stories, they were in grave danger, but he couldn't believe that. He released Alex and then turned back to Nick and his famous rational thinking returned. An evil being wouldn't risk his life to save another. No, Nick wasn't evil or at least the man that controlled the vampire wasn't evil, and that had to count for something. "I'm going to call White Eagle and then go out to the barn. I want you to sit over there across the room with the intercom switch open and tell me if he starts to wake up. If he does, I want you to get the hell out of the room...fast. Do you understand me?" Walker watched the confusion in her eyes. "Walker, what are you not telling me?" "Just do it, Alex! Nick may not be able to control himself in this state. I don't want to take any chances...Okay?" When she agreed, he headed for the barn. ---------- Natalie threw open the car door and ran into the white house as fast as she could get there. When the door slammed, Alex stepped out of the bedroom. "In here, Nat!" She held the door for her. Nat rushed to Nick's side. She immediately checked his side and saw it healing slowly on it's own, then checked his shoulder. The wound showed no signs of healing and blood slowly ebbed to the surface of the wound, depleting Nick's quickly diminishing reserves. No wonder she was losing their link. Nick was dying. Tears flowed unchecked down her face as she pressed on the wound. Nick moaned in pain at her touch. Something wasn't right. She caressed his face and let her tears spill onto his cheek. "Nick...You have to help me here. Come back to me...you have to tell me what to do...tell me why you're not healing...You have to fight it...please, fight it." Her voice cracked as she tried to hold her emotions at bay. He needed her thinking now. "Please, Nick...help me...you have to tell me what's wrong." She leaned over and kissed his cool lips and he moaned her name. "That's it, Nick. Fight it!" Gold eyes opened to hers and the waking force of his pain tore through their link. She gasped in pain at the enormity of the wound and then she knew. "There's a piece still touching your heart?" She gazed into his eyes for the answer she already knew. Walker walked into the room carrying several small wine pouches. "What is it?" Nick could smell the fresh blood and his eyes flared red instantly. "Nat!!!" His eyes were wild with bloodlust along with pain. Natalie followed his eyes and snatched one from Walker's hand. She pulled the top and shoved the tip into Nick's mouth. He drank greedily unable to get it fast enough. Giving up, he sank his fangs into the pouch and drained it within seconds and searched for more. Nat thrust 3 more pouches into his hands and he drained them all. When he finished, the red had disappeared from his eyes and he could finally meet hers. Shame overwhelmed him and love as he watched the tears flow from her eyes. He tried to sit and reach for her, only the pain began to burn again within his body. Horse blood had quenched the bloodlust but not healed the body. "Take it out, Nat. Just take it out!" Nick collapsed back onto the bed in pain once more. "Walker, you hold him while I try to find it. This is going to hurt you, Nick. I'm sorry." Walker came around and held his shoulders. When the scalpel cut the healthy tissue around the heart, Nick gasped for breath. When she saw the splinter and touched it briefly he screamed in agony and lunged upward throwing both Walker and Natalie off in the process. The tiny sliver of wood was forced even further into his heart and he struggled to breathe. Natalie threw her body across his. "Nick, you have to lie still. You're forcing it deeper into your heart. Please, Nick. You have to fight the pain." Walker had been unprepared for Nick's strength. Now both he and Alex held Nick down as Natalie once again probed the wound. Latching onto it with the tiny tweezers, she pulled it free. He hardly moved from lack of strength, but the fire was finally gone. He began to slowly breath air into his lungs, increasing his body's need for blood. Odd that the only time he used his lungs was when his body was injured or excited. Natalie watched, suddenly realizing what his body's next reaction would be. She reached for the extra bag of supplies that she'd brought. When Nick opened his eyes, she placed the bottle to his lips. He drained it and two others with minimal effect to the wound. "Why isn't it healing, Nick? Why?" He drank yet another bottle as his body struggled to survive, finally letting it slip between his fingers from lack of strength. He was losing the fight and her blood was calling to him. He needed her, wanted her beyond rational thought, yet he fought it. It was to soon. He could kill her...his beloved Natalie. Without thinking, she reached out to him through their link. He needed human or vampire blood to heal a wound to the heart. He was terrified of hurting her and he fought for control with every breath that he took. Natalie opened her blouse and leaned over him to offer him her neck. She would die without him. "No, Nat! It's to soon...too soon." He pushed her away weakly, while his eyes began to fade into the peaceful darkness that called him. "Nick!" She shook him to make him stay with her. "You'll die without human blood and I'll die without you. You know that. It's in my blood, in my heart and in my soul. You have to take it." She leaned into him again. He pushed her away harder this time and screamed in anguish. "No, Natalie...not like this! The beast would kill you! I can't bring you into the darkness. I won't! It's not what you want...It's not what we want...please don't do this." Blood tears streaked his face as he tried to pull further away from her only to collapse from lack of strength. A bloody wrist appeared before Nick's lips and the bloodlust overwhelmed him. Fresh human blood taunted him, beckoned to him, yet he fought it. Walker pressed the wound to his mouth and he was lost. The power and strength of the man who willingly gave himself overwhelmed his senses. His life, his love, his dreams were all Nick's in several quick swallows, yet the pain in his heart did not stop. He drank deeply and pushed into his link with Natalie. Within seconds he felt a quick sting on his arm and Natalie's blood flowing into his through an open cut on her arm. He released Walker's wrist and stared at his arm entwined with Nat's and their blood flowing freely from the open wounds. Her blood flowed into his veins and his into hers...then his heart finally began to heal. Part 12 The warmth of her blood and the love that they shared was the healing tonic his heart needed. There was no regret or pain, only the sweet feeling of passion laced with love that flowed from Natalie into his weakened body. She relaxed when she felt his body begin it's long journey back, and he finally dropped off into a deep sleep that would make him whole. Alex watched her friend and the man on the bed before her. She didn't understand what was happening between them or what he was, but she recognized love when she saw it. Walker sat holding pressure on his wrist and staring at the couple before him. Alex quickly grabbed a bandage from the nightstand and started tying it around his wrist in silence while they watched Natalie clutch Nick's arm next to hers. Tears dried on Natalie's cheeks as she pushed the bandage off the wound on Nick's shoulder with her free hand. It was beginning to close and he'd finally stopped bleeding. Only then did she trust herself to look at Walker and Alex sitting beside the bed. Nat's blue eyes locked with Walker's with eternal gratitude. She didn't know how to thank him. His blood satiated the vampire for the man to gain control. How did you explain that to someone. Uncertainty and doubts made her hesitate. She knew Nick trusted Walker. It was in his blood as well as his words to her earlier that evening. "I...I don't know what to say...how to explain this to you in a way you will understand, but I want you to know I will be eternally grateful to you. You saved his life." Walker touched Alex's arm affectionately and glanced into her tired, strained face. "It's I that should thank him. He saved both my life and Alex's tonight. Without Nick, we would have both been dead. So if my blood helped save him then I think we're even, but I don't...?" Natalie watched the confusion cross his rugged face while he fought to put the images in order. "...the images that are flashing through your mind. The violence, the blood, the anger all rolled into one. Look past them, Walker, into the whole package and you will find Nick...the real Nick that struggles against the evil within him. When you gave him your blood, he knows all that you are. All the you have been, all that you want to be. He knows you better than you know yourself. Your life is in your blood and there is no secret he cannot see. In exchange you saw parts of his. He can slow the images to make more sense when he's in control, but I doubt that was possible tonight. What you're seeing are glimpses of Nick Knight, vampire...and man. They are, and have been at odds with each other for centuries." Nat stopped to see if Walker understood. A glimpse of understanding crossed his face as he struggled to put the images in their proper perspective. "He is very old." Walker said in awe. "He was brought across in 1228, a crusader disillusioned with God, the king, and his father. He met a woman on his return from the second tour at the crusades and gave into her charms and an evil man who has made his life a living hell for 8 centuries. He hates what he is, but what he is has saved a great many lives, yet he can't forgive himself for the evil that he let have free reign for such a long period of time." She brushed his hair off his forehead softly as she spoke. "I love him for the man he is now, and I think...I hope, he loves me enough to fight for us to be together even if it's for a short period of time. It has taken us 5 years to get here, and I'm not willing to give up. He is the only thing in my life that makes me whole and I will do whatever is necessary for us to be together." Nick groaned slightly in his sleep and clutched her hand tighter in his. Natalie looked at Walker and then Alex. "He'll need more blood when he wakes up. I have more supplies at the hotel, if you want to go get them." Nat's words began to slur as she spoke. "I'm really tired...I need to sleep." Natalie gave into the lethargy that was partly Nick's along with her own blood loss. She laid her head on Nick's good shoulder, stretched out on the bed beside him, and slipped into the darkness that beckoned her. Alex alarmed, quickly checked her pulse and noticed the wounds healing on both their arms while they held hands. The events of the day and night were taking their toll on her as well as Walker. With a sigh of exhaustion, she found strong arms surrounding her. She relaxed into Walker's welcome embrace, and laid her head on his shoulder. Her emotions had come full circle in less than 12 hours. She was drained, but at peace for the first time in a long time. She had, once again, regained her hope that loving the right person was worth all the risks. Walker picked her up and carried her to the overstuffed chair on the far side of the room. Placing her gently in the chair, he kissed her cheek, then covered her with a throw from the back of the chair. "I'm going to run to the hotel and get the supplies Nat needs. You wait here and rest. White Eagle should be here shortly." She nodded in reply, snuggled into the blanket and was asleep before he closed the door. -------- Nick awoke shortly before dawn. Nat lay snuggled into his arms, asleep on his good shoulder. Her blood flowed in his veins and he relaxed to enjoy the feeling of warmth that she always brought to him. It was then he realized what she'd done. Fear gripped his heart as he checked for her heartbeat. It was slow and steady, but she was much cooler than normal. Her pulled her closer, fitting her body to his, then buried his face in her hair and wept. "What have I done, Nat? What have I done?" He whispered in anguish. "She's alright, Nick." Alex moved quietly to his side. She hasn't loss much blood and your shoulder is healing. Walker will be back soon with supplies for you." Alex touched his shoulder gently in an effort to calm him. Nick pulled his head out of her mass of curls, making no effort to hide the blood tears streaming from his eyes. "No, Alex. She's not alright. She is changing." Nick placed Natalie's head on his shoulder rubbing his hands through her hair in a caress. "She has my blood in her body now, and I don't know what it will do to her." "But I thought you'd..." Alex couldn't find the right words to express what she envisioned. "Shared blood? We are lovers, Alex. That's not suppose to be possible. When mortals and vampires become involved, the mortal ends up dead or brought across. When I take her blood, she becomes part of me, but the love that she has for me makes me whole and I stop. I never let her take mine or she runs the risk of becoming what I am. I don't want that for her. She doesn't want that. We just want to be together and now..." "Now is no different than before, Nick, if you love her! Whether she's mortal or vampire, she still loves you. Everything else is just baggage you should throw away when it's convenient. Life is a continuous roller coaster ride. You have to just remember some of the hills are taller than the others. For every valley there is a peak and then the ride continues." An understanding of life well beyond her years sparked from Alex's blue eyes. Nick smiled with the analogy and felt lighter. She was right and nothing would change what was already done. "You're a very bright lady, Alex. I'm glad you're Nat's friend. This has been really hard on her. She needs someone who could listen and truly understand." Nick reached for Alex's hand and gave her a gentle squeeze. "Thanks for being there for her,and for me." Alex squeezed his hand in return and smiled. "Any other surprises you two have for me will have to wait till tomorrow. I'm exhausted. White Eagle will be here shortly. I'm going to bed." Alex pulled the cover back up over both of them lying in the bed and headed for the door. "Alex?" Nicked waited for her to turn toward him "Walker loves you...Don't ever doubt that. Make him see that loving you now...is worth the risk of losing you later." She smiled. "Thanks, Nick. I needed to hear that. Sleep well!" She closed the door and headed for bed. ----------- White Eagle walked into the darkened room and felt the evil within. Quickly he ran to the window and pulled open the drapes. Sunlight flooded the room and edged close to the bed where the sleeping figures lay locked in each others arms. He approached the bed carefully, confused by what his heightened senses felt. There was both good and evil within the man, but which was in control. Hatred flared in his heart as he remember others of his kind, what they had done to his people, to his grandfather. Nick sensed the sunlight an awoke. He watched the light dance near the edge of the bed and then felt the anger from the man...and something else. Blue eyes meet brown and they stopped, motionless in time. White Eagle reached out with his own type of magic to touch the man on the bed before him. Nick felt the feather-like touch of the man probing his mind and he tried not to fight it. He was an Indian medicine man with very strong psychic abilities, and he was angry and frightened at the same time. White Eagle came closer increasing his aura in an effort to protect himself from the evil he felt within Nick. Sunlight touched the edge of the bed and the burning pain flared in Nick's body once again. Gold flecks edged his eyes and he fought for control. He was weak and in dire need of blood to feed the beast, but the only evil in the room was Nick's and he refused to let it harm the man before him. "Please take Natalie out of here if you're going to do this." Nick grimaced in pain as his skin began to blister and smoke. "Don't make her remember me like this. I don't want her to feel the pain." Gold now encompassed his eyes and the pain burned brightly till he thought he would scream, yet he held on for Natalie's sake. This close to him, she would know when he lost control of their link...and he would lose control. It was just a matter of time. "Please, she's done nothing wrong. Nothing to your people...don't..." Nick gasped for breath as the sun flooded the entire lower half of his body. White Eagle walked back to the window and closed the drapes quickly. Nick's body in it's weakened state began to shut down. Darkness surrounded him, yet he fought it. He wanted Natalie out of here before she awoke to his pain again. White Eagle returned to the bedside and watched the creature before him struggle with his pain, the beast and something else. There was good in this one. Something worth saving. He had not pleaded for his own life, but that of the woman's and he slept in Waushaw's bed. That meant that he was trusted by his adopted son. He, White Eagle, Medicine Man of the Cherokee tribe, was not a killer of innocent creatures. He removed a knife from his pocket and sliced his forearm. As the blood began to pool on the wound he placed it over the man's lips. "Drink, dark one and let me see all that you are and then I will decide whether you live or die." The smell of the blood washed through him, and his fangs dropped. Nick sucked gently at the bleeding wound and then sank his fangs into White Eagle's forearm. With the first drop of his blood, his power washed through Nick. The death of his grandfather by one of his kind flashed into Nick's mind and he finally understood the anger and mistrust. Nick tried to slow the images of himself but struggled in his weakened state. When he thought of Natalie, warmth spread through him again and he released White Eagle's arm...Then he waited for White Eagle's decision. White Eagle closed his eyes and let the images flood his mind in the darkness of the room. Several minutes later he opened them to Nick's steel blue ones. "You have great power, old one, yet you did not use it against me. There is evil within you, but there is great good also. You have learned to love with your whole heart and the man is now is control of the beast. You have much left undone in your lifetime. I shall not deprive the world of what you can do, and you saved Waushaw's life. That alone makes me in your debt." White Eagle turned to see Walker standing in the doorway. "Waushaw! I see you have returned." White Eagle walked to his adopted son at the doorway. "He possesses the ability to do great good as well as evil. You followed your heart, Waushaw and have chosen your friend wisely." White Eagle looked at the bottles in Walker's hands. "He needs blood to heal and then you both have a killer to catch...together. I shall be in the kitchen replenishing my reserves as you help your friend, then I shall keep watch over you all while you rest." White Eagle could see the fatigue on his son's face. "Do not fear." White Eagle glanced back at Nick resting on the bed. "He is among friends, and I shall protect his life as I would yours." White Eagle slapped his adopted son on the shoulder gently, smiled, then disappeared out the door. "Are you alright?" Walker handed a bottle to Nick. Nick took the bottle hesitantly, then drained it with one swift gulp. The healing power of blood flooded his body and he began to relax. Walker handed him the second bottle. Nick took it gratefully but with greater embarrassment. "I usually avoid drinking straight from the bottle, Nat gets distressed." Nick ran his hand gently through her hair as she still slept. "She hates it, then makes me drink those dreadful protein shakes of hers." Nick was at a loss as to Walker's attitude toward him. The friendship they had been building over the past week was tenuous as best. Finding out that he was a cold blooded killer would surely affect it. Walker had killed, but never without cause. He kept his violent nature under close wraps and Nick admired him for that. "...and yes, I will be alright as long as you decide to keep the drapes shut." Walker stared at the window for a moment. "I had no idea he would do that, but I had to know. White Eagle is the wisest man I've ever known. You are something that I had no idea existed. What I felt from you was so overwhelming I needed..." "...a second opinion?" Nick smiled. "Does that mean I can go back to sleep with the drapes closed?" Walker knew exactly where Nick's mind was. "I owe you my life, Nick...and Alex's as well. I can never repay that debt, but I give you the one thing that you value most...trust. Go back to sleep my friend and heal...we have a killer to catch." Part 13 Schanke and Trivett took turns surveying the bar as they poured drinks. Schanke spent most of his time behind the bar and Jimmy mixed in and out of the crowd delivering drinks and checking faces. They'd switched Dallas PD personnel repeatedly over the past 2 weeks and everyone was getting nervous. Alex had refused to believe Natalie was the Shadow Dancer until Natalie confirmed it herself. At that point, Alex refused to be left out of the sting that had been set up, ignoring all Walker's logic and his final plea of "I'd worry over your safety as well as Natalie's." No dice, she'd been the pawn in the kidnapping, and the brunt of Harwood's violence. She had a right to be there when he came down. Of course, she knew she wouldn't be able to prosecute him, but this way she was sure it would be a clean bust. Walker, afraid Harwood would recognize her, made her wear a wig and glasses, but it was really hard to camouflage her body. Finally, they all gave up and let her wear tight jeans and a plain low cut t-shirt like the rest of the waitresses. Having her stick out was not the answer either, so she ditched the glasses as soon as Walker turned his back and disappeared behind stage. Nick was dancing with Shadow tonight, so Walker pulled back stage light duty as well as stage guard. It had been 2 days since the kidnapping and Nick's near loss of his immortal life. He'd fully recovered along with Natalie. Shadow had not danced for 3 nights, and the word on the street was she was frightened of Harwood. They'd found a bomb in Schanke's car due to his constant paranoia. So they were well aware that Harwood had not left town. Walker didn't seemed surprised and neither did Nick. The man was insane and bent on vengeance. A lethal combination for everyone. The club was packed again, as usual, and Larson beamed with delight as he watched the liquor pour steadily into the glasses. When Walker and Knight walked in together, he knew Miss Shadow would dance again tonight. It was hard to control his excitement and not let out the news prior to the screen dropping. They had arrived an hour earlier than usual to set up special lighting equipment and he suspected...extra security. He couldn't blame them after the little kidnapping incident. No one knew how Miss Cahill escaped, but she was here tonight working undercover, so he suspected she had a personal interest in seeing this man behind bars...permanently. The silk screen dropped and the crowd began to cheer. The stage lights flashed twice. Chairs scraped on the floor as everyone turned to get a better view. The house lights finally dimmed. The back stage light came on just when the music began to build through the speakers. A man sat on a huge bear skin rug in front of a blazing fireplace. He sat with one leg up and his armed draped casually over it staring into the fire. His hair was mussed like he'd run his hands through it repeatedly, trying to slick it into place. His lean body fit snuggly in the tight jeans tapering down to what appeared to be cowboy boots behind the screen. His shirt flowed loosely about his upper torso and was tucked in at the waist. He sat contemplating the fire until the first strains echoed through the room. Then he turned slowly. I believe in miracles Where you from You sexy thing The spotlight flashed onto a dark figure standing on the far corner of the stage. The figure swayed to the music, fully cloaked from head to foot in a cape that had reflecting thread laced into the material. With each movement, it shimmered with electricity. The strobe began to flash and dance rhythmically off the thread as she moved, yet you could not see any distinct shapes. She took several steps toward the man on the floor gracefully swaying with the beat. I believe in miracles Since you came along You sexy thing He reached out toward her with one hand. She flipped the hood off her wild, dark hair and let it tumble down her back and pulled the cape open wide with her back to the audience. Wild riotous curls rippled over her shoulders as she rotated her head in time to the music. She flipped one side of the cape up over her arm revealing a silver lining that reflected every piece of light in the room. She then dropped it slowly over her hip, revealing a long, black, silk gown that clung sensuously to her body. She stepped closer to him, exposing a creamy thigh through the slit in her dress and let the silver lining caress her back side with each step. Miracles right before my eyes You sexy thing got me hypnotized Less than 3 feet from him, she twirled, bringing the cape high into the air above her head exposing her perfect body in the long, black, clinging gown to his view, and everyone else's. Her shoulders were bare except for the spaghetti straps that held the gown in place and a mane of hair that she made match the swirl on the cape. Don't stop whatya' doing My angel from above lying next to me How didya' know that I'd be the one She released the cape and it floated into the air catching the lights both from the underside and the top as she stepped closer. Each step was seductive, each movement enticing, as her hands slowly caressed her body to the beat of the music vibrating through the room. Been a long time coming only just begun Doing all the things that makes my heart sing Keep doing what your doing you sexy thing. She turn her body in a profile to the audience and seductively pulled each tiny strap from her shoulder. She let each one drop carelessly. She stepped closer, reaching out to touch his waiting fingers. When her fingertips touched his, she turned and placed his hand on her thigh while she moved slowly to the music. His left hand appeared on her other thigh and he rested his head against the rear part of her leg. She held her hands over his while he fondled and caressed her thighs as she moved. How didya' know I needed you so badly How didya know I gave my heart gladly Yesterday I was one of the lonely people She held onto one hand and stepped out from his embrace, then pulled him gracefully to his feet and against her body. Now you're lying next to me Making love to me Slowly, with the hands interlaced at their sides, they brought them up over their heads. When they reached the apex, she let hers slide sensually down his arms to his chest, then his waist. She molded her body into his in one movement as they turned presenting a side profile to the silk screen and the audience. Her hands kneaded his tight ass as the music built. I believe in miracles Where you from You sexy thing You sexy thing She ran her hands up the hard planes of his back and ground her pelvis into his groin, moaning into his ear with a need the audience couldn't hear. Then she pulled away and stepped out only to be stopped by his grasp on her hand. He pulled back hard against his impatient body. This time his hands caressed her tight ass and ground his groin into hers with a distinct growing need. He leaned forward and growled into her ear when her hands traced his arms behind her and stopped over his. She helped press his body into hers with her own brand of impatience. I believe in miracles Since you came along You sexy thing She grasped one hand, stepped out, turned and twisted his arm behind him followed by her body. Those that appreciated judo would have appreciated the move. Then she released it and let both hands trail around to the front of his chest. Only yesterday I was on my own Just another day later my mind was blown. She stepped back as he tried to reach behind himself to her. She pulled his shirt from his body and pivoted, throwing the tattered shirt over her shoulder. Seductively she swayed before him and headed back to the fire place. You sexy thing come into my life Forever and a day it feels to right How didya' know that I'd be the one. Been a long time coming just begun He used graceful pivot turns back to her and stopped. Ever so slowly, as if awaiting permission, he placed his hand on her hips and waist. Doing all the things that makes my heart sing Keep doing what you doing you sexy thing. She raised her hands to his face and slowly ran them down his now bare chest to his pants. Leaning into him, she pressed her breasts up against his bare skin and moved slowly up and down. Her hands pushed and caressed their way inside the waistband of his pants and unsnapped his jeans. How didya' know I needed you so badly How didya know I have my heart gladly Yesterday I was one of a lonely people Each movement of her silk covered breasts against his skin was torture and his nipples became hard with excitement along with his manhood. She knew exactly how to turn Nick on, and she used every movement to entice in time to the music. He laid his head back in pleasure as her lips grazed his nipples only momentarily causing him to gasp for breath and step back. Nick knew gold touched his eyes, causing Natalie to smile as the song continued. I believe in miracles Where you from You sexy thing You sexy thing She pivot turned away from him one step, let her hand caress her body, then ripped away her own gown. She stood before him in a strapless, one piece, black lace teddy cut high in the front and back to accentuate her perfectly shaped derriere. She tossed the dress aside and ran one hand slowly down her right side to her ass and the other up to her breasts, dancing in front of him and the audience. I believe in miracles Since you came along You sexy thing She leaned forward and blew him a kiss. Kiss me baby You sexy thing You sexy thing She turned still caressing herself and presented her back side to him and her front to the audience while the song continued. Her long sensual fingers petted her own derriere in a tease. Touch me baby You sexy thing You sexy thing In one turn he was beside her, placing her near naked body next to his. Her back was fitted to his front as they swayed together with the music. Kiss me baby You sexy thing You sexy thing His lips found her neck and his hands splayed across her lace-covered flat stomach. Touch me baby You sexy thing You sexy thing. She held his hand and pivot turned out once more away from him, then came back to him face to face. She stopped with her lips not quite touching his. Kiss me baby You sexy thing You sexy thing His hands pulled her tight against him and held her while they swayed to the beat. Touch me baby You sexy thing You sexy thing He turned her swiftly and bent her over his knee, bringing his lips next to hers. Ever so slowly he let his hand run up her lace cover stomach almost to her breasts and waited. Kiss me baby You sexy thing You sexy thing Touch me baby You sexy thing You sexy thing She raised her hand to his head and finally brought his lips to hers in conquest. You sexy thing. When their lips met, the stage lights went dark and the cheers went up throughout the room. When the lights dimmed, Nick stood Natalie up without releasing her lips and continued to kiss her. He gave his hands free roam of her body while his tongue plunderer her mouth until they both moaned in need. Natalie broke the kiss to catch her breath and stared intently into gold flecked eyes fighting for control. "I think we better continue this later." She gasped, then looked at Nick's growing problem with a smile. "Not too much later though." She chuckled. This time he smiled and offered her his hand. "You have to stop doing that to me, Natalie. Especially when I'm on duty." Nick grabbed his shirt, her tear-away gown, and the cape as they headed for the side stage door and the rooms behind. He tossed the cape around her shoulders, then quickly placed himself in front of her before opening the door. The blast knocked him completely off his feet. Part 14 The shotgun blast knocked Nick backwards onto the stage floor. The pellets peppered his chest but didn't pass completely through. The force was sufficient to throw him back into Natalie, striking her and then the floor. The last thing he remembered was Natalie's scream. "Nick!!!!!" She pulled herself off the floor beside him trying to untangle her cape. In frustration, she ripped the choker to free herself from the material and watched the wounds on Nick's chest heal at a rapid rate, but he was unconscious. "That's just perfect, Shadow! Just the way I want you." The gleam in Harwood's eyes revealed the insanity as he licked his lips and stared at Natalie's near naked body. Footsteps, noise, and voices from the other side of the stage area came in answer to the blast. Harwood listened carefully, grabbed her by the arm and threw her into the small room they had started to enter. He had been hiding in the room since the bar opened that afternoon. Trying to hide the evidence, he leaned down and pulled Nick's limp body into the room with them, slammed the door, and locked it. The lack of blood on Nick's body went unnoticed, as Harwood's attention focused totally on Shadow. He let his eyes roam her body at free will, and noticed the anger flash in her eyes. "So, you don't like me striping you naked. Seems to me you like all those men out there doing it while you're safely behind that screen. You just tease them to the point of insanity and leave them hangin. That's what all you bitches do. You tease them and then say...no! Well, I'm going to show you what real men are made of and you're going to love it." Footsteps ran past the door and stopped long enough to try the lock. It was bolted tight, so they went on with their search. Harwood smiled when the footsteps continued on hurriedly. "See? Nobody tries a locked door when they're in a hurry." He focused his entire attention back on her. "Now take that wig off. I want to see what you really look like...and wipe that stage paint off your face! I want to see what I'm going to be putting my rod into, bitch...and you are going to make sure I'm happy with you" He rubbed the front of his pants with an evil smile "...or I'm going to hurt you bad before I kill you." He shoved the shotgun in her stomach and pushed her hard against the wall. Anger, instead of fear, blazed from her eyes. She had spunk, he'd give her that. Slowly, she reached for the black wig and pulled it free. She leaned down and pulled the nylon skull cap off her hair and shook her auburn curls free. Natalie's own mane matched the black one she'd discarded. When she flipped her head up, Harwood hesitated. Her blue eyes were replaced with the gold flecked eyes of an angry tiger. The shot gun in her stomach wavered and he stepped back slightly. Nick had regained consciousness and slipped behind Harwood watching for an opening that would not endanger Natalie. The shotgun in her stomach left no room for error. Rage overcame her, when she thought of this animal and what he'd done, what he wanted to do. When he stepped back in surprise, she swatted the gun away with such strength that it flew across the room, hitting the wall. Filled with the power of anger, she stepped forward and planted her knee in his groin with such force that Harwood screamed in agony as he doubled over. Nick grabbed him from behind and easily tossed him across the room up against the wall. He hit with such force, that the plaster gave way. Natalie sprinted to his side ready to finish what she'd started for all the women he'd terrorized. His body slid down the wall unconscious, and she screamed in frustration. She wanted to kick him to a bloody pulp for what he'd done. The image swam before her eyes in a red haze, when strong arms surrounded her. "It's okay, Nat. It's done. He won't hurt anybody anymore." Nick could feel her rage through their link and the shaking within her body. Anger like none he'd ever felt from Natalie fought for control in the woman he loved. It was a change she had to deal with on her own, if she were to remain mortal. Good had to overcome the evil or the beast within us all would be the winner. Nick held her, offering support as she waged war with herself. Anger washed through her and surrounded her, the desire to see him bloodied and dead swam before her eyes. She breathed heavily and pushed the feeling away, pushed it back into the dark recess of her soul where it belonged. Only then did she feel Nick's strong arms around her. With a sigh of relief, she gave into them. She turned in his arms, ashamed of the rage that he'd witnessed. Suddenly, she understood the battle he fought everyday of his life. He pulled her into his arms and buried his face in her hair. "It's okay, Nat. You won and that's all that matters." He pulled her tighter against him and kissed her neck through her hair. Fresh tears touched his skin. "I wanted to kill him, Nick. I wanted to hurt him the same way he had those women. I wanted to make him nothing but a blob that could never harm anyone again." She sobbed into his shoulder. "But you didn't, Nat." Nick pulled her away from him slightly to gaze into her eyes. "You didn't. Don't you understand? You won the battle, not the beast. I'm so sorry...I didn't mean for this to happen to you. You should never have had to do that. It's my blood that's done this." A single tear escaped his eye as guilt washed over him. "No, Nick." She whispered. "I finally understand. There is evil within us all, the vampire only feeds it, makes it the stronger force within you. It makes it the only answer...but I won. I chose to not accept it, just as you do every time you push the evil away." She leaned forward and pressed her lips softly to his. "I have no regrets, Nick, no matter what happens. I won't give into my darker side because I have you to help guide me through it." She pulled his lips to hers and kissed him quickly, then pulled away. "Besides...some change is good. I've never felt this strong before. So if it's your blood...or your love...I'm not about to give it up. I love you, Nick Knight...now and always, no matter what happens." Nick smiled with relief and pulled her back into his arms as voices and fists started banging on the door. --------- Nick and Walker watched Nat and Alex hug each other in tearful good-byes while they announced the initial boarding of the flight to Toronto. "I'm glad Nat finally has someone to talk to. They are a great deal alike. The more I'm around them, the more I see it." Nick turned to Walker and offered him his hand. "Thanks, Walker. I appreciate all that you've done and how much you had to try an explain. I owe you!" Walker grasped Nick's cool hand in his and smiled. "I'll remember that the next time I need a favor from a man who can fly." Walker glanced back at the women who were now walking toward them. "Take care of her, Nick. She's a one in million." Nat walked up and put her arm around Nick's waist and smiled. "I'll remind him of that daily, Walker. By the way, I gave Alex's dancing lessons last night." She smiled wickedly. "She needs a good dance partner. Know anyone who might be interested?" Nat winked at Alex, causing Walker to stare at her in disbelief. Alex walked over, put her arm around Walker's waist, then whispered something in his ear. He swallowed hard, blushed and finally stared at Nat. "Thank me later, Walker!" She smiled wickedly, wrapped her arms tighter around Nick, and laughed as they headed for the home. The End Shades of Change by StormyNite 1997 All comments to: StormyNite**nitewind@www.plantnet.com** **NN Packer to the End ** Hopelessly Hopeful Romantic** **Light Cousin***MadNatter*** X-File DieHard***Xenite**GWDFC** >http://www.geocities.com/Area51/2012 FK SciFi Window >http://www.geocities.com/Area51/2012/Fiction.html StormyNite Fiction >http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Corridor/7035 Stormy's Gerthering Pics