Blood of One's Desire January 2002 Jarvinia This story is actually the third (well, fourth) in a series. The first is 'Another Knight' (then 'The Past, Present, and...') and then 'Pawns of Kings'. This story takes place approximately a year and eight months after Last Knight. If one is reading this story out of sequence there is some *very* important information needed: The world now knows about vampires, and that does indeed include both Nick and LaCroix. Grace is also back in Toronto. Hopefully, the remaining references are explained enough within the story. Just a note: This is an ADULT Nick/Nat/LaCroix story and as one might guess, there is some slash in it. If you are not of legal age or feel that you might be offended by reading explicit descriptions of adult situations, please don't. May not be archived without permission. If you'd like to, however, please ask! :) Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Forever Knight and no copyright infringement is intended. I'm just having a bit of fun. I would like to thank Rainy Nights and David for comments and suggestions. Feedback gratefully accepted at: jarvinia@gmx.com Enjoy! ~#~#~#~#~#~ Blood of One's Desire (01/15) Nick stared down at the victim. The man had been shot three times and a pool of blood seeped from beneath him. Nearby heartbeats pounded in his ears, his attention focusing on the dark and quickly cooling liquid. He wanted it. He wanted to kneel down and consume every drop of the spilled nectar. "Nick?" He closed his eyes upon hearing his partner's voice. He knew he'd changed, his vision having taken on an amber color. Only once he was sure that the vampire was tightly back under control did he look her way. "Yeah?" "Nat wants to know if they can bag him?" Tracy waited, but Nick just continued to gaze absently at the ground. "I don't think we need to see any more...or do we?" Trying to shrug his thoughts away, Nick shook his head. "No, tell her it's fine." Not for a second did his eyes stray from the victim. After Tracy left, he again focused on the blood, the beast scratching to get free and have a taste of it. When the body was finally taken away, he stared hungrily at the stain on the ground. He pushed the need away. The blood was not what he wanted...and yet, it was. Nick set his jaw firmly. For the last week, he'd barely been in control. Hell, for the last month he'd barely been in control. Ever since he had taken Natalie's blood a month ago, he'd wanted more. Everything had been fine until a week ago. With the Vampire Community out in the open, it had put so much stress on him that there had been no time for the beast to rear it's head. Finally, all of the mess was cleared up, but it had left a void in its wake. And now.... Now he wanted blood. Not just Natalie's blood, but human blood, vampire's blood, any blood...he'd even considered going to LaCroix. He didn't like the direction his thoughts were leading him, and he once again tried shaking them off. "We should probably get back to the precinct, see what we can find out on the- Nick? Are you listening?" "Yeah, I'm listening," he quickly answered while wondering what his partner had said about the precinct. He turned and the two headed for his car as he purposely kept his eyes averted from Natalie, not wanting to allow those thoughts to surface again. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Glancing up at the clock, Nick noted it was still four and a half hours till sunrise. Normally, he enjoyed winter and the freedom it gave his kind. Right now, however, he wished nights weren't so long, and that it was nearly sunrise so he would have an excuse to leave. Keeping a semblance of listening to Natalie's findings, he did everything he could to avoid both the victim lying on the autopsy table, a faint scent of blood emanating from it, and Natalie, whose scent of roses and wine nearly overwhelmed him in the small room. She continued on with her report, her concern, thankfully, on the victim and her notes. His attention was now, after losing his battle, fixed solely on Natalie. From his position, he could see a few inches of her neck, the soft cream color drawing him in further. His mind, specifically the vampire, imagined exposing the presently covered area around that small section of skin. He could almost see himself pushing her hair out of the way, his hand then falling to her shoulder where he then proceeded to work her shirt off to the side, allowing more of her to be exposed to his greedy vision. Her hair glittered with gold, her skin glowing- Nick shut his eyes momentarily and took in a single, silent breath. He could feel his fangs against his upper lip. Shoving the vampire back into its place, Nick waited as his fangs slowly retracted, leaving a faint empty feeling. Reopening his eyes, he viewed the room carefully. But, nothing seemed to have changed. Natalie was still talking about the victim, and Tracy stood, listening attentively to her words. He, however, hadn't heard a single one of them. As Natalie finished, he pretended to understand, and she seemed to believe him, shooting a warm smile in his direction as they left. Outside the lab, he struggled with the beast, trying to chain it down. If he were to ever act on his wants, he feared where that would leave his and Natalie's relationship. At present, they were as close as they could be without the vampire rearing its head and taking her. A week ago, she had spent the day wrapped in his arms. For a single moment, he had thought they had finally beaten everything. Then, came the hunger. His need was slowly overshadowing everything else. The last several days he had been pushing away from Natalie. The last two nights he had only seen her at work. Since she was the beast's target, he rationalized his actions as being for her own safety. Glancing at his watch, he breathed silently in relief. His shift would be over in a little more than an hour, and then he would be free until work the next night. He would have about fifteen hours to get hold of his control again, and every second of that would be needed. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Sitting at the bar in the Raven, Nick stared into the depths of his glass. The blood wasn't helping as much as he'd hoped it would. The previous night had pushed his control to the edge, and he still barely had a handle on the vampire. He raised the glass to his lips, tipped a small amount of its contents into his mouth, and let the blood linger there for a moment before finally swallowing it. With the blood came its owner's memories which, in turn, triggered his own. All so quickly he could feel the exhilaration of the hunt. The short time he had reveled in his nature came back to him with perfect clarity. As his victims' faces floated before him, he began to feel sick. After that night when he'd believed to have killed Natalie, now over a year and a half before, LaCroix had taken his memories. Eventually, it had reduced him to a mere animal. He had killed for the sole joy of killing. LaCroix had urged him on, and he had obeyed without thought. Once he'd gotten his memories back, the enormity of what he'd done had hit him like a brick. He hated himself for what he had done, but there was nothing he could do to change his actions. Waiting a few seconds, he repeated the task, again savoring its flavor. As the glass emptied, Nick gestured to the bartender to refill it. Just when he'd prepared to take another drink, he felt LaCroix' approach. "I see you are taking some time to enjoy yourself. It's not every night that I receive the pleasure of watching my son savor what is rightfully his." Focusing on the blood a moment longer, Nick suddenly downed the entire contents of the glass. "I'm trying to keep my control." "Keep your 'control', as you call it.... Why would you want to do that?" LaCroix came to stand next to him, and spoke in his son's ear, "We have needs, Nicholas. We cannot deny them. To do so is to give in to the beast, to allow it to run rampant under the surface. If, however, we act on them, culturing them.... Then, we remain in control. We remain the masters." He paused, watching his son tense at their closeness. "Take the mortal at the far table...she comes here more often than you, watches you, waits for some interest from you...." As Nicholas' attention turned to her, LaCroix observed as their gazes met, and his son turned away. "She is quiet beautiful, isn't she, mon fils?" Nick didn't comment, instead having his glass filled again. "I'm not interested, LaCroix." "Who says you have to be 'interested' in her? It is a game, Nicholas. That is all. You are the hunter and she is the prey." "We cannot hunt, LaCroix. Even if I were inclined, I could no-" "There is nothing that says we may not hunt." Catching the beginnings of further protest, LaCroix continued, "We may not drain a mortal to their death, but there is no law that says we may not take their blood as long as they are otherwise unharmed." "I still refuse to do as you are asking." "It is only a suggestion. If you wish to keep your precious 'control,' you should take it. Fresh blood will help hold your hunger back and calm you." LaCroix took a step back. "I know your thoughts, Nicholas. You cannot hide them. I can feel your want to take her...do it." As LaCroix left, Nick clenched his eyes shut, his fingers tightening around the glass. Opening them, his view blazed gold. Why did LaCroix always have to hit it right on? He glanced toward the mortal. She was probably about Janette's height and of similar build. Her brown hair occasionally flashed auburn even in the club's dim lighting, her skin milky white. As their gazes again met, he could see her wanton smile even as he looked back, his amber orbs staring greedily at her. He turned back to his glass. When he was asked if he'd like another, he shook his head. After a moment, he left the bar and headed to his car and another night of near torture. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Three nights later, he'd gone though the same motions each night before going into work. He would sit at the bar and across the club would be the woman, smiling back at him, enticing him to approach her. This night his control was slipping fast, and he found he couldn't even get a glass of blood down in his preoccupation of gazing at her. Hastily emptying the glass, he left the counter and started toward the woman. Perhaps LaCroix was right. If he indulged his needs just a little, maybe they would leave him alone for a while. Reaching the table, she stood, closing the distance between them. Before he could act, she gave him a kiss. Their lips just barely met, but it was more than enough to bring his nature to the surface. She pulled back from him and he followed, snatching her mouth in a deep, passionate kiss, their tongues entwining in a short, frantic dance. Breaking the contact, he held her at arms length, her form glowing in a beautiful gold sea. With a smile on his lips, he led her silently toward the back of the club and into one of the back rooms. He had been careful to pick one that could be locked, and using the keys LaCroix had given him so long ago, he did exactly that. Again focusing on the woman, he paused a moment, knowing that Natalie would lecture him within an inch of his life if she found out what he was doing. But then, he was only taking a little blood.... He let his mouth again capture hers. Drawing away, he then trailed a line of kisses back toward her ear and down her neck. But he didn't stop there. His lips continued down her shoulder and he pushed her top out of the way to get better access to her fair skin. Lifting her up, he carried her the short distance to the cushions. With one swift motion, he laid her back on them, again catching her seductive smile that drew him ever closer to the edge. His hands roamed over her legs, pushing her short, tight-fitting skirt up as her hands pulled his shirt free and undid the button of his pants. His mind skipped a moment, not focusing on the mundane tasks needed to reach his objective. The next thing he knew, he was pulling her panties aside and thrusting his hard, throbbing length inside her. Seeing her mixed delight and pain through his tinted vision, he repeated his action again and again, and her pleasure increased visibly. He kissed her, his fangs slicing her tongue and releasing a trickle of blood that he quickly took in. As his climax approached, he pulled back for a split second before plunging himself deep into her, his fangs taking what they so desperately wanted. Her blood, so fresh and lively, nearly burned his throat. Suddenly realizing what he was doing, Nick pulled out, shocked at his actions even as his body continued to spasm with gratification. He had only meant to take her blood, not this...this action that his beast had so easily taken advantage of. At least it wasn't Nat...if it was, she would probably be dead. Five minutes later, they were in the alley behind the Raven. Nick watched as the woman left without a single memory of their dalliance and no wish to ever return to the Raven. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. He had been at work for barely thirty seconds when he and Tracy had been sent to a crime scene. Reese's expression had an odd look in it, but he hadn't said anything more about the case than that Natalie would be there. As they pulled up to the crime scene, Nick had to admit he felt much better after his short affair at the Raven--at least physically. Mentally, however, he cursed himself for what he had done. LaCroix, while he'd been right that he needed to indulge himself, hadn't mentioned the other results, but then, he wouldn't. Spying Natalie just around a corner, he was about to greet her when he saw the victim. Long brown, almost auburn hair flowed from the woman's head, her skin glowing almost lifelike under the bright lights of the crime scene. Glaring back at him against the otherwise flawless white skin were two, bright red punctures, one edge slightly torn. The victim was the woman he'd been with earlier that night. Blood of One's Desire (02/15) Natalie stood over the woman's body, her attention focused solely on the victim. "Looks like she was killed by a vampire. Right now, that's what the evidence I see is pointing to. The murderer either raped her, or seduced her to have intercourse. He then took her blood, effectively killing her. My question is, who would be stupid enough to leave their victim right out in the open?" When no one commented, she looked up to find Nick's attention solely on the victim. "Nick?" He opened his mouth to say something, but he didn't have a reply. He didn't kill her, he knew that with certainty. She had left the Raven conscious...perhaps a bit low of blood, but nowhere near enough to kill her. "Nick? I asked-" "I heard," he stated, not wanting to answer the question. How could he? He hadn't wanted Natalie to ever find out what he'd done at the Raven, and now he might not have a choice. She watched him for a moment. Figuring Nick was just thinking to himself, probably about something he'd seen happen long ago, Natalie continued, "I'll be able to find more once I get her back to the lab. Her name's Melinda Lawrence, age twenty-nine. It might be a good idea to talk to whoever saw her last. They might have seen her killer." He absently nodded. If someone had seen him with her in the Raven and had seen them go into the back rooms, he'd be in for it. He didn't think there was anyone watching him, but he'd been so preoccupied that he hadn't even considered the possibility. All that had been on his mind was the woman. He hadn't even known her name until he'd taken her blood. The rest of the scene was one big blur. Following Tracy to his car, he tried to recall what questions he had, or hadn't answered. All he could remember were a few flashing visions from the Raven and the sight of the victim. Natalie's reaction was completely unknown to him. As far as he knew, she might have seen nothing amiss. He peeled the Caddy out into the street and headed silently to the precinct. Nick waited for Tracy to comment, but she too remained silent. Perhaps it was because it was the first real murder by a vampire they'd seen since the news had broken. The other murders had all occurred when Toronto's blood supply had been limited and many of the Community had been nearly starving. Then, there had been a reason for them. But now.... As far as anyone knew, the woman had been drained on purpose. As they sat at a light, Nick closed his eyes, clearing his thoughts. He couldn't let this consume him. He would continue with this case as if he hadn't been involved. If evidence linked him to the murder, he would deal with that when it came to it. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Just after two o'clock, Nick steered himself as unobtrusively as possible into the break room. Assuring it was empty, he drank the flask of blood he'd brought. That's something he'd started doing the last few days. To get through the night he needed to have some additional blood about halfway through shift. Even then, the control it added barely lasted until he could leave for home. Stuffing the now empty flask back into his jacket, he headed back to his desk. Entering the bullpen, Nick's hearing picked up on the conversation at the front desk. One of Melinda's friends was here for questioning. Apparently, she was going to give a statement, and they were going to make a composite of a man she'd seen Melinda leave the Raven with. Nick froze. That composite would undoubtedly bear a remarkable resemblance to himself. Listening further, he slowed as he reached his desk. Another second, and the front desk indicated she should speak with him and Tracy. He just barely caught the woman's gaze turn his way, the pure shock on it unmistakable. Nick stopped just short of his desk, closing his eyes, and waited for the inevitable. "That's him!" she exclaimed, taking a step forward. "Who?" the officer asked, turning, seeing a room full of the precinct's officers. "That detective," she said as she pointed right at Nick. "Knight. He was the one I saw at the Raven. I'm sure of it." Nick listened as the precinct silenced. He could feel the many eyes of his coworkers on him. Reese, wondering what was going on, exited his office. The only words were a woman's; her accusations of Nick. As she mentioned the Raven and her friend, Melinda, he drew the connection. That was Nick and Tracy's most recent case. It had appeared to be done by a vampire, and Reese felt his stomach turn. Nick was, indeed, a vampire. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Ten minutes later, Reese had managed to get the woman into an interview room, Nick into another room, and had called Natalie to get the autopsy results sped up. He wanted all of this cleared up. Now. Entering the room Nick was in, he stared down at his detective. He'd already heard the woman's claims and had received a briefing of the crime scene. At present, all of the information was pointing to Nick as the suspect. His mind couldn't comprehend it. Of all of the time he'd known Nick, he'd never really thought of Nick as a killer. Even when Nick had revealed what he was to the precinct, he saw only one thing--a damn good detective. Knight was complicated, very possibly his biggest headache, but he'd also managed to almost always do the right thing. At least, that's what he'd thought up until now. "What do you have to say, Knight?" he asked, not succeeding in his attempt to keep the anger out of his voice. "I didn't kill her, Captain." The statement was controlled. Reese wasn't sure what his own reaction should be. "You were with her at the Raven, though?" "Yes." "And you left together? Where did you go?" "We didn't exactly leave together." "Rachelle Higgins, the woman who'd seen you two at the Raven, swears she saw you leave together." "We...left the main part of the club together. We went to one of the back rooms in the Raven. Later, we both exited into the alley, and left separately. She was alive when I left her." Reese tossed several photos from the crime scene onto the table. "Then tell me what those are, Knight? What happened in that room?" Nick kept his gaze averted from Reese. How could he explain? It wasn't that difficult, really, but...Natalie. Yet, she'd know from the autopsy anyway. "We had intercourse. A vampire needs blood to...complete the action." Nick could see the accusation just below his superior's exterior. "I did not kill her," he stated, his eyes momentarily flashing gold. Closing his eyes, Reese controlled his emotions. He hadn't really expected such an action as this from Nick. He had often compared Nick's actions against those of a mortal. He kept trying to remember that Nick wasn't mortal, that he was a vampire, but that piece of information was still trying to sink in. "Nick, we're going to have to hold you in lockup. I'm going to transfer the case to Garrison and Chambers. Natalie's working on the autopsy. Hopefully, she'll have the preliminary results ready as soon as possible. I don't want to hear anything contradicting your statement, Knight. If I do...." Reese gathered up the photos, and took a few steps toward the door. He shook his head slightly. "I'm not sure what to think anymore." Nick shut his eyes, not wanting to see more of Reese's disappointment. He didn't move a muscle until he felt the officer approach him. Standing, he met the man's slightly nervous gaze, and nodded. He would do things by procedure, if he could. This wasn't going to get any worse than it already was. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Dawn approached, and Nick sat, alone, in lockup. At least that was one good thing--no nervous mortal heartbeats teasing the vampire. No one had come down to tell him of the progress on the case. He wasn't sure what to conclude from that. Either he was in more trouble, or he wasn't. Even LaCroix hadn't dropped by yet. He leaned against the wall, trying to push his growing hunger away. Soon, he would need blood if he was going to maintain his leash on the vampire. Hopefully Natalie would...but then what reason did she have to help him? He leaned forward, letting his head rest on his arms as they spanned the distance between his knees. Why had he listened to LaCroix? Why had he done exactly what his father had suggested? But, he knew that answer. LaCroix had said it himself. 'We have needs, Nicholas. We cannot deny them. To do so is to give in to the beast, to allow it to run rampant under the surface. If, however, we act on them, culturing them.... Then, we remain in control.' Nick closed his eyes against the voice that repeated those words again and again in his mind. He didn't want to listen to it. But moreover, he didn't want to admit the truth of LaCroix' statement. He had, indeed, been in control after he'd indulged himself. If it hadn't been for her murder, he suspected that control would have lasted the night, perhaps even several. He heard light footsteps approach, the accompanying heartbeat making his beat out of turn. It was Natalie. He remained as he was, head on his arms, every sound as she approached thundering in his ears. "Nick?" He clenched his teeth, forcing himself to remain silent. He felt her hand rest gently on his shoulder, and he told himself to remain calm. "I-I've been trying to find some evidence to clear you, but it's hard, Nick." She paused, trying to find words. "The saliva around the wound is a vampire's, and so is the semen. I need a blood sample to compare the results against, but I think we already know what they'll be." She waited for a comment, but none came. Nick didn't make a single noise or movement in response. "Nick?" she asked, her hand moving from his shoulder to his forehead, and she tried to get him to look at her. At Natalie's actions, Nick sat up, meeting her eyes for a mere second before leaning back, once again shutting them tightly. "I'm not sending off any of the tests until I get a blood sample." He nodded, and rolled up his sleeve for the test. She took the sample professionally, and when she had finished, he silently pulled back from her touch. But, she didn't stand to leave after her task. "I'm not sure what to think, Nick. I thought we had something, but I guess I was wrong." When she stood, he mirrored her, gripping her wrist in fear. "Nat, I-" He cut himself off. What could he say? That he had done what he'd done to subdue his nature? That as they stood there, she was the only thing that mattered to him? But, how could she understand these things? They were part of a problem that mortals didn't have to deal with. As she glared at his hand, he loosened his fingers and watched her leave. His hunger was entirely forgotten. Blood of One's Desire (03/15) Reese sat at his desk, a massive headache being dulled with painkillers. After the mess of the past couple of months, he didn't need anything else, but there it was. Nick. That detective of his had been the source of the majority of his recent stress. He knew Nick didn't exactly have control of events, but everything seemed to center around him. When the sun rose in a couple of hours, it would be the beginning of Nick's fourth day in lockup. The blood tests hadn't come back yet, but when they did, they could condemn Nick more than he already was. Occasionally, Reese had taken several minutes to watch Nick on the security monitors. If anything, the detective was worse off than himself. He'd offer some aspirin, although he suspected they wouldn't do much good. Nick didn't even know what was going on in the rest of the precinct. Several of the detectives had discussed what they think should be done if Knight got out of lockup without logical reasons. Internal Affairs had started an investigation on Nick, not only looking into his time in Toronto, but also trying to find out everything they could about the vampire, as well as the man. That had been the Commissioner's idea. If he was in Nick's place and discovered all of that...well, he didn't know if he would stick around. If Nick disappeared again, he didn't think he would condone the action. Stopping by security, Reese took a couple of minutes and watched the monitor. LaCroix was down in lockup, delivering Nick's 'food' for the day, and by appearances, chatting about something. Nick, however, didn't seem to be paying much attention to the elder. After a moment, LaCroix held out two flasks, which Nick snatched from him without a word. A moment later, LaCroix left. Reese wasn't sure what to think of the relationship between those two. Sometimes they seemed to be pure enemies of the other. Other times they took the appearance of being friends, brothers, or even the roles of father and son that he knew they actually were. He wasn't sure he could handle being in a relationship that seemed to change by the minute. Then, through all of this, was Natalie. He'd caught her in the security room several times. He had caught the pain and confusion on her features, which she quickly hid once she realized she wasn't alone. This had to be hitting her hard. She was close to Nick, closer than anyone besides LaCroix. He had suspected they were more than friends right from the beginning, and Natalie now seemed to be questioning it. She couldn't be blamed, but he couldn't help but wonder what would happen if they ever did pursue their relationship. Would she become one of them? And then what? Reese shook his head, and headed for the parking lot. Only time would answer any of his questions, and he silently wished Nick luck on the results. They were supposed to arrive in a couple of hours, and he wouldn't be there. For a moment, he considered calling Natalie to see what she knew about the results, but nipped the thought in the bud. Natalie didn't need him interrupting her thoughts right now. No, she definitely didn't need that. Getting in his car, he quickly turned the ignition on, gave it a few minutes to warm up, and then left the precinct for the somewhat safe- haven of home. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Nick, sitting on the cool bench, waited anxiously for the results. True, as evidence went, he was still the only suspect, but he could hope. LaCroix had, over the past nights brought blood to him with Reese's permission. With that same allowance, he could keep two flasks full of blood during the day. It was barely enough, but his appetite had dulled since the murder. It was difficult to tell what time it was, but by his watch it was two in the afternoon. He'd thought the results were supposed to be in that morning, but perhaps he had been wrong. Taking the second flask, he opened it, breathing in the aroma. It was from LaCroix' private supplies, and as such it was fresher than what was served in the Raven. He sipped the blood slowly in an attempt to make his stomach think it was getting more than the few milliliters found in the container. As he took the last drops of the blood, he heard the approaching heartbeats of several mortals. Soon after, he watched as Reese, Tracy, and Natalie approached the entrance to his cell. Nick stood, waiting for the expected reply. "Nick-" Nick cut Nat off seeing the upset look on her face. "I know what it is...just get it over with." Reese cut in, "You're not being brought up on charges." "What? But-" He shook his head in disbelief. "After she left the Raven, Melinda was raped by a mortal," the coroner explained. "That's why it took us so long to get the results. She didn't die of blood loss, although it possibly contributed to her heart attack." "But she was only-" Natalie shook her head. "Nick, you've seen what can happen in dire situations. Fear can cause a heart attack, and she was literally scared to death." Nick didn't know what to think of that. The woman's only reaction to seeing him fully vamped out was a smile. But then, there were other things to fear. "The murder has been linked to two others over at the 27th from the test results." Reese paused, gesturing to the officer to open the cell. "You're free to do whatever, which I guess means, if you're up to it, starting your shift early. I know it's day, but the precinct doesn't get much sunlight, even when it is sunny outside." Nick stood, a bit stunned as Reese left. Tracy pushed open the door, waiting for Nick to come out. He wasn't sure what to do. Natalie stood next to his partner, and he made to say something, but nothing sounded. She walked out of lockup and he let his head drop. He needed to talk to her, but he wasn't sure what, if anything he could say to make up for what he'd done. Tracy, at least, seemed to accept him, and he exited the cell, slowly following his partner into the main part of the precinct. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. It was midnight and he had to get out of the precinct. Even with going to the Raven on his break and having his 'lunch,' he was still hungry. The dread of the last several days had worn off, and so had the slim amount of control he'd gained. Heading out the main entrance, Nick ran smack into Natalie, steadying her as they moved out of the mainstream of the stairs. He quickly retracted the hand on her arm, already feeling his hunger rise. "Nick...I was wondering if we could talk...." "I-I can't. Not right now. Come by in the morning, it might be better." "No. I have to know something right now." He swallowed, fearing her question. "Do you love me, Nick?" He felt his jaw quiver. Yes, he loved her more than anything else. That's what he wanted to tell her. But, as her question bumped around in his head his beast clawed at its chains, trying to break away. He had to get out of there, and he had to do it now. He moved to walk around her, and felt the light grip of her hand on his arm. The touch, although separated through his shirt and jacket, made his eyes flash amber, causing her to take an involuntary step back. The vampire wanted to have her, but he couldn't let it. Locking his golden eyes with her blue, he took to the air, not carrying what the others thought. Natalie stood stunned at his quick departure. She was angry, worried, and everything in between. After finding out from Tracy that Nick had been heading home, she decidedly started off for the Raven. If anyone knew why Nick was acting the way he was, LaCroix would. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. LaCroix sat at the bar, watching his customers. It was a favorite pastime, although he enjoyed it much more when Nicholas was among them. Casting his eyes over the gathered mortals and vampires, LaCroix' interest was turned to the door. His gaze met those of his latest patron and he turned slightly toward the approaching mortal, placing his glass on the bar. "How may I help you tonight, Natalie?" he asked, the question spoken smoothly with her name ending in a whisper. She was slightly taken back, as he had intended. "Nick. I want to know what's going on." "You mean about his...recent choices." She set her jaw. "Yes. I want to know what's caused this change, and I think we should discuss it in your office." Natalie glared at him, and receiving one back, they headed into LaCroix' office. "And what is it that you wish to know?" Natalie looked down, not daring to look at him for a moment. Then, mustering her strength, she caught his gaze. "I want to know what you know about Nick. I want to know why this is happening, and if I am considered a part of his life. I don't want any lies or half-truths." "There will be none." LaCroix approached her, stopping directly behind her. "Nicholas has been worrying about containing his nature of late. Particularly his hold on it around you, although he hasn't said it aloud. You are the cornerstone of him, and if you are removed from his life...let's just say everything will fall apart. Nicholas has become quite...attached to you." This wasn't making any sense to her. His actions were painting a completely different picture. "But if I'm so important to him, why would he...why would he do what he did?" "We are sexual creatures, Natalie. Our urges for the blood lead to our actions which, one way or another, lead to fulfillment." As he spoke, he allowed his fingers to trail along the side of her exposed neck. He listened to her breathing increase faintly, ceased his action, and then moved to stand before her. "Nicholas has held his needs back, and now he is paying for it. I simply made a suggestion and he took it. However, I don't think he intended the encounter to be as intimate as it ended up being...." A smile donned his face, and she could clearly see his satisfaction at the result of his suggestion. Natalie abruptly looked away, focusing on the grain of the table. There was more to that smirk of his, and she knew it. Natalie listened to the silence, the only sounds being her own breathing and heart rate, which had thankfully slowed down over the past minute. What LaCroix was telling her were things she'd either guessed, or deduced from observation. But never had she dared accept them. LaCroix' own actions had taught her much about what was 'normal' for vampires, far more than Nick had during the first several years she'd known him. What she really wanted to do was help Nick...if she could. If he cared as much for her as LaCroix was saying, there had to be some way to get through to him. "Is there anything I can do?" LaCroix considered her question. He had been planning a vacation, and perhaps this mortal could do more for his son than could his suggestions. "Be here, two weeks from tonight at half past two with a single packed bag." "What?" This reply wasn't quite what she'd expected. "What for?" "That will not be answered. It is a...surprise for Nicholas, and I'd rather you not mention this to him." She took that in. A surprise. That meant Nick wouldn't know anything about it. Heck, she didn't know anything, not even where they would be going. "What do I need to bring?" "You will be traveling with us for several days. You will need enough clothes for a week. The closer they resemble those of this club's clientele, the better." LaCroix paused, then added, "You may wish to bring a heavy coat--preferably black. It will be cold at our destination." Cold. What could be considered cold to here? She pushed the thought away, filing it away for later. "How long do I need to take off work?" "One week." Blood of One's Desire (04/15) Two weeks later: About midnight, Nick found himself running out of things to do. Glancing across the desk at Tracy, he could see she was having the same problem. About to say something, he felt a presence on the edge of his senses. A minute later, Nick felt it increase, and turning, he found LaCroix standing next to his desk. At first, Nick just stared at his father, not sure what else he could do. Finally, he asked, "What are you doing here?" "Taking you home." The choice of words and stern tone switched Nick's anger on. "I am *not* a child." "Quite, but I am not planning on dragging you there. You will take the next week off, starting with tonight." Now, this was getting interesting. If LaCroix was asking him to take a week off, just a week, there had to be a reason. Not only that, but it was more than LaCroix' dislike of his job. "Why?" "Because I am requesting it." After replaying the response in his mind, Nick realized he hadn't heard wrong. LaCroix was actually *asking* that he take the week off. Not ordering, but requesting. "How am I supposed to get a week of vacation without notice? You could have-" "You would have refused, and the week would have been ruined." About to protest, he stopped. LaCroix was right about that. If he'd known before, there would have been no way his father could have gotten him to go short of physically dragging him. But.... "Fine. If I can get the time off, I'll go, but I can't guarantee-" "If you do not persuade your Captain to give you a week off, *I* will do so for you. I assure you that he will not deny my request." Nick swallowed, listening to the barely audible words. LaCroix would make sure he had the time off. He'd already dug himself into a hole, mentioning he'd go if he could get out of work. There was no use trying to get out of it. "Fine. I'll talk to Reese and organize it." LaCroix' eyes sparkled faintly. "Good. You will pack one bag and arrive at the Raven no sooner than two forty-five, but no later than three." Nick locked gazes with his father momentarily, and then watched LaCroix head for the exit. Great, now he had to go talk to Reese. Just what he wanted to do right now. "Um...Nick? Hate to have listened in, but you're going to be gone for a week?" "I guess," he answered, still trying to get used to the idea himself. "What are you going to tell Nat?" Now that got his attention. Natalie. How was he going to explain this? Over the past couple of weeks they hadn't even spoken. Not even about work. "I'll...think of something. First, I need to talk to Reese." With that he stood, hesitated a moment, then walked up to the Captain's office and knocked. Being instructed to enter, he did just that. "Captain? I need a favor...." "And that would be?" Avoiding Reese's eyes, he stated, "I need a week off. Starting tonight." For a moment, Reese considered the question. Nick had been through enough lately and perhaps this was just what Nick needed. "Take it." Nick's head snapped up. "What?" "I said, take it. You and your partner don't have many active cases right now, and I think you need some stress-free vacation time. I was considering ordering you off for a week or so as it was. You're too tense, and you need a break from all of this. Go do whatever you want. Go to Europe. Go to Calif- Scratch that one. Just do something you want to do, and be back here at work a week from tomorrow." As his mind tried to take in the ease of getting the time off, Nick asked, "That's it?" "Go on...get out of here. I don't want to see you for a week." Reese shoed him out of the office and a moment later Nick found himself standing next to his desk. Tracy glanced up at her partner, who was staring aimlessly over the precinct. "You okay?" "Yeah. Reese gave me the time off. Practically threw it at me. Maybe I do need it. I haven't had much unhindered time off, and this might let me put things in perspective." At least, that's what he hoped he would be able to do. He knew, however, that LaCroix could very well have the next week planned completely differently. "Does that mean 'see you in a week'?" "Yeah, although it might be sooner if things don't work out. I have to admit I'm kind of curious of what LaCroix has planned...." *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Natalie sat patiently in LaCroix' apartment. She thanked whatever reason LaCroix hadn't focused on her as soon as she had arrived. Instead, he was preparing his own bag for travel, along with some blood for both himself and Nick on the trip. Nick was supposed to arrive there within the next fifteen minutes. Shortly after LaCroix set his bag next to hers, she watched him stiffen and turn his attention to the door. Then, in walked Nick, his expression priceless upon seeing her. Stunned, shocked, whatever one would call it, Nick stood, staring at her, his mouth hanging slightly open. Looking between the two, Nick couldn't believe his eyes. Natalie, who he hadn't even told he would be gone, was sitting calmly before him. "LaCroix?" LaCroix smiled, approaching his mortal guest, then spun to face his son. "Natalie will be accompanying us on our trip. I had planned this vacation primarily for myself and believed you might enjoy yourself more if Natalie came along." "But...." LaCroix placed one hand possessively on Natalie's shoulder, causing her pulse to quicken ever so slightly. He then emphasized, "She is coming with us." The golden hue to LaCroix' eyes told him not to protest. "When do we leave?" "We must be at the airport in a half hour. We will then be in the air for several hours and will arrive at our destination late this morning." Nick's forehead creased in confusion. "Late this morning? Won't the sun-" "Considering our destination, that will be no matter." LaCroix took the two bags he had prepared, and gestured toward the door. "I suggest we be on our way. I believe that with our luggage flying would not be the best mode of transportation, and I do not wish to be late for our flight." *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. As LaCroix had mentioned, the sun hadn't been a problem. Natalie looked out the window at the black surroundings. They were in the middle of nowhere. Literally. By commercial airliner they had flown from Toronto to Edmonton. That had been interesting, as several travelers had recognized Nick and LaCroix. With all of the publicity Toronto's Community had received, it was to be expected. Although no one came up to them, Natalie could see the recognition and the combination of fear and curiosity that stemmed from it. In Edmonton they had switched planes. They got on the smallest aircraft she'd ever been in. There had been just enough room for the three of them, their things, and the pilot. They had flown north, and arrived at a small airstrip, if it could even be called that. From there, they walked a short distance in the cold morning air into a lone building. Then, they took an elevator to the top floor--the third floor. LaCroix quickly led them to a room, which was surprisingly unlocked. Entering, she walked over to the window as LaCroix spoke, mostly ignoring his few sentences. For several minutes, she remained where she was. Trying to see something other than the darkness that lay outside the window, Natalie strained her eyes, but there was nothing. She suppressed a yawn, but the other two caught it, glancing her way. LaCroix had already explained that there were two bedrooms and had claimed one for himself. Other than those rooms, the one they were in was the extent of their accommodations. Nick, however, hadn't said anything since they'd arrived, and she could see his frustration. LaCroix still hadn't told them just what they were going to do on this trip. Natalie, grabbing her bag, headed toward the other room. "I'm going to sleep. Don't know if I can stay up much longer." She waited for some response, but other than LaCroix turning his attention toward Nick, there wasn't one. "Nick? Are you going to-" "I'll sleep out here." The coldness of the statement startled her faintly, but she remained calm. Waiting another few seconds, she headed to the other room, hoping Nick wouldn't remain so uptight. She hadn't really noticed it until LaCroix had explained Nick's actions. Then, she'd remembered the subtle tenseness, and his recent zoning out that she had passed off as nothing. Now, she knew the reason behind it, but it didn't make her feel much better. Nick had put so much distance between them over the past two weeks she wasn't sure how the next few days were going to go over. Preparing for bed, Natalie took one last glance out the window into the inky blackness, and then slid under the covers, thankful it was a lot warmer inside than outside. Blood of One's Desire (05/15) Dressing in jeans and a black t-shirt, Natalie entered the main room to find Nick still sleeping on the couch. She approached him, and without thinking, put her hand up to his cheek. For a second, she could see his lips quirk up into a smile, and in another his eyes opened, their golden hue staring back at her. Nick quickly looked away and pulled back from her touch. As he moved to sit on one end of the couch, he turned his attention toward the bedrooms as LaCroix moved into view. "I am going downstairs. You may either join me now, or later." His words were directed at Nick, but he received no response. "Natalie, you will remain with either myself or Nicholas during the extent of our stay. You will not leave this room unattended. Understood?" She nodded, hearing the underlying threat to his words. She did, however, wonder why LaCroix was concerned about her being without an escort. As LaCroix silently left, she turned her attention to Nick. When he stood, mumbling something about a shower, he left for LaCroix' room, leaving her in the living area. There wasn't a TV, and as her stomach growled, she turned her attention to trying to find some food. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. An hour and no food later, Natalie had finally persuaded Nick to take her downstairs. Taking the elevator, she'd noticed there was no second floor. She passed it off, aware that she'd probably just been too tired to notice it before. Getting out, they came to a lobby area. A short distance away were a set of doors, a man standing just outside them. She walked toward the doors, Nick just a few steps behind her. The man gave her a hesitant look, but allowed them both entry into the room beyond without any comment. The room was dark, loud, and filled with people. It appeared to be a club of some kind. Natalie stood just inside the door, letting her eyes get used to the darkness. Spotting LaCroix on one side of the room at the bar, she quickly approached him. He turned at their arrival, a smile greeting them. "What do you think?" he asked, gesturing to the crowd. Nick took in the room. It was much like the Raven, although the vampire to mortal ratio was different--almost the entire room consisted of mortals. There were perhaps a dozen vampires present. The music was a little louder than the Raven, and it drowned out his other senses. Trying to shut it out, the faint scent he'd caught upon entering caused his hunger to flare. Blood. Several different scents mingled and they were all fresh. As he glanced around the room, he watched one of the others of his kind in one of the room's corners. The vampire was kissing one of the mortals, his eyes burning gold. A moment later, that same vampire openly took the mortal woman's blood. No one seemed to notice, or if they did, they didn't care. Nick turned away, the sight somewhere between repulsing and arousing. He knew what this place was. It was a hunting ground for their kind. "I will not take part in this, LaCroix." "That is your choice. I figured as much. That is why Natalie is here. You may spend your time with her." LaCroix took a sip of his glass, and then continued, "In case you change your mind, the rules are simple. One can feed from as many of them as one wishes, as long as you fully drain no more than one per night." Natalie was a bit stunned as she listened to LaCroix' pronouncement of the 'rules'. She hadn't expected LaCroix' surprise vacation to take them to a place like this. Before everything could really sink in, she felt Nick pulling her toward the exit. As they approached the doors, she felt LaCroix forcibly release Nick's grip and they stopped several meters from the doors. "I request that you remain here, Nicholas." "No. And Natalie will not be staying, either." Nick went to take her arm again, but when he started for the door, he met resistance. Natalie wasn't coming with him. "Nat?" "I'm staying here." "But...it's a fee-" "I know what it is, Nick!" At least LaCroix' earlier request was making sense. "I'm hungry, and there's food down here. I'm staying." Nick hesitated for a moment, then started silently back to the bar. Natalie caught a faint smirk from LaCroix, and as he too headed toward the bar, she followed. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Biting into her sandwich, Natalie quickly found herself halfway through it. "You know, this is pretty good." 'Especially when it's maker was most certainly a vampire,' she added to herself, remembering the man who had prepared it for her. Nick, who'd returned to his silence once they'd reached the bar, gave her a glance, and then stared at his glass. LaCroix also looked her way and watched as she took another bite. "If it's food, it's free. Even though you are technically one of the clients, since you are mortal, there is no charge." Swallowing, and taking a sip of her drink, she turned vaguely in his direction. "How did this get started up, anyway?" As Nick's attention snapped his way, LaCroix answered, "As I had explained to you before, our kind need to fulfill our urges. This place is almost unknown in the Community. Only the oldest and most trusted are allowed to know of its existence." "And the...mortals?" "They know their fate before coming. They are chosen discretely. All are here by their own free will. None of the mortals are resistors and all are thoroughly screened. No direct contact with the outside world is permitted." Natalie grimly nodded. She might not fully agree with this, but she could see the reasons behind it, and the results if the existence of this place was made public knowledge. "What is the offer, or do you know?" "They are told first of their fate, and then that they will never need money for the rest of their lives. Many of those chosen either have only a short time to live, or live on the streets. If they have children, it is promised that they will be seen to." Now, Natalie was astonished. "Seen to...?" "Taken care of. They will have shelter, food, and an education." "And are these promises fulfilled?" "Yes." LaCroix saw the disbelief on her features. "Our kind are not as disheartened as you've previously believed. Many of the Community give back to your mortal world, even if their business is primarily within this world." She nodded. It now made sense why many of those present would chose such a path for themselves. If a future could be ensured for her family, she would do anything. And if she were dying...well, then that offer would be even more tempting. Slowly, she returned to finishing her meal, thinking only occasionally about the new information she'd received. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Nick, his anger tightly controlled. Golden flakes danced in his eyes, and she wished she could do something for him. Once her food was gone, she turned her attention toward the room. Despite the fate of those present, there were no sad faces. Everyone seemed to be enjoying himself or herself for whatever time they had left. LaCroix, she knew, would take his own actions eventually, taking advantage of the allowances of the 'rules' here. Nick, on the other hand, sat silently at the counter, clearly wanting nothing to do with this place. Natalie decided that she was not going to waste this week sulking. She had taken her vacation time and was going to enjoy herself. And Nick was, if she could accomplish it, going to join her. That had been her reason of coming, and aside from the real purpose of this place, it *was* nice. As LaCroix headed off to pursue his own interests, Natalie focused on Nick. "How about we dance? It'll get some of the tension out of your system, help you relax." Observing the beginning of an objection, she took the glass from his hands. Then, she pulled him toward her and the others that were dancing. After a slight attempt at refusing, Nick followed. His vision alternated between blue and a green-gold, and he hoped he could get though this.... *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. The next morning, Natalie woke to the feeling of being surrounded in Nick's embrace. They had spent the previous night dancing...or at least trying to. Nick seemed more passive than normal, but his eyes.... They had stayed gold the entire night. At first, it bothered her as they stared ravenously down on her, but she had quickly gotten used to it. As tiredness slipped up on them, they headed back up to the room, and had gone to her room. Nick had fallen asleep within minutes of lying down, and he didn't appear to have moved since then. Leaning back into him, she felt him adjust his grip, pulling her closer. Natalie smiled to herself, yet, she knew that staying where she was would be risky. When Nick woke, he would be hungry. He'd had almost nothing to drink the night before, and after she pulled him away from his glass, his full attention had been hungrily on her. Spotting movement from the door, she found LaCroix, watching approvingly through the darkness. She blinked, and he was gone. For a moment longer she bathed in the comfort of being this close to Nick. Then, remembering her thought about it being better for her to get moving, she slipped out of his arms. She went to her bag, trying to find one of the dresses she had brought. Spotting it, she glanced back toward Nick, making sure he was still asleep. Pulling it out of her bag, she also grabbed a black, knee- length, long-sleeved jacket. She had planned on something for Nick before they left, and was happy to find their location would be perfect for her intentions. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Natalie sat eating at the bar. LaCroix had already started on his own interests, and Nick, like the night before, stared blankly at his glass. It had taken less coaxing for her to get him down to the club than the other night, but then she'd threatened to come down on her own to get something to eat. True, LaCroix was already there, but Nick seemed to only partially trust his father with her safety. Finishing her meal, she promptly ordered a glass of wine. Nick looked over at her, slightly surprised. When she poured a small amount into his glass, he tried to speak. Natalie put her finger to his lips, stopping any comment. She took a sip of the white wine. Then, without warning she moved closer and let her lips meet his. Initially, he resisted, but as she let her tongue first barely connect with his lips, then try to gain entry into his mouth, she felt him respond. Drawing away, she looked deep into his golden eyes. She could see the hunger and the need just waiting under the surface. Taking his glass, she dipped her pointer finger into the liquid, and stirred it as he looked on. Removing it, she brought her finger to his lips, dabbing a few drops of the liquid on his lips. He promptly licked it away, and then sucked the remaining blood off of her finger. The state Nick was in amazed her. He was barely in control of his own actions. Somehow, she didn't know how, he had managed to keep his distance from her, but tonight he wasn't. She knew her attempts had backfired in the past, but it didn't matter to her. Drinking the rest of her wine, she removed her jacket, putting it on the stool. Nick stood spellbound as she stood before him. Natalie was now wearing a short, loose-cut black dress, the hem of which floated about mid- thigh. The front dipped down revealing the tantalizing flesh, and her shoulders where bare except for two thin rolls of fabric. Staring at her, he was sure his eyes flashed crimson, but he didn't care. She pulled him toward her, and he snatched her lips up in a kiss, letting himself taste her wonderful flavor mixed with the wine. He felt her tongue tease him, caressing the edges of his fangs. When she broke the kiss, he could feel his fangs protest as they ached in need. "Nat...please don't do this...." "Don't do what?" she asked innocently. She knew exactly what she was doing, and she wasn't going to stop. "Please, not right-" He was cut off as Natalie kissed him. Disengaging from her, he held her at arms-length, a weak smile appearing. "I think I need a drink. A few, probably. I'm a bit...hungry." As his expression pleaded with her, she gave in and nodded. Later, she would try again. Blood of One's Desire (06/15) Midnight came and passed and Natalie finished off another glass of wine. Nick had started off with straight blood. Since then, he had worked his way to blood-wine, and now straight wine. His eyes had faded somewhat, although the gold was by no means gone. It was deeper, and it lured her in like nothing else. This time, it was Nick that led her toward the throng of dancers. She breathed deep and slow as his hands rested at her waist. He leaned down to kiss her, and as before she stroked his canines, trying to arouse him. It worked, and she tasted her own blood as his fangs sliced her tongue. Nick pulled her toward him, and he swallowed what he could get of the small trickle of blood. As close as they were, she could feel his arousal against her, and Natalie let out a moan as he ended the kiss. She wanted him. Now. His lips brushed momentarily against her ear. A second later, he was dropping feather light kisses along her neck and across her shoulder. He started the process over on the other side, then again captured her mouth with his. The kiss deepened, and his arms moved up her back until she could just feel his fingertips against her bare skin. She purposefully ran her tongue across the tip of one fang, and this time he sucked the miniscule wound until the blood ceased to flow. Again separating, she took her thumb and ran it across the bottom edge of his lips. His lips parted slightly, and she let her thumb press into the point of his fang, piercing the skin. She withdrew it, letting his sense of smell pick up the aroma. In a split second his hand snatched her wrist, holding it between them. Time stood still. Slowly, he brought her hand closer, then licked the drops of blood off. He locked gazes with her, and closed the short distance between them. Just as she expected another kiss, he changed his direction, heading for her neck, and she closed her eyes, waiting. There was a kiss, a brushing of his fangs...and then nothing. She opened her eyes to find Nick standing several feet away, the sparkle of happiness that had been found in the gold replaced by nothing. "Nick?" "I'm sorry, Nat. I-I can't do this." He backed up a step. "Nat, I...." Turning, he headed for the bar where he immediately demanded a glass of blood-wine. Natalie stood, her feet frozen in place. Closing her eyes, she felt tears trying to push their way out. She'd been so close, but.... She let her head hang, and she considered going back up to the room. Feeling strong arms wrap around her from behind, she felt her pulse quicken and muscles tighten. "It's only me, Natalie." Immediately she calmed, LaCroix' silken voice soothing her fear. Her hands clutched his arms, and after a short time, she leaned back. She didn't know how long they stood there. It could have been seconds, minutes, or more, but she felt good. His embrace was solid, and that's just what she needed right then--something steady to hold onto lest she sink to the ground. Pursing her lips, she wasn't sure if she should speak or not. In need of an answer, she voiced, "Why won't Nick...I mean.... Is there something wrong with me?" "No, there is nothing wrong with you," he answered, his lips brushing against her ear. His grasp tightened, and she held on for dear life. She could feel the tears coming...but she had to hold them back. She couldn't cry, not now. "Then, what...?" She couldn't say anything more, and she clenched both her eyes and her jaw as tight as she could. Feeling her legs give way, she sensed herself being lifted into the air. After a second, she relaxed to the faint rocking motion as LaCroix carried her. Keeping her eyes closed, she listened as the door closed, and silence engulfed her. Hearing the elevator doors open, she let the sounds wash over her. Then, the rocking continued until they arrived back in the room, and LaCroix laid her down on the bed. As stillness surrounded her, she opened her eyes. She was alone in the other room; LaCroix' room. She slowly sat up, wiping the salt-water that had welled up in the corner of her eyes. Hearing movement in the other room, she headed toward it. From the doorway, she watched as LaCroix methodically prepared something...she wasn't sure what, and walked closer. "LaCroix?" He stopped his actions after a minute, and carried a small glass toward her. "Drink this. It will get your mind off of things." Taking the glass, she swore there was barely a mouthful of a nearly colorless liquid in the bottom of the glass. Bringing it to her lips, she took a small, tentative sip. Whatever it was, it was unidentifiable to her. From what she could tell, it didn't have brandy, scotch or anything of the sort in it. It didn't have a smell, and tasted almost no different than water. Her thoughts did, however, stray momentarily from her frustration with Nick. LaCroix watched her expectantly, and she emptied the glass with another sip. Glancing down in order to avoid his gaze, she focused on the carpet. Still, she wanted Nick. "Did I do something wrong?" she suddenly asked, meeting his gaze. He took her hands in his, stating, "You did nothing wrong." Swallowing, she watched as his thumbs traced circles on the back of her hand. She'd seen Nick do the exact same thing on several occasions. Natalie breathed deeply, trying to get the thought out of her mind, but she couldn't. "Nicholas is stubborn. We both know that." Natalie slowly nodded. She knew just how truthful that statement was. Swaying slightly, she felt LaCroix steady her, holding her securely against him. Bending down, LaCroix let his lips faintly touch her ear before kissing her lightly on the cheek. When she didn't protest, he went further, trailing kisses down her neck, pausing at the narrow strap that held her thin, lightweight dress on. His hand moved up to her shoulder, pushing it to the side. Every small section of flesh that the strap passed he kissed, and soon it was dangling freely against her arm. Hearing the door open, a low growl filled her ears. LaCroix turned her in his arms so that they were both facing Nick. Her lip quivered slightly upon seeing him. Nick's eyes burned red. Not orange-red, but scarlet-red. He was enraged. She could see it. LaCroix held Natalie firmly, his head hovering not far from her exposed neck. "Release her!" The Roman smiled, placing a single kiss on Natalie's neck. Pulling back, he slowly released his grip on her, and although she wavered slightly, Natalie remained standing. "I have not harmed her, Nicholas. Nor do I intend to." Feeling the anger from his son, LaCroix approached carefully. He stopped on one side of Nick, and whispered in his ear, "She wants you, take her." Nick felt a tremor run through his spine. So much did he wish to do exactly that, but he couldn't allow it. LaCroix' hand held him firmly, just under the ear, forcing him to turn toward his father. Across their bond he could nearly hear the silent urgings to obey his nature. He turned into the palm, his lips just touching the cool hand. "LaCroix, I-I-" "Shh...just listen to your needs, that's all you need do." With that, LaCroix resumed his previous place behind Natalie, pulling her hair to the side. One hand rested lightly on her shoulder, the other wrapped possessively around her waist. Natalie kept her attention on Nick as he watched. Even as LaCroix planted a series of kisses on her neck and shoulder, she focused on Nick. "This is what you want, Nicholas. It is within your reach. All you need do is come and take it!" When LaCroix returned his attention to her neck, Natalie exhaled slightly as his fangs met her skin before again becoming simple kisses. She watched as Nick advanced, his eyes mellowing to the same gold she'd seen downstairs. He paused upon reaching her. Then, even as LaCroix continued his actions, Nick kissed her, plunging his tongue into her waiting mouth. These initial dual sensations were almost too much, and she craved more. Her hands went to Nick's shirt, frantically unbuttoning the small, suddenly slippery buttons. By the time she'd reached his waist, she found LaCroix' hands already undoing the rest. Pushing his shirt back, he smoothly slipped out of the garment, the rest of his clothes not far behind. Nick continued to come at her, his tongue reaching every part of her mouth, his hands holding her buttocks, grinding her into him. LaCroix gently forced Nick back, putting a little more than a foot of space between them. For the first time she was able to get a really good look at Nick. She could see his need in every part of him. His eyes glowed, and a faint red sheen covered his body. There was a light dusting of blonde curls on his chest, and continuing downward, she discovered his body ready for more. The large hands on her shoulders brought her back to the present. Slowly, LaCroix pulled the second strap down, letting it hang limply as the other already was. As he kissed her neck, she could feel one hand tugging the zipper of her dress down, and a moment later she felt the fabric slide down to the floor. Now, as LaCroix pulled her back at the waist, she felt his cool hands travel upwards, and one at a time her bare breasts were captured and kneaded. All the while, LaCroix continued with his lips, and every now and then she felt his fangs just barely touch her skin. Before her, she watched as Nick's eyes flashed crimson for a mere second, her mind faintly wondering if it was anger or arousal that caused it. When he moved forward, however, that no longer mattered. Nick kissed her full on the mouth, and then pushing one of LaCroix' hands away, he sucked hard on her breast, his tongue and fangs teasing her nipple. She cried his name, and he continued in earnest, repeating the action on her other breast. Then, he placed a line of kisses down her stomach, pausing momentarily at her belly button before continuing down further. Feeling LaCroix step back, she placed her hands on Nick's shoulders as he reached her underwear, pulling them off with one quick motion. He pulled her to him, and she felt his tongue slip into her core, licking and sucking her sensitive flesh. Just as she was about to demand for more, demand that he finish what he began, Nick pulled away, standing up. In one fluid motion she found herself being picked up, and then, as she instinctively wrapped her legs around his body, he lowered her. The action was quick as he slid inside her, and she gasped at the sensation. She met the feral and enticing gaze and kissed him without hesitation. She could taste herself in his mouth, and as earlier that night, she proceeded to tease his fangs with her tongue. Nick's reaction was immediate as he tried to thrust further into her. His balance wavered and he dropped to his knees, still holding her tight. As he released her mouth, she gasped for air. A smooth coolness covered her back as LaCroix knelt behind her, and she inhaled again. She felt LaCroix' hands, one holding her to him, the other finding the warm wetness Nick had already claimed. He massaged her gently, and as he ceased his actions, a stillness overcame her. She met Nick's eyes as he nodded silently back at LaCroix. At her ear, she felt a cool flow of air from behind her. "Relax, Natalie, and enjoy this." Nick pulled her to him, and she held on, waiting. There was a pause, then LaCroix momentarily resumed massaging her. She moaned as he stopped, but her silence ceased as his finger teased her ass and suddenly slipped in. For a second he made no movement. Then, he thrust gently, and she felt a second, then finally a third enter her. He withdrew, and in a second replaced his fingers with his cock, the sensation as he impaled her somewhere between pain and pleasure. She could feel how large he was, and after a few seconds he began to slowly thrust. Relaxing, Nick began his own movement, and she felt both of their rhythms plunging into her, different, but complimentary. As their hands roamed freely over her, she lost track of which belonged to whom. All she really knew as they took her, was that she was surrounded fully by their ministrations and her own building need. Natalie wasn't sure how much time had passed as each of their thrusts came harder and deeper. It was almost painful as they would quickly fill her, retreat, then thrust again even farther than before. Suddenly, she felt Nick explode inside her as his fangs embedded themselves in her neck, LaCroix' following seconds later. The sensation was more than she had ever expected, and she moaned in ecstasy as her blood thinned and her own orgasm controlled her. Then, everything began to fade out; first her vision, then her hearing, and then her sense of touch. Blood of One's Desire (07/15) As her eyes fluttered open, Natalie found herself being nearly crushed. Nick lay heavily on top of her, and even as he slept he clutched her to him with his super-human strength. Shifting to relieve some of the weight, she could feel him still inside her. His lips rested against her shoulder, the corners of his mouth quirked up into a smile. Off to her side was LaCroix, his body clinging closely to both her and Nick. He too had chosen to use her shoulder as a pillow. One of his arms lay beneath her while the other wrapped possessively around Nick. She was completely surrounded, and even if she wanted to get up, there was no immediate possibility of it. Lying still against their cool bodies, she let her memories surface. Her body felt faintly sore from the rough, quick paced events, and was sure she would find several bruises later. What really hit her, though, was how tired she felt. But then, she recalled the sensations as they'd both found their release in her blood. In reality, she was lucky to be alive, or at the very least, still mortal. Thinking of those last few moments, she felt her pulse quicken. She was, indeed, still mortal, but that was merely a side note in her thoughts. Closing her eyes, she allowed the sensations to replay themselves. Things had certainly not gone as she had expected. Rather, she'd had the most amazing experience ever, one that she wouldn't mind repeating in the near future. She smiled, hoping there would be a next time, and basked in her recent memories as she dozed off. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Natalie stirred, feeling as if she were being moved. Opening her eyes, she found herself lying on her side, and she grasped the strong hands that she had felt slink around her waist. One of her fingers contacted a somewhat smooth piece of metal, and she recognized that it was most certainly LaCroix' ring. She saddened, realizing that Nick probably wasn't close by. Leaning back into the embrace, Natalie closed her eyes as he kissed her neck. It was strange, waking in LaCroix' arms, but she found she didn't really mind it. After a moment, she softly asked, "Where's Nick?" "Getting something for you to eat." "Why? It's just downstairs. I can go down la-" "You are weak and will rest," he commanded, cutting her off. Moving away, she stated, "I'm fine," and sat up. Then, feeling her head spin, LaCroix pulled her gently back to him. She didn't resist. "You *will* rest." She nodded faintly. Yes, she would be resting for the night. However, just the thought of food made her sick. But, true to LaCroix' words, Nick returned a couple of minutes later with far more than she could possibly eat at a time, even if she had wanted something to begin with. LaCroix helped her sit up, and she leaned back into his cool body as he smoothed the comforter across her chest. Nick came in shortly with a bowl of soup and a glass of water, and the battle ensued. Between Nick's concern and LaCroix' agreement, she had lost the argument and sluggishly ate the soup. For several hours the two continued to fuss over her. When LaCroix decided to head downstairs, Nick had planned on staying with her, but she argued that he should feed. This time, she won with no more than her promise that she would eat something while they were away. Her first task was to take a shower and actually put some clothes on. She had turned the water up as hot as she could handle, and basked in the warm liquid. Her shower was no different than usual. It was methodical and quick, but the familiar act relaxed her. Drying off, she turned toward the mirror. Wiping the condensation off, she caught full sight of her reflection. As she had expected, several bruises could be seen, mostly on her sides and upper thighs. Wrapping the towel around her, she brushed off the slight aches she still felt. What really caught her eye, though, were the two sets of bite marks, one on each side of her neck. The wounds wouldn't heal for a couple of days, she knew that. But, they reminded her of just what she had done. She had been with two men at the same time. Both were vampires, and both had drunk deeply of her blood. When she was younger, she would have never even contemplated of doing such a thing. Her grandmother would have had her hide. And she'd always kept the conservative view of sex her grandmother had beat into her. But now...? Her want for Nick had overshadowed her morals, and she had to say, nearly dispelled them. Standing there, all she wanted was to repeat the previous night. She wanted Nick, needed him. And, she admitted to a slightly lesser degree, that she wanted LaCroix as well. Looking at the mirror, she could see the wounds glaring back at her in an angry red, her skin nearly as white as LaCroix'. Would this be her appearance if she became one of them? Natalie shook the thought off. She was still alive, true, but now she had a few more problems than before. What Nick's reaction to all of this was, she didn't know. They hadn't spoken much since she'd woke, almost all of their conversations being arguments. LaCroix, she knew, had no qualms with what had happened. But Nick...? For a moment, she closed her eyes, willing the fear to leave her. What would he think if he knew her thoughts, if he was aware she had actually enjoyed LaCroix' actions and would repeat last night without hesitation? Would Nick push her away, or would he accept it? She forced the questions away, walking calmly from the bathroom. Putting on the jeans and t-shirt she'd worn the first night there, she headed out to the other room. Finding the other food Nick had brought up, she took one of the sandwiches and went over to the couch. At first, she merely stared at the bread and its fillings. Then, she took a small bite, forcing herself to chew and swallow it. She really wasn't hungry, but she had promised she'd eat. Thirty minutes, one sandwich, and a glass of water later, Natalie leaned back into the cushions, wondering when Nick would get back. She really wanted to talk to him. She had to know what his thoughts were. After another half hour, she heard the door open and found Nick hesitantly walking toward her. Standing, she said, "I was wondering if we could talk about...what happened." "I'm sorry for that, Nat. I...the vampire was in control, I couldn't stop LaCroix from-" She halted his words with her finger. "Nick, I knew exactly what was going to happen. If I had wanted, I could have refused LaCroix' advances. I didn't, and I don't regret what happened. What I want to know, is what you think about last night." Nick took a step back, his eyes darting away. "I-I don't know. I didn't want that to happen." "Nick, please answer the question." He swallowed, keeping his eyes averted. "I don't want him to hurt you, and I can't let myself have the chance to hurt you." She watched the panic set in, and she caught his gaze as it snapped up at her, not one hint of the vampire in it. "We can't ever do that again," he stated as he spun, then started toward the door. Calling his name, Natalie moved after him, but he was already gone. She stopped, and as she felt her tears rise, she closed her eyes against the emptiness that Nick had left as he'd shut the door on her. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Just over forty hours later, Natalie sat still on the couch. The previous night she'd done nothing but sit and sleep. She was still weak, and the others had sensed it in her, commanding her to stay in the room. They had done the same thing tonight. Nick had barely been in the room since he'd answered her question, and it hurt that he was avoiding her. LaCroix had tried to comfort her, but she didn't feel entirely comfortable with his advances. Not with the uncertainties that were swirling around in her mind. Heading to her room, she tried to find something better to wear. As her eyes caught on the dress she'd worn that one night, Natalie clenched her jaw and kept looking. Finally, she stopped on the other dress she'd brought. It was red--blood red. She'd never worn it since she'd bought it two years ago. At one time, she was going to wear it to dinner with Nick, but he hadn't asked after she'd gotten it. It was the same length as the black one, but the cut was different. The front was average, about the same as most of the shirts she wore to work except for it being sleeveless. The back dipped down to her waist, two thin straps creating an X about mid-back. It was closely cut, showing every curve of her body. Pausing a moment, she snatched the dress up, quickly changing into it. If this wouldn't aid in getting Nick's undivided attention, then she didn't know what would. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Reaching the door to the club, Natalie was stopped by the guard. She glared at him, waiting patiently for him to move. After nearly a minute, he stepped aside, and she pulled the door open, quickly slipping inside. The room was fuller than the other two nights, and almost instantly she spotted Nick at the bar, nursing a glass of blood-wine. She strode up behind him, her hands quickly encircling his waist. When he tensed, she knew he'd been caught off guard. "Natalie," he started, trying to turn, but found her arms tightening their grip. "You shouldn't be down here." "I'm here, and I'm staying here." She waited a moment, fully expecting him to protest, but he didn't. Then, without warning she moved one of her hands, letting it rest on his inner thigh. He tensed slightly at the action, but didn't pull away. After a few seconds, she began to tease him, her hand moving closer and closer to her target. Her fingers just barely brushed against his straining member when she felt a vice-like grip tear her hand away. Suddenly she was facing him. His fingers were like steel, and standing there, she could feel them tightening. "Do not do that again," Nick hissed, his eyes blazing red. She stood calmly, not letting his words change her stance in the slightest. Suddenly, he dropped her hand and headed toward the back of the room. Making to follow, she abruptly found LaCroix standing in her path. Planning on going around him, she was pulled roughly toward him, and she could see his own eyes glowing in anger. She swallowed, and felt herself being led from the area. Once the door to their rooms had been slammed shut, he resumed his glare. "You were not to leave this room," he hissed. "It is dangerous. The other clients might take an interest in you, and they would not necessarily be tolerant to any resistance. Not only that, but Nicholas is, as I'm sure your wrist is aware, in one of his moods." She watched LaCroix calm, and after a moment Natalie asked, "Why did he react the way he did, anyway?" He met her eyes. "He is using his anger to control his need. You are lucky you are uninjured." Natalie nodded. She'd figured as much when she'd seen Nick's reaction. But, she couldn't help going after him. "I want him, LaCroix. He doesn't want to hurt me, and I know he won't, but...." "Yes, he can't get that in his head, can he?" LaCroix shook his head. "Nicholas, Nicholas, Nicholas...you always try to save them, but in the end it will only destroy them." She understood the precise meaning of his words. The 'them' was in reference to the many mortals he'd taken interest in, and the destruction was their death. She was included in the description. Eventually, if things continued in their current path, he would destroy her. She hated to admit it, but LaCroix' lessons for Nick were probably better than anything she had ever told him. Nick needed to let his nature have full reign if they were to ever be together, and he needed it to keep control. Natalie pursed her lips, thinking. Finally, she asked, "Can you convince Nick of that?" He stared into the depths of this mortal's eyes. This question had been unexpected, but perhaps he could manage it. Nicholas had become closer to him over the past weeks, his son's actions being plenty proof of that. "I will try," he stated. Then, he commanded, "Remain here until I or Nicholas return." Nodding, she watched as he left. Holding her position, she decided that she wouldn't move until one of them came back. She hoped it would be Nick, but if it wasn’t, she would have to accept it. Blood of One's Desire (08/15) LaCroix moved purposely through the club, following his link with Nicholas. Reaching the back wall, he found a door that lead to a hallway, and he proceeded to the third door on the left. He didn't bother knocking. Entering, he shut the door behind him. Nicholas sat in the far corner, a bottle held firmly in his grasp. Taking a few steps forward, LaCroix silently waited for his son to note his presence. A half a minute later, he was greeted with a gold, unemotional gaze. Closing the distance between them, LaCroix snatched the bottle away. "Give it back!" LaCroix kept the bottle out of reach, silently examining his son's thoughts. The bottle was wine, not blood, and he knew what Nicholas was doing. "I will not allow you to drown your thoughts with this filth! If you wish for me to exchange this with a bottle of blood, I will do so." "Give it to me, LaCroix!" Nick demanded through his fangs. "No." LaCroix turned, and heading toward the door, placed the bottle on a small table. Facing his son, he stated, "You must accept your feelings, Nicholas. You cannot suppress them." "Yes I can," he hissed. "And at what cost? Your humanity? Or perhaps even your precious Natalie?" Nick flew at his father, fully intending upon shoving the elder into the opposite wall, through it if he could manage it. Instead, he was caught with ease, and found himself pinned by LaCroix' powerful grip. "If you continue like this, Nicholas, she will die! Is that what you want?" LaCroix met his son's burning eyes, waiting for a reply. But, the younger vampire merely stared silently and coldly back at him. "Answer me, Nicholas! Do you want to kill her? That is what this will lead to. Is that what you want?!" Swallowing, Nick found himself at a loss for words. LaCroix' scarlet eyes bored into him and he tried to keep his composure. "No." "Then cease this fear, this pitiful attempt at protecting her! It will kill her as it has done many other mortals. You know that. How many times has that happened? Remember Liselle and the others like her?" His son closed his eyes against the memories his words invoked. "Let her choose her own path." After taking a minute to consider, Nick nodded. Then, his features darkened. "What if she leaves?" LaCroix muffled a chuckle. "There's no need for you to worry about that happening. At present, she wishes nothing more than for you to take her.... I suggest you do so before she has the chance to change her mind." With that, LaCroix disappeared through the door, leaving his son to his own thoughts. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Watching the door, she saw it slowly open, and from it Nick entered the room. He stopped as he saw her, his eyes flashing gold with lust. LaCroix' words had done more than convince him--they had once again awakened the beast. "Natalie...." Taking several steps forward, she halted before reaching him. "Will you take me, Nick? Or are you just here to-" Her question matched LaCroix' comment, and he didn't know if he could hold back any longer. After a second, he did exactly as he was asked, capturing her mouth with his. His tongue pushed her lips apart, gaining easy entry to her warm, moist mouth. Their tongues dueled for a moment, then he pulled hers into his mouth, sucking at it fervently. His fangs dropped abruptly, their tips embedding themselves in the soft flesh, quickly pulling a gentle flow of blood from her. As he pulled back, she wanted more, but something about him warned her back. Nick was barely in control, if at all. After a short time, Natalie sensed movement from the door, and she watched as LaCroix entered, carrying a single bottle. "Nicholas...I believe you may want this," he said, handing the bottle to his son. Nick took it, pulling the cork out roughly with his teeth, spitting it across the room. He took in the aroma: fresh, young, and vibrant. "Drink it, then come to my room." LaCroix turned, focusing on Natalie with a wicked smile. Silently, he led her toward his room, letting her in on his plan.... Nick barely noted LaCroix leave, instead focusing on the bottle. The blood was so fresh he could almost feel the flesh of its mortal owner in his hands. Inhaling deeply, he brought the bottle to his lips and drank in the sensations. The bottle was quickly gone. Sitting it on the table, he felt his eyes flash red for a second, before returning to gold, and then finally fading to their normal blue color. He followed his sense of LaCroix, and entering the bedroom, found his father standing at the foot of the bed, completely undressed. Natalie, however, was nowhere to be seen. He turned his attention to the bathroom, then felt his bond with LaCroix pull him toward his father. "She will come out in a second. First, you will remove your clothes." The words were a command, and after a second of hesitation he quickly did as told, his clothing ending in a pile near the wall. "Lie down." Nick again faltered, and a second later he could feel LaCroix pulling him closer, backing him up toward the foot of the bed. In a few more seconds, he was laying back, his knees bent on the bed's end, his feet just barely touching the ground. LaCroix then got onto the bed, a piece of dark fabric held in one hand. He sensed slight panic from his son, but eased it away with his thoughts. Then, he tied the cloth securely around Nicholas' head, making sure it fully covered his son's eyes. "I believe Natalie has a gift for you, but you must lie still. Understood?" As his son nodded, LaCroix watched as Natalie approached, her exquisite body fully capturing his gaze. His son was not the only one ensnared by her beauty. When she reached the edge of the bed, however, his attention was broke by Nicholas' movement. Taking his son's arms, he pulled them back, pinning them down. "You must not move, Nicholas...remember that." Nick tensed at the words, waiting for something to happen. He felt the mattress move slightly and could tell roughly where Natalie was as her heart pounded in his ears. She kissed him on the lips and although he was caught a little off guard, he quickly responded in kind. The sensation abruptly stopped and her lips found his neck. He leaned his head back in pleasure...she knew exactly where the most sensitive places were, and she kissed them, sucked on his skin, a nibble every now and then...and he felt himself beginning to be pushed toward his limits. After what seemed like eternity, her mouth moved further down his body, and she stopped at his nipples. Each was taken separately into her mouth, and she teased them past hardness. As her teeth scraped along one, she drew away abruptly, leaving a tingle of need where she had been. For nearly a minute Nick just lay there, waiting expectantly for her next move. Again, her lips found his, but they didn't stay long as they left a trail of kisses on his chin, down the front of his throat, and right down the middle of his chest. When Natalie had reached his abdomen she paused for a second before continuing at a slower pace. She stopped at his belly button, her tongue darting in and around the sensitive area. Then, she again began her journey, her lips ceasing their actions just as they reached the tuft of hair above what he'd believed to be her target. All sensation ceased, and Nick started to squirm in LaCroix' tight hold. Realizing there was no use, he stopped and moaned, "Natalie...please...." He didn't know how long passed, but the next thing he felt was a brush of her lips on the top of his foot. Now, he knew what her game was. Once again her mouth began its travels, and she quickly arrived to his inner thigh. Then she started on the other leg, repeating her task with slow, precise movements. Another pause in feeling, and her fingers began tracing random shapes in his inner thighs. He closed his eyes, forcing himself to remain calm, but at the same time reveling in the uncommon sensations. He'd wanted this for so long...he wasn't going to let it end yet. Natalie's interest moved higher and higher, and suddenly she took his hard erection in her hand, continuing the faint tracing on its shaft with her fingertips. "Natalie..." he hissed between his fangs, urging her to continue. She smiled, then abruptly took Nick's engorged member in her mouth. She pulled as much of him into her as she could, feeling him at the back of her throat. Moving so that he glided smoothly in and out of her mouth, her lips formed a tight ring as she pleasured him. She continued until he tried thrusting into her. Then, releasing him, Natalie again let him lie silently without any sensation. She watched as his need built further, his body writhing in LaCroix' grasp. With one hand, she took his shaft tightly and then let her lips brush the sensitive head. Her tongue darted out every few seconds, and as it slid under his foreskin, Nick struggled. At that he called her name, demanding that she continue, at which Natalie paused. Without finishing her task, Natalie backed away, standing out of Nick's range. His breathing, usually barely noticeable, was deep and raged. The red sheen on his skin glistened in the low light. She wanted him inside her. She wanted him now. He was going mad with this teasing. He needed her to continue. "Natalie!" Nick called while attempting to sit up. LaCroix' fingers dug almost painfully into his shoulders. He couldn't stand this any longer. He needed release, he needed blood. "Let go of me, LaCroix!" The elder laughed. "Just rest, Nicholas...relax. There will be more later." Natalie watched for several minutes, and after what seemed to her to be hours, Nick finally lie still on the bed. His breathing had slowed and his imminent need for release had faded. Behind him was LaCroix, a suppressed smile on his lips, his hands still holding Nick down with a vice-like grip. She met his eyes, and caught a sparkle waiting. LaCroix' plan was only half done. Nick had been aroused, pushed so far that he would cave at any further provocation. There was no way he could refuse to continue. She knew that, and so did LaCroix. Now was time for the remainder of the plan. This would be her hardest part, and she hoped she could play her role. As LaCroix' golden gaze smiled at her, she had a feeling there wouldn't be any trouble. LaCroix released his son's arms, moving away from the bed. The blindfold remained where it was, and he saw the other vampire's breathing increase. "What now, LaCroix? I-I need...want more." "And more you shall receive. But first, we have a little something for you...." LaCroix trailed off, increasing his son's tension. "Nicholas....you will not leave the bed. If you wish, you may sit up and remove the blindfold, but no more. Understand?" "Yes." Smiling, LaCroix flew to Natalie's position and in one motion he pulled her bare body against him, captured her mouth with his, and let his hands roam her back. Ending the kiss, he watched out of the corner of his eyes as Nicholas sat up, the blindfold dangling from one hand. LaCroix let his hands move lower and he picked Natalie gently up. She wrapped her legs around him with ease, her hands taking hold on the back of his neck. Supporting her lower back, he let her lean back. Her breasts were now bulging before him, and his smile turned into a grin. With his lips parted, he hovered above one mound, his breath eliciting a faint moan from her. His tongue slowly moistened his lips, then licked the underside of her breast, tracing a circle around her nipple before pulling it inside his mouth. Sucking, he increased the sensation, his fangs pressing against her skin. "LaCroix?" He turned to Nicholas. Both of their eyes were glowing primarily with need. "Stay there, Nicholas. You will not interfere," LaCroix hissed, pulling Natalie closer to him and his arousal. Focusing on the mortal, LaCroix pulled her back up to him. Her arms wrapped further around his neck and his hands traveled lower, spreading her legs apart more than they already were. When his fingers reached her core, he massaged the moist skin, letting a couple dart into her. Instead of backing off at his actions, she pushed into his hand. His smile returned, and he held her entrance open as he guided his penis toward the wet opening. At first, he merely teased her. Then, as her arms gripped him tighter, he wasted no more time and plunged himself up and into her. Natalie gasped at the action, his large member filling her up to the brim. Then, as he began to thrust, she suppressed the initial discomfort of the action. In her mind, she wished this was Nick, and knew that it would be soon. At the edge of the bed, Nick knelt, watching as his father took Natalie with more passion than he had seen in LaCroix in many years. It was fascinating, watching them together as his view was filled with both of their bare bodies, each obviously enjoying the experience. His initial anger at LaCroix barely remained in him. His beast was there, waiting for permission to do something. He wanted to be allowed to be closer, to be able to touch Natalie, take her in his arms. He wanted to throw his restraint out the window. "LaCroix...please...." With that, Natalie felt LaCroix pull fully out of her. Feeling suddenly empty, she pleaded with him to continue, but he didn't. "I believe you want my son, is that not right?" "Yes...." "Now, Nicholas, move to the side." His son didn't, and he repeated, "Move to the side, or return to your room." LaCroix watched as his son first swallowed and then obeyed. Moving to the bed, he placed Natalie on it. Nicholas wasted no time before reaching for her, and LaCroix was ready for the action and held his son away. "Not yet, Nicholas," he whispered in the younger vampire's ear. Then, LaCroix pulled his son off of the bed and back against him, letting their skin meet, his still moist cock rubbing against Nicholas' ass. "May I, Nicholas?" Nick tensed at the words. He knew exactly what LaCroix was asking. It had been centuries since his father had dared asked, although in his mind it seemed like yesterday. Leaning back, Nick took in the feeling of their proximity. It affected him on more than simple physical sensations. Their bond leapt alive at the continued and widespread contact. LaCroix was more than behind him, more than just on the outskirts of his thoughts. This close contact was equal to taking a mortal's blood. "Nicholas? You may, if you wish, decline. I will respect your choice, whatever it is." LaCroix snaked his arms around his son, his hands gently tracing lines across Nicholas' smooth stomach, moving upward. As one reached a nipple, he drew a spiral around it, ending on its now hard tip. "Nicholas...permission granted?" "Yes, LaCroix." "Then take her so that I may take you," he whispered with a touch of seductiveness. Nick hesitated, if only for an instant, before approaching Natalie. He climbed up on the bed and knelt between her legs, his hands resting on her thighs. "Nick...please. I want you. Now...." With as close to the surface his beast was, that was all the pleading he needed. He came down on her, sliding into her warm juices before he'd barely even touched the rest of her body. As he thrust, she gripped his back, her fingernails tearing into his skin, blood welling in the cuts. His lips found Natalie's, and at the same time a pair of hands reached around him and then under Natalie. LaCroix pulled them, without effort, toward the end of the bed. Then, Nick felt lips on his back and the blood being licked from the already healing wounds. LaCroix pulled away, at which Nick wavered in his rhythm. His father's hands rested on his lower back a moment before moving to his buttocks. They went a little lower, then he faltered again as LaCroix forcibly spread his legs. Nick slowed his thrusts, waiting for LaCroix to continue. Barely a second later, and he felt a slightly moist finger tease his opening. Another, and it worked its way into him. Relaxing into his father's touch, he took in a deep breath. LaCroix easily pulled out, the head of his cock pausing at the tight muscles. Telling himself to relax, he found Natalie's mouth, kissing her deeply. He pulled her tongue into his mouth and sucked lightly. What he had left of his control was waning, but he had to last a little longer. Continuing to hold Nicholas on the edge, LaCroix made him wait for more. He rocked side to side and his son moaned in pleasure through his kiss with Natalie. "LaCroix...plea-ah...." Nick closed his eyes as LaCroix pushed into him. LaCroix smiled at the reaction. His member fit nicely into Nicholas. He slid out, nearly past the opening, then stabbed back in as far as he could go. A few more thrusts, and he was establishing a rhythm, one that Nicholas quickly matched, allowing him to plunge his cock up to the hilt with every stroke. As Nicholas slid back from Natalie, LaCroix pushed into his son. They switched, and as Nicholas' need grew, he knew he had to keep his son in check. In this state, Nicholas could drain Natalie without a thought. If that happened.... No, he couldn't consider that. He kept their consistent motion, his lips kissing randomly on his son's back, small drops of blood being released as his fangs nipped the delicate skin. After a couple of minutes, he started to feel his son tire. Through their bond, he could feel Nicholas' immediate need for blood. When Nicholas prepared to strike, LaCroix was ready and he pulled the younger back. Placing his wrist within his son's reach, LaCroix knew he wouldn't have to wait long. Fangs dug into his flesh, and he drew Nicholas back farther, his own ripping into the younger vampire's neck. His son's blood flowed into him and his own blood into Nicholas. At the same time they both emptied their seed, more blood being exchanged. Taking Nicholas' blood was like stepping back in time. It was as sweet as ever, and the pure emotions he found in it could last him centuries if need be. Feeling Nicholas pull out of his wrist, LaCroix winced as his son latched on to his arm, and he too ceased taking the other's blood. As his son’s muscles relaxed, LaCroix pulled him back and away from Natalie. His son leaned into him, and his previous joy quickly became concern. "Nicholas?" "Hmmm?" Sliding out of his son LaCroix carried Nicholas to the upper part of the bed, lying him gently down. "Are you okay, mon fils?" Natalie turned on her side as her senses returning to her. She could hear LaCroix' question, and she turned toward the voice. Moving up to the top of the bed, she stopped inches from Nick's skin not sure if she should approach further or not. A smile graced Nick's face as he let his head fall back, his neck being fully exposed to the cool air. He rolled his head toward LaCroix, his eyes still a bright gold. "Fine. Tired, but fine...." LaCroix' expression mirrored his son's, and he leaned over, his lips brushing the thin, taunt skin of Nicholas' throat. Lying next to his son, he pulled Natalie closer, and they wrapped the younger vampire in their embrace. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Natalie woke to find herself being carried effortlessly back to her room. Catching Nick's features she started to speak, but he made a gesture for her to do otherwise. He sat her on the bed, and then went over to the bathroom, turning the light on. "We are leaving here. Now." "But...." "There will be plenty of time to discuss this on the way back. If we don't leave soon we won't make it back by sunrise." "Can I ask why?" "I need to think. And I think you should, too." He paused, his eyes fixing on her beautiful, bare form. Averting his gaze, he told her, "Take a shower and get packed. I'll deal with LaCroix when he wakes." Natalie remained sitting for almost a minute. When it was clear that Nick wasn't leaving until she began his instructions, she walked as gracefully as she could to the bathroom, silently shutting the door. As the water was turned on, Nick turned his attention to his own needs. He found his bag, quickly dressed, and downed a bottle of blood. Needing to retrieve a couple of things, he slipped into LaCroix' room but stopped upon seeing the empty bed. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end and he turned to find LaCroix standing behind him, not a speck of clothing adorning his form. But, that wasn't what was on the forefront of his mind. Instead, it was the barely controlled anger behind LaCroix' golden eyes. "Where are you going, Nicholas?" he hissed. Nick looked away and grabbed the clothes he'd come for. Coming back toward the door, he stated, "Back to Toronto. Natalie's going with me." "And you are doing this because...?" "I wasn't expecting this, LaCroix. The club, perhaps, but not what's transpired here. If I am to easily return to work, I need some time to think." His father's gaze didn't waver. "I won't push you away, LaCroix. I promise that." LaCroix forced his anger away. Nicholas was speaking truthfully, and in reality this trip had gone far better than he had expected. He nodded. "Go. I hope, however, that you remember your words." Meeting Nicholas' gaze, he stepped aside, allowing the younger to leave the room. Leaning back against the cool surface of the door, LaCroix listened to Nicholas and Natalie's movements. The experience they'd shared only a few hours previous was still fresh in his mind. Closing his eyes, he let the events replay themselves. Nicholas had allowed him closer, but now he couldn't help but question if it had been a mistake. In a half hour all was silent, and only he still remained within the rooms. As usual, he was left alone in the wake of his son's emotions. But, would it be different this time? All he could do was hope. Blood of One's Desire (09/15) Four nights later: Reese sat silently at his desk, his eyes staring blankly at the files before him. Arriving to work that night he'd found a thick envelope from Commissioner Vetter sitting alone on his desk. Opening it, he had been shocked at the contents. They were unsolved murders, all dating from about a year previous, their locations spread across the continent. There were nearly two- dozen of them, and they had all been linked to Nick. At first, he'd adamantly refused to believe it. But taking a closer look at the cases, specifically at the evidence...his anger rose. Nick was indeed connected to these murders. When Nick was cleared of the murder of Melinda Lawrence, a sample of his DNA had been taken. Then, the Commissioner had managed to get hold of the results, and had it compared to several cases that IA had come up with. Now, nearly a month later, matches had been found. These weren't partial, but exact matches. The killer that had ended their short lives was a vampire, and that vampire had been Nick. It was undeniable. If the Commissioner could have his way, Nick would be fired and in the court system in an instant, but the law wouldn't allow that. With the discovery that vampires were real, it hadn't taken long before a set of laws had been set up to deal specifically with the Vampire Community. One of these was that any actions that occurred prior to the enactment of the laws could not be held against any member of the Vampire Community. This was mainly made so that a vampire couldn't be brought up on charges for murder from a past situation where that murder wasn't considered against the law in that culture, and of course to protect the older vampires, who'd had to kill thousands to survive. All of these murders occurred several months before the news broke out, and as such, no prosecution could be made. Yet, Vetter's first wish could possibly be accomplished. If there was a possibility that Nick was a danger to his coworkers, he could then be fired. But, that could be countered with a hearing within the department. Nick could still be forced out of the precinct for his actions, but this way it would give Nick a chance and hopefully remain within the department. The choice Nick had was slim. But, first things first: Nick had to be made aware of the situation, and would need to be questioned. He paged the front desk, asking that Nick be directed to one of the conference rooms in ten minutes. Then, he gathered the files, a tape recorder, and proceeded to the designated room. When he heard a knock on the door, he ordered them to enter and a few seconds later came face to face with Nick. "Sit down, Nick. I'm afraid I have some bad news for you." Doing so, Nick hesitantly sat across the table from his superior. He could feel his own nervousness rise, but forced himself to keep calm. Reese took the folder, and placed it in front of his detective, stating, "Look that over. I...think you'll recognize the cases." Hesitantly, Nick took the folder, opening it to the first page. A vaguely familiar face and name stared back at him. He flipped to the next, and found the same thing...a vaguely familiar picture and name. He knew who these people were. He knew more about them than even they had. He had drained their lives from them without mercy. Closing his eyes, he flipped it shut, not bothering to look through all of the files. Reese wouldn't have shown him this without due need. His superior said something to him, but he couldn't concentrate on the words. All he could see were his memories, the faces of the pictures coming to life before him, their owner's fear palpable even now. He felt a touch on his shoulder and heard the Captain call his name. Focusing on the present, Nick found Reese standing slightly behind him, the touch on his shoulder being Reese's resting hand. Moving away, Reese moved to stand on the side of the table opposite of Nick. "I don't know what to say, Nick. I thought you were different than those like LaCroix, but now, I'm not sure." He paused, locking his attention on his detective. "I have to know this, Nick. You did kill all of those people, didn't you?" "Yes," he struggled. Looking up, he firmly met Reese's gaze. "If I could undo it, I would." Reese nodded. Now was for the bigger question. "Why, Nick? Why did you end their lives?" He fidgeted, not entirely sure how he should answer. "I-I was out of control. Other than that, I don't remember much...LaCroix had taken my memories away in an attempt to relieve my grief after I had nearly killed Natalie. It did more than make me forget my grief; it took away my sense of morality. All I could think was to kill...I...." "Would you be up to explaining everything in more detail?" Catching a combination of a haunted expression and a confused one, Reese told him, "Commissioner Vetter and IA are the only ones who know other than myself. The Commissioner is planning on putting together a case against you, trying to show that you are dangerous. You have three choices: You can resign, you can let them fire you, or you can try and get a vote of confidence from your co-workers. The third option is risky...it might expose all of this, but you will possibly be able to stay at work." Clenching his jaw, Nick shook his head. "I won't resign." "Do you want to try for the vote of confidence?" Nick considered this for a moment. He certainly didn't want to be fired, and he needed work. Most nights, it calmed him. It took his mind off of what he was. He nodded, and then asked, "What must be done?" Reese looked to the recorder, nodding at it. "IA's letting me question you, to get a full explanation. We can do that now, or in the next few days." Setting his jaw, Nick stared at the recorder. "I'll do it now. How detailed?" "As much as you can give. I know this is going to be hard, Nick. If you need to stop, just tell me." The Captain sat in the chair, reaching forward and starting the recording. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. The morgue had been quiet since Natalie had come back from her little vacation. Her patients had been few, and if possible, she would say they'd been more silent than usual. Once again, Nick had backed away from her. He was now avoiding her more than before. True, he had explained that he needed to think and put everything in perspective. Nick had told her that he probably wouldn't stop by for at least a week, and had asked that she not come by his place, or even the precinct unless she needed to be there. But she couldn't help but think that Nick was doing all of this on purpose, that the distance he was putting between them was more than just so he could 'think.' Natalie had patiently listened to him as they had returned to Toronto. She closed her eyes, replaying their conversation, trying to pin down what was happening. Nick had avoided making any mention of LaCroix or what had transpired. She'd tried asking him what he thought of what had happened, particularly her actions with LaCroix, but he hadn't said a word. However, it was clear to her that he was uncomfortable with it, and that was probably his reason for needing to think. Even she had needed a little time to get everything straight after returning. Suffice it to say, she was worried. When he'd explained all of this, she had seen how close the vampire was to emerging. That had to be why he had told her to stay away. Perhaps that's why he was putting the distance between them. If Nick was worried he might lose control, then his actions made perfect sense. It would be just like Nick to do something like that. The distance made her feel empty and unwanted. She hated that feeling. Shaking her thoughts away, Natalie picked up her pen, then sat it down again. She had felt something. Looking up, she could see the door swinging shut, LaCroix standing on the other side of her desk. This was the first time she'd seen him since that night, and she could see some of her concern mirrored in him. "LaCroix?" "Come with me. Now." With that, he turned, and headed for the door. He disappeared, and she started after him, catching up to him near the back doors. "Where are we going?" LaCroix paused, stated, "The precinct," and then held the door open, gesturing her to pass through. Once outside, he took her around the waist, the ground disappearing beneath them. She closed her eyes against the wind, the shear speed at which they were traveling. Touching down at the precinct, LaCroix indicated that she should go first. Inside, LaCroix nodded to one of the conference rooms in the back. Reese had just come out of it, and seemed to hesitate at sight of them, but continued on to his office. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Nick sat uncomfortably in the chair. Reese had just left, something about needing to do something in his office, and had said something about explaining things to Tracy. Almost immediately, he could feel his father's approach. One thing was just leading to another that night. The door opened, and in walked both Natalie and LaCroix. "What are you doing here?" he demanding, aware that LaCroix had probably sensed his thoughts. "What you are proposing to do, it is ludicrous! To admit to your actions, then-" "I am staying at work, LaCroix. Don't even suggest for me to do otherwise!" Nick hissed through his fangs. The hostility that had suddenly sprang up between them confused her, and she wondered just why LaCroix had brought her with him. "What is going on?!" Both turned to her, LaCroix without any emotion, and Nick with his golden gaze. "The murders Nicholas had committed while absent from Toronto were pinned on him. The Commissioner, I believe, wants him out of the precinct and plans on trying to force him out. Nicholas is going to try and get out of it by letting others in on this knowledge, so that a vote of some kind may be taken. Is that about right?" Swallowing, Nick nodded. LaCroix had picked up all of the details from his thoughts. Silently, Nick wondered if that was all LaCroix had gotten, or if there had been more. One thing was for sure though--he was becoming closer to his father. When they'd shared blood, their bond had leapt back to a connection they hadn't had for well over a century. "I need to work, LaCroix. You know that. I am admitting to this for one reason only--because you had taken away my memory, and that had included my morality, my humanity." Pausing, Nick hoped his next request wouldn't backfire. "Will you make a statement? Will you explain what my condition was at the time, and how I got that way?" His father didn't answer, and he pleaded, "Please, LaCroix. If you do, I will most likely be able to remain at work. I need someone to corroborate my condition, and you are the only one who can do so. Please." About to speak, LaCroix stopped when the door opened, admitting Reese and his son's partner. "I will do as you have asked, but only when it becomes necessary." The Captain moved past the others, telling him, "The tape will go to IA and the Commissioner. This might take a while to clear up, Nick, if it does. You know the Commissioner has been determined to keep you out of the department." Seeing the detective nod, he continued, "You will stay with Tracy at all times during shift until further notice. The Commissioner, as you can guess, isn't thrilled with it, but she's your partner. I trust this won't be a problem?" "No. I do, however, ask that I have a moment alone." Reese considered it for a moment, and then nodded. "Tracy will be in my office." Once they had left, LaCroix walked around the table, stopping by Nicholas. His fingers grazed his son's cheek, causing the younger to turn away, stand, and take a few steps away from him. Closing the distance between them, LaCroix took Nicholas' shoulders and pulled them back. Then, he whispered in his son's ear, "Understand this--I will not see you harmed by this in any manner, no matter what the reason." Pulling Nicholas' head back, he crushed his lips against his son's cheekbone, then released him. "If you need anything, anything at all...ask, and I will do what I can." Natalie watched LaCroix approach her. As a hand touched her arm, pulling her toward the door, she told him she'd be just a minute. Once LaCroix had left, she told Nick, "The same goes for me, Nick." He met her gaze, his jaw set firm. When she approached, he remained where he was, keeping his body rigid. "Nick?" She raised her hand to his cheek, resting it there for a moment. "Please go, Nat. I'm sorry, I need space. Please don't come by my place unless I ask." She saddened as he put up a barrier between them. Past it, she wasn't sure what was there. He was tense, but she had no idea what was on his mind, nor did she know what her reaction should be. "If you want to talk, just come by. I won't mind." He turned away from her, effectively shutting her out. Taking a step back, she left the room, finding LaCroix just outside the door. She met the vampire's gaze, and he led her gently toward the entrance with his hand. Once in the cool morning air, Natalie closed her eyes. LaCroix lifted her effortlessly into the air, and her stomach churned at what she had learned at the precinct. Blood of One's Desire (10/15) After a week of being confined almost entirely to the precinct, Nick was feeling like a caged animal. He needed to get out of the building, get away from all of the people. He stood, grabbed his coat, and called to his partner, "Trace, come on. I need a break." "But, the Harding report." "Bring it with you, then. I'm going, and you can either join me, or not." Nick started toward the door, and could hear Tracy's muttered protests as she gathered up a bunch of papers and started after him. Five minutes later, Nick drove the Caddy down the dark streets, his partner squinting at the papers on her lap. Making a sharp turn, he caught Tracy turning toward him. "Nick? You okay?" "Fine," he stated, the tips of his fangs brushing against his bottom lip. He took a breath, pushing his beast back. "Tracy, how about I go down by the river. I'll stop, and you can work on the report. I'll stay within your eyesight. Okay?" "Nick...." But Nick had already turned the car toward the river. She wasn't going to change his mind, and besides, Nick looked like he needed a distraction. Leaving the papers in her lap, Tracy watched the road pass, and soon they were pulling to a stop within view of the water's edge. Her eyes followed Nick as he got out of the car, heading quickly for the river. After a moment, she attempted to turn her attention back to the papers, but it wasn't working. Focusing on her partner, she slowly got out. She shut the door and waited for Nick to look her way, but he didn't. Approaching, Tracy quickly found herself only a few feet from him. "Nick?" "Please, Tracy.... Go back to the car." He refused to turn around, knowing that his features weren't human. Ignoring his instructions, Tracy stepped closer. Extending her hand, she placed it on his upper back, and she watched as his head drooped. "Nick, I'm staying right here. I know you haven't had much time to rest lately, but...." Her hand was now on his shoulder, and her fingers just barely made contact with his skin, causing a sharp intake of air. "Nick?" "Leave me be!" he snarled turning toward his partner, grabbing her upper arms. Hearing her gasp, and catching a look of suppressed terror flashing in her eyes, he let go. "Sorry." Tracy shook off her sudden fright. Even though she had known what Nick was for several months now, it still caught her off-guard. She reached out to his face and within a second, Nick held it in a death grip. "Nick...what's wrong? Why are you so tense? I haven't seen you like this for a while, not even when-" She stopped, sensing that she was just making things worse, and realizing she had been caught in Nick's ravenous gaze. Her words meant nothing to him, her pulse calling loudly to him. Smoothly, Nick pulled her against him, pushing her head to the side with one simple, harsh movement. Her pale skin shone with the white moonlight, and he found himself descending on the flow of blood he knew was just under the thin skin. Just before piercing it, he pulled back. "No, I can't do this." He roughly pushed her away, and attempted to push his hunger away. No matter how hard he tried, it only left him partially. His need for blood was so great he could barely think. "Nick?" Tracy said as she took a step forward, her voice still shaking with her fading fear. "Please, stay back. I'm barely in control." Holding her position, she asked, "Is there anything I can do?" He considered it for a moment. "Yes. Take me to the Raven, and then drive my car back to the precinct. Tell Reese I'm taking the rest of the night off." Nodding, she headed back to his car. Getting in the driver's side, she waited for Nick to get in, which he did after a couple of minutes. Turning the key, she pulled back onto the main roads, heading for the Raven. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. "I thought you needed time to think, Nicholas." Nick glared at his father. Taking the glass on the counter, Nick drained it, handed it to LaCroix, and then headed toward the office. Once the door was shut behind them both, he stated, "I...I need something." A faint smile came to LaCroix' face. Even though he already knew Nicholas' answer, he enjoyed pulling the answer from his son. "And that is?" "Your...blood. That's what I need." The elder smirked, fully aware Nicholas' words weren't quite the truth. "And what is it that you really need, that you want? Natalie's blood, perhaps?" Wincing and turning away, Nick nodded. "Yes. But...I'd kill her if I tried taking any of her blood right now. I think you know that." LaCroix held Nicholas' stare, and after a moment, he nodded. His son would very possibly do just that in his present state. Nick pursed his lips, and said, "You told me that if I needed anything to just ask. I'm asking." "And you shall receive. Come here, Nicholas." His son approached and he pulled Nicholas to his neck. Fangs immediately tore into his flesh, and his blood was taken in substantial swallows. After a moment, he bent toward his son's throat. LaCroix' canines teased the skin, but Nicholas didn't pull away as he had suspected. Instead, his son pulled his head downward, and Nicholas' blood spilled into his mouth. LaCroix sucked hard on the wounds, pulling the blood out as fast as Nicholas was taking his own blood. His son was aggressive, and he soon found himself pinned against the wall. The position was one he usually avoided, but if this is how Nicholas was going to take his blood, he didn't care. Taking his fill of Nicholas' life-blood, he let his son drink of his as long as the younger wished. Then, as Nicholas pulled back, he held his son carefully against him. The secrets of his son's blood were more fractured than usual. Nicholas wasn't sure what to do about his feelings for Natalie, and that conflict was the main cause of this break of control. That, and then there was the strengthening relationship between Nicholas and himself, and the matter at his son's work. "If you push her away, it will only be harder later. Natalie is in no danger with you as long as you are well fed. In fact, she can help you in some ways that I cannot." There was no reaction from his child. "I will provide you with a constant supply of my blood. You will not come to me for it. Natalie will have it. If you want more or less, you will tell Natalie." Nick looked up. "Why can't I-" "Call it an incentive to visit her. It will help you, Nicholas. I will still be here if you need me." Nick pulled away, stood, and leaned heavily on LaCroix' desk, tracing the grain of the wood. "I want her, LaCroix. But...." Approaching his son, he turned Nicholas' face to look at him. Firmly, he stated. "Be assured that I will be nearby. Act however you wish in her presence. I will allow no harm to come to her." *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Watching LaCroix leave the morgue for the sixth night in a row, Natalie wondered when Nick would actually pick up the blood while she was there. He seemed to know when she would be away from the lab. Every night the blood LaCroix supplied would be gone, the empty container from the previous night replacing it. 'But not all of it,' she kept to herself as she brought the most recent delivery of LaCroix' blood to the break room, and took another container out of the refrigerator marked with her name and a warning of death, or more precisely, unlife, to whoever touched it. She was sure her coworkers thought it was just a joke as they knew she and Nick were friends and knew what Nick was, but it wasn't. Taking the cup, she removed the top. From the container LaCroix had given her, she poured off about an ounce of the thick liquid. Replacing the one in the refrigerator, she took the other and went back to her lab, putting that container in the cooler for Nick. At first, she had taken the blood without any clear purpose. Now that Nick seemed to again be drifting away from her, she had a plan, and it would be carried out. If Nick wouldn't give her the option of being in a relationship with him, a relationship where neither had to fear anything, then she would make that choice on her own. The rest of the night passed uneventfully, Nick coming in sometime and silently taking the blood. Then, she slipped back into the break room, and retrieved her cup from the refrigerator. When she was sure no one was nearby, she poured about one or two ounces of the blood into her coffee mug. She quickly returned it to the shelf, and slipped out into the hall and back to her lab with the cup. Carefully locking the door, she walked toward the empty exam table, stopping just before reaching its edge. Staring into the cup, she knew she had to do this before she changed her mind, and before someone realized something was up. Natalie raised the mug to her lips, closed her eyes, and swallowed all of the blood in one go. Setting the mug down, she could taste the salty flavor of the blood, and the unique way it coated her throat. Staring into the metal surface, soon five minutes had passed, and then ten, and twenty. Just as she was planning to return to her desk, she felt something. She could hear the open and close of a door and footsteps in the hall. The steps faded into the background as other sounds became just barely audible to her--voices talking, a car driving by outside. Then, the abrupt sounds practically disappeared to her senses. It was working. Swallowing, she turned her thoughts to the metal table, running her hands across its edge. Initially, she could feel the tiny indentations in its surface, dents and scratches that she'd never felt before. After a moment, the metal again felt like normal. Abruptly, she took the mug and washed it out, letting the slightly pink water flow over her hands and down the drain. The water felt different, somehow softer on her hands. Her senses had been magnified just slightly, enough that each initial sensation burned into her thoughts before returning to normal. Is this what they felt? Or was this only a pale comparison? She had, after all, only had a small amount of LaCroix' blood, and the heightened senses only lasted a few seconds. Although doubt began to seep in, she shook it away, reminding herself that what was done, was possibly irreversible. Taking a breath of the sterile air, she turned toward her desk. She needed to get back to work. She would have all day to reflect on the affects of the blood. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. The next night Natalie sat in her desk, the mug she'd used the previous night with another single swallow of LaCroix' blood in it. Tonight, she swore to herself that she'd sensed Nick when he'd come, and sure enough, the containers had been switched when she returned to her lab. Staring into the liquid, now slightly warm from the warmth from her hands, she quickly drank it, and closed her eyes. This time, she didn't feel much different after it had digested, but then it had barely been a swallow. Suddenly hearing approaching footsteps, she realized that the door was unlocked, and she quickly licked her lips, hoping none of the red liquid remained. By then, the door was opening, and in came Grace, a smile adorning her features. "Natalie, I was wondering if you would like to go out to breakfast this morning?" "Uh...I don't think I should, Grace. Not now." Natalie nervously pushed the mug away, distancing herself from it. Not having tested to see if sunlight would affect her or not, she didn't think breakfast would be a good idea. She hadn't consumed much of the blood, but she didn't yet know what it was doing to her. "How about tomorrow morning? Would that be okay?" Natalie cursed to herself. She should have been ready for that. "Grace, I...." "Okay, what's up? You've never turned me down for breakfast before. Is everything okay?" "I know, I just-" She stopped. What was she supposed to say? Grace would know if she lied. "I've been feeling a little strange since last night." Eyeing her friend suspiciously, Grace nodded. "Well, as soon as you feel better, you owe me a breakfast. And if it doesn't go away, I want you to go and see a doctor. I mean it, Nat. I don't want to see anything happening to you." As the other woman left the lab, Natalie sighed. How did she get herself in this mess? Now, everyone was worried about her. Nick didn't want to get to close for fear of hurting her, LaCroix was promising Nick that he wouldn't allow anything to happen to her, and now Grace's concern. Blood of One's Desire (11/15) Grace came by the next night. By then, Natalie had already had yet another dose of LaCroix' blood, and she had decided to finish of what she had the next day. Nick would be in for a surprise, that's for sure. Focusing on Grace, Natalie brushed off the other woman's questions of concern, explaining that she would be fine. Then, she froze at Grace's next words. "Nat, I said by the schedule, you're supposed to come in early tomorrow night." "Yeah, I heard. I guess I...forgot about it. I'll need to see if I can change that. I won't be able to come in." "You forgot? You rarely forget anything. And why won't you be able to come in? What's going on, Nat?" "Nothing, Gra-" "Don't shrug this off. You refused breakfast, and now you can't c-" "I'm fine, Grace!" she snapped, feeling an almost uncontrollable anger trying to take over. She'd never felt that before. Taking a couple of deep breaths, Natalie told herself to relax. Meeting the other woman's eyes, Natalie felt like she should tell what she was planning. Grace was her friend, and she would trust her with her life. She deserved to know this. "If you really want to know, come by my place around noon. I'll explain, okay?" Setting her jaw, Grace said, "I'll be there. Not only that, but that explanation better be good." Natalie bowed her head while the door swung shut. This wasn't going to be a fun day. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Natalie stared out of the window, squinting her eyes against the bright light. Arriving home, she'd taken her vitals and discovered that they hadn't changed much. Her temperature was a little lower than usual, but it was otherwise perfectly fine. Her pulse was, like her temperature, on the low side but nothing that would concern a doctor. She'd even cut herself, and now had a bandage where the wound had, after a couple of minutes, continued to bleed. The sun, however, had affected her. The back of her hand was presently covered with a fading rash from the nearly half-hour that she had exposed it to the sun's rays. A knock at the door, and she let Grace in. "Okay, I want that explanation. Now." "Well..." Natalie began, wondering how to begin this. "I declined your breakfast offer because it would have been after sunrise, and I couldn't go to work early because it was still light out. I didn't know how sunlight would affect me at the time, so I had to refuse." It hit her, and Grace's suspicions rose quickly. She could only think of one thing that would cause this kind of change in Natalie. "What did Nick do to you?" she demanded, almost immediately seeing a touch of anger at the question. "Nothing! Nick...he doesn't even know what I'm doing." As Grace wasn't fully accepting her answer, she continued. "I-I took some of the blood LaCroix was giving to me for Nick. I've drunk three, maybe four ounces of it. Only you know about this." Standing somewhat stunned, Grace locked gazes with a somewhat nervous Natalie. "You're doing this to yourself? Why, Nat? Do you want to become one of them? Is that what you're trying to do?" Natalie pursed her lips. "If that's what it takes to be with Nick, yes." "Isn't there a simpler solution?" "I've tried, Grace. Nick won't dare try to do more than kiss me, and after our little vacation, he won't even talk to me." Grace focused on the younger, and she could see the sadness of the statement. "Why is that? What happened, Nat?" Hesitantly, she explained. Natalie didn't dare give a hint of their location, or of the purpose of their vacation spot. What she did tell, however, were her attempts to seduce Nick and their quick return to Toronto. Although all of the details, both minor and major, were left out, Grace had heard enough and she closed her eyes against the words. Natalie was her best friend, and she could barely believe what was being said to her. She would have never suspected this of Natalie, but in a way, it made sense. Natalie had always been able to see the good in others. Her friend had seen that in Nick, something that even she could see with a little reminding. Natalie already had her mind set, and Grace knew that there was no way she would be able to change it. But, she had to know. "Nick really means that much to you? That you would...do this?" "Yes." "H-how is the blood affecting you?" "Not much. My vitals are more or less normal. My senses are a little more sensitive, but not much. I don't really feel much different." Natalie pushed up her sleeve, the bandage visible. Uncovering the wound, she revealed the cut she had made earlier, now over half-healed. "I did that an about two hours ago, and there's this, too," she said, holding out her arm, the rash still present. "Natalie...are you sure this is what you want? I just...I don't want to see you miserable if things don't turn out." "They'll turn out. I know they will." Natalie focused past Grace, on one of the items on the counter. This better turn out. If it didn't, she might be spending the rest of her life on the same quest that Nick had devoted a good-sized chunk of his time to. Without Nick, she didn't know if she could stand a life as a vampire. When Grace turned her attention to the door, Natalie stopped her with her hand. "Don't go yet, Grace. I'm going to drink the rest of the blood...I want to do it while you're here in case something happens. Do you mind?" After a moment of silence, Grace nodded. "I'll stay." "Okay, I'll be right back." Heading to the kitchen, Natalie retrieved the container, emptying its contents into another cup. Then, she took it back out to the living room and sat on the couch. Grace sat next to her and as she raised the cup, a hand stopped her action. "Nat.... Are you sure about this? That's an awful lot of blood, of vampire's blood. Do you know what the affects will be?" Focusing on the blood, a little more than half of a glass, she tried to keep her resolve. "I don't know the exact affects. But, I can't turn away now. If I don't do this now...." She turned to the blood, and in one quick action, took a sip of it. It tasted the same as before. Swirling the glass, Natalie tried to imagine it being clear and tasteless water. She went to take another sip, and it quickly turned into a large swallow that drained the remaining blood from the cup. Putting the glass on the table she leaned back, closed her eyes, and waited. For about a half hour, Grace watched as Natalie rested. "How are you, Nat?" "Thirsty...I think." Grace swallowed. "For...blood?" "No, just water. Blood doesn't sound any more appetizing now than it did a week ago. I'm a bit hungry, too. Don't know if that's good or not." "Why is that?" "Nick's always used the word hunger when referring to his need for blood." Natalie stood, and she felt lightheaded as the blood rushed from her head. Well, at least she knew that her blood was still flowing. "Natalie?" "I'm fine. At least, I think I am." Checking her pulse, she found it beating strongly. "I'm still human, that's for sure." She went into the kitchen, grabbed an apple and washed it off. Taking a bite out of it, the fruit tasted normal...although she could tell her sense of taste had been amplified. The first few bites had far more flavor than usual. As Natalie finished the apple, Grace prodded. "So, when do you come in tonight?" "Ah...eleven. I'm going to drop by the precinct at the beginning of shift. Go see Nick. Uh, Grace...? Please don't say a word to Nick if you see him." "Are you going to tell Nick then?" "I shouldn't have to." Again, the words cause a reaction of confusion from Grace. "He should sense LaCroix' blood in me. I'm still human, but I'm sure I've had enough vampire's blood to change me a little. Nick will know." *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Natalie stared across the precinct, silently trying to get Nick's attention. It wasn't working. Apparently, she was still too human for him to sense her through all of the other detectives. She came up to Nick, stopping right behind him. Nick stiffened and turned her way. "Natalie...what are you doing here?" She didn't answer. "I-I'm sorry we haven't really talked lately. I don't know if I can continue what we started, Nat. I don't want to see you get...." Something was wrong, he could feel it. He looked her over, and something hit him. She was different than before. There was a faint presence to her, it was like she was one of his kind. Standing, Nick was stunned. How had this happened? What had happened? He had to find out how far this had progressed, and quickly. He snatched up Natalie's arm, pulling her toward the entrance. "Come with me. Now." "Nick!" Natalie nearly hissed, pulling out of his grasp. "Natalie, we are leaving here. I don't want anything to happen to you." "I think it's too late for that, Nick. Way too late." Nick looked at her, wondering just how close to being one of his kind she was. He took her arm again, telling her, "We are going to go see LaCroix, now." He started for the door again, but wasn't able to budge her. Again, she yanked her arm from Nick's hold, and met Nick's urgent features. "Please, Nat." She nodded. "Fine. Let's just go." She turned and walked toward the entrance. The exchange finally hit her, and Tracy called out to his partner’s tense form. "Wait, Nick!" His eyes bored into her, and she hesitated before speaking. "Where are you going? I'm supposed to stay with you." "You can't come, Tracy," he whispered. "I might not be back tonight. Just sign me out, okay? I'll try to get back, but I can't guarantee it." Tracy stared after them, fully aware that by the time she got outside they would probably be gone. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Once they had left the building, Nick watched as Natalie slowed. He came up behind her, asking, "Nat, like I said, I don't want you to get hurt." "You don't want me to get hurt." She spun on him. "You don't want me to get hurt! Oh, no, instead you avoid me, ignore me. That hurts me far more than what your nature ever could." Nick froze, stiffening like a board at her seething anger. "Nat?" "I'm flattered that you 'care' enough about me that you don't want to hurt me, but if you really 'cared,' I would think you wouldn't be able to keep that distance." "I more than care about you, Nat. You know that." "Do I? You've never really told me. Say it, Nick. Tell me how you feel!" Again, he found himself unable to tell her. Right now, as before, he had other things on his mind. "Not now. I want to find out how long you have, Natalie." Nick waited for some reaction, but she didn't comment. Coming up behind her, he cautiously reached around her waist. When she pulled away, he stated, "We're flying. Unless you want me to drop you, I suggest for you to not struggle." "Nick-" "We'll talk later, I promise." The anger in her expression remained present and he drew her back against him. "I promise, Nat." She relaxed, and he lifted them smoothly into the air. Blood of One's Desire (12/15) "What have you done to her, LaCroix! Tell me!" Nick demanded, stalking across the elder's office. LaCroix couldn't suppress a chuckle at his son's conclusion. In a way, it was amusing watching Nicholas. "I have done nothing." "Your blood is in her!" "Indeed." Moving away from his son, LaCroix approached Natalie, circling her. "However, I am a bit disappointed that I wasn't the one to put it there." That caught Nick's attention. "What?" "Why don't you ask Natalie...I believe she has the hand that is responsible for this little turn of events." Nick wrinkled his forehead in confusion. Focusing on Nat, he asked, "What is he talking about?" He watched her turn away, and his anger at LaCroix faded. "Natalie?" "I've been taking some of the blood LaCroix' been delivering for you. I-I drank it, Nick." Nick took a hesitant step toward her. "Why? I don't understand, Nat. Why?" "Because I knew you would never be able to love me without feeling guilty. If I was a vampire, you wouldn't have to protect me." Setting his jaw, Nick closed the distance between them, pulling her to him. In an instant, she relaxed in his arms, holding him tightly back. He took in the scent of her hair, trying to focus on it to block out the scent of her blood. "Nat...I didn't want this to happen." "But I did." She pulled away, catching his gaze. "If this is the only way we can be together.... Nick, I've been willing to do this for a while." Turning his attention back to his father, he asked, "LaCroix, how long? How long before she has to be brought across?" "I'd say about a week...perhaps a couple of days more than that. But before then, it must be decided who is to do the deed." Natalie followed LaCroix as he pulled out a bottle, filling a glass full. "How long do I have to choose?" "No longer than three days, I'd suggest. Now, you should get back to work before your co-workers worry." As the mortal started for the door, LaCroix flew in front of her, blocking her path with a stern gaze. "Do not let your anger control you, Doctor. You may not have our strength, but you do have the tools to use it. If you lose sight of your anger, you might unintentionally injure those around you. Remember that." She nodded. Already, her anger had manifested itself when talking to Grace the night before. She could only imagine what she could have done if she hadn't calmed herself. Watching Natalie leave the room slightly nervous, Nick waited for the door to close, then asked, "You knew, didn't you?" "Of course I did. With the blood comes a connection, you know that." "Why didn't you say anything?" "Because I knew you'd react just as you are now." Advancing toward Nicholas, LaCroix whispered in his son's ear, "It is *her* choice. You should be pleased at this turn of events. You don't have to torture yourself trying to keep your distance, and she won't be hurt anymore by your pathetic attempts at protecting her." Nick winced. He knew LaCroix had said that on purpose. Since Natalie had told him that outside the precinct, he hadn't been able to shake the thought, and LaCroix had picked it up. "I'll go with whatever Natalie wants." "Good." LaCroix reached under his desk, then approached his son, a bottle in his hand. "This is for Natalie. She will drink one glassful of this for the next four mornings. That night, she will join our little family." Taking the bottle, Nick stared at the nearly clear liquid inside. "What is it, LaCroix?" "Just a little something." "I won't give this to her without knowing the reason. Tell me." Glancing away, LaCroix walked around his son. "It is a gift. If all goes well, it should allow her some tolerance against sunlight. Not an immunity, but a tolerance." His ears had to be deceiving him. "Against sunlight?" he asked. "Yes." Locking eyes with his son, LaCroix caught the anger again rising. "Before burning the Abarat, I checked for your so called cure. It was not there, but I did find something else--the recipe for this mixture. I...copied it, in case you were to ever become mortal." "So, it only works if the drinker is newly brought over." "Yes." "And you would have brought me back across if I had found my mortality?" "You know that answer. You are mine. I will not give up one of my children so easily." Watching Nicholas calm, LaCroix turned away. "This choice, too, is Natalie's. She will need to continue drinking the mixture after being brought across for one full cycle of the moon. After that, the effect is permanent. If careful, she should be able to pass as mortal without too much difficulty. It will keep the attention away from her. Only those mortals that can be trusted should know about this." Watching LaCroix leave the office, Nick closed his eyes against his own emotions. LaCroix had kept this from him, and it touched his anger off even though it would be no use to him. "Nick?" Turning, Natalie stood just outside the door. "Come on, let's go. We both need to get back to work," he told her, leading her out of the club. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Letting the lift door slide loudly shut, Natalie quickly reached the couch and sat down next to Nick. She eyed the bottle carefully. Earlier, she had asked what was in it, and Nick had, reluctantly, explained. He had told her that it was her choice whether or not to see if it works, and that he would go with whatever her decision was. "I want to go through with this, Nick. Perhaps, in time, I can find something that will work for you. I know how much you like the sun." Waiting for a response, Natalie felt her nervousness rise at the silence. "Unless you don't want-" Nick snapped his attention to her. With a shake of his head, he told her, "It is your choice, Nat. I want this for you. You will, if careful, be able to appear mortal, but it will be difficult. All of this will be." She nodded. She knew this would be hard. Grace would have to be told, but she trusted her friend. Grace wouldn't tell anyone unless it was absolutely necessary. Following Nick, she watched as he went to the kitchen, and filled one of his regular glasses full with the strange liquid. As he handed it to her, she looked down into the peach tinged fluid. Not daring to smell it, Natalie brought it to her lips, taking a large swallow of the glass' contents. It tasted vaguely familiar, but she continued with the glass, finishing it. Setting the glass down, she knew what this tasted like...it was the same thing LaCroix had given her while they had stayed at that club. LaCroix had possibly been preparing for her coming across, getting some of this into her system. Her stomach churned at the thought. "Natalie?" "I'm fine. Just...tired, I guess." When Nick pulled her to him, she pushed at the suddenness of his action. "Rest, Natalie. You'll feel better when you wake up." Leaning into him, Natalie let him run his fingers through her hair. It was a wonderful feeling...being this close to Nick and knowing that soon they could be closer without fear. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Three nights later: The buzzer was being hit repeatedly, and Natalie lay staring at the skylight. She really didn't want to answer that. After a few seconds, she found Nick landing a short distance away, heading for the lift. It was Reese, and as Nick told him to come on up, she hastily forced herself awake. It was just after sunset, still afternoon during this time of the year. Grabbing the bottle Nick had finished that morning, Natalie headed to the kitchen. Rinsing it with a small amount of water, she placed it in the sink and turned just as Reese started toward Nick. The Captain's step faltered slightly as his eyes settled on her. "Uh, Nick...I've been trying to reach you since this morning. Thought you should know what's planned for tonight." "Planned?" "IA is conducting interviews. LaCroix is going to give a statement of some kind. They're going to question Natalie and Tracy, and then they'll get another one from you, Nick." "Tonight?" The Captain nodded, and Nick felt panic start in. "But, Nat and Tracy...why do they want to question them?" "Because they know more about you and are closer to you than anyone else." He nodded. They were closer to him than anyone else in the department, and they were both mortal. "When?" "LaCroix should be arriving at the precinct about now. Tracy's starts at the beginning of her shift, and then it's Natalie's and then yours. Are you up to this tonight? If not, I could get them to wait another day or so." "No, Captain, it'll be fine. I just wasn't expecting this. It's a little...." "Sudden? That's what I thought too." Reese turned to leave, then paused. "And Nick? The Commissioner and IA are both taking all three of you off-duty for a week. I don't have any say in it. He doesn't want any undue influence on those that will be chosen to take part in this 'trial' as he's calling it." Although a bit stunned at the week off, it was probably the best. At least Natalie wouldn't have to call in sick the next night and those following, and he would be able to spend time with her over the week. Giving Reese another nod, Nick followed his superior's form to the elevator. Listening to the crate grind its way to the ground floor, Nick felt a pair of hands slide around his waist. His hunger rose at the simple touch. He'd pushed Natalie away so much lately, but he wouldn't anymore. In a little more than a day, he wouldn't have to. He spun in her embrace, one hand shifting to her warm cheek. Still, he felt as if this was going to destroy her. "Nat?" "Hmm?" "Have you decided who's going to-" He stopped. The idea still hadn't really worked itself out in his mind yet. It was all so sudden. "I-I think I'm going to have LaCroix do it." She stopped the quiver of protest on his lip with a finger. "Nick, I think it would be best. Please support me on this." "I just don't want to see you get hurt. LaCroix doesn't exactly use modern parenting techniques...." "I know, Nick. I'm just thinking what would be better for us." Drawing his head down, kissed him firmly on the lips. Slipping her tongue into his mouth, she felt his hunger as he repaid the gesture and sucked hard on her tongue. Parting, she looked up into his golden gaze and into the unsatisfied need that stared back at her. "I guess I should go. I don't have any clean clothes here." Nick breathed deeply, and then completely exhaled. "I'll see you later tonight, then." Catching a faint nod, he followed her smiling form until she was out of sight. Feeling himself shake, Nick closed his eyes and trying to force it away. Whether this was from Reese's mention of IA's plans for tonight, or what would be done the next night, he wasn't sure. He just wanted all of this to be over and done with. Then, he wouldn't have to worry over it. Blood of One's Desire (13/15) The print before him blurred, and Nick felt like hurtling his pencil behind him, off slightly to the left. LaCroix, who took a silent couple of steps to the side, had been annoying him all night. He hadn't left the precinct since being questioned by Internal Affairs, and now Natalie was in with IA. Tracy had headed home after her 'interview' at his insistence. With that thought, LaCroix moved, coming to sit at his partner's desk. Nick stopped paying attention to the form in front of him, and asked, "Why are you here, anyway?" "May a father not watch over his children?" 'Children.' Nick knew LaCroix meant it in the plural form, and it didn't help him keep his thoughts clear. "LaCroix...not here." "I hear you will be free tomorrow night.... Perhaps you and Natalie will visit the club?" "I think it would be best if you came to my place. We'll be there all night." Looking down at his report, he waited, hoping LaCroix would leave now that his question had been answered. He didn't. "Please go...I need to finish this report before I leave. I can't concentrate with everything...." "As you wish, Nicholas." With that, he stood and came to stand behind his son. His hands rested lightly on Nicholas' shoulders despite the younger vampire’s mild resistance, no doubt because of their location. His thumbs massaged the tense muscles beneath them for a few seconds and his son relaxed. "I will be by tomorrow night. I wish you luck, mon fils." As the sensations left, Nick leaned over, resting his head a moment on his arms. He wasn't thrilled with needing to talk to IA. It meant that they either wanted more than he told them, or clarification. Even now, he could feel LaCroix' calming thoughts. After a moment, he let them do their job. LaCroix wasn't trying to mess with his mind at the moment, or at least he didn't think he was. Report. That's what he needed to be working on. Perhaps it would distract him now that LaCroix had left. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. The next night, Natalie snuck silently into Nick's home, and sat a bag near the kitchen. Neither Nick nor LaCroix had told her to bring anything, but she guessed she'd be at Nick's for at least the next twenty-four hours, if not longer. Starting for the couch, she heard a movement from above and LaCroix landed effortlessly beside her. A moment more, and Nick had come downstairs, landing a short distance from them. If this had been nearly two years ago, she would be reprimanding him for his actions, using his abilities when they weren't necessary. But, now.... Now she brushed the event off as if it was an everyday occurrence. LaCroix met her eyes with his own. "I suggest we proceed now, Natalie." Swallowing, she nodded. "I'm ready," Natalie stated. Then, she waited for a response. The only action was by LaCroix, who stepped nearer. He stopped behind her, pushing her hair to one side. Natalie closed her eyes, and he pulled her back toward him, his lips brushing against her ear. Turning, his head hovered a short distance from her neck and he placed a light kiss on her neck. Then, after taking in her scent for another moment, he plunged his fangs into her flesh in one quick movement. He took the warm blood quickly, reading the memories and thoughts like a book. She was so much like his Nicholas, and soon she would be his daughter. The brightness in her blood felt like it was scorching his throat as he drank it, and he hoped this flame would keep burning after she was brought across. Nicholas had the same fire, and it had lasted. Perhaps with this new sister, that spark would return fully in his son and not in these manic bursts Nicholas had been prone to of late. Even as he considered the new possibilities, LaCroix felt the mortal weaken, and he supported her as her eyes fluttered closed. Ceasing his action, he picked her up, carefully placing her on the couch under Nicholas' worried scrutiny. From his position kneeling next to the couch, he sliced his wrist in one purposeful motion, and let the slow flow trickle between Natalie's open lips. "Drink," he urged repeatedly, waiting for her to obey. After a couple of minutes, LaCroix' gentle requests became demands. Nick watched his father, knowing Natalie should have responded almost immediately to the actions. He knew what was happening--she was doing the same thing he had done all those years ago. "She's going to the light, isn't she?" "She will not, Nicholas," LaCroix hissed at the younger. Natalie would live, he would see to it. "The light is your enemy, your death. It will rip you away from the life you have chosen, and from Nicholas. Listen to my voice and drink. Let it fill you, let it revive you, and let it enliven you." Her form remained eerily still, and he continued, "Natalie, you *must* drink. Nicholas is waiting...." As if some magic word had been spoken, she swallowed at which LaCroix' lips twisted into a smile. Continuing his coaxing he felt Natalie suck ever more deliberately on the wound, her hands rising to hold his arm. Once she had drunk plenty, he removed his wrist from her grasp and laid her arms across her stomach. Bending over, he whispered the single word 'sleep' to her, and her already relaxed form became even more so. Standing, LaCroix headed for the kitchen and stopped by his son. "She will be fine, Nicholas," he said, trying to ease his son's worry and faint trembling. "Let her rest. All will be well when she wakes." Continuing, he quickly found a bottle and drank deeply from it. From where he was, he watched Nicholas approach his new sister. After a moment, his son had settled on the floor, his head resting gently on Natalie's arm. LaCroix smiled to himself as he took another swallow from the bottle. Everything was now precisely where he wished them to be. Natalie was his and the newest member of Toronto's Community. Nicholas, who had been drifting ever closer to him of late, was now almost assuredly in his reach. With this new addition to his family, he would once again have both a daughter and a son, both of which were very intriguing. Despite Nicholas' sometimes troublesome beliefs, he had never tired of the younger vampire's presence. LaCroix knew without doubt that the same thing would be true of Natalie. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Awaking with a start, Natalie stopped herself from sitting up when she noticed Nick was using her arm as a pillow. Instead, she leaned back and closed her eyes, trying to rest. However, that wasn't working. Similar to when she had drank some of LaCroix' blood before, her senses were intensified. This time, however, they felt like they were going on overload even in the isolated location of Nick's loft. After a couple of minutes the noise softened until she could only hear the occasional nearby car. Feeling Nick stir, she opened her eyes and their gazes met. "Hi, Nick." He smiled at her, and she attempted to mirror it, but something stopped her. Her stomach was churning and an intense hunger suddenly came over her. Pain ripped through her abdomen and another wave manifested itself in her jaw. As her fangs descended for the first time, Natalie felt every fraction of a millimeter of their movement. As they stopped and the pain dulled, Natalie tentatively touched them with her tongue. The action, she realized a split second later, was a mistake, as her vision burned golden, and her hunger magnified ten fold. It was only seconds before a bottle was being pushed into her hands, at which she quickly took a drink of its contents. When the edge on her hunger had faded, she stopped, and stared at the bottle's remaining contents. Natalie slowly took another sip, tasting the blood more thoroughly than before. She could recite its owner's name, birth date, and any random piece of personal information about them out of millions. One's blood was indeed one's life...more so than she had ever realized before. What had Nick and LaCroix seen in her blood? "Natalie?" Following the source of the voice to Nick, she could see LaCroix a few steps behind him. She could feel LaCroix' presence. It was like seeing him standing there, but not. It was strange and she tried shaking the sensation off, but it wouldn't leave. "Nat, how do you feel?" She moved to sit up, and Nick watched her every move. "I'm not sure. It's...a little different than I expected." LaCroix took a step forward, until he was directly behind his son. "What we are is ingrained in every fiber of our being. Is that what you're feeling?" The description was, although somewhat vague, accurate. "I think so." "Good." Turning, LaCroix retrieved a bottle from the kitchen, this one filled to the brim with the mixture. He poured a glass full of it and then brought the glass over to Natalie, handing it to her. She took the cool glass carefully. The liquid, which previously didn't seem to have a scent to it, now reeked of a pungent odor. It wasn't anything she could recognize, but at the moment that didn't really matter. What mattered is that she needed to drink it. Taking a sip, she wanted to spit it out. If possible, it tasted worse than it smelled. Yet, that wasn't an option. She raised the glass again, and took a large swallow, downing half of the glass. Already feeling nauseous, Natalie finished the rest of it. After a moment, she gave the glass back to LaCroix. She felt sick...really sick. Now she knew why Nick had always made a big deal out of drinking something for her. It had to have been torture. Her insides protested at the non-blood substance, and she could feel her nausea taking a stronger hold. Natalie felt Nick move up next to her, guiding her toward him. Resting against his chest, she buried herself in his warmth and used it to shield herself from what she was feeling. The horrible taste still lingered in her mouth and the mixture made her queasy as it settled in her stomach. The next month was going to be long, especially the mornings. Pushing further into Nick, she rested a moment with her forehead just under his chin. His blood smelled wonderful, sweet with it's blended scents. Shifting, Natalie moved closer to his neck, barely aware of her own actions. His blood beckoned her closer, and she complied without a thought. As he tilted his head to the side, Natalie's lips brushed against his throat. Her fangs dropped with a slight ache, and then they too slid across Nick's skin leaving two crimson tracks in their wake. Eagerly licking up the blood, she haphazardly struck at his neck, instinctively pulling the blood out of him. Nick pulled her closer, a soft moan escaping him as she drank from him. Natalie drank deep and long. Even when he became weak, he let her drink. A moment later she stopped and pulled away, then looked at him with her still golden eyes. His fingers wiped her lip, and Natalie watched as he licked the blood off, savoring it even though it was his own. His memories began to clarify in her mind, and some of the things she saw.... For the first time she was able to actually see Nick's sister, and the Crusades. Some of the flashes of events were most certainly from times Nick and LaCroix had been on good terms, but others...Natalie shivered as she felt Nick's pain and hunger from LaCroix' attempts to control him. Over all of this were Nick's thoughts. Two stood out more than the rest--'Would she hate this existence?' and 'Would I lose her?' She knew they were Nick's, but she couldn't help but ask them of herself. How would she deal with being a vampire? What if she and Nick grew apart now that they were finally able to be together? She didn't answer, nor could she. Her eyes faded to their normal color, only a few flecks of gold lingering. Resuming her earlier position snuggled against his chest, she closed her eyes. Amazingly, the sickening feeling from LaCroix' mixture had nearly completely faded, and Natalie felt her tiredness sneak up on her. Her surroundings blurred and she fell into a deep, peaceful slumber. Blood of One's Desire (14/15) Three days later: Natalie stared into the swirling mass of thick red blood, watching the stainless steel knife slip through it without effort. "Nat?" Glancing up with her golden gaze, she snapped out of her thoughts. She'd messed up again. Controlling the vampire was a lot harder than she'd expected it to be. "Sorry. I just got lost in my thoughts." "I have to agree with LaCroix on this, Nat. Returning to work is...too much. If we had more time, it wouldn't be as bad, but..." he trailed off, shaking his head. "Getting you accustomed to being around blood in a week is almost impossible." "Yeah, and I haven't figured anything else out, yet. Not even how to block out all of that static," Natalie muttered to herself. She watched Nick nod, and she could see the worry etching into his face. Natalie knew exactly what it was from. This training, Nick's idea, was the only thing they'd spent any time on. She still had no idea how to fly, how to get into other people's heads, or anything else. 'Static' was her descriptor of all of the extra sounds she heard, everything that wasn't crystal clear and important. Nick didn't seem to mind her using it, but she would eventually need to learn how to filter it out. That trick and the remainder of her training would have to take place in her free time, and would take much of it. She couldn't take any more time off of work, and neither could Nick. Since Nick had returned to Toronto, they'd both had far too many days off as it were. For now, she needed to work on one, simple thing--controlling the vampire around fresh blood. "I'll get this. I know I can do it, Nick. Give me another chance." He nodded. Then, he took the container of blood, a small plastic bowl, and recovered it. Moving from the table to the counter, he placed the bowl on the surface. Nick pulled out a fresh knife from a drawer, and sat the utensil next to the container. Then, he stepped back, allowing Natalie to take his place. Calmly, Natalie stood before the bowl. Determinedly, she slowly pulled the lid off, all of her movements being made with care. She could smell the blood. It was fresh, and it lured her closer. Brushing the thought off, she stared into the depths, forcing herself to not get lost in it. Several minutes later, she caught a slight nod from Nick, and she picked up the knife. Bringing it toward the bowl of blood, she dipped the tip in, stirring the liquid slowly as she had before. She continued to mix the blood, feeling the vampire approach the surface as the ripples danced in her clear vision. Again, Natalie crushed the thoughts, forcing herself to focus on her task. Getting another nod, Natalie sluggishly replaced the knife on the counter, red smearing the previously clean surface. Turning back to the bowl, she cautiously let her hand approach the contents. Her finger stopped just above the surface, and she took a reassuring breath, and permitted her finger to just barely touch the surface. It was smooth and slightly sticky on her fingers. Oh so much did she want to lick that thin layer off, but...she slammed the door on the first emergence on the vampire, sending the tendril whimpering away. She could do this. Submerging her finger up to the first knuckle, she had to take another breath before attempting to move it though the fluid. Continuing, the blood soon covered her second knuckle, and the tension had gone. She had done it. Smiling, Natalie removed her finger and turned to Nick. He too, was very pleased, and as an after thought, she took her blood-drenched finger and brought it to his lips. Nick licked it away, and she told him, "Well, I got through that, but it'll be completely different working on a person. The blood could very well be fresher and I might not be able to prepare for everything." "And there's less than four days to be ready for that." "I know." She looked down for a moment, then suggested, "How about I go by the morgue tomorrow night? We could sneak in, and Grace could find something for me to do." "Nat...." "I'm not going to be able to get used to this unless I practice. I'd much rather practice in the morgue, under close observation, than to change at a crime scene." Nick seemed to consider her suggestion. He nodded. "As long as you're up to it. I don't think it will be a problem with LaCroix. We just need to make sure you can control yourself around mortals. Going by the morgue will give you a little experience with that." "Thanks, Nick." Watching while he again recovered the bowl and then hide it away in the refrigerator, she found herself asking herself a question. Was that mixture that LaCroix was giving her working? "Nick, I want to see how the sun affects me, how long I can stand it." He was about to protest, but didn't see any reason that she couldn't. LaCroix hadn't told him that she couldn't be exposed to any of it, and if so, Nick knew his father would have said something. "Just remember, it will eventually burn, and I want you to get out of the sun the instant you feel it. Okay, Nat?" "I know, Nick. I have no plans on turning to dust today." Giving him a small smile, she went over to the couch and grabbed the remote. Pressing a button, she opened one of the shutters and a block of sunlight poured in between her and Nick. Tossing the remote to him, she said, "Wish me luck." Then, without further thought Natalie stepped into the light, her eyes closed tightly against the rays. She could feel it hitting her exposed skin. Her hands, face and neck tingled slightly...almost like tiny pinpricks, but she didn't burn. Remaining in her spot, she waited. Five minutes passed, and then ten. Other than the almost itchiness she felt, there was nothing. Fifteen minutes elapsed, and then she noticed something. Her fingers were no longer simply tingling, they were hurting--they were starting to burn. She sidestepped out of the harmful rays. The shutter was already descending, and within a second a glass of blood was handed to her from Nick. Drinking it all, Natalie caught sight of the minor burns on her hands that were already mending themselves. She did her best to manage a weak smile; after all, she was more or less unharmed. "You okay?" Nick asked from behind her, pulling her against him. Closing her eyes and taking in his scent, she turned slightly toward him. "Yeah...I'm already healing. It won't take long, will it?" "No. They're only slight. They'll be completely gone within thirty or forty minutes...less at the rate they're healing right now." "I guess I should get some rest. But first, I should probably call Grace and at least let her know we'll be dropping by tomorrow night." Nick tensed, and she held his arms tightly. "I won't tell her why, I'll just mention that we'll come to visit. Okay?" "Yeah. That'll be fine. I'll go get you another glass while you call her." "Nick...I don't need-" "Yes, you do. Healing takes a lot of our blood. It won't hit that you're hungry until later. Besides, something to drink sounds good to me as well." He kissed her affectionately just below the ear, then released her. Turning, she gazed at him a moment and then headed for the phone. Picking up the receiver, she paused before punching in Grace's home number. As the phone rang, she silently hoped Grace wouldn't ask too many questions. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Sitting at her desk, Natalie fiddled with a pile of papers. She and Nick had arrived early, and she couldn't just sit. Working and the morgue had always calmed her and she didn't think tonight would be an exception. Having been there for almost twenty minutes, Natalie hadn't felt a hint of the vampire. But then, other than Nick, her papers, the skeleton and everything else, she was alone in the room. The door noisily swung on its hinges, and she remembered to treat unimportant things like static. As Grace spotted them, Natalie had turned her attention on Grace's heartbeat. Natalie listened to the thumping for a moment. Then, clearing her head, she smiled up at her friend. Perhaps this was going to be harder than previously thought. Grace stopped across from Natalie, just before the edge of the desk. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?" "Uh...remember when I said that I was going to be brought across...?" Natalie waited until her friend gave a slight nod. "Well, that sort of happened a few days ago." "'Sort of?' I wasn't aware there was a halfway point between mortals and vampires." "There isn't," Nick hastily answered. "Natalie's definitely a vampire, but she has a small perk." Glancing between the two, Grace questioned, "Perk?" "I can withstand short durations of sunlight." Grace's eyes widened, then followed Natalie's movements as her friend stood, and came around the desk. "Look, Grace.... What I really want is for you to not tell anyone what happened to me, and I mean anyone. I don't want the world to know I'm a vampire yet, and I want you to help me." "Help...." She shook her head. "Other than keeping quiet, I don't know if there is anything I can do." "Yes, you can. I need to get used to my job. Being a vampire coroner isn't going to be easy. I have to get used to the blood before I come back in a couple of days. Please, Grace." Grace closed her eyes. "And you want me to...?" "Get me something simple I can do tonight." She thought a moment, and then elaborated. "Something that might not put a lot of stress on me and what I am. Something that won't take all night." Turning, Grace considered the options. Spinning back to Natalie, she asked, "How about doing a prelim? We just got someone in a few hours ago. Suspected coronary, but the family wants to make sure." Natalie looked over at Nick and then back at Grace. "That should work." 'Hopefully I'll get through it,' she thought to herself. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. She sat, resting at her desk. Taking another swallow from a flask Nick had brought, Natalie was glad that was over. Blood, as it turned out, was nowhere near as simple to ignore as she had originally believed. All those times she had joked to Nick about staying further from the table...and now she knew it wasn't that simple. The farther she tried to distance herself from the blood, the more times she found herself slipping. If she acknowledged that it was blood and exactly what it meant to her, she was able to get through the tasks by reminding herself that she had another, better supply of the substance. She had needed to take a break a little more than halfway through the prelim. The break consisted of once again gathering her thoughts, and drinking the first half of Nick's flask. Then, she had returned to work with both Grace and Nick standing nearby, each examining her every action. Occasionally, Nick had commented on the vampire returning, but as time passed, he didn't have to remind her as often. Now, she was done with the work and was working on the second portion of the flask, which would soon be empty. Grace had taken the body away and she was granted a pause from the fresh blood of the deceased. Swallowing the last few drops from the container, she gave it back to Nick. "So, how did I do?" He locked his stern gaze with hers. "Okay, although you still need to work on your control. You changed several times. That might not be much of a problem here, but-" "I'm not going to have that luxury at a crime scene with all of the officers and people running about. Yeah, I know." Glancing down at her hands, she tightened them into fists. "When Grace was here, I could hear her heartbeat...it was like having a stethoscope right against her heart, with nothing in the way. It was so loud...calling out to me. I wanted to center in on it, but knew I shouldn't. Was that the way my heartbeat was to you? Was it that strong, that compelling to you?" Nick looked away during her description. Then, he strained out, "Yes. All of the time." "If I had known...." "Nat, it's okay," he told her, guiding her face to look up at him. "What we are can't be simply explained. One has to feel what we are to know it, to understand what it's like. There's no other way." "It's just...there's so much I wish I could apologize for. Now that I know...I don't know what to say." "Nothing. Don't worry about it. What's done is done. It's in the past. We must live in the moment, in the future." She agreed with a silent nod, and let him massage her shoulders. The sensation was so much different as a vampire than it had been as a mortal. It was more intense, more involved, and far more satisfying. "Nick? I want to ask you something." "What?" "Is LaCroix nearby? I can feel something on the edge of my senses, and I'm pretty sure it isn't you. All night it's been hovering just on the rim." Nick stopped his actions, letting his hands rest on her shoulders. "Yes, it's LaCroix. Right now, he would much rather be teaching you, preparing you. After all, he is your master, not I." She shivered at the description. Master...sire...father...LaCroix was now all of these and more. After some of the things she'd seen in Nick's blood, Natalie was beginning to doubt her decision. LaCroix had been and very possibly still was a very brutal teacher. She'd seen that in Nick's blood. Would it have been better to have Nick bring her over? She'd chosen LaCroix because she knew he wouldn't smother her with protection. But, spending the last several days with Nick as her 'overseer' there hadn't been any indication, at least not yet, that Nick was going to continue his unneeded worry for her safety. "Nat?" She shook off the thoughts. What was done was done, and that was it. "I'm okay, just thinking," Natalie told him, wondering if he could sense any of her thoughts, or if that link only existed between master and fledgling. A heartbeat approached the door, one that was now familiar to Natalie. She stood as the door was pushed in and Grace entered. "So, how did tonight really go? It was kind of hard watching you. I wasn't sure just what was going to happen." Natalie repeated the last sentence in her mind. That was exactly how she'd felt the entire time and was just glad she'd been able to get through it. She looked over at Nick, curious as to what his answer would be. "Good," Nick answered. "Although I think Nat would like to sneak in again the next couple of nights." "I'll be here, although I can't guarantee there will be anything to do." Nodding, Natalie looked back to Nick. "We should probably go. Besides, I think that Nick is the worst for wear. If I'm actually doing something in here, he usually stays back. He didn't tonight." Grace glanced concernedly to him. "Don't worry. I'm just a little hungry. Nothing that can't wait." Glancing to her watch, Grace noted, "It's my lunch time too. Guess we should all get going. I'll see you tomorrow." Natalie watched her friend leave. Turning to Nick, she nodded, and they headed for Nick's apartment. Blood of One's Desire (15/15) Nick sat in his chair, trying to remember where he had left off a week before. Spying the half filled out form, he snapped his head up as his partner softly cleared her throat. Behind him he could feel the Commissioner's heart beating hard and steady. Turning his chair, Nick met a look of apparent disappointment. "You are a permanent fixture here, I'm afraid. Your little hearing found no evidence that the circumstances that caused your lapse would happen again." The Commissioner refused to turn away, and in a harsh whisper added, "If I find that you ever harm my daughter or any other officer, I will do something about it, Detective." The threat was more than loud enough for his sensitive hearing, and Nick met Vetter's eyes. "I would never harm Tracy." "See to it that you don't." With that, the Commissioner stalked away, heading back into Reese's office. "Well, that went well, didn't it?" Nick looked over at his partner, shaking his head a little, a smile on his lips. "I don't think things turned out the way he wanted." "I can assure you they didn't. At least he's given up on trying to get me to transfer." Tracy stared over at him trying to see the paper he was looking at. "What'd you do for the last week? I cleaned my apartment." Her partner's expression showed his disbelief. "You haven't seen it lately. Trust me, it needed it." He considered answering, then told her, "How about I explain in the morning? Come by at about six, and I'll tell you what Nat and I did on our little break." "You and Nat? Ni-" "Knight?" Nick turned to Reese's office, and just barely caught the Commissioner's frustrated and fleeing form. Standing, he quickly apologized to Tracy, and headed into the office, standing just inside the entrance. Closing the door, Reese didn't bother sitting down. "The Commissioner told you the results?" "Yeah." "Well, I bet he didn't tell you the vote was unanimous. And some of the people that were picked.... Let's just say it was set up against you." His eyebrows lifted in surprise at that. If it had been set up, how did the vote end up unanimously *for* him? "Not only that, but they can't try this again, not for the same reasons. A decision was made, and that's it." A wave of relief coursed through him. "Is that all?" "Yeah, that's it. Go on back to work." Nick turned, his hand on the door, and then asked, "Captain? I have something you might want to know about." "What?" "I'll tell you later. Would you mind coming by my place around six this morning? You can just come right up. I can assure you that both Natalie and I will be there." Reese nodded and watched his detective slip out of the office. His eyes followed Nick as he sat in his desk, and he wondered what Nick wanted to talk about. But, he could wait until the morning. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Finishing off her less than appetizing breakfast, Natalie saw Nick head for the elevator. A second later, she could hear two faint heartbeats. Pushing her nausea down, she cleaned out her glass and put the bottle of LaCroix' mixture away. She knew that Nick's blood would ease her discomfort, but she would have to wait until Reese and Tracy left to get that. Natalie joined Nick on the other side of the room, and they waited for the elevator to rise with its passengers. Reese and Tracy stepped off, each walking slowly and curiously into the room. "So, Nick..." Reese began, taking a glance at first Natalie, and then Nick. "What was it that you wanted to talk about?" Steeling himself, Nick took in a deep breath. "Nat's...a vampire," he stated, at which both mortals simply stared forward. "We don't want it to be spread around, but we thought you two should know." After a minute, Tracy broke the silence, pointing out, "How are you going to do that? Natalie's shift often starts or ends during the day, doesn't it?" "It won't be a problem...I have a small amount of immunity to the sun. It'll work out." Reese looked the doctor over, and frankly, he couldn't see anything different about her other than that she was glowing with happiness. "You're really a vampire?" he asked, locking gazes with Natalie. "Yes, I am." Reese shook his head. He couldn't believe this. Of all the things Nick could have wanted to talk about, this was about the last thing on his mind. "Show them, Natalie." She tensed. Then, with a little bit of concentration, she let her eyes become first green-gold, then solid gold. They changed back to normal in an instant. At this, Reese took in a breath and his mouth hung open. "Okay.... But why tell us if you don't want to have it spread around?" "We just wanted you to know," Natalie told him. "I consider both of you my friends, you know that. I've kept enough secrets from you. So has Natalie." Natalie took a few steps to the side, stopping just in front of Nick. Then, she inched back until they were nearly touching and his arms snaked around her waist. Shifting uncomfortably at Nick and Natalie's closeness, Tracy spoke, "Well, I suppose we should be going...I for one think sleeping would be a good thing to do about now. See you tonight, Nick." Tracy started for the elevator, and when she held the door open for him, Reese added, "Denise is probably wondering where I am...so we'll just leave you too alone. Anyway, I hope you two have a good day and-" Hearing Tracy clear her throat, he stopped and took a few steps backwards. "Whatever you do...I don't care as long as I see you bright and early this evening." With that, Reese got in the elevator, and Tracy let the door slide shut. Natalie listened as the elevator descended, and she commented, "You know, I haven't been able to congratulate you on your victory." He scoffed. "What victory?" "Well, okay...it's not much of a 'victory' but put it this way, you've passed another event blocking your path...several, really...." She twisted in his grasp to face him, and lifted up on her toes to give him a kiss. Deepening the kiss, Nick suddenly felt LaCroix' presence intensify and he pulled away. "Nicholas, I see things are once again going in your favor." Nick tensed. Now that Natalie was back to work, he was sure LaCroix would want to begin her formal training. "Are you here to bring Natalie to your place?" "No. Just a little congratulations and wanting to get a good look at my daughter." Pausing, he did just that. Natalie was everything his senses were telling him. She was beautiful, intelligent, and at present, wanted to be alone with his son. He smiled at that. "I must say, things have gone far better than I had expected. Soon, you must learn more about what you are, but for now, I think you have a few lessons of your own to teach your brother." LaCroix stood behind his son, pulling the younger back against him. Almost simultaneously, Natalie moved closer with a smile, a very enticing smile. Nick felt his nervousness rise as he was cornered. "Nat-" She gave him a single light kiss, and Nick backed up even closer to LaCroix, at which he felt another on his cheek. Relaxing into the touch, he let LaCroix guide his head back and to the side. Even as LaCroix trailed kisses along his jaw, Nick didn't pull away. Reaching his son's chin, LaCroix shifted slightly and captured Nicholas' mouth with his own. Their tongues intertwined, and LaCroix could feel Nicholas' need grow. He teased the other, running his tongue along the sharp fangs, and slicing his tongue on them. LaCroix let the younger suck on the wound before breaking contact and leaving Nicholas breathless. "I believe you have a present waiting for you, Nicholas," he purred in the other's ear, then nipped the rim of it before returning his attention to his son's neck. Nick tried to focus on Natalie, but was having a hard time with LaCroix behind him. Almost before his thought finished, he felt LaCroix take several steps back. Natalie kissed him, suggesting, "Why don't we head upstairs? We could have a bit of...fun." Shooting a glance back at LaCroix, Nick caught a smile from his father before his form disappeared through the skylight. He focused on Natalie, and pulling her closer, picked her up. Flying them to the balcony, Nick kissed her, carrying her into his room. "I think that's a wonderful idea," he said with a smile. This was more than he could have hoped for. Natalie was his sister, a vampire, and they could now be together without limits. LaCroix was being very...accommodating to him of late. He hoped his father's good mood, and this closeness, would continue. But, at this precise instant, the one thing he wanted to be close to was right in front of him, and they were both free for the day.... ~fin~ I figure if anyone wants to finish off that last scene in their minds, one can.... ;) I hope everyone enjoyed "Blood of One's Desire." Thanks for reading! Jarvinia jarvinia@gmx.com @>--,---`---