Fulfilment   Jarvinia
              *+.*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.+*+.+*.+*.+*.+*.+*.+*
      Written December 2002-March 2003 ~ Posted December 2003

This is/was primarily a combination of some adaptations of my
original unwritten ideas for what eventually became 'Pawns of Kings',
along with a few newer ideas tossed in.  However, it is *completely*
different other than the background thread and stands entirely on its
own.  Also, hopefully my Screed-speak isn't too dreadful...if so,
it is *entirely* my own doing, as are any other various errors, and
the like, including my tendency toward using British spellings.

May *not* be archived without permission (sorry), but please *do*
ask if you would like to.<g>  It's mainly because I like to know
where things are wandering off to.

And...this is an Adult story containing...well, adult themes,
relationships, and descriptions....  Both m/m and m/f sexual
situations, as well as a bit of violence are present.  So please,
don't read this if you're not of legal age or might be offended by
the content.

Oh, and FK and its characters and concepts aren't mine...Cedric is,
however, so please don't use him without permission.<g>  This story
takes place mid-third season, just before the episode Fever.

Please send feedback to gryffon@gmx.net
Now, on to the story...and enjoy!

~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~

Fulfilment (01/32)

Screed grabbed a rat with a grin, holding it up in front of him. 
The grin slid away as he looked closer at the animal.  It was scruffy
and thin...practically nothing to it but fur and bones.  "Oye...wot's
the world comin' ta when ya can' ev'n scrounge up a decent loik
meal?"  Screed dropped the ball of fur, letting it scurry away as he
headed deeper into the alley.

After a few steps, he heard something and spun.  It was several
sounds, but one caught his attention more than the others.  A single
human heartbeat pounded in his ears...one that was so close, but.... 
He couldn't place it.  The rhythm was calm and didn't falter.  He
brushed it off, realising it was probably just some human sleeping in
one of the nearby buildings.  And, with that, went his concern of the
other sounds...the only sounds that he wanted to pay attention to
were the ones belonging to the little scurrying mammals running at
his feet.

Spotting another, healthier rat than the last one, Screed caught it
with one simple motion.  "Now this's more loik h'it."  He smiled a
fanged smile, biting into the small animal and getting a mouthful of
blood.  It was satisfying...a taste of his ambrosia...even if the
blood of this one was a little thin.  The flavour was still his
favourite, and since the night wasn't over....

He grinned and finished the rat off, tossing it away.  Heading
further into the dark alley, he felt the heartbeat closer.  He spun,
finding a man standing several metres toward the entrance of the
alley.  A mortal was watching him.  Aware that the other had a full
view of his fangs, he froze.

The man was partially obscured by a dumpster, staring calmly at what
stood before him.  The human moved a hand to the bag at his side and
took a step back.

Screed approached, knowing he had to do something as the man had
seen him.  The mortal tensed slightly, the heartbeat only now
increasing in frequency.  "Wot did ya see?"

"Nothing," the man said while backing away.

"*That's right. Nuthin'.  You didn't see nuthin'.*"

"Nothin'," he replied somewhat sluggishly, under the influence of
the other's words.

Pleased that it was taking, Screed didn't waste any more time. 
"*Nuthin.  There's no 'ne in this 'ere alley 'cept you.  It's empty.*"

"Nothing...no one here...empty...."

"Good," Screed said, more to himself than to the other.  In the next
instant, he was gone, leaving the mortal alone.

Shaking his head, the man looked around.  He could have sworn
someone else was there, but...there was no one...it was empty.  Yet,
there in his bag was his camcorder, still running.  He pulled it out,
stopped the recording, and watched the last couple of minutes play
back.

There, he saw the thing he'd been following...catching every
movement as it fed.  He smiled.  He'd gotten what he'd wanted to
after all...even if he didn't fully remember getting it.  This was
going to be just what he needed.  This, and perhaps something else....

He went down the alley to where the creature he'd watched had killed
the rat, before he'd been caught and seen his reflection in the
vampire's golden eyes.  His grin increased.  He knew exactly what
he'd been watching.  Spying the dead rat, he pulled out a plastic bag
and put the rat in it.  Then, with a cursory glance around the area,
he fled back to his car with a twinkle in his eyes.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Arriving at the Raven, Vachon approached Urs, planning to talk with
her.  Then, he spotted Screed at the back of the club.  That in
itself was unusual as Screed often avoided the club and other
vampires, but even more so was the glass of blood--human blood--
sitting in front of him next to a bottle of the same.  "Excuse me a
moment," he said before Urs could get a word out, and started for his
friend.

He sat at the table, looking over at Screed.  Something was clearly
wrong.  It wasn't just the blood and being here...there was something
else, too.  "What's up?"

"Just the usual," he answered, pulling his glass a bit closer.

Vachon reached for the glass, pulling it from Screed's hands. 
Lifting it toward his nose, he took a whiff of it.  It was blood-
wine, heavy on the latter.  "Then what's with this?"

"You know, just need a little somethin'.  The vintage is quite good,
the wine, anyways.  I don't much care for the rest, but you got to
give the Ole General credit for somethin'."  Seeing his friend wasn't
buying it, he figured he might as well spill it.  "Just a run in with
a mortal.  Wiped 'is memories clean, I did, but he saw me.  I think
something else might 'ave, too."

Vachon stared ahead, not sure he had heard right.  "Are you trying
to say this man caught you on video?"

"I didn't see nuthin', but I think I heard somethin' goin' before I
spotted him.  It didn't 'it me till later, tho'.  It's probably
nothin'."  Screed took a swallow from the glass, cringing slightly at
the taste of human blood.  But at least it was decent...and he really
didn't feel like rats' blood right now.  His stomach churned even
thinking about it.  "I wuz outta there like a bat outta 'ell, that's
wot I wuz.  Screed wasn't going to wait 'n see what else 'e had up
his sleeve, particularly of the pointy variety."

Having listened in on the conversation, LaCroix quickly and quietly
made his way over to the table.  "What man?"

Screed's eyes widened upon seeing LaCroix.  "Just some mortal."

"Some mortal....  With a camcorder, perhaps?"

"I wiped 'is memories!"

"Which means *nothing* if he taped you!"  LaCroix stiffened as
several of the vampires nearby turned their way.  Once they had
turned back, he exclaimed, "You let him go?!"  Calming somewhat, he
continued, "Did he record you?"

He met the other's eyes.  "Like I said, didn't see it, just the man,
but 'e put somethin' in a bag."  Gold flashed down at him, visible to
no one but himself.  Screed swallowed, not wanting to be LaCroix'
focus, not with that look.  "He could 'ave, I suppose."

Suppressing a snarl, LaCroix pulled the carouche to his feet,
yanking the other in the direction of his office.  When Vachon moved
to follow, he glared at the Spaniard.  "You aren't involved in this. 
Stay away and be glad you're not coming with him."  LaCroix continued
to the office, shutting the door behind him.  Remaining by the door,
he started, "Now, the man...?"

"Just some mortal.  Nuthin' else."

LaCroix advanced on the other, Screed backing up and out of his way.
"You've never seen him before?"

"Ne'er."  Staring up at the other, he waited for some reaction. 
When LaCroix stalked away and sat at his desk, Screed relaxed
somewhat.  "So, can I go?"

"No, you may not.  Sit before I change my mind."

He quickly did so, watching as LaCroix reached for the phone.  He
didn't like this...not at all.

Dialling a number, LaCroix kept his attention on the other.  When it
was picked up, he immediately spoke, "Cedric, I have something you
may want to look into.  It could be a potential problem."

Screed swallowed.  It wasn't often that he was terrified, but right
now, he was.  The General had called in the Enforcers--not the best
situation for him.  At least LaCroix wasn't going to kill him right
off.  That was a plus, albeit small.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

As sunrise got closer, Screed became more nervous.  He had expected
to be allowed to leave by now.  But then he also expected that
Enforcer to be there by now.  "Wot you wait'n for, General?  I'd
appreciate leavin' before sunrise."

LaCroix glared across the desk.  The other was supposed to remain
here until later, until Cedric arrived...but the carouche was getting
on his nerves.  Fully aware that Vachon was still in the club, he
picked up the phone and had the bartender bring Vachon in.

Once the other was standing in the office and the door was closed,
he told them, "Vachon, Screed is under your close watch until Cedric
finds out if we have a problem.  Neither of you may leave the city,
nor go anywhere without permission.  Is that understood?"

"Yeah, I understand," Vachon answered relatively quickly.

"Same 'ere."

"Good.  Get out and make sure no more mortals see you."  LaCroix
glared at them until the two had left.  Then, as the door shut, he
leaned back.

It shouldn't be taking Cedric this long to find out what was
happening...unless, of course, they did indeed have a problem.  He
hoped this would only be a minor difficulty and that Cedric could
take care of it.  He, as City Elder, had no wish to get involved in
this matter, nor did he wish to have Nicholas involved, who was at
present second eldest.  Unless necessary, his son would know nothing
of this.


Fulfilment (02/32)

Natalie gently slid the door to the lift open, put her jacket and
purse on the chair, and then made her way across the dark room to the
stairs.  Nick wasn't expecting her...in fact, it wasn't even night
yet.  She walked up to Nick's bedroom, quickly entering the room.

Nick had been through a lot recently.  Between his recent amnesia
and being possessed...or whatever had happened...Nick was pulling
away from her.  Sure, he didn't act any different around her, but she
was losing him.  He'd been drinking a lot of human blood the last
several weeks.  Honestly, she wasn't sure if he was going to stop. 
He had spent many days with LaCroix doing who knows what.  Nick was
pulling away from her and returning to LaCroix as each of his lost
memories became clearer.

And then, there had been when Nick didn't have his memories.  He had
known there was something between them.  He had known and nearly
acted on it.  They had kissed in front of the fireplace...and kissed
again.  Not once had she seen anything but Nick--the man, not the
vampire.  She wished they could have gone further, but they had both
pulled away.  Without a word, they had each headed to bed.  After
that, there hadn't been another chance.  Not only that, but he hadn't
kissed her since, not like that night.

Now, as she watched him sleep the day away, she wondered if Nick
still cared about her.  She knew that what she'd done when he had
amnesia had affected him.  She'd seen him try to bring it up and then
something would interrupt.  Then, when he'd been possessed, he'd shut
her out more, pushing her away.

Nick seemed to be having a nightmare.  She stood in place for
several minutes she guessed, just watching him.  She was afraid to
wake him--not because of what he was, but because of what he would
say.  He'd tell her she needed to be more careful, that she shouldn't
wake him.  She could make her own decisions, something Nick didn't
seem to get.

Natalie moved closer to the bed, sitting on its edge.  He slept
deeply, the slight jostling of the mattress not enough to wake him. 
She reached forward, putting her hand on his forehead.  He was just
faintly warm--probably because of the nightmare.  Touching the side
of his neck, she found the skin icy cold and clammy.  He calmed at
her actions, the nightmare ceasing somewhat, but he didn't wake.

Inching nearer, she waited for his eyes to open, waited for him to
notice she was there...but he didn't.  He just slept, lying still
among the sheets.  She was a little scared, wondering what he'd do
when he woke...especially considering what she wanted to do.  She
remained where she was a moment longer, but he didn't move.

Finally, after a little longer, she leaned over and kissed him
lightly on the lips.  He didn't wake.  Kissing him again, she pushed
her tongue past his lips, trying to get some reaction.  After a few
moments, he returned the kiss, a hand coming up and pulling her
closer.  Their tongues duelled, and she felt his fangs as she
explored his mouth.  At that, he drew back, sitting up and pulling
away from her.  His golden eyes stared at her, but she didn't move.

"Natalie...."

She looked down.  She knew he would do this.  "Don't say it," she
told him with a soft, but harsh whisper.

His eyes burned brighter at that, wondering how she could say that. 
"Natalie, I don't want to hurt you.  I could have killed you before I
even realised you were there!"

"Don't you think I know that?" she said, looking at him. 
"Nick...please, I have to know something.  You don't have to answer,
but it would be nice if you did."  She paused, unsure if she should
ask or not.  "I know things have been hard lately, but I'm starting
to wonder if you care anymore."

"I care, Natalie."

"Please...just wait until I'm done.  I...Nick, what happened when
you were shot?  Do you remember what happened, what almost happened?"

He turned away.  He remembered.  Every second was engraved into his
thoughts.  Every kiss and every touch would never be forgotten. 
"Yes, I remember."

"Then what I want to know is if there can there be anything between
us?  I'm not asking for a physical relationship with you.  What I
want to know is if you love me--not like a sister or a friend, but
something more."  She waited, but he didn't react.  "Please, Nick. 
Do you love me?"

"I can't."

"Can't, or don't?  Please, just answer the question, Nick, yes or
no.  Or tell me you won't answer.  Any of those are fine, I just need
something."

He couldn't look up at her.  How could he explain it?  He loved her,
yes, but...that love would only lead to her death.  He didn't want
that, and he suspected she didn't, either.  It would only hurt her if
he answered, so he wouldn't.

"You can be honest with me, Nick, it's okay."

His attention snapped up to her.  "Is it, really?" he asked through
his fangs.

"Yes it is, Nick.  And don't try to scare me like that--it won't
work."  Natalie did her best to keep her face straight.  In truth, he
was scaring her...and very probably would if he tried later.  "Tell
me."

He stared at her, his mouth slightly open.  Several times he tried
to say something, but shook his head each time.  Finally, he managed,
"The answer is yes, but I can't.  I shouldn't even be saying this,
Nat.  I wish I could, but...I don't want to hurt you.  I can't love
you the way I want."

She watched as the gold melted from his eyes.  He meant it, she
knew, but....  "I know that, Nick.  But...please, let me ask another
question, and again, you don't have to answer.  If we were either
both mortal or both vampire...if we could be together without the
danger of you hurting me, would you be with me?  Would you love me
enough to marry me?"

He looked down.  "If it was possible, yes, but...."

Natalie stopped him with her fingers, smiling faintly.  "That's all
you have to say, Nick.  But will you at least try?  I know it's
dangerous, but please...just let me stay here with you tonight.  Let
me feel your arms around me."

He shook his head, holding her hand and pushing it toward her.

"Please.  I'm not asking much.  Tonight is both of our nights off."

"I'll be right back," he told her, and stood.  "I need...I...."  He
backed up toward the door, slipping out of the room and flying down
to the kitchen.

He quickly retrieved a half-full bottle from the refrigerator,
yanking the cork out with his teeth and taking a large swallow of it.
The blood was human blood, and lowering the bottle, he nearly threw
it against the wall.  He wished he could do what Natalie wanted, but
it was too dangerous.  He could kill her if he pushed himself too
much, and he could do so in a matter of seconds.

At the same time, he *did* love her.  He couldn't say it with those
precise words, but he did.  He wanted to show her how he felt, but
couldn't.  He finished off the bottle, trying to drown out his
emotions.  It didn't work.  The blood only calmed his hunger--but not
his wants and needs.

He grabbed a second bottle and drank some of it, trying to satisfy
his hunger further.  Then, putting it back, he looked up toward his
room.  He could hear movement, and feared what Natalie was doing.

Nick went back upstairs, stopping when he reached the door.  There,
sitting about where she had been when he'd left, Natalie sat wrapped
in a sheet, specifically the one that had previously been on the bed.
Her clothes were in a pile on the floor...all of them.  "Natalie?"

She stood as he approached her, seeing his confusion.  "It's okay." 
When he shook his head, she closed the distance between them and
gently kissed him on the mouth.  Giving him a second kiss, he allowed
her to deepen it.  She drew back, able to taste a hint of the blood
he'd just drank.  She didn't say anything about the blood, aware that
he had needed it.  "Nick, please, it'll be okay, right?"

He kissed her in response.  The action was short but controlled, and
pulling away, he gave her a weak smile.  Then, he moved behind her,
sitting on the bed and pulling her with him.  Covering them both with
the comforter, he wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her
firmly against him.

Her warmth literally oozed into him, his muscles relaxing somewhat. 
He hoped, for both of them, that Natalie was right.  He was afraid of
hurting her, but as long as she didn't try anything else, he knew it
would be fine.  The blood he'd drunk helped him keep his control,
enough that he could trust himself until he woke again.  Burying his
face in her hair, he breathed slowly out, willing himself back to
sleep.


Fulfilment (03/32)

Arriving at his son's, LaCroix stared up at Nicholas' room.  A
mortal heartbeat lay sleeping with Nicholas.  His anger rose just a
little, hating the hold the mortal doctor had on his son.  He flew up
to the landing and entered the bedroom, glaring at the two occupants
of the bed.

Nicholas' friend was undressed, a sheet wrapped around her, exposing
her bare shoulders and neck.  Hands wrapped protectively and
possessively around her, holding her tight and close.  He didn't have
time for this.  "Wake up, Nicholas!" he shouted as he pulled the
comforter off, waking them both up in an instant.

Both Nick and Natalie sat up and locked their attention on the
intruder.  Finding his sire a few feet away, Nick stiffened somewhat.
"Why are you here, LaCroix?"  The other didn't immediately answer,
and he glanced at the clock.  "It's barely sunset!"

"It involves a Community matter.  She should not be here, but there
is no time.  Cedric will arrive momentarily."

"What?"  He held Natalie closer.  "Why is he coming?"

"Because he is.  Do not worry; it has nothing to do with you.  We
have a problem, one that requires all of us."

"I told you I didn't want to be involved in the Community, LaCroix!"

"You don't have a choice!  As of last night a certain event is
forcing us to assemble."

Natalie sat, watching as the two tried to stare the other down. 
But, before they got very far, another entered the room.  The vampire
landed in the doorway, striding toward them with quick, long steps. 
The man was roughly in his mid to late twenties, but carried an
authority that spoke of much more age.  His clothes reminded him
faintly of Nick's--black dress shirt and pants--with a long, flowing
trench coat hanging from his shoulders.  He turned to Nick and
LaCroix, which broke their gazes, and then he looked straight at her
with icy blue eyes.

"What is the mortal doing here?" Cedric spoke, his gaze focused on
her.

LaCroix stepped closer to the new arrival, saying, "She stays,
Cedric.  I take it you know who she is?"

"Of course."

Natalie held the vampire's gaze, wondering just who he was.  At
first glance, he reminded her a little of Nick.  The two were
probably about the same height and had similar complexions.  Cedric's
hair was just a little darker than Nick's--more brown than blond--and
a little longer, the ends reaching just past his shoulders.  When
Cedric looked away, turning to LaCroix, she felt Nick hold her tighter.

"I still don't like her here.  This is a Community matter, and she
is a mortal!"

"I am City Elder, and I said she's staying.  My word is final."

Cedric tensed.  When LaCroix said his word was final...it was final.
"Nicholas, the Community is, as I'm sure you've been told, in danger.
One of us may have revealed us, or at the very least, increased
suspicions."

"Screed thinks he could have been caught by a mortal--and on film,"
LaCroix elaborated.  "So far, the rest of the Community is, for the
most part, unaware of this, but that may change.  Screed is currently
under Vachon's supervision."

"And what does that have to do with me?" Nick asked, seeing no
reason he should be involved.

Natalie stared in LaCroix and Cedric's direction.  "Or me, for that
matter."

LaCroix ignored the mortal.  "You are my son, Nicholas, and second
eldest in the city.  You--"

"I am second eldest!  Nicholas is third."

Trying to remain calm, LaCroix stated, "Nicholas is older."

"By less than two years!  I've been a vampire longer than he has,
and I am also an Enforcer.  The position is mine," Cedric countered,
his eyes glowing.  "Besides, he doesn't even want it.  He doesn't
want any position within the Community."

"Be silent, Child!" LaCroix hissed, causing both Cedric and his son
to tense.

Cedric's temper broke further.  "I may do as I wish, LaCroix.  I am
not yours!"

"Can we just get through a conversation without arguing?" Nick
asked, turning the other two vampires' attention to him.

No noise was heard until a cell phone went off...from a pile of
clothes on the floor.  At that, Natalie tensed, aware that it was hers.

LaCroix stepped forward and retrieved the phone from the clothes,
holding it out to her.  "Yours, I believe."

She took it and answered it under heavy gazes.  "Dr. Lambert here."

"Look, Natalie, it's Reese.  I got something for you brought in here
tonight.  I need you to come in and look at it."

"What is it?" she asked, glancing across to LaCroix and Cedric.  She
had a bad feeling about this.

"I'm not at liberty to say, just that it's outside your normal field."

"Okay, I'll be in as soon as I am able."  Reese acknowledged her,
and then hung up.  LaCroix and Cedric were now looking right at her. 
"I take it you heard that?  If this has something to do with you
guys...."

As she trailed off, LaCroix told her, "Do what you can, if anything.
But do not cover anything up.  Do not purposely try to hide us."

"What?"  She was stunned, surprised at what he was asking.

"Do as LaCroix says," Cedric commanded.  "If they think you're
covering this up, they might follow you to us."

She nodded, and then looked down.  The sheet was still wrapped
around her--although barely.  She pulled it up, gripping it tightly. 
In the surprise of everything, first LaCroix arriving and then
Cedric, she had nearly forgot she wasn't dressed.  "Uh...would you
mind?  I need to get to work and...well...."

Cedric nodded, quickly turning and leaving the room.  LaCroix
remained in place until after his son got out of the bed and
approached, and then the two remaining vampires left together,
joining Cedric downstairs.

Once out of the mortal's earshot, LaCroix commented, "I wasn't
expecting for you to have company, Nicholas.  I thought you didn't
want to risk harming her."

"It just...happened.  I warned her, but she...well, I came down here
to get something to drink, and when I returned, she was as you saw
her."

"How is her blood?  I would think it would be
interesting...considering her knowledge of us."

Nick glared at Cedric for the comment.  "I haven't tasted it, nor do
I plan to."

"You will, you know.  If you get any closer to her, eventually you
will want to taste her blood."  The other didn't comment.  "You
should taste it, anyway.  Make sure the Community can trust her. 
Mortals have a tendency to betray."

"She won't betray us.  I've known her--"

"For five and a half years.  You probably know the Code better than
most of us.  LaCroix has seen to that.  How do you know she won't
betray us?  She's a mortal and a scientist.  She could gain much by
revealing us."

"She won't."

Natalie stared down from the landing at the two, arguing.  They
glared at one another as she descended the stairs.  "Why are you
arguing so much?  If you're afraid I'm going to turn you guys in, I'm
not."

Watching and examining her reactions, Cedric listened to her heart
rate and breathing.  By all indications, she was speaking the truth. 
As an Enforcer, he was an expert at discerning truth from
deception...but he still wasn't entirely sure.  He didn't like
trusting any mortal with information about vampires, and, in his
opinion, she knew far, far too much about them.  She would have to be
tested in some form or another, or at the very least, have a close
watch kept on her.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I need to head on out.  I'll see what I
can find out about...well, about whatever I'm going to be looking
at."  With that, Natalie started past them, feeling the Enforcer's
eyes on her every movement.

Cedric continued to follow her until she had retrieved her things
and headed over to the elevator.  Only when she got in it did he turn
back to the other two vampires.  "Nicholas, if this becomes a serious
problem...."

Nick nodded.  "I know.  My participation in the triumvirate is
required as I am second eldest.  I will take my place, but not until
there is no other option."

"Very well.  I must return to the others and see what progress has
been made, if any.  It was too late to act by the time I knew about
what happened...the mortal was too quick.  The sooner we know what
this mortal plans, the better."  Cedric gave a nod to each of them,
speaking their names, and then took to the air, flying out of the
skylight.

LaCroix looked at his son, feeling the tenseness.  "Nicholas?"

Nick turned to the other, not sure exactly what to say.  "I should
dress, LaCroix.  I'll let you know when Natalie returns."

With a faint nod, LaCroix headed out of the loft through the
skylight, leaving his son alone.


Fulfilment (04/32)

Natalie sat in one of the interview rooms at the precinct, trying
not to seem too nervous.  The night, so far, had been anything but
ordinary.

Arriving at the morgue, she had been given a rat, of all the
possible things, to look over.  She was asked to attempt to find out
what killed it and if it was possible that something resembling a
human had taken a bite out of it.  She had done as told, and she
couldn't lie about it.  Whatever had bitten it was at least partly
human.  Or, more specifically, it was a vampire...but, she hoped,
only she knew that.

She fingered her report, which sat in front of her.  It was the
original, several extra copies of it having been made upon arriving
at the precinct.  She wasn't quite prepared for that, nor was she
prepared for sitting in here.

Suddenly, the door opened, admitting two people.  Neither seemed
like police...but both were probably connected to the government. 
One looked to have about the height and build of LaCroix, with brown,
slightly silvering hair.  The second was about ten years younger than
the first and slimmer than his partner.  Both were calm, not
revealing anything to her.

"Dr. Lambert," the older of the two addressed her, continuing, "We
apologise for doing this--calling you in on your night off for
something that I'm sure is puzzling you."

'Puzzling her' was an understatement.  "Yes, it is.  I was told to
find the...well, the cause of death for a rat.  That's not exactly
normal."

"Yes, and we're sorry we couldn't say more beforehand," the thinner
man said, his voice not as firm as the other's.

The first man stepped forward, setting a folder on the table.  "By
your report, you say that in your professional, scientific opinion,
what took the bite out of the rat was human?"

"Uh...pretty much.  The teeth marks, the cuts in the rat would be
consistent with a human's bite."

When she finished, the older of the two continued, "And what of the
two anomalies?  It's mentioned that there were two deeper incisions."

"Yes."  She paused, not wanting to explain further, but she knew she
had no choice.  "They're from the canines of whoever or whatever bit
it.  They're unusually long and they're sharp."  The first man met
her gaze, and she again reminded herself to remain calm.

"Would you mind coming with us, Dr. Lambert?" he said, picking the
folder in front of her up with one had and holding the other out
toward her.

"I..." she started, but realised she probably didn't have much
choice, or wouldn't if she protested.  "No, I don't mind."  She stood
and let the man lead her out of the room, her original report
clutched tightly in her hands.

When they simply went a couple of rooms down the hall, she was
faintly surprised.  She had expected to be taken to another building,
at the least.  Entering the room--this time one of the conference
rooms--she looked around.  Inside, she could see that the security
camera had been covered.  There was that, and then there was a
television and VCR set up.

"Sit, Dr. Lambert," one of the men ordered.

She did so, and this time the two sat with her at the table.

"We've looked over your records.  You are the top medical examiner
in your field in this area.  I hear you have also done quite well
with several live patients."

"Uh...yes, may I ask what relevance that has to this?"

The two looked at one another, and the younger continued, "We're not
sure at the moment, but we may need someone in a position such as
yours in the future."

Natalie tensed, having a fairly good idea what that might mean.

"First, we would like to show you something," the older, slightly
greying man said, turning on the television and starting the VCR.

She turned toward the screen and almost immediately found herself
frozen in place.  There, she watched as a...man made his way down an
alley, picking up something.  It was a rat.  He said something,
dropped the animal, and continued.

For a moment, he seemed confused...as if he was hearing something,
but he seemed to dismiss it.  He managed to catch another rat, and
with a few more words, he bit into it without even a second of
hesitation.  The rat was killed, and then tossed aside a moment
later.  The man continued down the alley, but suddenly stopped and
spun, staring almost directly at the camera with gold, glowing eyes
and shiny, sharp fangs.

A vampire.  Natalie knew those features from the many times she had
seen Nick.

The camera shifted, the screen going black.  But, the sound
continued.  Listening, she heard the vampire hypnotize whoever had
filmed this, trying to make him forget.  Then, the VCR was shut off.

Natalie jumped slightly as the screen flashed off and it too was
powered down.

The older man walked over to Natalie, stopping next to where she
sat.  "That's what put that wound in the rat.  My question is what do
you think of it?"

She stared ahead for a moment.  "Uh...what?  I mean, what do you
mean by that?"

"What do you believe was just on that tape?  I'm sure you know quite
a bit, especially considering I know you've had several cases that
have been a bit...out there.  In your opinion and using your
professional knowledge as well as simple observation, what would you
say that man is?"

She swallowed.  She didn't want to answer, but from the tape, it
would be pretty obvious to just about anyone who had ever read or
seen any movies containing vampires.  "I'd say--offhand--some kind of
vampire, but--"

"Vampires don't exist.  Or, they're not supposed to," the younger
stated.

At that, the other quickly asked, "What we'd like to know is if
you'd be willing to work with us as we investigate similar anomalies?"

Natalie glanced between them.  She felt like she was some suspect in
one of Nick's cases, being grilled.  "Do I have a choice?"

"Not really," the younger man told her.

Leaning back, the older of the two continued, "But it would give you
something to work on when you're slow at the morgue.  After all, only
so many cases require an autopsy.  You would, of course, be paid for
your work in addition to your usual pay."

She couldn't believe it would be that simple.  "And what's the catch?"

He smiled, explaining, "No catch.  Obviously, you would be expected
to keep silent about whatever you find.  You would be expected to
make no contact whatsoever with any television, newspaper, or other
reporters, and if they approached you, to give no comment on anything
you know."

"You will report your findings on whatever cases you get to us only."

"Your superiors will be informed you are working on special, federal
government cases, but otherwise will know nothing.  Neither will you
tell them anything about these 'cases'."

The two stopped, and she stared blankly at the older man, who had
just finished talking.  He seemed to do the majority of the speaking,
and was probably the one in charge.  "And what if I see something in
one of my other cases?"

The elder man smiled slightly.  "That's a good question.  You will
report it to us, but not say anything to your superiors.  You will
make two reports--one for them, and one for us.  My name's Robert
McKinsey, and my partner here is Grant Keller."

McKinsey held his hand across the table, and she took it, shaking
it.  His partner did the same, which she also shook.

"Do we have a deal then, Doctor?" McKinsey asked, flashing a smile.

Not having much choice in the matter, she nodded.

"Good."  McKinsey reached into his pocket, pulling out a cell phone.
He held it out to her, telling her, "Take this.  We'll use it to
contact you when, and if we find anything you should need to take a
look at."

"One question:  How did this information come to you?"

After the two seemed to consider their answer, McKinsey told her,
"Let's just say you aren't our only source of information.  Through
someone in the newspaper, actually.  Luckily it was our agent that
got the story, otherwise it would have been all over the news and
would probably be causing panic about now.  Panic is something we
want to avoid, if possible."

"Just a reminder, but don't speak to anyone about this, not even to
your friends and co-workers," Keller stated, meeting her gaze for a
moment.

After waiting a moment, the other continued, prodding, "We are aware
you have a friend a...Nicholas Knight, here at the 96th precinct.  By
his records, you are his...physician?  May we inquire as to his
health?"

"Uh...Nick's in good health.  He has an unusual skin allergy, which
I'm sure is why you're asking me this, but otherwise doesn't have any
major health problems."

"He's human, then?"

"Yes, he is," she told them, which wasn't exactly a lie.  "Why?  Do
you think he's not?"

"Let's just say we're keeping an open mind.  You've spent some time
with him, I take it?  You've seen him eat?"

"Yes, of course."

McKinsey again waited a moment before answering, but eventually
nodded.  "Just remember that you can't talk to him about this.  Don't
change anything, but perhaps observe him a little closer?"

She stiffened just a little.  They wanted her to, basically, spy on
Nick.  "I think I can manage that.  I've been spending quite a bit of
time with him recently, though, so I don't know if I'll see anything."

McKinsey raised an eyebrow at that, but decided not to comment. 
"Good.  We'll keep in contact."  With that, McKinsey stood, his
partner doing the same.

Natalie did so as well, watching as Keller pulled the tape out of
the VCR and removed the cloth covering the security camera.  Then, a
moment later, they were gone.  Finally, she could relax.


Fulfilment (05/32)

Cedric paced, Natalie's heartbeat being just about the only sound in
his ears.  The Community had, indeed, messed up this time.  What had
created such a problem was the apparent disappearance of the
tape...and it sure had disappeared.  It was now in the hands of
whatever group of mortals had just 'hired' Natalie to do some of
their dirty work.

Now, there was nothing he could do.  By the time his people found
out where the possible tape was...it was out of their hands and into
those that would notice if it suddenly went missing.

He felt like staking something, and he didn't care if it was a
mortal or vampire at the moment...or even human, for that matter.  As
long as he could kill it, it would be plenty.

"Calm down, Cedric.  What's done is done," LaCroix told the younger
vampire, wishing he would stop pacing.

"It might be done, but the mortals have the tape!  And they have
quite a nice view of us, too.  They practically know Screed's a
vampire, and they're looking for more information."

"Which they obviously don't yet have," Natalie interceded, causing
Cedric to snap his attention to her.

"Which is one of the few things going in our favour.  Now, more than
before, it is of utmost importance that you do not betray us,
Natalie.  You, a mortal privy to us, cannot leak anything to them. 
If you tell them anything more than what can be deduced
scientifically, you--"

"I think I know the consequences.  Besides, you can't touch me, or
any of them, without spurring more investigations and, very possibly,
leading them right to you."

"Listen to her, Cedric," LaCroix snapped.  "She might be mortal, but
in case you haven't noticed, she's on our side."

"That coming from you, LaCroix?  And what are we to do now?  You
seem to want Nicholas involved in this, but, and I think Natalie here
will agree, he is under investigation and could lead them right to us."

Cedric stared at her, and Natalie felt her anger grow.  They were
both using her in their argument, something she was becoming tired of.

Nick listened as Natalie's pulse increased, her emotions visible on
her face.  He stood and approached Cedric.  "I'm sure she does, and
even I agree with that.  But, the Community must have some plans made
in case this situation becomes worse.  As second eldest, I must
participate."

"'Must'?  It is your place, but I hardly think it is required."

"It is required, and you know it!" Nick hissed, still holding back.

Stepping between the two, LaCroix faced the Enforcer.  "Nicholas
will participate.  For now, his involvement will be kept to a
minimum, until suspicions regarding him have died down somewhat--and
they will."  LaCroix stared at Cedric, his eyes glowing faintly
golden.  When the younger glanced away in defeat, he smiled slightly.
"As an Enforcer, Cedric, you are to co-ordinate involvement and make
sure no others break the Code.  Announce that there is to be no
hunting, and that any who wish to do so, should do so well away from
the city and take great care.  No word of exactly what has transpired
is to be given.  I don't want panic to spread more than necessary."

Cedric suppressed a snarl, fully aware that LaCroix had meant the
last for him.

"Okay, this might not be my place, but--"  Natalie paused, finding
three golden glares focusing on her.  "Well, why are you three
arguing so much?  No offence to any of you, but it's almost like
watching a father and two little children."

LaCroix softly laughed, as Cedric stalked off.  Meeting her gaze,
the elder vampire affirmed, "That is exactly what you're watching."

"I am not yours, LaCroix!" Cedric exclaimed from anger and even a
touch of hatred.

LaCroix turned toward Cedric, commenting, "But that was your choice.
Hence, I have Nicholas."

"And I am not a child," Nick said in almost the same instant LaCroix
had spoken.

Cedric calmed somewhat, his gaze not budging.  "Nor am I."

"See?  Children.  One is plenty, but two...?"

Tired of LaCroix' taunting, Cedric flew at the elder vampire, only
to be spun and held tightly.  "Release me!  You have no--"

"Be quiet!" LaCroix hissed into Cedric's ear, at which he felt the
other tense.  "Good.  Now, perhaps you would like to explain this to
the Doctor, here?  I'm sure she's curious as to your behaviour."

Cedric looked to her, his eyes widening somewhat.  "She has no right
to know any more than she already does.  Nicholas may be an open
book, but I am not!"

"Okay, now I'm more confused that I was before," Natalie mentions,
looking between the two.  "Apparently, you've known each other for
some time.  And, correct me if I'm wrong, LaCroix, but you're
treating Cedric like a child, almost like he was yours."

"Yes, on both of those."  LaCroix waited, but the Enforcer remained
adamantly silent.  As Cedric seemed uncomfortable with this, he
decided he would make the younger endure the mortal's curiosity. 
"Cedric was nearly mine," he stated, a hint of anger showing in his
golden eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Leeds, England - 1222 - Early January]

LaCroix watched as the young mortal ate his meal.  He had taken the
young man in, and, surprisingly, they had grown quiet close.  It was
difficult to keep Janette away as she wanted to 'play' with the
mortal a bit, and even he found himself becoming more intrigued by
this mortal as time passed.

Cedric was the mortal’s name.  Originally an orphan, the young man
had surprisingly done quite well in the world.  Yet, he had also lost
his home and belongings in a blaze several months before.  He had
been lucky to be away from his home that night.

So, after their initial meeting and he had learned that Cedric had
nowhere to go, he had offered the young man a place to stay.  In
return, he had required nothing to be given, but found that the
mortal was quite interested in the world...and so they talked.  He
talked of history and places far away, which tempted the young man's
mind with things that were nothing more than tales for the mortal. 
Tales of places he would never see.

In a way, Cedric had become a son to him.  Unintentionally, but it
had happened, nonetheless.  He hadn't brought many over, Janette
being his last 'child'.  He kept her close, enjoying her company. 
Cedric was much like Janette--obedient, but with enough of a mind of
his own to not become boring.

LaCroix approached the sitting mortal, standing behind Cedric and
putting his hands on the young man's shoulders.

"Where is Janette?  I have not seen her tonight."

"She is in London."  Sensing the other's confusion, he explained,
"It is time for us to move on, Cedric.  She is preparing a new place
for us to live.  You may come with us, if you wish."

At that, Cedric stopped eating.  He turned, at which LaCroix' hands
pulled back.  Standing, he faced the older man.  "I don't want to
impose...I've already done enough of that."

"Nonsense.  In fact, I have a...proposition for you."  LaCroix let
loose a controlled smile.  "You have no family here, nothing to hold
you to this place.  Come with us, and be my son."

"I...cannot.  LaCroix...Lucien, you have been more than kind enough
to me."

"And you the same to me.  Accept, and I can make our relationship
permanent."  At his last word, he watched the other's eyes widen and
lock onto his gaze.

"Permanent?"

Now, he openly grinned.  "Yes, permanent.  Have you not wondered why
I do not eat with you?"

"Yes, but--"

"But nothing."  LaCroix let his eyes glow, turning gold.  Then,
speaking, which exposed his fangs, he stated, "Allow me to make you
my son, just as Janette is my daughter.  It is a choice, one you must
make soon."

"I wish to go with you, of course."

Smiling, LaCroix changed back to normal.  "Yes, of course."

"And this is why you enjoy the hunt so much, even though you don't
participate in it?"

"I suppose you could say that.  Although I do, indeed, participate."

"You hunt when you and Janette go out."

"Hmm...yes, we do."  He waited a moment, and then got an idea.  He
was aware Cedric enjoyed the hunt quite a bit, enjoyed the kill, in
particular.  "Perhaps you would like to come with me tonight?" 
LaCroix watched as the mortal smiled, at which he did, too.  "Then we
shall go.  The weather is decent--wet but not too cold.  Get your
cloak and we shall leave."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You took a mortal with you, hunting?" Natalie exclaimed.

"Yes, and it was quiet enjoyable, was it not?"

Cedric, still confined within LaCroix' hold, shrugged free of the
elder vampire's loose grip.  "Yes, it was.  But then...by that time I
had spent several months with LaCroix.  I had been very interested in
the tales he had told--several of which included hunting and often
the unusual.  At the time, I was not aware of the prey.  That first
night...the prey consisted of animals--like deer.  So were the next
several times.  LaCroix remained in Leeds for nearly a month, and we
became even closer."  He stopped, not sure what to add.  "LaCroix
then...he killed another hunter one night.  At first I was stunned,
but...I saw more to it, and soon I wanted to take part.  By then, my
thoughts were much like a vampire's.  I know it sounds depraved,
but...it's the truth."

LaCroix grinned, laughing slightly as he watched Cedric become
uncomfortable.  "And so he did.  We played games with the mortals. 
Cedric helped to lure them in, after which I would take their life
and their blood.  We hunted as one."

Natalie sat on the couch, somewhat stunned.  A mortal helping a
vampire hunt mortals.  It was...strange in her mind.  She turned to
LaCroix.  "So, what happened?  I mean, from what's been said, it
seemed like you were going to go through with it--making Cedric your
son--but apparently that didn't happen."

"No, it didn't."  With that, it was LaCroix' turn to tense.  But, he
had opened this line of questioning up and accepted it.  "Enforcers
had gotten wind of what we were doing.  And, as having a mortal know
about us was against the Code, one was dispatched to deal with the
matter."

Cedric nodded, remembering that very clearly.


Fulfilment (06/32)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Leeds, England - 1222 - Early February]

For several nights, LaCroix had not gone hunting...neither did he
leave Cedric alone.  A vampire was trying to find something, almost
like he was looking for someone, and was focusing on him.

As he ate his own dinner, Cedric watched as LaCroix tensed.  Then, a
man stepped out from a shadow in the room.  The man's eyes were gold
and focused right on him.  The man was another vampire.

The vampire then turned his attention to LaCroix.  "You are in
violation of the Code."

LaCroix stood and faced the other, causing the newcomer to shrink
back slightly.  "You would not dare harm me.  You are young, not even
half my age.  Turn around and depart."

Cedric watched this, and even as the other snarled at him, he stood
and moved around the table until he was standing next to LaCroix. 
"Do you know who this vampire is, LaCroix?"

"No, just that he is an Enforcer."

The vampire's eyes turned red and started for LaCroix, only to find
himself pinned against the wall a moment later.

Approaching, Cedric's eyes twinkled with interest.  "An Enforcer?"

"Go ahead, tell him what you are.  He is to become one of us, anyway."

The vampire remained silent until LaCroix took the stake he carried
and pressed its point against his throat.  "I enforce the Community's
Code, our laws."

"A necessity," Cedric stated, now standing right next to the two. 
"Every society needs a controlling force.  Otherwise, all is chaos. 
Chaos destroys.  I'm curious...what, exactly, does an Enforcer do? 
How does one become one?"

LaCroix waited, but the vampire didn't want to give a reply. 
"Answer!"

"Like I said, we enforce the Code.  We make sure mortals such as you
do not endanger our existence.  Mortals are as much of a threat as
they are our food supply.  They will hunt us if they suspect a
vampire to be the cause.  There are other rules, other things we
follow...but that, along with not openly revealing ourselves to
mortals and anything leaning toward those two, are the most
important."  He stopped, hesitating before continuing.  "Enforcers
are...picked carefully.  The only way to become one, officially, is
to be brought over by one.  The only way to leave us is through death."

"I would expect that to be the fate of those who break the code,"
Cedric mentioned, pulling the stake from LaCroix' grip.  He held the
wood up, asking, "Quick and painful, by any chance?  The best of both
worlds?"

The Enforcer's eyes mellowed, a slight grin appearing on his face. 
At that, LaCroix released the vampire, taking a step back but still
standing protectively nearby.

"Your 'companion' here seems...quite like-minded for a mortal.  You
have not influenced his choices any?"

"No, I have not.  He speaks of his own prerogative."

Sliding away from the wall, the Enforcer walked around the two.

Cedric felt the Enforcer's eyes on him, examining him.  LaCroix had
done the same on a couple of occasions in the past, so it was nothing
new to him.

"Have you tasted his blood?  I'm sure this one's is quite wonderful,
a mortal such as he."  There were no visible marks on the mortal,
something he would have expected.  Reaching forward, he took the
mortal's arm, pushing up the sleeve.  There, he found a half-healed
wound, one that appeared to have been opened several times.  "You
have, LaCroix.  And more than once.  His blood must be very
tempting...I'm amazed you haven't brought him over yet.  Hmm...may I
have a taste?  I'm curious...."

Cedric turned to LaCroix, and he could see anger just under the
surface.  It was clear LaCroix wasn't pleased with the suggestion. 
"Let him, LaCroix.  I have nothing against it."

The vampire pulled the mortal's arm closer, but was stopped by
LaCroix.

Meeting the other's eyes, LaCroix pulled Cedric's wrist closer,
biting into the wounds already present.

Cedric closed his eyes, feeling the faint pain as the wounds were
once more reopened.  His blood flowed freely, down his wrist toward
his hand as LaCroix released his arm.  He followed the other
vampire's movements as the other took his arm, lapping up the blood
as it poured out of him.  The Enforcer sucked on the wounds, pulling
more blood from him.  Feeling a little light-headed, the other pulled
back, releasing him.  He felt LaCroix' hands grab onto him,
preventing him from swaying.  He shrugged the touch away, but it only
made LaCroix hold him more protectively.

"Hmm...yes, very tempting.  He is more like us than I could believe
a mortal to be."  The Enforcer stood in front of the mortal, stepping
closer until they were face to face.  "He has shed his morals, but
how far?  Does he realise what the bond between a father and a son of
our kind will almost certainly lead to?"  When the two didn't react,
the vampire closed the distance, kissing the mortal on the lips. 
Surprisingly, he found the action returned.

LaCroix shoved the Enforcer away, again pinning the younger vampire
against the wall.  "Do not touch him!  He is mine."  When the other
calmed within his grip, LaCroix released the vampire.

"He knows doesn't he?  You've already been with him, haven't you?"

Cedric advanced, standing just to one side of LaCroix.  "Yes, we
have."

"Then that adds to it, doesn't it?  You are lucky to have found this
one, that's for sure."  Pausing a moment, the Enforcer grinned.  "He
would make a wonderful Enforcer."

"Is that an offer?" Cedric asked, his curiosity piqued.  Taking
several steps forward, he felt LaCroix holding him back.

"If you want it to be one."

"It is no offer!" LaCroix hissed, gripping Cedric's shoulders tighter.

The Enforcer's eyes burned golden.  "It is an offer, and the offer
is to him.  It is his decision and only his decision if he should
take it.  He may stay with you, and become your son, or come with me
and become an Enforcer.  You have no right to interfere with his
choice."

Cedric watched the two stare one another down...and eventually
LaCroix looked away.  Meeting the Enforcer's gaze, he asked, "How
long do I have to consider this offer?"

"It is an immediate choice.  You either reply with a firm allowance,
or you do not.  Choose, and choose now."

He glanced to LaCroix, who he had come to think of as his father,
his brother, and more.  But, these Enforcers interested him greatly. 
Vampires needed order, and if he could be a part of that, then he
would.  "I choose to leave with you," he said, facing the Enforcer. 
At the same time, he was saddened for LaCroix--who had, effectively,
just lost a son.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, Natalie was flat out stunned as Cedric stopped speaking. 
Looking over at LaCroix, she could see the vampire's anger.  Memories
of that time were still very fresh to both of them, she could see. 
They were, despite everything, still somewhat close.  And Nick...Nick
was smouldering.

"If it hadn't been for Cedric's choice, I wouldn't be here.  LaCroix
should have brought him across when he had the chance."  Standing,
Nick stated, "It would have saved all of us so much grief."  Then,
before anyone else could comment, he flew upstairs, slamming the door
to his room.

Natalie stood, preparing to go after him, but found LaCroix stopping
her.  "Let me go, LaCroix."

"Let him brood.  He's very possibly right.  I would not have brought
Nicholas over if I had Cedric.  Or, for that matter, I would not have
been so prone to Janette's insistence in doing so."

The two vampires went eerily silent--but at least they weren't
arguing anymore.  Natalie watched them, remembering some of what
Cedric had said.  Two things, actually, that she wanted to know more
about.  "Cedric, by what you said...you mean you and LaCroix had sex
when you were a mortal?"

Although he was a bit surprised by the bluntness of the question, he
saw no harm in it.  "Yes."

She was stunned.  From what Nick told her, they couldn't be with a
mortal without risking killing them.  But....  "How...I mean, how did
that happen?"

"I was talking with LaCroix, he mentioned that as a vampire, as his
son, we would eventually be drawn to one another.  I told him that I
would like to start exploring that relationship, so we did."

Natalie looked over at LaCroix, who was remaining unusually silent. 
"Does the relationship between sire and fledgling always become
intimate?"

"If you are wondering if myself and Nicholas have had sex, your
answer is yes."

"Actually, I figured you had.  My question was of curiosity."

LaCroix raised his eyebrows.  "Curiosity is not the best trait, I'm
sure you know.  However, the answer to your question, then, is yes;
the relationship almost always becomes intimate."  He stood, taking
in a large breath.  "Now, if you'll excuse me...it is nearly sunrise."

Natalie followed the vampire's movements as LaCroix stood and took
several strides, and then took to the air, flying out the skylight.

Cedric stood, but before leaving, he turned to the mortal.  "I wish
to remind you once more that we must not be discovered if at all
possible.  Help Nicholas avoid further investigation."  She tensed,
and then, before turning away and leaving, he told her, "Go to him,
Natalie.  Go to Nicholas and comfort him.  Don't let him push you
away."

A moment later she was alone downstairs.  She looked down, unsure of
exactly what she should do...and there really wasn't much to do
except what Cedric said.  She went to the refrigerator, pulling out
one of the bottles.


Fulfilment (07/32)

"Nick?"  Natalie made her way into his room, finding it silent.  She
turned the light on, catching some movement from the bed.  On it, lay
Nick with all of his clothes on, spread out flat on his stomach.

She quietly put the bottle of blood and a glass she'd retrieved on
the nightstand, and then sat on the edge of the bed.  She had hoped
he would react...but he just remained where he was, not doing
anything in response.  So, after a moment, she moved closer, putting
her hands on his back.  Again, she got no response.  "Nick...please."

"Just let me go to sleep, Nat.  I'm tired."

"I know, and so am I."  Sitting next to him, she gently rubbed his
back in an attempt to loosen his muscles.

After a few minutes, it started to work, and she worked her way down
his back until she reached his waist.  Once there, she untucked his
shirt, pulling it up a little.  He still didn't react, which
concerned her.

Carefully, she rested one hand on his bare lower back.  He shifted
at the action, but that was all.  She gently massaged his skin,
working her hand up his back, pushing his shirt further up until his
whole back was bare.  Then, she paused, not sure if he would allow
anymore.  But, she would try.  She moved closer to him and straddled
him.  At that, he pulled his arms under him, pushing up slightly, but
she leaned forward, telling him, "Don't, Nick.  Please don't."

Once he had again relaxed, she sat up, letting her hands rest on his
upper back for a moment.  Then, slowly, she began to massage him,
trying to rub the tenseness from him.

Something between a moan and a purr came from his chest, and she
wasn't sure exactly what it meant.  Backing off somewhat, she heard a
muttered, 'don't stop', at which she continued.  The sound increased
somewhat, until it was quite clear Nick was enjoying himself, which
was her intention.

As she pressed and kneaded harder, she felt him start to tense. 
Suddenly, he shifted, and she stopped, knowing something was off. 
"Nick?  What's wrong?"

"Nat...pour me some of the blood you brought up, please.  I need it.
Now, Natalie," he told her, his voice deep and demanding.

Getting a confirmation of her feelings, she got off him and did as
he asked, grabbing the bottle and glass from the table.  Quickly, she
poured half a glass for him, watching Nick out of the corner of her
eye.  He sat up, but didn't face her.  Moving behind him, she handed
the glass to him.  He drank it quickly, and she refilled it for him. 
This one disappeared just as fast, and she again filled it, this time
as full as she dared to get it.

He drank this one slowly, and she put the bottle back.  Again moving
behind him, she stayed on her knees, her hands on his shoulders as he
sipped from the glass.  He leaned back into her, and she held him as
he calmed.

As the glass emptied, she held him closer to her and told him, "I'm
sorry, Nick.  I shouldn't have--"

"It's okay, Nat.  I had hoped I could control it.  But...I'm just
not very good at that, I'm afraid.  I'm the one who should be
apologising, not you."

She rocked him slowly, shaking her head.  "No, I'm sorry.  I didn't
think it would bother you like this...I should have stopped before it
went too far."  She paused, recalling the sound he had made.  She
felt herself flush, and she knew Nick would notice.  "You know, I
have to say I'm a bit embarrassed...."

Nick managed a smile.  "Hmm...embarrassed that you aroused me
without even hitting my erogenous zones?" he said, just how close she
got audible in his tone.

Natalie stiffened, blushing further.  She figured she had pushed him
close to the edge...but not *that* edge.  "You mean...I...you...."

He took her hand from around his waist, pulling it further downward
and slipping it under his waistband.  As her fingers touched him, he
closed his eyes, trying not to pull back as her hand slid along his
skin.

Feeling something damp, Natalie momentarily froze and then drew
away, her heart rate quickening.  She had brought Nick to orgasm
doing something that...well....  Nick turned and caught her as she
tried to get off the bed, at which she saw a mostly healed bite mark
at the base of his palm.  "Oh Nick...I'm sorry, I didn't mean...." 
She trailed off as he turned her face to look at him.  There, before
her were two beautiful golden suns, each pleading to her with pure
need.

Nick smiled, closing the distance between them and kissing her.  He
quickly pushed his tongue into her mouth, doing all he could to
deepen the kiss and quicken the pace.  When her tongue contacted his
fangs, he almost stopped, but then she teased them, caressing them.

As Nick let her do as she pleased, he moaned, falling back on the
bed and pulling her with him.  She licked the front of his canines,
running her tongue along their sharp points.  Touching the gum line
where one of his fangs came in, she both heard and felt the same half-
purr, half-moan he'd made earlier, but didn't back off.  She repeated
her action, and then found herself moving sideways, Nick rolling on
top of her.

He stared down at her, his face showing his desire.  She could see
his fangs; see their tips wanting to sink themselves into her.  Both
of their breathing accelerated as they remained relatively still.

Breaking the calm, Nick pulled his shirt the rest of the way off,
only having to undo a couple of the buttons.  Once it was out of the
way, he again kissed Natalie--first on the lips, then on her neck,
and then her collarbone, making his way downward.  He stopped upon
reaching the top button of her blouse, but didn't waste any time with
the buttons, tearing it open.

"Nick...that was...."  She gasped as he pulled one of her bra-straps
down and kissed the top of her breast.  He quickly rid her of the
constraint, his mouth occupied fully with her breast as he sucked on
its tip, his fangs stroking her sensitive skin.

Natalie moaned, and Nick went to the other breast, not holding back
in the slightest.  He nearly bit into the flesh before him, but
pulled back, stopping at the last moment.  Then, he found Natalie
pulling him down.

Bare flesh met bare flash, and Natalie discovered Nick's passion
started again as he kissed her neck and throat, as he nibbled lightly
on her skin, just shy of scratching her, just shy of biting her.

Like earlier, she felt Nick tense.  She looked at him as he raised
his head.  And there...there stood two ruby red pits of fire
accompanied by two gleaming white blades, all ready to consume her. 
Panic flowed unwillingly through her, her muscles stiffening as he
struck...but she didn't feel anything.  Turning to where he had gone
for, she found him biting into his wrist.

Her fright passed, and she held him.  She held him as he spasmed
from his climax, simply holding him tight and close.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Mid-day, Natalie awoke, only to find herself alone in Nick's bed. 
She sat up, seeing a faint glow coming from the lower level. 
Quickly, she spied Nick's robe and pulled it on over what remained of
her clothes, going downstairs.

Nick was sitting at the table, a bottle of blood sitting in front of
him.  She approached and suppressed the urge to put her hands on his
shoulders or touch his face.  It was the wrong time.  So, she sat
across from him, patiently waiting for him to say or do something.

"I'm sorry, Nat," he finally spoke.  "I shouldn't have let it go
that far."

"Nick, you needed it, you needed something.  So did I."

He snapped his attention up to her.  "Natalie, I nearly killed you!"

"But you didn't."  She paused watching him tense.  "Nick, you didn't
even take my blood, you didn't even bite me."

"But I did think about it...and I did come extremely close," he
countered.

"Please, Nick...just accept what happened for what happened.  I
don't regret it.  Do you?"

He shook his head.  "No, I don't regret it.  I just...I'm sorry that
I can't give you what I'd like to."

A sliver of hope cropped up, and she prodded, "But you do want to be
with me?"

He nodded, not able to speak.

"Nick...if you want to...I know this is probably a crazy idea, a
stupid idea, really, and quite an abrupt one, too, but at the same
time it might help, but...well, how about we get married?"

His jaw dropped open, stunned at what he'd just heard.  "What?"

She watched as Nick stood, starting for the kitchen.  She headed
after him, stopping just behind him.  "How about we get married?  I
mean, if we're around each other more, it might help you, and it
might help dispel some of the suspicions about you, too.  Just a
couple of people could be present.  It could be a church--just long
enough for the vows.  I mean, what vampire is going to get married in
a church?"

He turned, a faint smile on his lips at her last sentence.  "You
know, it is a crazy idea."

"But?" she asked, hopefully.

"It's crazy enough that it might work."  The smile vanished.  "At
the same time, you have to understand that it's not as simple as it
sounds.  Being married won't change our relationship much, if at all.
Besides, who are we going to invite?"

"Well, there's Reese and Tracy.  Stonetree.  LaCroix if you want,
but...."

Nick stiffened.  "He's not that fond of churches."

"I figured as much."

"How about just Tracy, Myra, and Jenny?  Keep it a private wedding. 
I don't think Tracy will say anything till later if I ask her not to,
and same thing with Myra."

Natalie waited a moment, waiting for another 'but' to pop its way
in, but one didn't.  "So, you like the idea?"

"Well...somewhat.  I'd suggest we don't mention it to anyone until
just before the wedding, though.  I can't say it'll go over well with
LaCroix, but I don't think Cedric will have too much of a problem
with it."

"Even if he doesn't like mortals?"

"He's an Enforcer--none of them like mortals much.  It's more of a
necessity than a want, too."  He paused, remembering what Natalie had
said.  "Besides, like you said, being married might put off a little
suspicion."

"It'd have to be public for that."

"If it's in our records somewhere, I think that'll be plenty public
for those guys that you're working with."

"Working for, not with," she quickly corrected.  "But...yeah, that
might be enough.  What about my name?"

"Hmm?"

"My last name?  If we get married...."

"Think about it.  That's up to you, Nat.  For now, I want to get
some more sleep."  He started for the stairs, but stopped and looked
back, to where Natalie hadn't moved.  "Are you coming, or are you
going to sleep down here?"

She managed a smile before following him.


Fulfilment (08/32)

Tracy looked over at her partner in the driver's seat.  Nick
was...acting a little strange.  "You seem awfully chipper tonight."

"Hmm?  So?"

"Well...it's just not you.  I mean...I swore I heard you humming
when we came out of the precinct."

"You did?  Really?"

"Yes, I did.  So, what's up?"

Nick sobered slightly.  He had been in a better mood tonight than he
had for a while.  But, should he tell her?  "Uh...Trace?  If I tell
you something, can you promise not to repeat it to anyone?"

"Okay...."

"Tracy, I mean it," he told her, seriously.

"And so do I.  I can keep a secret, you know."

He glanced over to her.  Yeah, he knew that all right.  "Me and Nat
are going to get married."

"Married?"  Her jaw dropped from the incredulity of it.  "When?"

"Yeah, I think, and I'm not sure."

"What's with the 'I think'?"

"Well, it was more of a mutual decision than a proposal," he
explained and made a right hand turn.  "That, and we just decided it
last night."

"So...why can't I say anything?"

"Because it's going to be a very small wedding, with only a couple
of people in attendance.  That, and we're going to keep it private."

"You aren't going to tell everyone?"

"No, we're not."  He paused, taking a moment to glance her way. 
"Please, Tracy, don't say anything.  And don't tell Nat I told you,
either."

"Okay...but--"

"81-Kilo, pick up."

Tracy grabbed the microphone, glancing at Nick.  "This is 81-Kilo."

"We've got a murder scene for you three blocks south of the Raven, a
club on--"

"We got it."  As Nick made another turn, starting them toward the
club, she added, "We're on our way, dispatch.  81-Kilo out."  Turning
to Nick, she noticed he was tenser than usual, a complete opposite of
how he'd been a few minutes ago.  "What do you think it is?"

"Not good," he muttered, keeping his eyes on the road.  Realising he
had spoken, he snapped out of his thoughts and told her.  "Other than
that, we'll see when we get there."

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Nick and Tracy started across the crime scene for Natalie and the
victims.  In one of the shadows, Nick caught a glimpse of Cedric--a
warning that the cause of death was almost assuredly exsanguination. 
Not only that, but he noticed a couple of others on the scene he
hadn't seen before.  He nearly cursed, but set his jaw.  The two men
were probably the ones that had spoken with Natalie the night before.

He continued forward, Tracy just a few steps behind him. 
Approaching Natalie, Nick watched as she stood.  "What do we have?"
he asked, keeping his voice as normal as possible.

"Two victims, both in their mid-twenties.  There's no ID or anything
else on their persons.  They have several injuries from before the
time of death--the source of the blood you see.  However, although
blood-loss is very likely the cause of death, I don't believe it is
from those wounds.  The wounds were created seconds before death, by
my guess, and none of them are very deep.  I'll double-check when I
get back to the morgue."

"What about the slashes on their necks?  There's not as much blood
there," Nick mentioned, kneeling close to one victim and looking
closer at the wound.  He could clearly see where a vampire had bitten
them, the puncture wounds only partially obscured by the cuts.  "Nat?"

"For now, it's an anomaly.  Like I said, I'll find out more during
the autopsy."

Nick stood up and gestured to the two he didn't recognise.  "Who are
they?"

"Ah...Reese wants to talk to both of you about that."  Watching as
Nick headed for the two, she started, "Nick...." but he was already
halfway there.

Reese saw his detective, and managed to catch him just before
reaching his destination.  "Nick, you're not in charge of this case."

"What?  I'm...."

"Yeah, I know you're the senior detective on the scene, but I'm
afraid we have a couple of additions."

Nick thought about that.  He'd had this happen before, although not
quite like this.  "So...what, are you saying that they're feds?  Why
are they here?"

"Come on, Nick, let's get your partner and I'll explain."

Nick stared over to the elder of the two men's eyes.  He didn't like
this...not one bit.  He turned back, starting off toward his partner.

"Nick...."  Tracy followed her partner as he walked past her, and
she asked, "Who are they?"

"Feds, I take it."  Turning, Nick faced first his partner, and then
Reese, who was approaching.

Tracy's eyes widened.  "What?  Captain?"

"Yeah, Nick's right about that.  Although don't ask me what agency
they work with.  I called some of the higher ups about them being
here, and they're legitimate.  They have control of the
investigation, and before you say anything, I don't like it any
better than you do."

"Captain, why are they here?  I mean, yeah it's a bit strange as far
as a case goes, but--"

"It's part of a pattern we've been following for some time,"
McKinsey stated, coming up to the detectives with his partner.  "I'm
Agent Robert McKinsey, and this here's my partner, Grant Keller. 
You're the detectives on the case?  Knight and Vetter?"

Nick tensed a little at that.  "That's right."  He didn't like how
much the others probably knew about him and Tracy.

"Good.  Now if we can get back to the 96th, we'll bring you two up
to speed with what we have."

Tracy stepped closer, not liking this any more than Nick.  "What
about here?  There's the crime scene to deal with."

"We've already gotten statements from witnesses and dealt with
this," Keller answered.

"Back at the precinct you will have access to all of our findings. 
We would much rather work together on this instead of at each other's
throats."  Gripping Nick's shoulder, McKinsey stated, "Come on.  We
can discuss it over breakfast."

Nick tensed at the touch, but managed a weak smile and a nod, glad
for the moment for the long nights of winter.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Over breakfast, Tracy asked, "So, you've been following cases like
this for the last two years?  Wow...you must be getting close to the
killer by now."

McKinsey looked over at her, telling her, "Actually, this is the
closest we've gotten.  We just happened to be here in Toronto when
this case came up."

Nick stuffed another mouthful of his omelette in his mouth, McKinsey
scrutinising his every movement.  It was mostly egg, with some ham
and cheese.  He had been pleased when the cooks went sparse on the
last two.  Natalie had taken him to breakfast in the past, making him
eat some of her eggs.  As they were high in protein, they seemed to
digest better than other foods...but only somewhat.  Already he could
feel his stomach beginning to protest.

"Detective?"

Realising he'd turned his attention fully to the food, Nick abruptly
looked up and asked, "What?"

"I asked, 'Have you seen anything like this before?'" McKinsey
answered.  "We've noticed that in most of the cities we find cases
like this, there have been other, somewhat similar ones."

Nick put his fork down, thankful for the break from his breakfast. 
"Uh...well, possibly.  Not exactly like this, but with certain
similarities, yes."

"Perhaps the slash to the throat and unusual amount of blood-loss?"
Keller asked and drank some of his coffee.

Nick didn't know quite how he should answer that.  "On a few
occasions.  I think a lot of homicide detectives have encountered
that kind of case at some point, though.  Perhaps not the blood-loss,
but I don't find anything too unusual about the victims' wounds.  I
find it unusual that there's more than one victim."

McKinsey turned his full attention on Nick, watching the detective.

Under the continued scrutiny, Nick grabbed his glass of water,
taking a swallow of it.  The water, at least, would help the omelette
go down if nothing else.

"What's with that, anyway?  I mean, the victims...they were slashed
up pretty good."  Tracy stopped, hoping one of them would comment. 
But, the two feds were silent on that.  "What about the witnesses? 
What did they say?"

Seeing his partner staring at Knight, Keller told her, "Just that
whoever it was struck so fast that the victims couldn't do anything
in defence.  That, and that the killers disappeared in an instant."

"Killers?" she continued.

"Yeah.  There are two of them--probably why there is almost always
two victims."  He turned to McKinsey, getting the other man's
attention.  "Tell them about our last one."

McKinsey took another glance at Knight, and then explained, "New
York City.  This time it was three, not two.  It looks like someone
tried to attack our killers--they died, too.  One of the victims'
head was nearly ripped off, more bones broken in his body than a
doctor would be able to fix--if he hadn't died from a broken neck. 
Other than that, and that there weren't any witnesses, it's pretty
much the same story as here."

"And no leads?" Nick asked.

Holding the detective's gaze, McKinsey continued, "None.  After the
two had left, it's almost as if they were never there.  Only proof of
them being there is usually in the form of a couple of footprints--
light and usually not clear.  Not even enough to give us a good
indication of their weight.  No witnesses, until here, have seen
enough to give a decent description."

At that, Keller explained, "We have two down at the precinct making
up a composite of one of them right now."

Nick just about choked on another bit of egg, then demanded, "What? 
Why wasn't anything said?"

"Because, frankly, we wanted to talk with you two for a little
first."  McKinsey caught a touch of anger from Knight at that,
telling him, "Don't worry, everything is, I'm sure, going smoothly
back at the precinct.  Look, Detective, I know you don't like working
with us.  Other instances where federal agents have been involved
with local police show us that.  Personally, I don't blame you, but
let's please try to work together.  I specifically requested that you
and your partner be assigned to work with us, primarily because of
your high arrest record.  We want to work with you, not against you."

Nick finished his glass of water, leaning back.  He couldn't help
but feel there was more to that than the other was saying.  After
all, Natalie mentioned they had asked about him.

Noticing that everyone was either done eating or on their last bite,
McKinsey suggested, "Now, how about we head back and see how those
composites are coming?"


Fulfilment (09/32)

Tracy slowly made her way into Vachon's home.  She'd checked she
didn't know how many times to see if anyone was following her, but
hadn't seen anyone.  McKinsey and Keller were...well, she wasn't sure
what they were.  Other than being federal agents of some kind and in
charge of her current case, she knew nothing.

"Vachon?  Come on, I know you're here."

Sliding out of a shadow, he stopped behind her.  "You really
shouldn't be here, Trace."

"And why not?" she said, and then continued further into the Church.
Then, she suddenly stopped upon seeing Screed there, a green glass
bottle in his hands.

"Because Screed's in trouble, that's why."

"That's right.  The General won't ev'n let me hunt, 'e won't.  'aft
to drink this pie," he said, holding up the bottle.

All Screed's response did was make her even more confused than she
was.  "What happened, and who's 'The General'?"

"The General--"

"Screed...don't."

"What?  It's not loik she's not gonna ev'ntually know."

"Perhaps not, but for now you need to stay right here...and quiet. 
I don't want to get put through the wringer, okay?"

Screed set the bottle down, and leaned over with his elbows on his
knees.  "Yeah, fine."

Although her curiosity wanted to know more, she could see she wasn't
going to get an answer right now--and certainly not a truthful one. 
"So what happened?"

"Got caught on vid-e-o tape, that's wot.  By some mortal.  And h'its
because of that that I'm stuck 'ere--by the General and that nasty
Enforcer type's orders."

Vachon glared at Screed.  "Yeah, well, you have 'Cedric the Nasty'
to thank for your life, so don't hold your breath."

"Who's that?"

Vachon winced.  He'd already told her more than she needed to know. 
"Cedric.  He's an Enforcer.  Just leave it at that," he stated.  "You
should get going, Tracy.  Don't come over until I tell you it's okay,
all right?"

"No...wait."  Reaching into her jacket pocket, she pulled out the
composite that had been patched together while she was at breakfast. 
Apparently, by both witnesses, it was accurate.  She unfolded it and
handed it to him.  "That's a composite we got from a witness earlier
this morning.  Vachon...the murder...I think it was done by a
vampire.  Two, specifically.  Do you recognise him?"

Vachon looked at the computer-generated sketch.  The man had fairly
short, dark hair, and a scar on one side of his neck.  "No, I
haven't.  Tracy, I don't know all of the vampires in the city, and
besides, I've been stuck here with Screed for the past two days."  He
handed it back, watching as she put it away.  "Uh...Trace?  If you
think someone might be watching you--don't go to the Raven.  Don't
try to find out who it is.  I'll mention it."

"Vachon...just be careful, okay?  We have these feds working with
us, and...well, I think they know more about our case than they're
saying.  I think they might know about vampires, or at least have
suspicions."

Screed half-flew across the room, landing next to Tracy.  "An' you
probably led 'em roit to us."

She turned to him, firmly stating, "No, I didn't.  I made sure no
one followed me.  Besides, I think they might have gone after Nick,
anyway.  One of the agents seems to have something against him.  I
mean, he looked like he was just waiting for Nick to choke on his
omelette."

Vachon's eyes went a little wide at that, but he didn't comment. 
"Tracy, you really should go.  When I can, I'll drop by.  Okay?"

"Yeah, okay.  Let me know what you can find out about that vampire
and if it's a vampire.  I'd tell them to get out of Toronto, too, if
you see them."  Seeing Vachon nod, she turned and left, heading out
of the church and back to her car.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

As Nick arrived back at the loft, Natalie watched as Nick flew
across the room to the bathroom upstairs, completely ignoring her,
LaCroix, and Cedric's presence.

She went after him, and upon reaching the upper level, noticed the
other two hadn't moved.  She kept going, though, figuring she could
ask why they didn't act later.

Standing just outside the bathroom door, she couldn't hear anything.
"Nick...I'm coming in, okay?"  He didn't answer her, so she turned
the knob and entered.  Inside, she found Nick on his hands and knees
in front of the toilet.  Quickly, she stepped inside and closed the
door, going to him.  "Nick?  What's wrong?"

"I never want to see an omelette again.  For that matter, I never
want to see food again, specifically eggs."

"Omelette?  What are you...."  Seeing the chewed but pretty much
undigested food in the toilet, it hit her what he was talking about. 
"What happened?"

"Those agents...they ended up taking me and Tracy to breakfast to
talk about the case.  I couldn't just sit there...not with McKinsey
staring at me, watching.  I had to order something, they insisted on
buying us breakfast."

She winced.  That had to have been an interesting morning.  "So, you
actually ate an omelette, then?" she asked, trying to lighten the
mood a bit.

"Most of one...and had a glass of water.  The water helped a bit,
but--"

She tensed a little, shaking her head.  "But not enough.  Yeah, I
get it.  Uh...LaCroix and Cedric are downstairs.  They were here when
I got back."

"Because of the case," he stated, letting Natalie help him sit up.

"Yeah."

He pried her hands free from him, pushing her slightly away.  "Go
on...I'll be down in a moment."  When she hesitated, he told her,
"I've already lost everything in my stomach...I just want to sit here
for a couple of minutes."

"Nick...."

"Maybe get me something to drink?"

Natalie was going to protest again, but he stopped her with his
finger.  She pulled his hand away from her lips, giving him a weak
smile.  "Okay.  Just don't take too long, okay?"  Getting a weak
smile, she stood and headed back downstairs.

Cedric and LaCroix followed her every movement down the stairs, and
Natalie tensed as she went to the kitchen, still under their
scrutiny.  Getting a bottle from the refrigerator, she pulled a glass
out of the cupboard and set it on the counter.  She paused a moment,
and then retrieved two more glasses, setting them on the counter as
well.

Once Natalie had filled all three, she turned to the two--LaCroix
who was sitting on the couch, and Cedric who was in the recliner. 
Neither made any indication of budging...but she really didn't feel
like being their servant.  "If you want them, come get them.  I'm
waiting for Nick."

Cedric stood and turned to LaCroix, who nodded.  Then, he went to
the kitchen, picking up two of the glasses off the counter.  He shot
a glare at the mortal, and then headed for LaCroix.  He held one out
for the elder vampire, and LaCroix took it, deliberately touching his
hand and letting it linger.  Once LaCroix had hold of the glass,
however, Cedric snapped his hand back.  He turned to again sit in the
recliner, only to see Nicholas staring down from the upper level. 
Nicholas had seen and probably believed he wanted the touch.  And,
deep down, he did.  Cedric watched Nicholas' eyes glow, at which he
took a step back and sat in the chair.  As the other descended the
stairs, he was thankful when Nicholas headed to the kitchen.

Nick took the glass of blood Natalie offered, quickly drinking it. 
He poured a second, and then led Natalie back to the others, where
they both sat on the couch.  As he pulled her closer with one hand,
she took the glass from him, at which he held her tighter.

LaCroix turned to face the two.  "Cedric tells me there was a...case
that concerns us all?"

"Two victims--mortals.  Almost assuredly killed by two vampires,"
Natalie related.

Then, Nick added, "There's a composite out for one of them--short
dark hair with a scar on his neck.  There's not enough to make up a
sketch of the other."

"Manns.  That's his name," Cedric almost immediately responded.  He
momentarily clenched his jaw, his eyes flashing gold for a second. 
"He and his brother have been causing quite a bit of trouble
recently.  They've been killing, and they've been killing without
care for the Code.  They are at the top of our wanted list.  They
have a death warrant out for them."

"Then it must be carried out, and soon," LaCroix said, his anger
beginning to surface.

Cedric stiffened, feeling the other's annoyance.  "Yes, but...the
problem is catching them.  They aren't here in Toronto--I can assure
you of that.  But, they will be.  They always make three or four
killings before moving on, and tonight was just the first one.  We're
already trying to track them.  Soon, we should call a meeting."

"Soon, but not yet, Cedric.  A meeting could cause panic in the
Community, and as I've already mentioned, panic is the last thing we
need right now."  LaCroix waited, half-expecting Cedric to counter
his words...but he didn't.  He smiled slightly, turning to his son
and the mortal.  "I believe Nicholas has an announcement to make." 
When his son stiffened, he smiled a little more.

Confusion crossed the Enforcer's features, and he looked between the
other two.  "Announcement?  What kind of announcement?"  Finally, he
settled his gaze on Nicholas.

"Myself and Natalie are going to be married."

Cedric finished off his drink, but made no other reaction.

"It should dispel some of the suspicions about Nick, and I think
it's something we both want, as well," Natalie explained.

Nodding, Cedric set his glass down.  If suspicion could be turned
away from the Community, even only one of its members....  "Then I
congratulate you both.  I do not envy you, though.  Consider all of
the possible results before vows are taken, and remember that this
decision is not a light one and will possibly bring unforeseen
problems with it."  He stood, telling them, "If you would excuse me--
I must speak with the other Enforcers before dawn."  After both
LaCroix and Nicholas nodded, he flew out the skylight.

Nick moved from behind Natalie once Cedric had left, picking up
Cedric's glass and then reaching for LaCroix'.  However, his sire
stopped him, gripping his arm.  "Let go, LaCroix."

LaCroix pried Cedric's glass from his son's hand, feeling the other
tense.  Finally managing to get it, he put the empty glass next to
his, keeping hold of his son.

As the touch became more than a little uncomfortable, not even
considering Natalie's gaze, Nick yanked his hand back.  It was just
barely enough to free himself from the grip, at which he stepped
back.  "Leave, LaCroix.  I'm sure you have tasks to complete before
dawn as well."

LaCroix stiffened.  "Very well."  He stood, stepping into the open. 
"Good day, Nicholas.  Doctor," he said, giving a nod to each of them,
and then left.

Once the other had left, Nick bowed his head and closed his eyes. 
He wished he knew what was going on...with everything.  Between
himself, LaCroix, and Cedric, none of them seemed to be able to carry
on a conversation.

"Nick?"

He turned to her, following her as she stood.  He approached her and
pulled her to him, placing a kiss on her forehead.  Drawing away, he
told her, "I'm going to head to bed.  You should probably stay down
here, okay?"

Although she didn't want to, Natalie nodded.  She watched as he
pulled ever further away from her, grabbed his glass and the bottle
on the counter, and headed upstairs.


Fulfilment (10/32)

[11 Days Later]

Cedric glared down from the roof of a building, his eyes burning
gold.  Below at the entrance to an alley was a busy crime scene,
almost identical to the other one.  Two more mortals had been killed.

"Anger won't help, you know."

He closed his eyes, feeling the other vampire approach.  "Why don't
you tell that to yourself, LaCroix."

"My anger fuels me, yours only fuels itself."

"Just shut up, okay," Cedric hissed, turning slightly to the side.

LaCroix raised his eyebrows, and then walked to the edge of the
building.  "That is, I believe, number two."

Nodding, Cedric turned and took several steps.  "Two down, one or
two more to go.  We probably have about...oh, two to two and a half
weeks before they strike again.  This time, however, they *will* be
caught.  I will see to it myself, if possible.  They'll be here just
for the kill, and they will die then and there."

"These kills are getting closer and closer to the mortals' eyes. 
You'll risk exposure to kill them?" LaCroix asked somewhat
incredulously.

"If it comes to it.  The mortals won't be ready for us, though.  We
have more of the pieces than they do.  They won't know about the next
murder until after the killers have been destroyed."  Cedric took in
a deep breath, willing himself to calm.  "How are Nicholas and
Natalie?"

"They are...fine.  Too caught up in themselves to think much of
other matters.  The wedding is set for five days from now at sunset. 
I do not agree with it, and think it is a foolish thing to do."

"Even if it lowers suspicion on Nicholas?  He *is* being
investigated.  The Enforcers fear how close they are to getting
something on him.  Thankfully, his background, unlike most of us, is
fully fleshed out.  However, if they suspect him, they could very
well follow that to you or the Raven, and I think you know that." 
When the other stiffened, Cedric tried not to smile.  Now wasn't the
time for it.  Reaching into his jacket pocket, he pulled a small
pouch out.  "Give this to Natalie," he said, holding the pouch out.

"What is it?" LaCroix asked, taking it.

"A...bit of protection should things get nasty in the future.  She
is, despite a mortal, important to us.  With that, the others will
know not to harm her."

"Very well."  When the other didn't move from his position, LaCroix
asked, "Is there something else?"

"I was wondering if I could spend the day at your place.  I would
like to talk, LaCroix.  Nearly eight hundred years is a long time to
go without having a decent conversation.  I would like to actually
talk--not argue.  Please."  He waited, and after a moment the elder
vampire nodded.  He stood in place as LaCroix took to the air.  Into
the slight breeze that resulted, Cedric whispered, "Thank you."

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Natalie sat on the couch, a plate of crackers and cheese on the
coffee table.  Putting a piece of cheese on one of them, she took a
bite out of it.  She heard the skylight unlatching, and she looked up
from the food to find LaCroix standing on the other side of the
table.  "Good morning, LaCroix.  Want some?"  As she expected, he
just stood there.  "Guess not.  You probably want to know about the
case, right?  Nick's upstairs."

"Yes, that is on my list, but first I have something for you."  He
pulled out the pouch he'd received earlier that night, handing it to
her.

Putting the remainder of her cracker down, she took the offering,
asking, "What is it?"  Dumping the little satchel's contents into her
hand, she found a necklace with some kind of charm.

"It's from Cedric.  His protection, he said."

She held the chain up, getting a closer look at the round pendant. 
It was just over a half inch in diameter.  On it sat a yellow dragon
on one side and a pink one on the other.  The chain and all but the
dragons were in a white metal, either gold or platinum by her guess. 
"His protection?  But...."

"He is an Enforcer.  With that, comes protection from other
Enforcers should anything happen."  Looking at the charm, LaCroix
tensed slightly upon seeing just what it was.  Suppressing his anger
at Cedric's gift, he further explained, "It will also protect you
from vampires in general.  As long as the charm is visible, no
vampire will dare touch you for fear of death."

She looked closer at it, wondering how that could be...unless it was
some kind of seal, or something similar.  When she looked up, she
found LaCroix gone, and glancing up to Nick's room, she just caught
LaCroix disappearing through the door.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Stepping into his son's room, LaCroix found Nicholas looking for
something, pulling things down from the closet.  "What are you doing?"

"Trying to find something."  Turning to LaCroix, it was apparent the
other was on edge.  "What did you give Natalie?  I felt you tense
across our link."

"Cedric's...protection.  It's a bit more than that, but do not tell
Natalie.  Not yet."

"A bit more?  What does that mean?"

"You'll see.  But, that isn't important for the moment.  What is, is
your new case."

Moving away from the closet, Nick explained, "No witnesses this
time, but it's the same as the other one.  Our two federal agents are
having fun, it seems.  They seem sure they'll strike again in two to
two and a half weeks."

LaCroix tensed further at the last, wondering just how much more
info the Community had than these mortals.

Seeing LaCroix' action, Nick waited for a response, but none came. 
"What?"

"That was Cedric's estimation of the next attack.  It seems those
two know more than they should.  I will inform him of this." 
Turning, LaCroix flew downstairs, landing behind the couch only to
find his son had done so as well.  Turning to face the younger
vampire, he stated, "A meeting of the Community will take place
within the next two weeks.  I will inform you of its time when it has
been decided upon.  Take care, mon fils."

Nick followed LaCroix' exit, his gaze remaining upward until after
the skylight had been closed.  Turning back to Natalie, he found her
turned toward him.

A charm on a chain around her neck glinted in the light--a rose gold
dragon sitting in its centre and a serpent wrapped around the edge,
staring at him, and making him instinctively tense.  Although he'd
never actually seen one of these charms, he'd heard of them from
LaCroix.  On the other side, he knew, would be another dragon. 
Cedric had, indeed, provided Natalie with more than just his personal
protection.  Far more.

As she looked up at him, he managed a smile, and then came to sit
next to her as she picked a half-eaten cracker with cheese up off the
plate.  A few seconds later, he found it coming his way, but quickly
grabbed her arm, directing it instead back to her.

She fought him, and as she fell backwards, the cracker still headed
for her mouth, they both laughed, other matters pushed far from the
front of their thoughts.


Fulfilment (11/32)

"You should have asked me before giving your 'protection' to that
mortal!" LaCroix hissed, yanking Cedric from where he was sitting on
the couch when he'd arrived back at his apartment.

"Oh, now look who's calling her 'that mortal'."  Instinctively,
Cedric flinched back, aware that sooner or later LaCroix was going to
break...and most likely from something he said.

"She is still 'that mortal', but she is also marrying my son." 
Shoving the Enforcer onto the floor, LaCroix stepped forward,
continuing his earlier rant, "What you gave her is, as I'm sure you
know, not to be given out lightly--not even to one of us.  You will
be the one that explains just what that little charm of yours
represents!  I will not do it, and neither will Nicholas."

Standing, he explained, "The others know I gave it to her, LaCroix. 
And there is no reason I should have told you, let alone asked you
about it before giving it to her.  I'm surprised you didn't look to
see what it was before handing it to her."

"I took you for your word, Cedric, that it was protection from you
against the Enforcers!"  LaCroix moved forward, backing the other
toward the far corner of the room.

"Which it is!"

"Yes, but you gave her a lot more.  With that little 'protection' of
yours, she has as much say in the Community as any enforcer!"

"Then just hope she doesn't decide to order your execution!"

LaCroix' eyes immediately turned crimson at that, and he backhanded
Cedric, not holding back in the slightest.  "And you should hope she
does not order yours."

The action sent the Enforcer back into the corner, and a snap could
be heard as he impacted with the wall on his right side.  Cedric slid
to the floor, fighting the almost uncontrollable urge to react.

The elder vampire took a step forward, his gaze not wavering.  "And
I thought you wanted a civilised conversation."

Cedric winced.  They couldn't seem to do anything but argue. 
Shifting and trying to stand, he realised he had broken several ribs.
"You know, I'm not sure I blame Nicholas for wanting to keep his
distance from you."

LaCroix turned away at the comment.  As the sun was on its way up,
Cedric would have to stay the day...and if they continued like this,
the younger vampire wouldn't be around when night fell.  "I will be
in the kitchen," he eventually said, leaving the room.

Pushing himself up against the wall, Cedric winced at the slight
pain.  It didn't really hurt all that much, but he knew LaCroix could
have done much, much worse.  He started after the other, and arriving
in the kitchen, he leaned against the doorframe.  There, inside,
LaCroix calmly poured two glasses of blood.

He accepted the one handed to him, silently backing a couple of
steps around the corner as LaCroix took his own glass and the bottle
back to the other room.  Only once the elder vampire sat did he do
so...and then only at the far end of the couch, a bit of a distance
from LaCroix in the recliner next to the other side of the couch.

"I am sorry, LaCroix.  I didn't expect my gift to Natalie to be so
unwanted.  It is a privilege for anyone to wear it, and it took a lot
of time to decide to do this.  Why do you think it was only now
given?  It wasn't even my idea.  One of the others suggested it. 
It's the surest way to protect her from those in the Community.  And
it's only as long as she wears it.  If she chooses not to, she may."

"You still should have asked, or at least mentioned you were going
to give it to her.  I had a right to know beforehand, and so did
Nicholas.  As third eldest in this city, you report to us."

"I am an Enforcer and not one of yours, LaCroix.  Perhaps you can do
this to Nicholas, but not to me."

LaCroix stood, setting his glass on the table and approaching the
other.  Grabbing Cedric's left arm, he pushed up the younger
vampire's sleeve, revealing the remnants of several scars.  They were
the partial wounds that had managed to fully heal all those years ago
when Cedric had been a mortal.  "Whether you like it or not, I can
still lay some claim to you.  Whatever happened to your 'master',
anyway?"

Cedric jerked his arm back, and then watched as the other returned
to his seat.  He didn't like talking about his past.  But...it was
part of the reason he came.  He wanted to heal some of the events in
the past.  "About a century ago, my master, that Enforcer that came,
started taking more control among the Enforcers, started proclaiming
himself in charge.  As decades passed, he became...tainted with
power.  He used his position to get away with things, to break the
Code.  Fifteen years ago, I found out.  He thought I would
understand.  He should have kept with his original opinion of me."

"You killed him."

"Yes.  It was my duty.  I do not regret it.  Neither do I regret my
decision to go with him.  He was right in that I would make a good
Enforcer.  I enjoy what I am."

"You enjoy the hunt, the kill."

"Exactly.  I always have, and you knew that.  That's why you let me
go with him, isn't it?  I know you two spoke...."

LaCroix picked up his glass and took a large swallow of the blood,
remembering that night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Leeds, England - 1222 - Early February]

"I choose to leave with you," Cedric told the Enforcer.

The words bit into him.  LaCroix stared at the other vampire,
tempted to kill the Enforcer then and there.

"Wait outside, Mortal," the Enforcer spoke.  "I wish to speak with
this one some more."

LaCroix turned to Cedric when he didn't immediately leave.

"I'm sorry, Lucien...I really am."

LaCroix closed his eyes as the mortal left.  He didn't move until he
felt the Enforcer's presence behind him.  Then, he turned and faced
the other.

"You can take him by force, if you wish.  Kill me and take him.  It
is within your right."  The Enforcer stopped, pausing for a moment. 
Then, his voice a little lower, he continued, "But think about what
this does for him.  He is a born hunter.  Will he be content hunting
the mortals, or will he want a stronger, more difficult challenge? 
He enjoys hunting with you, does he not?"

He stiffened, unable to deny it.  "Yes, he does."

"And he enjoys the kill?"

He nodded.

"Ask yourself--what is better for him?  Would he live better as an
Enforcer, or as your son?"

Again, LaCroix closed his eyes.  Enforcers were trained to hunt and
kill.  They were trained to enforce a Code that had originated long
before any who upheld it were even born.  "Take him."

"He will always partially belong to you.  And, although he is
mortal, you have taken his blood several times.  I'm sure you can
feel his thoughts on this matter?"

"Yes.  This is what he wants.  Go...leave with him before my
thoughts change."  As the Enforcer nodded and turned to go, he added
in a hiss, "Treat him well, and I suspect he will be a loyal son as
well as Enforcer."  He watched the other vampire again nod, and then
slink out the door.

He remained in place until Cedric's heartbeat had long faded from
his senses.  Then, he turned, his eyes catching on the half-finished
meal on the table.  In a second, his anger rose and the table was
flipped; the single plate clattering to the ground with its contents.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"LaCroix?"

He turned to Cedric, seeing a hint of concern.  "Yes, that is why I
let you go with him."

"It was for the best, you know that.  I didn't mean to hurt you, but
I know I did.  I felt it, LaCroix."  Turning away, Cedric continued,
"You were more of a father to me during our time spent together than
my sire ever was."

A spark of anger at that made LaCroix' eyes turn gold.

"No, LaCroix, he never hurt me.  He just...he made me in the image
of the 'perfect' Enforcer.  He trained me, but he allowed me to
mingle with the mortals, something that amused me.  I liked to watch
them.  They are...intriguing.  From them is how I truly learned to
hunt.  By observing them, I learned to anticipate my target and know
what it was thinking.  I learned that from you.  It is you that
helped me gain the position I have now, not him.  And later, I wanted
to speak with you, but...."

LaCroix waited, but the other didn't finish his sentence.  "But what?"

"Nicholas.  By the time I had enough courage to ask if I could speak
with you...you had another."

He felt his muscles tighten, realising what had happened.  "And
because of Nicholas...."

Cedric stood, walking across the room.  "I'm sorry.  I saw him...I
saw you with him and realised you had already filled the void created
by me.  I didn't think you would want to see me, so I just turned
around and left."

"I would have welcomed you."

"I know, I just....  There was Nicholas.  I watched you for several
days before I left.  I saw how close you two were.  You two were as
we were...closer.  I...envied him.  I did then, and I still do.  He
has you."

LaCroix sat for a moment, finishing off his glass of blood.  He
focused on the other, and watched as Cedric turned, facing the wall. 
He then stood and approached, stopping behind the other.  When Cedric
didn't step away, he moved nearer and put his right hand on the
younger's right shoulder.  He pulled Cedric back to him, the action
not met with any resistance.  With his other hand, he reached around
the other, unbuttoning the several top buttons of Cedric's shirt. 
Pulling the fabric slightly to the side, his lips brushed against the
other's neck.

At that, Cedric withdrew from the touch, turning to face the other. 
"Don't, LaCroix.  Don't do this for of me."

"Who says I'm doing that?" LaCroix asked, advancing slowly on the
other.

"But...Nicholas...."

"My son is....  Nicholas has drifted from me.  We are not close as
we once were.  True, there have been a few moments in recent months,
but it will soon pass."

"Still--"  Cedric stopped, the wall coming up behind him.

"Neither does Nicholas have any say over what I wish to do." 
Closing the distance between them, he kissed Cedric much like the
Enforcer had all those years before.  But, unlike that kiss, Cedric
not only welcomed the action, but pulled him closer.  Pushing his
tongue into the other's mouth, LaCroix felt the other's fangs--two
long and very sharp fangs, longer than a regular vampire's.

Cedric pulled back, trying to flee...but was pinned to the wall. 
"No, LaCroix.  I can't...please, let me go."

"Why can't you?"

"I..." he started, watching as the other's eyes turned gold.  "I've
honestly never been with a vampire--a normal, non-Enforcer, vampire,
that is--since I was brought over.  Enforcers aren't exactly welcomed
by others in the Community.  You know that.  We're thought of as
monsters."

"You're not alone in this.  Typically, I avoid Enforcers in normal
conversation...let alone more intimate affairs."  LaCroix took one of
his fingers, cutting it on one of Cedric's fangs.  "Quite sharp, I'd
say...and quite long."

"But what about--"  A finger, the same one that had just been cut,
stopped his words.  He watched as LaCroix then brought his finger to
his own lips and licked the blood away.

"If you're so concerned about what Nicholas thinks of this and his
needs, why don't you go offer yourself to him?  Or ask him to join
us?  Nicholas can come to me anytime he wishes, but he does not.  You
however...."  Before Cedric could comment, LaCroix again kissed him. 
This time, he purposely cut his tongue on the other's canines,
causing quite a reaction from the other.  Drawing back, he said,
"Perhaps later?  Nicholas has his own diversions.  We can choose our
own."  LaCroix waited a moment for a response, but only saw Cedric's
eyes begin to glow.  A second later, he felt the younger strike,
Cedric's fangs slicing into his neck.  At that, he returned the
action, tasting the flavour he had nearly forgotten.

As they separated, Cedric licked the blood from his lips, asking,
"Are you sure, LaCroix?  I don't want any more tension between me and
Nicholas than need be."

"Like I said, Nicholas has drifted from me."  LaCroix unbuttoned the
rest of Cedric's shirt, pushing it back and off the other's
shoulders. It slipped from the younger man's skin, falling to the
floor.  "Choose, Cedric.  Yes or no.  Decide quickly."  The younger
tried to kiss him again, but LaCroix kept space between them. 
"Yes...or no?"

"Yes...."

LaCroix smiled.  Then, he let the other kiss him and work on
removing his clothes with learned efficiency.  It had been so
long...but at the same time, he vividly remembered their time spent
together as if it were yesterday.

As the last of LaCroix' coverings met the floor, Cedric kissed the
other, feeling hands at his waist undoing his pants.  Cedric slipped
out of the garment and his underwear with ease.  LaCroix pulled away
from him, and he flushed slightly at the other's attention on his
bare body.

LaCroix reached forward, pulling the tie that held Cedric's hair
back.  It was roughly the same length it had been when he'd first
seen Cedric.  He openly grinned, nearly licking his lips.  "You've
not changed in all these years."

"Nor you."  When one of LaCroix' hands went to his neck, Cedric
moved forward, again kissing the elder vampire.  His mouth met hungry
lips, their cool bodies meeting.  Cedric was pushed back into the
wall, the other drawing momentarily back, a smile still staring at him.

Spinning the younger, LaCroix pulled Cedric against him, his
erection pressing against Cedric.  He traced one finger up the
younger's arm, across his shoulder, and then up the back of his neck.
His eyes burned brighter as the actions sent a shiver down Cedric's
spine, which arched slightly in response.  "Hmm...so ready, so young,
so strong...."  LaCroix pressed himself harder against Cedric,
letting his fangs descend and tease the younger vampire's neck.

Cedric turned his head to the side, the sensation making his eyes
quickly turn golden.  "Very ready..." he said through his fangs,
bracing himself against the wall.

Slowly and almost gently, LaCroix positioned himself behind the
other, pressing ever so slightly into Cedric's anus, just stretching
the opening a little.  The younger moaned and LaCroix slid gradually
in.  Once Cedric had relaxed--which didn't take long--he began to
thrust, slowly and gently at first, and then gradually harder as time
went by, needing this.

LaCroix' hands first started out on the younger's stomach, steadying
Cedric's body.  While one remained, he let the other trace a line
teasingly downward, and then lightly grasped the other's erection. 
He stroked it, paying careful attention to remember just what the
other liked.  A soft moan escaped Cedric's lips and LaCroix continued
his ministrations.

He repeatedly impaled the younger, only hesitating as he neared his
climax.  Abruptly ceasing his actions, LaCroix moved his hands
upward, pulling Cedric away from the wall and making the younger's
neck more assessable.  When the younger vampire's head was to the
side, taunt skin invited him in and he bit into it, taking what he
needed.

The blood calmed his senses, and his body relaxed.  LaCroix felt
Cedric's needs rise, the Enforcer needing only one thing in order to
reach his own peak--blood.  He offered his wrist, Cedric's fangs
ripping into it.  The teeth were long and razor sharp, digging deeper
than a normal vampire's would have.  But, it really wasn't much
different.  He felt as the blood was pulled from him a little quicker
than he was used to, but that didn't really matter.  What mattered
was feeling Cedric lean back into him and sharing this with another.


Fulfilment (12/32)

[Three nights later]

Getting out of her car, Natalie spotted the Caddy pulling up. 
Walking over to them, she waited for them to get out.  "What are you
two doing here?  This is the 27th's jurisdiction."  Neither spoke. 
"Nick?"

"Yeah, well, we got a call from McKinsey over there," he said,
gesturing to the agent, who was over by the victim.  "He thinks it
might be related to our other cases."

"Great.  That's all we need," Natalie mumbled.  She started for the
victim, Nick and Tracy following close behind her.  "So, McKinsey,
what do we have?"

"Looks like our primary case, but one victim, and no extra slashes--
just the one at the neck.  Looks like they might have been drained
like the others."

"Well, I'm going to see if there's anything else," Natalie said,
kneeling next to the dead woman.

McKinsey shook his head.  "32 and homeless.  It fits some of our
other cases.  We've seen this before, too."

"Have anyone in mind?" Nick asked, wondering what the other was
thinking.

"No.  She's just unlucky."  McKinsey saw the younger detective
tense.  "It's not an exact science, but I'll bet no one knows her. 
Either that, or very few.  She was just in the wrong place at the
wrong time."

"How can you say that?" Tracy exclaimed, her anger close to the
surface.  "It's not like she has much choice if she's out here."

Again, the agent shook his head.  "Truth is, the one laying there
could be some Jane Doe with a thousand dollar suit on and I'd say the
same thing."

When the anger remained, Keller added, "What my partner's trying to
say is, she was picked--not stalked, but carefully chosen in order to
not draw much attention.  We won't find her killer."

"So you're just giving up?" Nick asked as Keller walked away.

"Giving up?" McKinsey said.  "No, not giving up.  Just setting
priorities.  We've seen dozens upon dozens of cases like this one. 
Exactly like this one, down to the slash and blood drained.  Look if
you want, Detective, but you won't find anything.  I'm sure you know
the probably of solving a case like this."

Nick simmered as the agent left, joining his partner.  As the two
agents left, he calmed slightly.  He knew this was a vampire kill,
one that ordinarily would have gone unnoticed.  He didn't like it any
better than Tracy, but....  It seemed like these two knew far more
about vampires than they should.

"Come on, Nick.  Let's go see what Natalie's found."

He turned to her, and then toward the empty place where McKinsey's
car had been parked.  Nodding, he turned and headed back to the
victim, knowing full well that there wouldn't be anything new.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Two days later, Nick stood fidgeting in a church.  Right now,
between the location and why he was here, he wasn't even sure he
could say a straight sentence.  Natalie was in front of him, and
Tracy, Myra, and Jenny were off to one side.  A priest was speaking,
saying something, but his only thoughts were that he wanted out of
there.  Now.  This wedding thing was...unnerving under the
circumstances.

As their vows were finished, and all that was left was to kiss
Natalie, he felt dizzy.  This, he was sure, was from the church. 
Just a little longer, though, and he would be free.  Natalie
initiated the kiss, and he held onto her, pulling her close and using
her for a little support.

Then, after they separated, the next thing he knew Myra was hugging
him.  He quickly returned her thanks, thanking her for coming.  Then,
once everything was done, and truly over with, he heard Tracy ask if
he was all right.

That snapped him out of it a little, and he managed a smile, telling
her he was fine.  Once they where out of the church, Natalie standing
in front of him, his hands on her shoulders, he felt much better, but
was still weak.  He hadn't expected it to last that long...however
long that was.

A bit uncomfortable with the two, especially since they'd just been
married, Tracy prodded, "So...what are you going to do tonight, or
should I even ask?"

Natalie blushed at the question, looking back at Nick.  "Well, I
think that's up to Nick...and I don't know about him, but I want to
get some more comfortable clothes on."

"Something more comfortable, hmm?" he said, leaning over slightly,
kissing her on the neck.

"Well, if you want to call in tomorrow night, let me know and I'll
cover for you.  I'm going to go get some dinner...I'd invite you two,
but...."

"Yeah, we know."  Feeling a slight nip on the back of her neck,
Natalie tensed, realising Nick had changed.  "Well, Nicky here I
think wants to go home.  We'll probably be in tomorrow, but who
knows."  Turning, she got Nick to go as well, and pushed him toward
the Caddy.

Watching the two, Tracy stared after the Caddy as it pulled away,
wondering how things would change with them married.  She hoped not
much would change, but honestly didn't know if anything would or not.
She was still trying to grab hold of the idea.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Natalie sat on Nick's bed, his pyjama top half-drowning her.  There
on her left ring finger sat her wedding ring and band.  It was
strange seeing it there, much more so than she had thought it would
be.  The ring was fancy and reminded her of an older style, but she
knew Nick had it made for her.  But...still, it was strange.

Nick was downstairs, replenishing the energy he had lost earlier
that night.  He'd been so close to the edge during the drive back. 
She had seen his hunger trying to break through even then.  He'd
drank almost a bottle when they'd come back, then he'd changed
clothes, and now he was getting more blood.

Looking up to find him in the doorway, she smiled.  "You know, being
married won't change anything, will it?" she sadly said.

He walked over to her and sat on the bed, pulling her close to him. 
"No, it won't.  I told you that before.  I wish it would, but...it
won't."

"Well, does it at least mean you'll let me sleep with you more?" 
She looked up at him, her eyes pleading with him, although she
already knew the answer.

"Nat...."

"I know, I know...you don't want me to because of what you are." 
She sat up, pulling her knees up to her chest.  "I just...I wish I
could do something, Nick.  You're my husband now, and--"

"And I'm also a vampire.  You're not."

"So?  Come on, Nick, it's our *wedding night*.  I mean, getting
married is supposed to be a good thing...unless you only agreed
because it would help you.  Then, I suppose--"

He put his fingers up to her lips, stopping her before she said
anything else.  "No, I agreed because it was, I hope, something you
wanted.  Yes, it helps dispel suspicion, but I could have dealt with
it if I had to."

"I know we're not the typical couple, but couldn't we...I don't
know...do *something*?"

"Like?"

"Well...something.  I know what's out; I just don't know what else
we could do.  I'd rather not push you too far, Nick.  If you don't
want to, though, that's fine.  I just...."

He pulled her sideways, and then rolled so she ended up on top of
him.  His mouth met hers, and he felt his fangs drop almost
immediately.  After she had pulled back and pushed up a little from
him, he asked, "Hmm...how about we just lay here...with a few less
clothes on, that is?"  Not waiting for an answer, he rolled them over
so that Natalie was under him.  Pulling back, he momentarily got off
the bed, first taking off his robe, and then shedding his pants.

"Uh...Nick, are you sure you're going to be okay?  I mean, I
thought...."

He grinned at her and got back on the bed.  "One-hundred-percent in
control at the moment.  Now...just a little less...." he said,
pulling the pyjama top over her head, pleased to find she wasn't
wearing anything else.  He leaned over her, hungrily kissing her on
the mouth, and then on the neck.

"Nick...I don't know what you're planning, but I'd almost say you
were going to have sex with me," she said, her fear starting to rise
a little, wondering if he really was in control.

"Well, you're almost right," he said while teasing her ear with his
fangs.  "May I?"

"May you what?"  When he pulled back, tracing a line down her middle
and she followed it, she knew what.  "I thought you said we couldn't--"

"Have intercourse."  A smile erupted on his face.  "I didn't say we
couldn't lay together, though.  As long as I'm not aroused too much,
it should be fine."  He kissed her again, lowering himself on top of
her until their bare bodies were right against each other.  Again
rolling so Natalie was on top of him, he let their tongues duel for a
moment before pulling back.

"Nick...." she pulled back, sitting up.  She could feel Nick's
erection just behind her, and it made her hesitant.  She moved slowly
back, getting up on her knees.  Still, she wasn't sure of this.  Even
as he was nearly inside her, she held back.  Then, before she could
react, his hands were around her waist and pulling her down.  Feeling
Nick fill her up, her pelvic muscles instinctively contracted, and
then, a moment later, they contracted again.

Pulling Natalie down on top of him, he held her tightly, letting her
head rest on his shoulder.  "Just relax and rest."

For several minutes, Natalie did just that.  Then, her thoughts and
the position she was in made her blush a little.  "Hmm...you know,
I'm almost tempted to arouse you more to see what happens," she said,
tracing one of her fingers along his neck.  He tensed, but as he
didn't do anything else, she continued her action.  When, however,
she heard something a little more feral than she had before, she
froze.  "Nick?"

Looking up, she found him pulling her quickly into a kiss.  When she
felt him moving inside her, she knew something was wrong.  She pulled
back, sitting up.  She met his gaze suppressing a gasp when she saw
his red eyes.  He bared his fangs, his hands holding her in place.

He shifted, sitting up and pulling her against him.  She felt his
hands sliding over her body, holding her close.  She knew he needed
to stop, but she neither had the nerve to do so, nor the want for him
to.

He kissed her deeply, pushing his tongue far into her mouth.  She
kept her eyes tightly shut, not wanting to see the blood red of his
eyes.  When his hands pulled her ever closer, until she felt his
tight grip become painful to the point it would bruise, she pushed
away only to discover he wouldn't budge.  Sometime in the last
moments he'd lost control.

Natalie's fear hit her as he kissed her neck.  She felt the tips of
his fangs lightly slide across her skin.  Any more pressure and she
was sure they would reach what they wanted--her blood.  Holding onto
him, she whispered, "Nick...please, listen to me.  Nick--"  She
gasped as she felt hands wrap around her from behind, pulling her
away.  They picked her up, one prying Nick's hand from her waist.

Once she was out of Nick's immediate reach but still on the bed, the
hands released her.  Nick sat, staring hungrily at her.  Backing up,
she saw LaCroix approach Nick, pushing him back on the bed.  Her eyes
went wide at that, realising that it was LaCroix who pulled her away
from Nick.

As she watched, LaCroix moved Nick until he was lying sideways on
the bed, facing the headboard.  Then, he offered Nick his wrist, and
Nick sank his fangs into it without a thought.  Nick climaxed,
spasming faintly before he relaxed.

After Nick released his sire's hand, LaCroix turned to her.  Natalie
tensed, her eyes widening as he glared at her.  He glanced to her
neck, at which she turned away, grabbing the sheet.  Getting off the
bed, she backed away, watching as he spotted the necklace on the
table.  He picked it up and started for her.

A hand wrapped around her arm, holding her captive. 
"LaCroix...please, let go of me."

"Do not think this will protect you through its very presence.  It
has to be seen.  If you were wearing this, it might have prevented
the situation from getting out of control!  It has no power of it's
own, but does make us think," he said, dangling the necklace in front
of her.  "Take it!"

She did, trying to pull away from him, but he wasn't letting her. 
Now, with his free hand, he yanked the sheet from her, and she
screamed.

"Get dressed!  It doesn't matter what, just something.  You will be
given clothes to change into."  He released her, and then turned back
to his son.  "The same goes for you, Nicholas.  Get dressed and meet
me at my apartment.  The meeting will start as soon as we arrive. 
Cedric is already preparing it."

Natalie was stunned, and for a moment, none of them moved.  When
LaCroix' glare again fell to her, however, she darted for the
bathroom, remembering she left a change of clothes in there a few
days ago.  Quickly dressing, she came back into the bedroom to find
LaCroix coming at her.  She wasn't even quite sure why LaCroix wanted
her to go to this meeting--it wasn't her place and they both knew it.
Before she knew what was happening, he picked her up and flew her out
of both the room and the loft.


Fulfilment (13/32)

"Unless you wish to end up like one of your 'patients', I suggest
that you do not have sex with him again.  Nicholas does not have the
control needed to assure your safety."

"And I suppose next you're going to say that you do, aren't you?!"
Natalie spat through the door as she looked at the clothes LaCroix
had put out for her to chose from and change into--all black and all
decidedly too dressy for her taste.  They were also apparently
Janette's--clothes she'd left for LaCroix to put in storage, which he
hadn't.  She didn't need this right now, and certainly not with what
they were discussing.  "Oh, wait, I already know the answer to that
one--Cedric said it.  You had sex with him when he was mortal, so of
course you do.  Otherwise, he'd be long dead."  Finally deciding on a
long, black dress--a form fitting, sleeveless, low-cut dress--she
started to change, waiting for LaCroix to respond in some fashion. 
It wasn't what he she really wanted to put on, but it wasn't velvet
and there was a jacket that would look decent with it.  But, as she
finished getting the dress on and picked the shoes she'd brought with
her and the jacket up, he remained silent.  "Come on, I know you're
out there!"  Going to the door, she yanked it open to find LaCroix
staring down at her, one eyebrow raised.  Whether it was at her
appearance or at her words she wasn't sure, but it made her even more
uncomfortable than the clothes did.  "Come on, don't just stand there
staring at me.  Don't you have *something* to say?"

"Nicholas is not like me."

"Okay, why can't he control himself enough to be with me?"  The
other kept silent, glaring at her.  "Damn it, you know.  Tell me."

"Because I never told him how he could, that's why."

She stiffened.  She hadn't expected that...or maybe she had. 
LaCroix liked Nick by his side, dependent on him.  "Does he know?"

"Does he know what?" he asked, a faint smile trying to force its way
to his lips.

"You know exactly what.  Does he know that the reason he can't make
love to me or, I'll guess, any mortal, is because you didn't teach
him a few things?"

"No."

The simple, calm answer grated on her.  "What else haven't you
taught him?"  He turned and went to the living room, ignoring her. 
"LaCroix!"

He spun, his eyes gold.  "You will get no more answers from me. 
Now, sit and wait.  Nicholas should arrive soon, and then we will
leave."

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

When Nick arrived at LaCroix' apartment, Natalie ran to Nick when
she saw him, embracing him.

"This is no time for idle pleasantries.  We must leave now.  Come." 
With that, LaCroix started back the way Nick had just come in.

"Nick...." she started, but found him turning her around, and
guiding her toward LaCroix and the door.

"Shh, it's okay.  We can talk later.  It's only a short distance."

"But Nick...."

"Later, Nat.  Let's just get this meeting over with."

She nodded and let him lead her outside, where first LaCroix took
off, and then Nick picked her up and did the same.  True to his word,
the trip was short--a few blocks at the most.

Once there, and they had entered the building, she leaned on Nick as
she put her shoes on.  Then, Nick took his coat and LaCroix' coat,
then turned to her.  She shook her head.  "I'm leaving this on.  The
top of this dress is a little more bare than I'd like."

He nodded, then told her, "Your phone's in my coat.  You left it
when...."

She flushed slightly, LaCroix' arrival and her quick departure
something she wasn't going to forget in the near future.  She gave
him a weak smile, then watched as he placed the two coats on a shelf
and headed in.  She went to follow, but LaCroix stopped her.

"Let go of me," she evenly stated, waiting for him to comply.

Reaching up to her neck, he took the necklace, pulling the charm
from behind her so that the pendant fell in plain view against the
bare skin framed by the jacket and dress.  "Now come," he said,
releasing her.  "You will sit between myself and Nicholas."

As he started off, she was a little stunned.  She had expected him
to do something different--perhaps warn her to keep her mouth shut--
but he didn't.  Natalie followed after him, where he paused to wait
for her just before entering the room.

The room was square, windowless, and dimly lit.  A table sat on the
far side of the room with four chairs behind it, although,
comfortably, there seemed only enough room for three.  Already Nick
and Cedric sat at it, on the two ends.  The other three sides of the
crowded