Pawns of Kings -- Parts 39-52
Jarvinia


Pawns of Kings (39/52)

It had been a week and everything was quiet.  Business was back to
usual, or at least as usual as life in a morgue could be.  Despite
being shorthanded the last several weeks, the nightshift was far from
behind.  Three of her co-workers had quit within the last month, and
Natalie heard that another technician was leaving within the week.  In
the last couple of months the crime rate on her shift had dropped
dramatically, but if it ever flared up, they'd definitely be
undermanned.

Natalie shifted in her chair, trying to get back to working on the form
in front of her.  Cause of death....

"Hey, Girl, it's been a long time."

The familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.  "Grace?" she asked,
looking up to meet the other woman's dark eyes.  "What are you doing
here?"

"I work here."

Natalie was stunned.  "But...but I thought you had left for California
for good...."

"So had I.  If it weren’t for everything that's been happening, I would
have stayed.  Crime rate's gone down so much...there's not enough
bodies to shake a stick at, well, not at night anyway.  Dayshift is
getting all of the normal ones, and they've actually gotten more
business.  Nightshift...well, the ones we were getting were just plain
weird.  I needed a break.  Is it any better up here in the center of
everything?"

Center?  Well, it *was* the center of most of the recent news, that was
for sure.  "Haven't seen too many 'weird' ones, if that's what you're
asking."

"Good.  I can deal with that."  Grace paused.  After glancing about the
room, she leaned over Natalie's desk.  "What I really want to know is
how is everything going with you?  I know you and Nick were friends,
and, well...in case you haven't noticed he's been mixed up in this.  In
fact, the news has been going on more about him than the others--at
least where I've been."

Natalie tensed.  At first, she'd been overjoyed with Grace's presence.
Now, she just wished Grace had waited on her question.  "Number one,
Nick is still my friend, and I have noticed..." she trailed off feeling
something brush her mind.

A second later Nick walked in, stopping just inside the door.  Walking
down the hall, he had thought that the voice sounded familiar.  Seeing
Grace, he immediately forgot the reason for his visit.  She was
nervous.  Whether it came from his presence or her fear of his reaction
to her words, he didn't know.  But, if Grace was back, he would
probably be seeing a lot of her.  "Natalie's known what I am for over
six years, and there will be more publicity, I can almost assure that."

"Six years.... Nat?"

Natalie just barely heard Grace's words, focusing in on the new
information.  "Wait...more publicity?  I thought everything was
settled."

He sighed, letting his shoulders droop.  "We are going to break off
from the Council."

"You and LaCroix?"

Nodding, he elaborated, "And Janette and Antonius.  Janette arrives
tomorrow night.  She'll be moving here until everything settles down."

'Until everything settles down,' Nat repeated to herself.  Janette was
nice and all, especially as far as vampires went, but she and Nick....
Natalie shrugged the thought off, not realizing that both Nick and
Grace had noticed her tenseness.

"We're still planning.  I think we'll make a move soon, perhaps in a
month.  Either that, or the Council will make it for us."

Grace, getting lost, prodded, "Council?  What's this Council?"

He winced.  He'd slipped, and now he had to explain.  "Five of the
eldest of my kind.  They've been manipulating everything.  From what
was going on, our actions, and...they're also using me to control
LaCroix."

"Damn, they're taking his only weakness," Natalie muttered, catching
the other woman's attention immediately.

"Why would..." Grace trailed off, not sure what to ask.

Nick let out another sigh.  He'd already told Grace far more than he
wanted.  Besides, he believed he could trust her.  "LaCroix is the one
who made me what I am."  Expecting another question, he tried to
remember why he'd come.  The Carson case, that's right.  "Nat, you said
the Carson case was done?"

"Uh...yeah, just a second."  Shuffling the papers on her desk, she
couldn't find it.  Where did she put it?  Seeing a folder on the
counter, she stood and walked over to it.  Glancing momentarily at the
folder, she handed it to Nick.  "It was a suicide."

"Good, that's what all our evidence supports.  I'm really not in the
mood for a homicide.  Not right now."

"Nick, if you do what you’re planning, it's going to get worse."

"I know, but LaCroix' right about this."  He turned his attention to
Grace, who'd for the most part remained silent throughout their
conversation.  "Grace...I have to ask you to not speak to anyone else
about this.  No mention of a council, our plan, or my relation to
LaCroix.  Can you do that?"

'What was she supposed to do?' Grace asked herself.  She had to admit
that she didn't really trust Nick, or at least not what he was.  "Yes.
Other than Natalie, I wouldn't know who to tell."

Nick met her eyes, then spun and left as suddenly as he'd arrived.

Grace waited a moment, still able to see Nick's eyes boring into her
own.  He was different than before, she could feel it.  He was darker
somehow....  "Nat?  Has he hurt you?  In any way...any way at all?"

Natalie hesitated in her answer.  Nick was just outside the door.  She
could feel it.  "No, he hasn't.  I trust Nick, and have for a long
time."

She knew Natalie was lying.  She had to be.  "Nat, about the time Nick
disappeared you were in the hospital.  When I found out, I called. They
said you had acute blood loss occurring without any explanation? You
had told them you didn't remember anything, but you did, didn't you?
Nick did that, didn't he?"  Grace watched Natalie freeze, her muscles
visibly tensing.  "It's too much of a coincidence to be anything else. 
Besides, you were found at his place."

Still feeling Nick just outside the door, Natalie wished he would come
back in, but he wouldn't.  "Yes," she finally stated, "but it wasn't
his fault...I knew he was going to take my blood that night.  It was my
request."  Seeing Grace's disbelief, she further explained, "Right from
the beginning when I first met him he had warned me back, telling me
that he might unintentionally hurt me.  I didn't listen then, and I'm
still not.  Like I said before, I trust Nick.  I trust him with my
life."  When her friend didn't immediately comment, she was glad.
Focusing on the door, she noticed Nick was gone.

"I still don't want to see you getting hurt."

With a deep breath, Natalie nodded.  She could understand Grace's
concern.  Deep down she *was* afraid of getting hurt, but it would
either happen or it wouldn't.  "So...when do you start?"

"Officially, in three days.  Right now I'm nightshift, but that might
change."

"Yeah, I've been pulling a lot of double shifts to help the dayshift
keep up," she commented.  If it wasn't for Nick, she knew she probably
would have switched shifts by now.  But, she suddenly realized, now
just about every decision she made depended on how it might affect
Nick.

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

Three nights later:

Nick, Janette and Antonius sat in LaCroix' office, waiting for the
latter to join them.  He was late, and the three vampires' concern
manifested in their uneasiness.

Feeling a hint of sensation, Nick looked up and LaCroix entered a
second later.  "Where were you?"

Slowly closing the door, he turned and stated, "Setting things in
motion.  I had a private meeting with the mayor to discuss our concerns
and announce our intention to break from the Council."

"We had agreed to wait!"

LaCroix glared at his son, rapidly approaching and stopping just in
front of Nicholas.  "Yes, we had, but the Council will not wait as long
as we need.  Reach out with your senses, Nicholas, feel them closing
in."  When his son didn't respond, he ordered, "Now, Nicholas!  Reach
out and tell me what you feel!"

Closing his eyes, Nick did as told.  Other than a faint connection to
Aha, the Council's head, he didn't feel anything out of what had become
normal over the past week.  Then, it hit him.  Over the last several
days there had been something hiding just in the background.  It was
there, but not.  The sensation was controlled, and it was getting
closer.  He looked up to LaCroix.  "How did you know?"

"A contact in Paris.  They left at sunset, bound for New York.  It will
only be a matter of time before they come here."

Nick stood, putting some distance between himself and LaCroix.  "What
did you tell the mayor?"

When LaCroix hesitated, Antonius stood as well.  "Yes, what did you
tell him?"

"That we wish to break from the rest of the Community and allow
decisions to be based on a collaboration between city and Community
government. The four of us will represent the Community in all
matters."

Janette, who had been silent, spoke, "And you need me here because...?"

"Family, Janette, family.  We have worked together in the past.  We
shall do so again."  Catching a protest on her lips, he reminded her,
"We might be further apart, but we are family and will always remain
so."

LaCroix paused and moved behind his desk.  Once seated, he let a few
seconds of silence pass before starting.  "As the Enforcers are under
the Council's control, I want all of you to watch yourselves.  Janette
will stay here at all times, Antonius, you will return to the
distributary and increase your security for what good it will do.  You
may leave."  The three stood, and as his son was about to leave, he
stated, "Not you, Nicholas.  Close the door."  Once done, he explained,
"I know you must return to work, but take care.  I don't know when the
news will break, but I suspect it will happen sometime tonight."

"I'll be fine.  The Enforcers will not act.  I'm too involved with the
mortals."

"Perhaps," he answered, fully aware the Enforcers might not care after
the news broke.  Opening one of the desk's drawers, LaCroix pulled out
a flask and placed it on the far side of the desk.  "Take it, Nicholas.
Drink it when you need to.  It is mine."

Nick hesitated on his master's last word, but did as he was told and
nodded.  A second later, he was gone from the office, on his way out of
the club.


Pawns of Kings (40/52)

She and Nick had been patrolling since the beginning of their shift,
about two hours before.  Tracy had to admit that she was getting bored.
Very, very bored.  Nick didn't talk much, and at the moment the radio
was off.  Reaching for the dial, she switched it on, LaCroix' voice
filling the car.

"...time has come.  We will not allow ourselves to be pushed into a
corner under guard or bolted into an empty room.  We speak with our own
voice now, the voice of this city's Community.  We will not obey this
new order, but will make our own-"

His eyes alternated between straight ahead and the dial.  After a
moment, Nick finally snapped the radio off.

Tracy shot a glare at her partner.  "What did you do that for?"  He
just glanced toward her, then returned his eyes to the road.  "What's
he talking about, anyway?"

He looked at her again.  She would know soon anyway.  "We're breaking
from Council control."  Seeing Tracy's apparent confusion, he
explained, "The Council was organized just before the news broke. Since
then, they've been in complete control.  The last straw was what
happened when I was taken from the Raven.  The 'Council' offered me
something I couldn't refuse, particularly not after being emotionally
weakened with the Kennington case.  I was uncertain, but took it
anyway, even though I quickly backed out of it.  That's what they had
expected, what they had planned.  They wanted me to change my mind,
which would leave them a link with me.  They know what we're doing.  We
were going to wait, but...."

Her partner trailed off.  She had remembered LaCroix' anger toward
Reese.  Later, she had discovered they were all the pawns of a Council,
and now, the Council had ordered too many moves.

The two had patrolled another hour before returning to the precinct.
Upon entering, Nick and Tracy could see several people gathered around
a small television again.  Tracy continued closer, wanting to know what
was going on.

There was a slight pause in Nick's stride, his ears picking up the
announcement with ease.  LaCroix had been right about one thing--it
wouldn't take long for it to get out.

Seeing Reese in the door of his office, Nick approached, not giving the
Captain a chance to call him in.  Entering, he stopped just inside the
door.  He waited silently as Reese closed the door and went to stand
next to his desk.

"When is this going to end, Nick?  I thought everything had been
settled.  Then, LaCroix goes and talks to the mayor about making a
break with your Council."

"They are misusing their power.  We have lived centuries without-"

"Yeah, I know, and so does the rest of Toronto.  What I want to know is
what are your intentions?  What do you hope to achieve?"

"Primarily what you've heard.  We want the Community to return to
normal, to what it was like before the Council was formed."

Reese considered the distaste present when Nick said 'Council'.  When
the mayor had called him, that was something that had been mentioned--
LaCroix' pronunciation, as if....  "What's with this dislike of this
'Council'?"

Nick froze, and then relaxed realizing Reese knew more or less nothing
on what had gone on behind the scenes.  "If I explain everything, you
cannot let it leak to the precinct or anyone else."  He waited a moment
for his Captain's decision.  Receiving a nod, he did as he had stated.
He had explained the reasons behind LaCroix' outburst in the precinct,
and all about the Council's offer.  He even mentioned that the deaths
of the Kennington children had been arranged by them to weaken him, and
that the case's closure could very well have been a result of the
Council's meddling.

Reese was silent.  Finally, he'd been able to see the whole picture. He
shook his head as he felt his anger rise.  This group of vampires had
committed murder, not for blood, but to help win Nick over and take
what had obviously been a very tempting, but in the end, bogus offer.
And all of this in the attempt to keep an eye on LaCroix.  Why didn't
they just threaten him to comply?  Then, he asked the same question of
Nick.

Taken off guard by the question, Nick explained why the Council's
threats were more or less meaningless, how the Ancient's usually stayed
out of the Community politics because alone they were no match for a
group of younger vampires, but together in a group, they were almost
unstoppable.

"In other words, they're taking advantage of what's happened."

Nick nodded.  Yes, they had indeed been taken advantage of.  "If we
could do this without publicity, we would.  But, the only way to make
sure we can break away, is if we have something to back us up--public
knowledge.  They have the Enf-"  He cut himself off, silently cursing
to himself.

"They have what?"

"Nothing, Captain.  Nothing."

"Nick, what do they have on their side?"  Reese watched the detective
fidget slightly.  Apparently, Nick had just slipped, or almost slipped.
"How much of an upper hand do these...whatever they are...give the
Council?"

He sighed.  It would have to be explained.  "A big one.  Enforcers.
They're a kind of...police.  They keep the Community in line by
enforcing the Code.  They're why it's taken so long for the world to
discover us in the first place."

"And the Council controls them...."

Nodding again, Nick asked, "Could I...?" and trailed off, gesturing for
the door.

"Yeah, go ahead.  Although, it would be nice to know what's happening a
little sooner.  Whenever the news gets a hold of something to do with
your Community, the precinct gets a little wobbly, as you might guess."

"I'll try, but I didn't know about this until a few hours ago.  I don't
know how much warning I can give, if any."  Receiving a nod from the
Captain, Nick slowly left the office, heading for his desk.

Sitting, he looked around for Tracy, and found her just leaving the
crowd, coming toward him.

"So," she began, "How long do you think it will take to get this
settled?"

"Hopefully not long.  I really don't want to go through everything
again, but at least this time we're speaking for ourselves."  He
paused, looking around on his desk.  "Where did you put the Carson
case?"

Tracy sighed as Nick changed the subject, pointing the folder out to
her partner.  After all, Reese did want that report in, and it was best
not to have him kept waiting.

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

Arriving home, Nick went straight for the refrigerator.  Pulling out
one of the bottles, he stared at its contents for a moment.  Then, he
uncorked it, upending the half-full container.  Stopping, he leaned
back against the refrigerator, allowing his eyes to close while bathing
in the sensations from the blood.

It had been too long since he'd allowed himself this pleasure.  Raising
the bottle a second time, he felt it being taken from his grasp.  His
eyes snapped open to find Janette standing right in front of him.
"Janette...."

"Yes, mon Cher.  You know, you should indulge yourself more often.  It
relaxes you, although I can think of something else to relax you..."
she said, letting her words trail off.  Then, moving closer, Janette
let her lips just barely touch his, her hands on his shoulders.  "I
feel how troubled you are, Nicolas, and I know *exactly* what you
need."

Janette kissed him again, this time deeper.  He couldn't help but
respond to her actions.  She was right in that he was troubled, but he
couldn't do what she was proposing.  As she moved to kiss him again, he
shook his head and stepped out of her range.

As he started across the room, she turned, but didn't follow.
"Nicolas...don't push me away, not right now, not when you need me.  I
am offering you my blood, nothing more.  I know you won't accept
anything more than that."

Facing her, he opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't.

"Please, take it...as much as you want.  I ask for nothing in return."

"Janette, no, I can't...Natalie...."

"I have no intention of separating you from your precious Natalie. But,
I can feel your want for fresh blood.  How long can you go before your
craving overwhelms you, hmmm?  If you wait too long, you know what the
results could be."

"Yes.  Yes, I know, but...."  He stopped as she began to approach him,
his sense of her vibrating softly.  She continued until she stood right
in front of him, filling his vision.  He could feel her blood slowly
flowing in her veins, the liquid calling to him.  Feeling his fangs
descend and his eyes burn with need, he stood as still as he could
manage.  How could he do this, now, when the thing that occupied the
majority of his thoughts was Natalie?  But, how could he not, knowing
that Janette was right?

"Now, Nicolas, take it...."

Her pleading was all that was needed to lose his composure.  He pulled
Janette toward him in one swift motion, hesitating a mere fraction of a
second before letting his fangs bury themselves in her neck, taking all
that she was into him.

The blood was cool as it slid down his throat.  It was something he'd
labeled forbidden.  But, for now, it was all he could think about.  He
felt Janette's life, both the faint flitting memories of her mortal
life, the strong and often passionate memories of their past together,
and also Janette's recent dalliance as a mortal.  The last was
something he had wanted for so many years, and she had obtained it so
easily.

Every drop of her blood invigorated him, made him want for more.  He
kept drinking her life force until he could feel her weaken within his
grasp.  Only then did he pull away.

Janette leaned against him, what blood she had left not giving her
enough energy to stand.  Then, he realized just how much blood he had
taken.  He had nearly drained it all, his need so great and her body so
willing.  She was barely conscious, and would soon be asleep.

Picking her up, he gently carried her up to his room.  Placing her on
the bed, Nick felt her fingers still clutching to his back, a faint
murmur asking him not to go.

So, he stayed.  He slid into the bed with her, holding her firmly to
him.  Planning on only waiting for Janette to fall asleep before
returning downstairs, he found himself dozing off.

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

Natalie shoved the door out of the way, entering Nick's apartment.
Everything was dark, but then that was to be expected.  It was just
after noon, and she'd just gotten done with a double shift.  The many
hours in the morgue had been unpunctuated with any welcome visits. Nick
hadn't come by, and neither had Tracy.  Grace had kept her cheered up,
but she couldn't keep her mind off Nick.

The morgue had watched the news in the break room.  She just stood
there stunned.  Nick had told her they were going to wait, but if this
was LaCroix' idea of waiting....  She shook her head, looking around
the room.

In the kitchen, there was a bottle sitting out on the counter.  It had
just a small amount in it, the cork haphazardly pushed into the
opening.  Fixing it, she put the bottle back into the refrigerator
without a second thought.

Heading up the stairs, she walked softly, hoping not to wake Nick as he
was probably sleeping.  But, if he wasn't, or if he was in the throws
of some nightmare, she would stay for a while.

Pushing the already partially open door in further, she froze.  Nick
wasn't alone.  She could see what appeared to be Janette lying next to
him, his arms wrapped around her.  Natalie stood still for a moment,
watching them, suddenly afraid they would awake at her presence.

When neither made any movement, she slowly approached.  As her eyes had
already become accustomed to the darkness, she could easily see the
still open wounds on Janette's neck.  She didn't dare look for similar
marks on Nick, in risk of waking him.  Natalie took a step back.  Then,
as silently as she had come, she left the two sleeping vampires as they
were, first leaving the room, and then the building.


Pawns of Kings (41/52)

Grace slipped cautiously into Natalie's lab, eying her friend
suspiciously.  Apparently, Natalie had already been in to work for
several hours, and the night before she'd pulled a double shift.
Looking over at her, Grace slowly approached, stopping right in front
of her desk.  "Nat?"

Her head snapped up, and she focused on Grace.  Glancing down at the
papers in front of her, she wondered what she'd been doing
before...when did Grace get here?

"Natalie, whatever's bugging you, you shouldn't overwork yourself."

"I'm not."

Grace shook her head.  "This wouldn't have anything to do with Nick,
would it?"  When Natalie's expression gave her a positive answer, she
prodded, "Don't tell me his stress is wearing off on you...."

"No, it's definitely not that," she quickly, and sternly stated.  Then,
with a mumble, "I think he's already solved that problem."

Catching Natalie's barely audible comment, several reasons popped into
her mind.  As Natalie stood, Grace mirrored her action.  "Where are you
going?"

"To the break room.  I need something to eat."  Natalie quickly left
the room, fully aware of Grace following just behind her.

"What did he do?  You weren't like this last night.  Not only that, but
you were here until after dawn.  Did you go over to his place?"

Natalie's sudden appetite left her as abruptly as it had arrived.  She
started to voice an excuse, but couldn't get a word out.

"Don't even try to get out of this one, Girl."

"I....  I guess you could say I saw something I shouldn't have.  Nick
was...."  She trailed off, not able to speak the reality that she had
feared ever since knowing Janette was moving here.

"With that woman, Janette?"

Natalie felt her jaw loosen slightly with shock.  "How...how did you
guess?"

"Rumor mills.  Apparently they were seen a couple of times in the
precinct.  A few got the impression they were more than mere
acquaintances."

"Were," Natalie snorted.  "For a century she was his wife."

Trying not to focus too much on the last comment, Grace slowly
answered, "So, then...you do know her."

"Yeah, for a few years.  Nick's told me that they're just friends...but
I still hate seeing them together, because that's not how they act."

"And let me make another guess...Nick doesn't know about your little
visit today...."

"No, and I would thank you not to mention this-"

"Natalie.  At least talk to him.  Tell him what you saw and that you
won't put up with it.  If he keeps it up, forget him, because he
doesn't deserve you."  In her mind, Grace thought that this might be
for the best.  If those two ever did get serious about their
relationship....  She worried for Natalie, knowing full well what the
likely outcomes for her friend would eventually be--death or one of
them.  She shook her head, and said, "I'm going to get to work, and I
think you should take a break, over precinct ways, perhaps...."

Grace left, her suggestion hanging in the air.  After a second, Natalie
sunk into one of the chairs.  Should she go talk to Nick, find out once
and for all what, if anything, was between them?  But, once again, she
found herself thinking about what the effect on Nick would be if she
did.  No, she would have to wait, at least until the news settled down
a bit.

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

Three nights later:

Nick sat in the break room, his arms resting on the table, a silver
flask standing just a few inches away.  It was the one LaCroix had
given him several days before, not one drop of its contents missing.

On several occasions over the past three days he had considered pouring
the blood down the drain, but hadn't yet managed to get the top
unscrewed.  The same had been true whenever he'd considered drinking
it.

Staring at the smooth silver, Nick could feel his need rising even
farther.  The blood he'd taken from Janette, both three nights ago and
the previous night, had merely heightened his need...and now he was no
longer considering if he would drain the flask, but when.

LaCroix' blood would still be good for another day, perhaps two.
Already, it would have lost most of its potency, but he didn't care.

Reaching out with his senses, he listened for nearby or approaching
mortals...there were none.  Gingerly, as his hands faintly shook, he
let his fingers wrap around the container.  The cool metal felt heavy
in his hands.  He was hungry, and although he had a bottle in the
Caddy's trunk, he really didn't want to go get it.  Slowly, his other
hand gripped the top, turning it until it was off.

The scent of the blood filtered out of the container.  At the odor he
felt his eyes change and his fangs itching to descend.  Nick took the
flask, bringing the opening closer, inhaling the scent.  It was sharp,
like that of a blade glistening under the light of a full moon.

He took a mouthful of the liquid, savoring every drop.  Taking another
sip, he picked up the lid, but hesitated putting it back on.  Now, his
hunger was stronger than ever, and before he knew it, he had taken
another swallow.  The next sip became a bit more, and soon he felt the
blood steadily flow down his throat.  As it came to a stop, Nick leaned
back in the chair, his eyes closed, focusing on the blood and trying to
calm himself.

Opening them, he flinched back from the seemingly brighter lights.
After a moment, he put the top back on the flask and slid it into his
jacket.

He sighed.  Ever since he'd taken Aha's blood, his hunger had nearly
been overwhelming.  In the last four days, he'd taken Janette's blood
twice.  Even then, he had still been hungry--not his body, but the
beast, the vampire.

He had pulled back from Natalie, hoping that this would pass, but it
hadn't.  And, for some reason, it hadn't been that hard in trying to
avoid her.  It was almost as if Natalie was helping in his effort,
but....

Abruptly, he stood.  His 'break' was technically over and Tracy was
probably wondering where he was.

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

Grace pulled into the 96th's parking lot and turned off the ignition.
Glancing over at the folder in the passenger's seat, she shook her
head.  The report was Natalie's, containing new evidence on a case.
Natalie had 'asked' if she could drop the report off, complaining that
she didn't have time, which they both knew wasn't true.  But, she had
agreed, and was planning on taking matters into her own hands.

Natalie was avoiding the precinct, and she hadn't seen Nick around the
morgue since that first time he'd dropped in, now about a week ago.
Although she had mixed feelings about Nick, particularly about what he
was, Grace had decided she would go along with whatever Natalie wanted.
But, before that could happen, she would have to get them to talk to
one another.

Snatching up the report, Grace headed into the precinct, her first
action being to drop the report off with Chris Chambers.  Then, she let
her attention focus on Nick.  As he sat at his desk, she could see the
tension.  Just like Natalie, he seemed to be immersing himself in his
work.

She walked steadily up to Nick and his partner’s desks.  When he didn't
notice she was there, Grace cleared her throat.  Even before all of his
attention was on her, she stated, "I need to talk to you for a minute,
Nick."

"Uh...sure."

"*Privately*," she emphasized, sure that the other detective noticed as
well.  She watched Nick slowly stand, no doubt wondering why she was
here.

As he led them into the break room, he thankfully noted that it was
still empty.  "What do you need?"

"Nick, did you know that Natalie's overworking herself?  And I mean
_overworking_."  Grace let the information sink in for a second, and
then asked, "Do you know why she's doing this?  You.  Not just you, but
more specifically you and Janette.  She dropped by your place a few
days ago and saw you two together."

Nick caught his balance on a nearby chair.  This is definitely not what
he'd been expecting to hear from Grace.  "It's not what...."

"Don't tell that to me, tell it to Natalie.  But, the point is, either
you two start acting like you're in a relationship, or you should end
it.  I don't like seeing Natalie getting hurt, and that's what she is
right now.  Very hurt."

"I never...."  He trailed off, knowing it wasn't true.  He had hurt Nat
by returning to Toronto.  By staying, he'd just made things that much
worse.  "It's what I am, Grace.  No matter what I do, I hurt her,
I...."  How could he explain this to her?  What he was destroyed the
mortals around him...but he couldn't stay away from Natalie.  He shook
his head.  "I'm sorry, but I-I can't end it, not now."  He met Grace's
eyes, catching the faint anger behind them.  Then, he turned and left
the room without another word.

Approaching his desk, he paused a moment before continuing toward the
exit.  He needed some fresh air--now.  Coming out the main doors, he
felt someone prodding his thoughts.  Shutting them out as much as he
could, he continued down the steps, walking toward the parking lot.  He
really didn't want to think about any of the recent events.  With the
Ancient's prodding, every word of the offer came back.

Reaching his destination, he considered taking off right there, but the
sound of a heartbeat interrupted him.  He turned toward the mortal. His
eyes met Marks', at which time they both froze.

Before either could comment, Nick heard something else.  Within a
second's time, a vampire stood about halfway between them.  Marks'
attention turned fully on the new arrival, and Nick's fluctuated
between the two.  Studying the vampire, Nick saw the stake held at his
side.  An Enforcer, it had to be.

"There has been no infringement.  Leave," he stated, even though he
doubted the vampire would listen.

"This is a warning for LaCroix from the Council."

Almost no time passed before the Enforcer flew toward him.  There was
just enough time to divert the descending stake.  Nick shoved the other
away, but the vampire had managed to grab hold of him, pulling him
along as well.  Eventually, it resulted in both of them losing their
balance and tumbling into the pavement.

Once he was standing again, Nick refocused on the Enforcer, only to
find another standing before him, a third just a little further away.
With one, he could have dealt with them, but three....  Nick kept his
attention as even as he could between them, and he could see that all
three were armed.  The two nearest him held simple, yet deadly stakes,
the third gripping a crossbow.

The first took a second pass at him, the second stood still, and the
third took aim in their general direction.  With splitting his
attention between the first and third, he took several hits.  As the
bow was more accurately aimed, he waited until the bolt was released.
Once it was, he took the opportunity, pulling his attacker into the
line of fire.

The bolt was right on target, hitting the Enforcer just right of the
heart, a scream of agony filling the parking lot.  With little thought
or effort, Nick took the stake that was held loosely in the vampire's
hand.  A second later, he plunged it into the Enforcer's heart,
effectively cutting off the scream.  Then, he let the vampire fall to
the ground, grasping uselessly at his fatal wound.

Only now did he feel his eyes glow, his vision tinted in a field of
amber.  Turning to the second, he caught a faint hint of hesitation on
the other's part.  Then, as the Enforcer flew at him, he snarled,
throwing the vampire into the pavement.  Catching Marks' expression of
utter terror, Nick glanced behind him.  The third Enforcer was holding
the bow level at Mark's chest.

Seeing the trigger move, Nick, nearly halfway between the two, flew
toward Marks.  He pushed the mortal out of the way, the bolt shattering
on impact with the building.  Turning, Nick just barely caught sight of
LaCroix, who was dealing with the shooter, before he was under attack
from the remaining Enforcer.

Heartbeats pounded in his ears as those in the precinct undoubtedly
came outside, curious of what was going on.  As he defended himself
from the attack, he could feel not only LaCroix, but Aha nearby as
well.  He had to end this, and now.

His opponent was, although an Enforcer with increased speed and
strength, a mere fraction of his age.  That was enough to give him the
upper hand.  Twisting the other's arm, he first forced the stake free
and to the ground.  Then, he pushed the Enforcer in the same direction,
forcing them to the ground.  Retrieving the stake, Nick stood, stating,
"Leave if you value your life."

The vampire stood and seemed to consider the words.  Another second,
and he once again flew toward Nick.  The younger vampire was easily
thrown into the building, the stake following close behind, hitting its
target right on.

As utter silence surrounded him, Nick could feel Aha's presence
increase.  Glancing up, he could see the Ancient on the top of a nearby
building.  There was a faint fanged grin staring back at him, and then
nothing as the other vampire took to the air.

Looking around him, Nick could see the remains of three vampires, all
turning to ash.  His father stood over one, the elder vampire's
attention focused on him, as was every mortal's.  He could hear a
couple of whispered comments, and one conversation struck him more than
the others--they had seen him, and the others, fly.  LaCroix had landed
right in the parking lot before them, but no one, except perhaps Tracy,
knew of their abilities.  He closed his eyes, pushing the gold away and
retracting his fangs that, until now, he was unaware had even
descended.

This week had not been his week, nor did it look like it would be
getting better anytime soon....


Pawns of Kings (42/52)

As they arrived on the scene, Tracy and Reese surveyed the parking lot,
noting the piles of ash and scorched wood on the pavement.  As Reese
listened in on the conversations, Tracy kept walking, her path leading
her straight toward Nick.

Before she arrived, his senses told her she was there.  He opened his
eyes to face his partner, and immediately looked away and toward
LaCroix.  Then, it hit him.  If the Enforcers came here, what would
stop them from going to the morgue?

Nick quickly approached LaCroix, leaving behind a faintly annoyed
Tracy.  He tried to lead them away from the crowd of mortals, but the
elder vampire wouldn't budge.  Moving closer, he stated, "Natalie.  If
they'd come here, they might go there as well.  I have to go to
her...."  After trailing off, he tried to bypass LaCroix.

Firmly grabbing his son's arm, LaCroix whispered in his ear.  "I will
'check' on her.  I believe you have other problems right now, ones that
will lead to questions you would be better at answering."

Before he could protest, LaCroix took to the air, effectively making
his task more complicated than it already was.  Hearing Reese usher the
onlookers back into the precinct, Nick retrieved the various weapons
and their pieces.  Marks hung around a moment longer than the rest, but
apparently saw that now was not the time to ask his questions.

Reese watched his detective calmly pick up much of the scenes evidence.
Nick had, from what he'd learned in the past couple of minutes, killed
two other vampires.  In the mortal world, a crime on another mortal was
obviously police business, but this didn't reside under 'mortal' law.
As all actual 'participants' were members of the vampire Community,
there was nothing he could do about it.  True, one of the vampires had
apparently taken aim at one of the other detectives, but that was a
different, and now redundant, matter.  Whatever punishment would be
dealt would be done so within the Community.  Apparently, LaCroix
didn't seem too concerned, as he had, in fact, killed one of the three.
"Nick...I hate to ask, but what happened here?"

That stopped Nick cold.  What was he supposed to say?  That they pissed
the Council off just a bit too much and this was the price?  "It was a
warning."  Reese wasn't taking it.  "Those that...were here, they were
Enforcers.  I've already explained what they are."

"And I don't think your Council is going to take this well, will they?"

"No, not really.  But, this was just a warning."  Nick turned away,
looking across the parking lot.  "They were young.  They didn't often
have the opportunity to deal with older vampires.  Whether or not we
had killed them they wouldn't have lived through the night.  The
Council would have done it themselves if we hadn't.  If the Council had
no visible part in it, it would make them look better when it hits the
news."

Reese nodded.  Now, the action made some sense to him.  "And since you
and LaCroix killed them, it will in turn lower the populace's opinion
toward you."

"Exactly."

"You know, Nick...you and LaCroix are going to have some explaining to
do."  He paused, and then squarely met his detective's gaze.  "Flying
isn't what could be called a 'normal' ability, not to us mortals."
Reese watched Nick squirm slightly, the topic clearly not something
Nick wanted to discus.  "Well, I think you might want to go over to the
morgue and put events straight, if you know what I mean.  After that, I
want you in my office, and if possible, I want LaCroix there as well.
I'll forward whatever I'm told to the mayor.  He can get the
information to whomever needs it."

Nick didn't move as Reese left, no doubt on his way to his office to
settle down the higher-ups once they got wind of this.  About ready to
leave for the morgue, Nick felt something.  Glancing back, he found
Antonius behind him.

"I would hate to be in your position right now."

"You are, Antonius.  We're on the same side."

"On the same side, yes.  In the same position, no."  Antonius paused,
moving in front of Nick.  "I don't have to explain all of this.  I'm
not really involved, and I'm happy for that, at least.  Janette is in
the same position as me.  You and LaCroix have been singled out by both
sides, I'm afraid."

Nick sighed.  He knew they'd been singled out, at least for the moment.
Hopefully it would stay that way, but...he wouldn't bet on it.  "What
are you doing here?  You've been avoiding mortals of late."

"LaCroix sent me.  He wants me to stay here until you get back in case
anything else happens."

His father hadn't mentioned anything about calling Antonius, but it was
probably for the best.  The precinct would have a 'guard' until his
return, although he certainly didn't envy him the task.  "Well, call
Janette and have her meet me at the morgue."  Catching a faint nod,
Nick turned.  For the first time, took off in the open without care for
onlookers.

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

Natalie sat impatiently at her desk.  Glancing up for what had to be
the fiftieth time in the last fifteen minutes, she again found LaCroix,
standing, seemingly interested in something on the other side of the
room.  Although he wouldn't answer any of her questions, a technician
had already spilt the news to the morgue.

Three vampires had attacked Nick at the precinct, and apparently he and
LaCroix had killed them all.  Not only did they do this in front of a
mortal audience, but both had also been noted as having certain
abilities--abnormally super speed and flight.

Watching LaCroix' attention shift to the door, Natalie turned and
waited.  A few seconds later, Grace walked in confidently but stopped
upon seeing her guest.

"Could I speak to Natalie alone?"

First, LaCroix shot a glare at Grace, but catching one of the doctor's
own, he silently acquiesced.

Grace stood her ground as the vampire passed her.  Waiting a moment,
she stepped further into the room.  "What is *he* doing here?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but it does have something to do with whatever
happened at the precinct."

"Well, I was talking to Nick, and then he left, went outside.
Apparently, he was attacked.  I was one of the first out of the
precinct, and you wouldn't believe what I saw...."  Grace paused and
moved closer.  "Nick killed two of them.  I didn't see any hesitation
of thought, nothing.  There wasn't even any hint of effort.  It was
like he was used to what he did.  He was so fast, and so was his
attacker.  One thing I will say though, he saved one of the detectives.
I don't know his name, but I've seen him around before."

She paused hearing Grace's words.  Nick had easily slipped back into
what he was.  She was losing him, and had been ever since he had
returned to Toronto.  Even before he'd left, she'd already lost him,
but had never dared to acknowledge it.  It had been too much then, and
now it was like she was just going though the motions.

"Nick's a lot more than any of us thought.  They are killers, Natalie.
That's what they are.  Both Nick and LaCroix proved it tonight.  They
both kill without concern, and their own kind, at that.  I think we
should be more wary about them, Nick included."

"Yes, he is.  He's also a whole lot more than just a killer.  He might
have been one at one time, but he isn't anymore."

"He killed them, Nat.  How can you say that?"

Natalie didn't like the direction this conversation was going, or the
direction of many of Grace's recent discussions.  "Because killing is
no longer his sole activity.  It's not what he lives for."  Once again,
she was defending Nick, and for the first time she asked herself why.
If she had 'lost' Nick as she had told herself just a few minutes
before, why was she still trying to protect him?  But, she knew.  She
still wanted him to be her friend, even if he did go back to LaCroix.

"Just take care, okay, Natalie?  You've been hurt enough by him.  I
don't like seeing my friends hurt.  If you want anything, and I mean
anything, just ask."

Natalie sadly nodded.  It was assuring that Grace would be there for
her, but everything seemed to come back to Nick.  His life was
consuming her to the point that that's all that hers concerned. Turning
to Grace, she saw the other woman standing expectantly, waiting.  "I'll
be fine, Grace."  The attempt wasn't enough, and she continued, "I'll
be here tomorrow night, if that's what you're wondering.  Nick isn't
going to kill me, and certainly not within the next eighteen hours or
so."

"Well...just make sure of that.  Oh, and another thing--don't ask me to
deliver anything to the 96th again, especially if that kind of stuff
happens all of the time.  Remember, I moved here to get away from some
of the crazy stuff."

Catching Grace's obviously joking expression, she couldn't help but
smile herself.  "I'll try, but I can't promise you that last one."
Watching Grace nod, Natalie waited as she slowly left, a moment later
her presence being replaced with LaCroix'.

"And what would Nicholas say about your friend's concern?"

She was a little surprised by the question, but quickly answered, "That
it was valid."

"Indeed it is, and unless you want to break your words to her, perhaps
you should heed them."

"You know I won't."

"Yes, I do."  As his attention was diverted to the door, he let his
lips curl into a slight smile.

Natalie also turned to the door, watching as Nick cautiously entered.
Their eyes only met for a second before he approached LaCroix.  It was
clear that something was up behind his mask.

"Reese wants us both in his office.  He's going to take care of the
paperwork, but we do have some explaining to do."

"And what about..." he trailed off, his senses telling him the answer.
Even without his link to her, he could feel Janette's approach.  "Very
well.  I suppose we should deal with this before it gets out of hand."
LaCroix focused on Natalie.  Giving her a slight nod, he turned and
left.

Nick hesitated, at first preparing to speak, but then backed up and
followed LaCroix out.

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

Standing just outside the Raven, Natalie was exhausted.  Janette had
arrived soon after Nick and LaCroix had left, making the last part of
her shift nearly unbearable.  Again, it wasn't Janette's actions that
affected her mood.  In fact, Janette had been very polite.  The
vampiress had been almost curious, attempting to ask an occasional
question.  It was just that every time she saw Janette, her mind put
Nick, smiling, right next to her.

Natalie shook the thought away and stared up at the building.  She had
already gone by the loft, but no one was home.  She walked past the
Raven to a small door just above street level.  The stairs inside would
lead her to the same door as the stairs inside the club.  Natalie
hesitated, but knew that at least one of the three would already know
she was there and LaCroix would be greeting her before her knuckles
even rapped on the door.

Sighing, she boldly, but carefully pushed the door open and ascended
the stairs.  True to her thoughts, LaCroix was already waiting for her,
the door opening just before she reached the landing.  He silently let
her pass, and looking around she couldn't see anything out of the
ordinary.  Nick wasn't visible, and neither was Janette.

First, she checked the kitchen, thinking Nick might be in there.
Returning, she walked down the hall, a slight bump in her gate as she
walked passed Janette's room before continuing to Nick's.

The door was open, only a candle lighting the room.  Although it was a
little dim, she would comment that the flame's placement, oh so close
to a small mirror, did an excellent job with the light.  She could
clearly see Janette sitting on the bed's edge, Nick just beyond her.

Another hint of sadness crept in.  Nick was going back to them.
Watching Janette's fingers trace Nick's jaw line as he slept, her mood
only became grayer.  Perhaps she shouldn't have come?  Taking a step
back, she nearly gasped as she hit a tall, fairly rigid surface.  A
hand, no doubt LaCroix', manifested on her shoulder, and amazingly, she
actually relaxed with the touch.

LaCroix bent over so that his lips were even to her ear.  "Go to him,"
he whispered, releasing his hold.

She took a step, and then paused.  As Janette moved away, Natalie
approached further, until she and the vampiress had effectively
switched places.  "Is he okay?"

"He's fine, Doctor.  Sleeping...as he often does."

About to ask another question, she had it answered as the palm of her
hand cradled the side of Nick's face.  A slight sensation, she wasn't
sure what to call it, told her that Nick's memories were plaguing him.
He was sleeping soundly, yes, but there was a touch of sadness, perhaps
even regret to his experiences.

LaCroix ushered Janette out.  Seeing his expression, Natalie followed
as well before he shut the door tightly behind them.  Janette left to
the kitchen, and LaCroix followed her into the main room.

"You are welcome to stay the day if you wish, although I'm afraid there
are no extra rooms."

Natalie considered her response.  Would Nick want her to stay?  He had
both LaCroix and Janette there already; did he really need a third
person crowding him?  "I'll stay," she stated confidently.  "I'll sleep
out here."

"Very well.  Janette will get you whatever you need."

She watched as LaCroix turned and headed down the hall.  A moment
later, Janette returned from the kitchen.  Their eyes locked, and she
had no idea what to say to the other woman....


Pawns of Kings (43/52)

Time passed awkwardly for about three minutes by Natalie's guess.
Still, she had no idea what to say to Janette, and as it turned out,
she didn't need to.

"Natalie...I want to apologize for being bothersome to you tonight.  I
shouldn't have interrupted your work."

"That's fine," she automatically replied.  "There wasn't much for me to
do anyway."

"I don't blame you for your dislike of me.  Yes, Nick and I are close,
but we will never again have what we once did.  It wasn't meant to be.
I know that now, and you should as well."  Janette paused, glancing
momentarily away.  "Nicolas loves you more than you know.  He has
refused my offers to relieve his tension, but the blood...we need it to
keep sane.  What he really wants and needs is *your* blood, not mine.
He's been struggling with it over the past several days."

"I...I...."  She didn't know what to say.  This was about the last
thing she was expecting to hear from Janette.  She was, to put it
mildly, stunned.  "How...how do you know this?"

"The blood.  It sends signals both ways, especially with Nicolas, as he
does not know how to block them.  He loves *you*, Natalie, not me."

"But, how...?  I mean, I'm mortal, I cannot give him anything-"

"I know Nicolas.  Your presence is plenty.  Yet, his body asks for
something in return, and he's not letting it have what it needs."
Again, Janette paused, this time to drop her voice to a whisper.  "I am
asking this for Nicolas, not LaCroix....  If you want to make him feel
better, you need to show him that it is safe to take a little.  I know
what happened before, but now should be different."

Natalie tried to voice her answer, but Janette cut her off first.

"Just sleep, Natalie.  It is only a request.  Think about it.  If you
can, forgive Nicolas for his actions; they were not meant to harm you.
I will return shortly...I assume you would like to sleep on more than
just the cushions?"

She nodded, her eyes following Janette until the other woman was out of
sight.  Natalie wanted to take Janette's advice, but Nick...he treated
her like a curious child would a porcelain doll.  Despite his actions,
she had not broken, nor would she.  She barely noticed as Janette
brought her a pillow and blanket and laid them out on the couch.  Nor
did she remember the other woman leaving her, or sitting down for that
matter, as she drifted off to sleep.

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

LaCroix jolted awake.  As of late, his first action was to insure that
Nicholas was fine.  Although he seemed so, he definitely was not
asleep.  Getting out of bed, he followed the thread that connected them
down the hall.  What he found was Nicholas sitting next to the couch.
His son's fingers were entangled with the mortal's, his thumbs rubbing
in circular motions alternatively across her palm and the back of her
hand.

While he silently watched his son, Nicholas abruptly looked up at him,
the ministrations ceasing and a tenseness filling his son.  At first,
the reason was unknown, but after a minute, the reason hit him through
their bond.  Nicholas didn't know if he was still going to keep his
side of the deal they had made so many years ago.

Although he desperately wanted his son as far from this mortal as
possible, he was fully aware of the repercussions.  Besides, lately he
had seen the doctor coming closer to their way of thinking.  Perhaps
she could eventually be persuaded to come across....

"You have nothing to fear from me, Nicholas, and neither does your
precious Natalie.  I lay no claim on her."

"But...."

LaCroix approached, focusing on Natalie's slow, steady breathing.  "You
have suffered more in your attempts to distance yourself from her than
I did when leaving your sister.  The debt has already been paid."

The words he'd waited for, had planned on waiting an eternity for, had
been said.  But, he didn't really feel the pressure lift from him, and
he knew why.  "I don't want to hurt her, but I know I will...that I
already have."

"Yes, perhaps that is true...."  LaCroix paused, standing and putting
some distance between them.  Natalie was all his son thought of lately.
He needed something....  Then he got an idea, something that might help
them both.  "But, has she turned her back on you, to our kind?  Even
after all that she's experienced, she comes back.  It's like the moth
to the flame, but the question is...who's the moth, and who's the
flame?"

Nick considered the question, but didn't know the answer.  He didn't
even know if LaCroix did.

"It is the moth's nature to go to the flame.  The flame then consumes
it and grows brighter.  The moth has fulfilled its fate, and the flame
is stronger for the experience.  You, as Natalie, are the moth who
feeds the other's flame.  But, only if you embrace what you are, as
does the unfaltering moth, will either of you feel the flame burn."

As he let his mind make whatever conclusions it chose, Nick suddenly
felt sick.  Was LaCroix suggesting what he thought he was suggesting?
"You want me to bring Natalie across."

"No, nothing quite that drastic."  'Not yet, at least,' he added to
himself.  "Let your nature be shown.  Don't hide it from her.  Revel in
the sensations you get.  Use them to temper your hunger, to feed your
flame."

"But, the flame kills the-"

"Yes, I have to admit there are a few flaws...I agree.  The idea is
what I wanted you to focus on, not the science."  He watched as
Nicholas bowed his head, and then leaned against the couch.  After a
moment, his son again took the mortal's hand, continuing his earlier
actions.  "The moth becomes a part of the other.  That moth is then
reborn, starting the process anew....  Is that better?"

Nick looked up to see a smirk plastered on his father's face.  LaCroix
was, hopefully, just amusing himself with his reaction.  He decided to
push LaCroix' good mood a bit further.  "Perhaps you should have said
that before admitting your..." he fumbled for a word that wouldn't set
LaCroix off, "...slip."

Raising his eyebrows, LaCroix was faintly surprised.  Nicholas hadn't
used 'mistake' as would have been entirely appropriate.  When he didn't
comment, he felt Nicholas again relax.  As his son's attention returned
to the mortal, LaCroix' gaze caught on the glass on the table.  It was
empty.  Carefully retrieving the glass, he went to the kitchen to
refill it, pouring a second for himself.

On the way back, he set the glass back on the table, letting the bottom
clank faintly with the hard wood.  The sound made Nicholas jump
slightly.  Yes, Nicholas' thoughts were indeed off in their own little
world.  He took a sip of his glass, watching as his son picked up the
glass, his thoughts already lost.  "Don't spill it," he stated in a
whisper, again startling Nicholas, the blood nearly pouring over the
edge.

As Nicholas drank the top portion of the glass, LaCroix' lips curled up
into a smile, and he left the two alone.  Nicholas was coming back to
him.  Yes, it was going very slowly, but it was happening nonetheless.
Before he'd thought of the doctor as an obstacle.  Even with her
advice, that had, indeed worked as she said it would, he had still seen
her more as a resource than anything, but now....

A resource, yes, but she was so much more.  In truth, he didn't really
mind her presence.  She was, as far as mortals went, one of only a
select few he'd seen in the last century that he believed would thrive
as a vampire in this modern world.  As a scientist, she had to
continuously adapt, keep up with the rapidly changing technology.  For
vampires, that ability was indispensable.

Even he, and to a greater extent, Nicholas, had been on this new
'internet' several years before many mortals.  They had, through time,
learned how to adapt.  Yet, the last two centuries had taken their toll
on some of the older members of the Community.  Time had flown past so
quickly, overwhelming some of his kind.

But, Natalie would never have a problem adapting to the future.  He
would even go so far to say that the idea of being able to live through
history, into the future to see what came off the recent advancement,
enticed her.  But then, he knew that would be very tempting to most
mortals.

The one thing she would have a difficulty with, he suspected, would be
integrating into the Community.  For several years, she had been just
outside its edges, doing far more than even the Community did to
conceal their presence.  Yet, for this, things could be done to ease
the transition.  His smile increased in intensity.  Not only would this
help her if she chose to come across, but it would increase the
possibility that she would do so in the first place.  Then, his family
would be complete, and it would stay that way.

He finished off his glass, placed it next to his alarm clock, and
settled back in bed.  Nicholas was in the same place as he had left him
in.  Gently, he prodded his son's thoughts before closing his eyes to
sleep.

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

Natalie hummed slightly as she played a game of solitaire on her
computer.  Work was slow, too slow.  She was happy, but it had nothing
to do with her lack of patients.

Upon waking that evening, she had found Nick next to the couch, his
head resting on top of her hand.  Although she had to leave for home to
get ready for work, Nick had promised to visit on his lunch break.

Taking a peek at the clock, she continued on with her game.  She was
hungry, but knowing Nick would be coming soon, she had chosen to wait.
Even as her stomach protested once more, she reminded herself of her
decision.

Upon hearing the door open, she perked up.  Catching sight of Grace,
Natalie suddenly realized that if it *had* been Nick, she wouldn't have
heard anything.  "Hi Grace."

"I was just coming to see if you wanted some lunch?  I brought extra
chicken...."

Natalie's stomach betrayed her, making itself evident in the room, a
blush brightening her skin.

"Well, that settles it.  Chicken coming right up."

Grace left before she could respond, and all she hoped was that Nick
didn't arrive in the middle of her meal.  She played another game of
solitaire, her mind so preoccupied it didn't take long before there
weren't any moves possible.  Sometime she really needed to go into the
options and change it from deal three to deal-

Someone cleared their throat, and she looked up to see a smiling Nick.

"What are you doing?" he asked, trying to get a look at her computer.

"Losing at solitaire...filling time...."  She didn't get to add another
comment before her stomach rumbled again.

"....and ignoring your stomach."

"Look who's talking, Mr. Deprive Himself."

"And what am I depriving myself of?"

Natalie stood, and walked slowly around to the other side of the desk.
She'd been planning this ever since her shift had begun.  Now, it was
time to go through with it.

Stopping just in front of him, she answered, "Me." Before Nick could
react, she kissed him.  He pulled away as she had expected.  "See...."

"I-"  What did he want?  LaCroix' words had been with him for hours,
and he was beginning to believe them.  Could he temper his hunger
enough?  Could he use what he felt to control his hunger?  Slowly, he
returned the kiss, allowing it to deepen, his fangs quickly descending.

Again, Natalie found him pulling away, but this time he turned as well.
Taking his chin, she forced him to look at her, his golden eyes shining
with need.  He tried to advert his eyes, eventually giving up and just
closing them to hide from her.  "Look at me, Nick."  After a pause he
did, at which she told him, "Don't hide from me, I want to see all of
you."

As she kissed him again, he let her run her tongue across his fangs.
Tasting a hint of her blood, he knew it had been a mistake.  As the
flow of sweet liquid stopped, he slowly pulled back, his want for her
blood greater than before.  His vision was clouded with a gold-crimson
haze, and he didn't know how much more he could take.

Natalie turned her head slightly, her neck enticing him closer.  With a
moment of hesitation, LaCroix' words replayed in his mind.  'Revel in
the sensations you get.  Use them to temper your hunger, to feed your
flame.'

Then, as his need and hunger outweighed his concern, the last words
replayed to him.  'Feed your flame.'  His flame was his hunger, and it
was ready for a meal.

His fangs quickly embedded themselves into the soft flesh.  All he
could think of was the sensations from the blood.  It was amazing.
There was no malice, no fear...the blood was all revealing.  Everything
was being given to him, made into him, feeding him....

"Chicken's rea-  Ah...Nat?"

The sound immediately caught his attention, angering him.  How dare
someone interrupt him!  He moved, turning and holding Nat against him.
He first hissed, and then snarled at the mortal.  A second later, her
identity hit him--Grace.

The hunger melted away, and he looked down to find Natalie clutching
loosely to his arms, her breathing heavier than it should have been.
What had he done?

Focusing on Natalie's heartbeat, he could hear it; slow but steady. Her
breathing was also evening out as her body shut down in order to sleep
and heal.  Holding her, Nick let his lips just brush against her
temple.

He had nearly killed her, that's what he had done.  Raising his head,
his eyes still golden, the taste of Natalie's blood lingering in his
mouth, he met Grace's gaze.

Grace stared back at him disbelievingly.  Nick tried to think of
something to say...but what could he?  He had nearly killed Nat.  Nick
watched stunned as Grace put the food to the side, prying Natalie away
from him.

Natalie was just barely conscious, and he wasn't sure what to make of
the expression on her face.  She was upset, probably in response to his
loss of control, which had nearly ended in the loss of her life.  He
bowed his head as Grace took Natalie to the file room, waiting until he
heard the door close.  As the gold began to fade, he flew from the room
wanting to get as far away as he possibly could.


Pawns of Kings (44/52)

Nicholas was at the bar, drinking a substantial quantity of blood-wine.
LaCroix watched from a distance as the mortals, and even many of the
Community avoided him.  He didn't blame them--not with the anger just
under the surface, or the gold shining in Nicholas' eyes.  Still, he
had to do something.  His son was scaring away his customers.

He approached, but saw no sign that the younger had noticed.  "I see
you are feeling more yourself tonight, Nicholas."

"Can it, LaCroix!" Nick snapped.  "Just...let me be."

Nicholas' response was not what he'd expected.  Without thinking, he
snarled, "I will not!"  With the sudden silence that had come over the
immediate vicinity, LaCroix first took the glass from Nicholas' hand,
and then half-dragged the younger into his office, slamming the door
behind them.  "I know where your feelings are coming from.  I can smell
the doctor's blood on you.  But this guilt...forget it!  You know it
only bri-"

"I nearly killed her, LaCroix!" Nick hissed, cutting the elder vampire
off.  As the small confines of the room abruptly became apparent to
him, he began to pace.  "I took almost as much blood as I had that
first time.  Your moth feeds the flame all right!  It makes it burn out
of control!"  Nick stopped pacing, sobering slightly.  "If Grace hadn't
walked in when she did, Natalie would be dead."

So, that's what it was.  He knew Nicholas had been feeling guilty, but
he had expected it to be about taking her blood, not about this.

"LaCroix?  When...if she comes by...don't let her in.  Tell her I'm not
here, that you don't know where I am."  His father stiffened.  "Please,
LaCroix."

He considered the request.  For now, he needed to calm the Raven, but
later he would have a 'talk' with Nicholas.  "Fine, but you will go up
to the apartment, and I will not see you in the club again tonight."

With a faint nod, Nick slipped out of the room much calmer than when
he'd entered.

LaCroix shook his head.  Where Nicholas and his moods were concerned,
it was a perpetual case of maintenance.  He would certainly need to
calm his son during the day, but for now, he had other tasks.  First he
would get the Raven back to 'normal', and then he was going to find out
what really happened from Natalie.  He wanted to know the situation
_before_ he discussed it with Nicholas.  Most likely, his son had
twisted the events, making it sound worse than it really was.

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

It had taken less time than he had suspected at the Raven.  Only the
few mortal customers had still been wary, but then, they were mortals.
Their numbers had dropped significantly since the news had broken, and
the majority of those that came kept themselves guarded.  If not, they
didn't stay mortal long.

LaCroix looked at his surroundings.  He was in the morgue parking lot.
With a cursory glance, he noticed the doctor's car was still there.

Yes, Nicholas must have indeed let his guilt get the better of him.  If
the doctor's car was still here, she must be fine.  Entering the
building, he stayed on the vaguely familiar path to her office.  Upon
entering, he noted it was empty, but two heartbeats were just on the
edge of his senses.

One was quick and strong, but it was the second that caught his
attention.  It was Natalie's...slow but steady, but without further
inspection he knew she would be fine with rest.  He paused for a
moment, then followed the rhythm to a nearby door.

Finding it open by about an inch, LaCroix pushed it in, watching as a
woman turned toward him, squinting slightly at the brighter light. The
woman's name was Grace...he remembered the faint memories from
Nicholas' blood from months before.

Seeing the vampire in the doorway, all she could feel was anger.  Grace
did her best in suppressing it, evenly stating, "I don't know why
you're here, but get out."

"I wanted to speak with...Natalie...."  He let the name roll off his
tongue, and then stopped.  "Nicholas is agitated.  Although he had
mentioned what had happened, I had believed the events to be
exaggerated.  I see now that they were not."

"Apparently not.  Now that your curiosity has been filled, I want you
to leave before you wake her up.  Natalie needs rest and lots of it.
What she doesn't need is your kind hanging around her, killing her."

LaCroix let his eyes burn gold.  He didn't comment, knowing full well
his answer would only be twisted.  Yes, by being in the presence of his
kind Natalie very well could succumb to death, probably sooner than if
she kept her distance.  But, the decision wasn't entirely his and
Nicholas'.  The doctor had made several visits to the Raven, to
Nicholas, on her own.  She knew the risks better than most mortals.

He knelt down for a second, letting his fingers brush against her face.
She was indeed an unusual mortal.  Not only had she captured Nicholas'
eye, but his as well.  His own thoughts had occasionally centered on
her of late.  Straightening, he felt Grace's sight following him.
LaCroix turned to her with icy blue eyes.  When it sent a shiver down
her spine, he smiled faintly.

"You're not going to make her one of you."

It was a statement, her tone nearly making it a threat.  Depending on
how the future was told, however, it wouldn't necessarily ring true.
"If it comes to it, the decision will be hers.  But, I will not refuse
if she asks."  Turning, LaCroix made it to the door.  He considered
giving Grace a message.  Instead, he glanced back once more, and then
left.

This friend of the doctor's alone would do more to deter Natalie from
the Raven than anything he could say.  And for the time being, she
needed to stay away...at least until Nicholas was thinking straight
again.

Now, it was off to Antonius' to get a few extra bottles for the day,
and from there, finally back to the Raven.

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

The club was nearly empty as he passed through it.  Only a few strays
that Janette had already adopted and was thankfully keeping herself
busy with.  He did not need any of her persuasions to interfere at the
moment.

Entering his apartment, he found Nicholas staring blankly at the black
television screen.  At least his son had apparently done as was asked.
Dropping the bottles off in the kitchen, he poured a single glass
before returning to the other room.

Nicholas seemed to pay him no heed as he had arrived, or as he
approached closer.  Stopping just a couple of feet away, he asked,
"Time is going slow tonight, isn't it?"

"Leave me alone, LaCroix.  I don't want to talk about anything."

LaCroix abruptly sat on the couch holding the glass out.  "Not even a
drink?  Earlier you were having quite a time, I believe."

"I don't want it."

"Very well."  LaCroix took a sip from the glass, placing it on the
table.  Then, he grabbed the remote and leaned back.  "What would
strike your fancy this morning?  News?  No, that's too repetitive and
nothing to concern us with.  Perhaps one of the mortal's extrapolations
of the future, then?  Or history, or-"

"Leave me alone!"

"If you had wanted to be left alone, why did you come here?  You could
have just as easily gone to your place, but you didn't."  LaCroix
waited and watched as his son first stiffened, and then relaxed.

"I nearly killed her.  How am I supposed to be near her without doing
so again?"  Nick took in his father's silence.  "I can still taste her
blood.  It makes my hunger burn for more.  Nothing subdues it.  Not
blood, not blood-wine, not anything.  I...sort of helped myself," he
said, nodding off toward the kitchen.

"I figured you would."  LaCroix stood, Nicholas' eyes following his
movements carefully.  "Go to your room.  I will bring you something to
calm your hunger."  As his son just sat there, he said, "Go, Nicholas.
By refusing it you will only make it worse."

LaCroix waited until his son had disappeared down the hall.  Returning
to the kitchen, he took a mouthful of blood before setting his glass on
the counter.  Then, he took one of the bottles he had gotten from
Antonius.  It was of the most recent shipment, only about a day old. It
would have to be fresh enough.

Carefully, he uncorked the bottle, filling a large mug about three-
fourths full.  Then, he placed it in the microwave, putting it in just
long enough to make it about body temperature.  Once it was done,
LaCroix dipped his finger in it, licking off the warm liquid.  It was
just right.

Taking one of the seldom-used knives, LaCroix held his wrist over the
warm blood and made a deep cut, letting the blood flow freely.  As the
mug was filled almost to the top, he sucked the blood away from the
wound.  Almost as an afterthought, he gently stirred the blood mixture,
filling the immediate area with an almost unbearable aroma.  He kept
his control tight.  This was for Nicholas, and only Nicholas.

Leaving his glass, he took the mug to Nicholas' room.  Entering, he
watched his son's eyes flash golden at the first scent of the blood.
Nicholas, who had originally been sitting against the head of the bed,
his legs pulled up to his chest, was now relaxed, his eyes not leaving
the mug for a moment.

Accepting the cup being handed to him, Nick nearly spilled it in his
haste to take it.  He held it for a second with both hands, and then
greedily drank its contents.  The blood was a mixture of pure human
blood and LaCroix'.  The human blood was relatively fresh, and it had
been warmed.  This was as close to drinking from a human as one could
get.  Not only that, but LaCroix' blood provided a combination of
strengthening the images from the mortal, and a power of its own that
flowed into him.  Together, the two sensations calmed his hunger as had
been intended.

"More?"

He shook his head, giving the mug back to LaCroix and leaning back with
his eyes closed.  The blood had indeed calmed him, but the hunger was
already trying to come back.  He wanted blood, fresh human
blood...Natalie's blood.  That's what he wanted.  Nothing else could be
substituted for it.  Feeling a faint touch on his cheek, he pulled
away, glaring at LaCroix.  "Don't, LaCroix.  I want to be alone."

"Will you sleep?"  Not waiting for Nicholas to voice his protest, he
repeated, "Will you sleep?  If you will, I will leave.  If not, I will
stay."

Nick seemed to consider this for a moment.  He didn't know if he could
sleep or not with all of the thoughts running around in his head. "I'll
try, although I don't know if I'll be able to."

"That is all I ask.  If you-"

"I know.  Just...please...."

"As you wish, Nicholas."  LaCroix planned to repeat his earlier action,
but Nicholas pulled back first.  Another second and he was gently
closing the door, heading back to the kitchen and his own thoughts.


Pawns of Kings (45/52)

About mid-day, LaCroix found himself lying wide-awake.  He wasn't
really sure why, though.  Everything seemed fine.  Nicholas was calmer
now than he had been since his arrival.  Yet, something had to be
wrong, otherwise he wouldn't have awakened.

He reached out across his and Nicholas' bond.  To his surprise, he
found the younger vampire awake.  Perhaps not all was as well as it
seemed, he decided, and went to Nicholas' room.

It wasn't difficult to see that the bed was empty.  Almost immediately
he focused on Nicholas' form across the room.  His son was sitting with
his back to the corner, his legs pulled up in front of him.  In fact,
he looked much like he had earlier that night, but this time he didn't
relax.

"Nicholas?"  Two midnight blue orbs starred silently back at him. Their
depths seemed to twist like a whirlpool, leading him closer.  An
occasional bright blue or gold flashed in them, if only for a moment.
They smoothly followed his movements while he approached.  Raising his
hand, LaCroix caught a faint flinch as he closed the distance between
them.

Pulling back, the elder vampire sighed.  "I cannot do anything to help
unless you let me."  Nicholas' eyes stayed focused on him, but he did
nothing more.  "Would you like me to bring you something?"  Still
nothing.  Then, he caught an almost imperceptible quiver of his son's
lip.

"Yes," Nick finally said, his fangs glinting in the darkness.

LaCroix didn't immediately react, the sight before him quite an unusual
occurrence.  Nicholas was so close to the edge, the doctor's blood
still flowing through his veins.  This was something he'd tried so hard
to achieve in the past, but is this what he'd really wanted?  For
Nicholas to be so consumed by his nature that he couldn't think about
his actions?  Or, was it merely his acceptance of his nature that he
wanted?

Nicholas' eyes pleaded with him, as they had occasionally done in the
distant past.  They demanded blood, the one thing that could both calm
them and push them over the edge.  It was everything to their kind,
their survival, their way of experiencing life.  Nicholas was no
exception.

He left the room, carefully preparing the mixture much like he had that
morning, but this time made it half and half.  Returning, LaCroix found
Nicholas much like he had been left, two hungry gold rings carefully
watching the mug.

Again, it was almost immediately finished off.  Nicholas held out the
mug, silently pleading for more.  LaCroix nodded, repeating the process
twice more, keeping the mixture's consistency the same.

This time when Nicholas held it out for more, he refused.  It turned a
hungry Nicholas into an angry Nicholas.  Although not exactly what he
had intended, he could use Nicholas' anger to his advantage.  He had in
the past.

Standing still, LaCroix let his body relax even as the faint rumbling
became louder.  Eventually, it turned first into a hiss, and then a
snarl.  "No," he repeated, effectively starting a chain reaction.

As Nicholas flew forward, he was ready.  He first trapped the younger
within his hold, and then held him with Nicholas' back to him.  Then,
he waited until Nicholas ceased struggling.  Releasing one of his son's
arms, LaCroix offered him his wrist, which was quickly taken.

LaCroix closed his eyes as he felt his blood being pulled from him.  It
wasn't a gentle or careful action, but harsh and almost violent.  He
let Nicholas take all he wanted.  When it finally stopped, LaCroix let
him lean against him, which didn't last long as Nicholas let his
muscles relax and was lowered to the floor.

"What do I do, LaCroix?  Tell me."  After a moment of silence, Nick let
himself fall over.  Slowly, he proceeded to curl up on his side.  "I
love her...I can't help it.  If this continues...I'll kill her. Please,
help me, Lucien."

LaCroix started at the use of his first name.  It was rare, even when
they had been on good terms, for him to ever hear it.  Janette never
called him that, none of his other children had, and neither had he let
them.  But, Nicholas....  He turned to Nicholas' form on the floor, the
younger vampire’s body shaking, if only faintly.  "Anything."

"I can't leave here, neither can I stay away from her.  If I see her
again, I'm afraid I won't have control.  Just thinking about...."

He waited, but Nicholas didn't continue.  "And how do you want me to
help?"

"Tell her to leave.  Leave Toronto and me and start a new life.  Find
someone to set it up so that she'll stay safe."  Behind him, he could
feel his father stiffen.  "Please, father...Lucien...."

LaCroix didn't answer.  Why was he so hesitant now when there had been
so many times in the past that he would have jumped at the chance
Nicholas was now giving him?

"Lucien...."

He tried to block it out, but couldn't.  He couldn't refuse Nicholas
this.  "Yes, I will tell her to leave, but I doubt she will do so."

"Please...."

He wouldn't make the promise complete.  For some reason he couldn't,
something was holding him back.  After a second, LaCroix gently picked
Nicholas up and took him to the bed.  He wrapped the blankets tightly
around Nicholas without protest, his son's body already entering a deep
sleep.  Then, he left the room, his thoughts not straying from
Nicholas.

LaCroix continued to the kitchen where he found Janette ready with a
glass of blood.  He took it without comment, knowing full well that she
too had been woken by Nicholas.

He had made it about halfway through the glass before he felt
something. It was a familiar heartbeat coming up the stairs--Natalie's.

Janette started for the door, but he caught her arm, warning her with a
glare to stay out of the matter.  Then, he walked toward the door,
opening it as he heard the footsteps stop.

Natalie stood just outside the door, one hand supporting her against
the wall.  Her fair complexion hit him first; a shade he rarely saw on
the doctor's features.

"I know he's here.  I want to talk to him."

"I do not-"

"Don't bother, LaCroix.  Just let me see him.  I don't care if he's
awake or not."  He stood before her, blocking her entry.  "Please
LaCroix.  After I see him, I'll leave if that's what you want."

He sighed, allowing her passage into the apartment.  As she continued
down the hall, LaCroix followed her closely.  When she opened the door
to Nicholas' room, he held her shoulders to prevent her from
approaching and very likely waking Nicholas.

She watched as Nick twitched every couple of seconds, obvious that
something was torturing him.  The bed had been nearly unmade by his
movements.  He was tangled within the sheets, and she wondered if his
discomfort was contributing to his nightmares.  "LaCroix?  How...?"

"I seriously don't know.  He asked that you not be allowed in."  He
felt Nicholas stir slightly, stating, "I think you should leave."

LaCroix pulled her back, leading her out of the room, but her attention
stayed on Nick.  He was waking.  She could see it.  Natalie watched as
he turned on his side, his eyes opening, their golden hue staring
calmly back at her--at least for a moment.  The gold intensified,
crimson slowly replacing it.  She gasped at the sight, nearly able to
feel his hunger.

She knew exactly what Nick wanted.  It was her blood that he craved. As
his pleading crimson eyes captured her, she felt herself being pulled
away once more.

Nick snarled, at which she felt the pulling stop.  Immediately her mind
told her the danger she was in.  Being as weak as she was, there would
be no way she alone could escape him.  Even LaCroix was taking care
with the situation.

"The doctor was just leaving."

"No, she isn't..." he hissed, getting out of the bed, but not
approaching any further.

LaCroix slowly moved in front of Natalie.  The waiting tension inside
of his son was finally released.  As Nicholas sprung forward, LaCroix
did his best to counter the move.  Sensing Janette just behind him, he
whispered, "Keep her safe, Janette."

It only took that momentary weakness for Nicholas to gain the upper
hand.  LaCroix felt himself being pushed toward the wall.  Once the
younger had pinned him there, he was dealt a strong blow to his jaw,
pushing him off balance.  By the time he had recovered, his son was
already out of the room.  LaCroix followed as quickly as he could.

Nicholas had cornered both Janette and Natalie in the corner near the
door, but he wasn't making any further moves.  It was almost as if his
son wasn't sure what to do.  "Nicholas...think about this.  Don't let
it control you.  You are the beast's master.  Take it and make it your
slave.  You are not weak, Nicholas."

Closing his eyes, Nick wasn't sure whether to tune LaCroix out or not.
It had been LaCroix' words that had caused him to let his guard down
before.  He wanted Natalie's blood, wanted to take all of it, but he
also wanted to protect her.  The two objectives didn't match.  If he
killed her, he certainly wasn't protecting her.  What was he supposed
to do?  As the conflicting choices tore him apart, Nick sunk to his
knees.  "Please, LaCroix...Lucien...."

LaCroix was faintly stunned at Nicholas' use of his name yet another
time on the same night.  He could see surprise from Janette, and
confusion from Natalie.  Closing the last couple of steps to Nicholas,
LaCroix pulled his son to his feet.

Offering his wrist, Nicholas shook his head.  "Drink Nicholas.  Then, I
will get you something else."  His son obeyed, his fangs slipping
slowly into his flesh.  After a second, he could feel the blood slowly
being pulled from him.  Nicholas only drank for several seconds before
pushing his wrist away and shaking his head.  "Janette, take him to his
room."  She complied quickly, but Nicholas stiffened at her approach.
"I will be there soon, now go."  It took a moment, but Nicholas obeyed.

Once they were gone, LaCroix sighed and focused on Natalie.  She hadn't
said a thing, but he knew she had to have questions.  He turned, going
to the kitchen to prepare another mug for Nicholas.  Her observant gaze
watched his every move.

She didn't follow him as he went to his son's room.  As expected,
Nicholas drained the blood in a couple of seconds, holding it out for
more.  LaCroix nodded, heading back to the kitchen.

He paused at the counter, trying to regain some of his strength.  In
the past hour, Nicholas had nearly drained him.  He needed his own
sustenance.  Yet, he would provide one more mug for Nicholas, but only
one more.  Then, he'd have to replenish his own blood.

Reaching for the refrigerator, he found Natalie blocking his way.  She
was holding the knife he'd used, his blood still clinging to its
surface.

"Use mine."

LaCroix looked her over.  Her exhaustion showed in everything about
her.  It was in her stance, her expression, even the rhythm of her
heart.  "No.  You are too weak."

"It's what he needs.  You know that, and I know that.  Maybe it will
satiate his hunger."

"And if it doesn't?"

The question hung in the air.  "Then, it doesn't."

He locked his eyes on her, waiting for a falter, but none came.  It was
risky, but it might work.  "Then, if Nicholas comes for you, what do
you wish me to do?"

"Nothing.  Let him take it.  Like I said, it's what he needs."

"And you are weak.  He *will* kill you if no action is taken."

"And I believe that it won't come to that."

Her statement was final.  He set his jaw, taking the knife from her,
and putting it in the sink.  Retrieving another, he led her gently into
the other room.  "Lie down," he instructed.  As she did so, he could
feel just a hint of nervousness.  She knew exactly what she was getting
into.

Placing the mug and knife on the table, he gently raised her legs,
letting them rest on the end of the couch.  Then, he let her rest as he
found a blanket.  He covered her, tucking it tightly around her.
Picking up the knife, he carefully took her arm, turning it over.
LaCroix met her eyes, waiting for permission to continue.

Receiving a nod, he placed the blade to the inside of her arm, a fair
distance away from her wrist.  Making the cut, he let her blood flow
into the mug.  It's aroma wafted the short distance to him, the scent
arousing his hunger.  LaCroix pushed it away, forcing himself to remain
in control.

As the mug reached half-full, he turned her arm with the wound on top,
the blood still slowly flowing from the wound.  He felt her pulse
weaken.  The cut had to be closed, and quickly.  Coming closer to the
wound, he asked, "May I?" his fangs just visible.  A wave of fear
coursed through her.  "It will close the wound," he said, reminding her
of the properties of his kind's saliva.

Natalie, barely conscious, nodded once, her eyes lazily following his
movements.  She watched nervously as his lips gently caressed her skin.
He licked away the blood, his fangs brushing against her arm.  Feeling
a faint sucking sensation, he again licked the wound.  Then, he laid
her arm on her stomach, letting it rest limply.  She could feel the cut
tingling slightly from his actions.  Drifting off, she hoped her idea
would work....


Pawns of Kings (46/52)

After adding his own blood to the mixture, LaCroix carried it slowly to
his son's room.  Once there, Nicholas' eyes had already become a deep
shade of amber.  Approaching, his son shook his head, scooting back as
far as he could.

"Nicholas, this is what you want, isn't it?"

Nick stared at the mug, both Natalie and LaCroix' blood teasing him.
"Yes," he breathed, but held back.  When LaCroix held the mug out, he
felt himself trembling.  LaCroix probably saw it, so why didn't he
stop?  He couldn't take the blood.  If he lost it....  He shook his
head again.

"It will be fine," LaCroix soothed as he sat on the edge of the bed,
gently guiding Nicholas to him and the mug's contents.  He brought it
to his son's lips, tilting the mug just enough that the blood coated
his lips.

Immediately, Nick licked it away and basked in the pure sensation. Soon
after, he took a sip, and then another.  Then, taking the mug, he drank
the blood down slowly, not daring to let a drop go to waste. Natalie's
blood did more to calm him than anything else.  Or, perhaps it was
LaCroix' blood, but he didn't really care.

He felt whole.  He felt in control for the first time in over a week.
The beast no longer demanded the blood.  It was sated for the first
time in months.  If he had taken this small amount more from Natalie
before, he would have almost certainly have either killed her, or put
her in serious condition in the hospital.

"The doctor seems to know a great deal.  She was correct in that you
were depriving yourself of her.  She was also correct in giving you
more of her blood.  Although I disagreed with her choice, I didn't
dispute it."

He barely listened to LaCroix.  "How...how is she?"

"Sleeping."  As his son's concern remained, LaCroix added, "She is
weak, but with time and rest she will be fine."

Nick slipped out of the bed.  Sliding past LaCroix, he followed the
slow heartbeat he knew to be Natalie's.  Reaching the couch, Nick
stared down on her as she peacefully slept.  Yes, she would be all
right, but she certainly wouldn't be going anywhere that night.  Moving
the blanket over, he sat down.  Pulling her hand toward him, Nick
caught sight of a moderately sized cut, just barely healing over. There
was no bandage, no blood either.  "You took some of her blood, didn't
you?"

"Would you had rather I let her bleed to death?"

"No."  Lightly massaging her arm, Nick's fingers were careful to avoid
the wound.  As her lips curled up into a smile, he stated, "I'm not
going into work tonight."

"Yes, you will, Nicholas."  Then, with a slight pause, he added, "I
will stay here to watch her.  No harm will come to her, you have my
word."  They locked gazes for a second until LaCroix continued, "I have
a message for you to deliver."

"To whom?"

"The Mayor."

"Why not just call his office?  His secretary could take any-"

"Not this one.  I want you to deliver it to keep its contents more
protected."

Nick sighed.  The sun hadn't even set, and his night was already being
planned for him.  "Fine.  What is its purpose?"

"To meet and discuss a combination of recent events and the topic of
our previous conversation."  LaCroix closed the distance between then,
letting his hand approach the doctor's face.  After his son's hand shot
up, halting his intention, LaCroix suggested, "Sleep, mon fils.  Let
your senses settle from the morning's events.  She will not wake before
sunset, and you know it."

He nodded.  Leaving a kiss on Natalie's forehead, Nick walked slowly to
his room, glancing back at the entrance to the hallway.  He watched
LaCroix' fingers lightly touch her cheek before continuing down the
hall.  He wasn't sure what direction LaCroix' thoughts were leaning.
What he did know was that Natalie would be safe here, with LaCroix.

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

Nick just glared at his desk.  He really didn't want to be there.  As
of late, he was beginning to dread coming to the precinct.  Despite the
distance, he could almost feel Natalie; feel her heart beating slowly
along.  He shook the thought away, but couldn't completely dispel it.
Her blood, the last thing he tasted, still lingered in memory.  It
wasn't increasing his hunger, but it was preoccupying him.

"Nicolas...."

He spun in his chair.  Janette stood a short distance away.  Her
somewhat casual attire allowed her to go for the most part unnoticed,
although he did catch a few of the detectives glancing her way.  "What
do you want?  I know you don't like the precinct much."

Casting her eyes around the room, she commented, "A little bright, but
much less hostile than my last visit.  I suppose it will do...it is,
after all, a 'working' environment, designed specifically for mortals."
Janette paused.  "Natalie is doing much better, although I've been sent
'shopping' for food."  She cringed, her forehead wrinkling for a
moment.  "Despite my recent experiences, I'm not sure what to get."

"Trace?"

The detective glanced up, focusing more on Janette than her partner.

"What do you like to eat?" Janette asked.

"Uh...like?  Junk food, but, that's like."

Thinking for a moment, Janette rephrased the question, "What do you eat
when you are unwell?"

"Um...."  Tracy looked away, not sure what to say.  She knew what had
happened, but wasn't aware Natalie was staying with them.

Nick watched his partner's reaction carefully.  So, news of his actions
the previous night had indeed reached the precinct.  "Tracy,
please...."

"I don't know...it's not something I really think about."

"That's not the only thing, Nicolas."

He wondered what it could possibly be.  Seeing her hesitation, he told
Tracy, "Write down a few things for Janette to get.  I'll be right
back."

Janette led him from the bullpen, and they didn't stop until they were
in, presently empty, lockup.  Once they had stopped, she handed Nick a
piece of paper.

Unfolding it, Nick was faintly surprised to find a print out, and even
more to see that it was an email.  Scanning the 'to' and 'from' lines,
he stopped on LaCroix' email address.  "LaCroix received this?"

"Yes, now read it."

Turning back to the paper, he read:

    M. LaCroix--I don't think it needs to be mentioned what you are.
After all, the whole world knows that.  Your disruption will not be
tolerated.  You will not complete your goal, whatever it truly is.
You, and those near you, such as your child and his acquaintances, will
pay the price for your transgression. @>-,--`--

Stunned, Nick felt his anger rise.  Whoever had sent this had a great
deal of information.  Few outside the Community knew his relation to
LaCroix.  Only a handful of vampires and fewer mortals knew LaCroix'
email address.  The rose at the end was a blatant stab at LaCroix, but
who would know of its significance besides himself, LaCroix and
Janette?  Natalie didn't even know.  Natalie....  "Does Nat know about
this?"

"Yes, and despite her weakness, she refuses to rest."

"And what does LaCroix want me to do about it?"

"You're a detective...use that to find out who sent it.  LaCroix has
Aristotle working on it, but he has to be careful not to reveal
himself."

Sighing, Nick refolded the paper, stuffing it into his jacket pocket.
"Is that all?"

"Yes, Nicolas...that's all LaCroix told me."

He knew what that meant.  There was more.  Later, he would make sure
that LaCroix told him when he arrived home.  "Get the list from Tracy.
Use that, or better yet, go by Nat's place and get some things from her
kitchen."  Janette nodded, and felt him in the silence radiating from
the cement.

Without thinking, he had called LaCroix' place 'home.'  At one time,
they often resided in the same apartment, house, cabin, or whatever
shape their living quarters took at the time.  For the past century,
however, that had become less frequently the case.  Shaking his head,
he pushed the thoughts away and headed back to his desk.

Janette was just leaving.  But as he approached, she blocked his path.
"Did you get the list?"

She nodded.  As she moved to kiss him, he turned and she pulled back, a
slight pout staring back at him.

"Janette...not here and not now."

"I know, Nicolas, I know.  I'll see you in a few hours."

Tracy watched as Janette left.  Focusing on Nick, she watched him stare
off toward the door.  Even though Nick had told Janette to leave, she
could see that he really didn't want her to.  "So...how is Nat?"

"What?"

"Nick...everyone heard about what happened between you two.  I want to
know how she is, as a friend of both of you."

Sitting, he nodded slightly.  He would tell her, even though he really
needed to do what LaCroix wanted.  He sat, stating, "Natalie's fine.
What Janette came to talk to me about is this..."  He passed her the
piece of paper.

After reading through the text, Tracy just stared at it with confusion.
"It's obviously a threat, but why are you so concerned?"

"We don't just give out our email addresses to anyone.  LaCroix' a bit
tighter with it than some."

"How about you?  Have you checked your account recently?"

"Uh, not yet."  Nick quickly got into his account and sure enough, a
message with the same subject as the one LaCroix had received sat
unread in his inbox.  "Damn," he muttered.

At that, Tracy stood, coming to stand behind him.  Seeing the bold
words, she asked, "May I?" glancing to the keyboard.  When her partner
nodded, she opened the message and another threat stared back at her,
this one clearly composed specifically for Nick.  "Has anyone else
gotten one of these?"

"I don't know.  Janette doesn't even have an email account as far as I
know."  He was about to shake his head, but realized there was another
possibility.  "Antonius."

"Hmm...?"

"Give me a minute..."  Nick picked up the phone, dialing the Italian's
number.  Asking Antonius to check his email, he felt his anger rise
when the younger cursed colorfully after a moment.  After telling him
to call LaCroix, Nick put the phone back.  "Antonius got one as
well...same subject."

"So...what are you going to do?"

"I guess talk to Reese, try to get him to deal with this carefully.  I
don't want any of this to get out if possible."  He took the note back,
hitting print.  He glanced back at her, and then walked off to get the
printout before someone else saw it.


Pawns of Kings (47/52)

Entering LaCroix' apartment, Nick found the main room empty.  "Nat?"
Following her nearly normal heartbeat, he found both Nat and LaCroix in
the kitchen.  Once he could see Natalie's face, he knew why the elder
vampire was there.  She really didn't look like she wanted to eat.  Her
fork picked lazily at the plate of rice.  What surprised him was his
sire's concern, but he shook it off.

If she saw him, she didn't make any indication.  Turning to LaCroix, he
silently asked him to leave.  Once he had, Nick took a hesitant step
closer.  "Nat?"

She slowly ate another bite, a piece of chicken slipping in with the
rice.  "LaCroix told me what you wanted me to do," she softly stated.

Nick felt his heart beat twice in rapid succession.  Even now, he
wasn't sure what to do.  They were getting closer, which didn't leave
too many choices.  "And...?"

"I know you don't want to see me get hurt, but I'm not going to break."

"But with the threat-"

"Forget about that, Nick.  I'm not leaving.  You know that.  Besides,
where would I be more safe than right here?"

He'd never even thought about that.  Letting the corner of his mouth
quirk up, he asked, "Forgive me my insane thoughts?"

"They already have been, Nick."  She picked at her food for another
second.  Then, trying to suppress a smile, she asked, "So...what was
with calling LaCroix Lucien?  I don't think I've heard anyone call him
that, except you, that is."

"It was-"

"Unusual and unexpected.  Just keep it private.  That goes for both of
you," LaCroix said, appearing in the room and shooting a glare at his
son.  "In public, I will not tolerate it, not even from Nicholas."

Natalie focused on the two standing right next to each other, their
gazes locked.  She poked her fork noisily at the food, and they turned
to her.  "Well then," she began, pausing for a second.  "Lucien...."
she said, letting the name roll off her tongue, watching him fidget
just enough for her to notice.  Then, she sobered.  "What's your plan?"

"Plan?"

"Yeah, you know...'plan.'"

"There is none."

"So, there is nothing to stop mortals, whether hunters or everyday
people, from making, and possibly carrying out these threats.  Right?"

"They know our purpose.  That is enough."

She stood, approaching LaCroix, halting just within his reach.  "It is
not enough.  If I didn't know what was really going on, I would view
the breakaway you're doing as being an overthrow of what appears to be,
at least to the majority of the population, a working system.  All of
the information out in the open is indirect."

"And what do you suggest?"

"A press-conference."  Seeing his anger flare, she kept her ground.  As
he tried to move away, she grabbed his arm, eliciting a green-gold
glare.  "It would be a direct presentation of your opinion.  It would
also answer questions that haven't been answered yet."

"A press-conference would increase the possibility of an attack."

"It would also decrease it."  For a moment their eyes were locked, then
LaCroix glanced at her grip.  She released his arm, after which LaCroix
turned and left the room.  Following, she asked, "So...what do you
think?"

Nick came up behind Natalie, being careful about not getting too close
in fear that his hunger might flare up again.  "I think it's a good
idea."

LaCroix spun, his eyes still green-gold for a moment.  As the blue
returned, he nearly hissed, "Yes...I suppose."  With a displacement of
air, he stood next to Nicholas.  "You will arrange this 'press-
conference,' then."  He took a step forward, stopping next to the
mortal.  Leaning over slightly, he whispered, "And you will accompany
us as you seem keen on the idea."

"Fine, although I don't know what use I'll be...."

LaCroix glared at her, then turned and left the room, starting off down
the hall.

"Well, that suggestion went over well."

"It's a good one, though.  It might be just what we need to break free
of the Council."  Nick bowed his head, his expression quickly sobering,
coming back to their original conversation.  "Nat?  I nearly...nearly
killed you...how can you-"

Her fingers stopped his words.  Then, letting them rest on his lips,
she whispered, "Shh, everything will be fine.  I love you, and I will
not allow our differences to stand between that.  You have to do the
same, Nick.  You have to stop treating me like a mortal, like I'm some
piece of ultra-thin glass."  He let her hand drop, placing it on his
shoulder.  She waited for a response, hoping that he would say
something.  "Nick?"

"I...."  He paused, pulling away slightly.  "You still...after
everything?"

"Yes, Nick.  How couldn't I?"

"But-"  He couldn't continue, as Natalie had leaned forward and kissed
him.  She pulled away, leaving him wanting more.  Silently, he stood as
still as he could, his eyes lightly closed.  Opening them, he saw
Natalie through an amber hue.  She was beautiful...her hair taking on a
golden flare, as did her skin and eyes.  When she moved to kiss him
again, he returned it.  As they kissed, he felt her caress his fangs,
enticing him further.  His hands held her body tightly to him.  One
slipped under her shirt, feeling the warm flesh of her back.

As he pulled away from the kiss, Natalie moaned, but one sensation was
quickly replaced by another.  His lips started just below her ear,
kissing down the side of her neck onto her shoulder.  They stopped for
a moment, hovering just above her skin.  Then, he began the process
again, this time moving downward.  He stopped several inches below her
collarbone, and then pulled away.  She looked up at him, staring into
the golden depths and prepared to protest.  His lips on hers prevented
her action, and then he again pulled away.

He smiled.  Giving her one more long, passionate kiss, he told her in a
barely controlled timbre, "Not now, Natalie....  You must recover
before we try and push this.  Please."

She breathed deeply in an attempt to calm her senses...but it didn't do
much good.  Natalie nodded in response, her eyes still locked with
Nick's.  Slowly, they faded to blue, at which he gave her another kiss.
Breaking apart, he backed up a step, letting his lips quirk up into a
fanged smile.  A moment later, he started slowly toward his room.  She
stood there for several minutes before sitting on the couch, leaning
back in the cushions and letting the last several minutes play
themselves over and over.

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

From his room, LaCroix leaned against the door and smiled.  All he had
to do was wait.  Nicholas would soon be his.  He could feel the boiling
emotions and needs within his child.  Eventually, his son would need to
act on those emotions.

The fate of Natalie, however, was still untold.  She was a mortal who
was becoming ever closer to both his son and the Community.  Several
years before, he never would have considered allowing her into his life
in this manner, staying at his apartment during the day, completely
enthralling his son....

His curiosity was piqued...would she ever ask Nicholas to bring her
across...?  Sooner or later she would want more than the abrupt end
they had settled with tonight.  But, he could wait.  He had all the
time imaginable.


Pawns of Kings (48/52)

One week and two days later:

"Nicholas, I am not going in there with you.  Publicity unnerves me."

"You don't have to, Antonius.  I want you to watch the precinct during
the press conference.  Make sure the Council doesn't take advantage of
the situation."

Antonius glanced at the others in the alleyway:  LaCroix, Janette,
Natalie and, his focus of attention, Nicholas.  "I hope this works.  If
it doesn't, it could mean a whole new host of problems."  With that, he
took off, leaving the others to their business.

Moving behind Nick, Janette argued, "Antonius is right, mon Cher...this
is madness.  We are exposing ourselves needlessly to the mortals."

"But, it also has it's advantages," LaCroix stated.  "It will very
likely give us the advantage we need in all of this."

"I still agree with Antonius.  This could be a mistake.  This is too
public...it is worse than those meetings...I will not-"

LaCroix held her arm tightly, preventing her from leaving.  "You will
accompany us, Janette.  You will not speak of this again until we have
returned to the Raven.  Now, proceed," he hissed, indicating the way
out of the alley and the direction of the building's main entrance.

Watching Janette obey the command, Nick following close behind her,
Natalie caught LaCroix' arm before he could do the same.  "Did you have
to do that?"

"It was necessary.  If our uncertainty is visible, the mortals will
sense it.  We do not need that."

He started off down after the others, nearly leaving her behind.  After
a second, she followed, hurrying to catch up to the others.  Rounding
the corner, it was only a matter of seconds before a crowd of people
surrounded them.  They slipped inside the building, at which the noise
suddenly stopped.  Peace, at least for a moment.  Heading into a small
conference room, they found Reese waiting for them.

"I hope this has the effect you want, Nick."  The detective nodded.
Reese took in the four, each of them were wearing mostly black or some
other dark color.  It was strange seeing Natalie with the three
vampires, and he noticed that she seemed calm in their presence.  If he
were in that position, he certainly wouldn't be able to keep a level
expression.  "It's been explained that any questions relating directly
to any of your private lives, either past or present, can be completely
dismissed.  Remember that this is a forum to explain your reasons
behind your actions, and those are the questions you should answer."
Reese paused, focusing on Natalie.  "I don't know what, if any,
questions you might be asked, Dr. Lambert, but the same policy goes for
you.  If a question is too intruding or inappropriate, don't answer."

No one made a sound: not a shifting of weight, an audible breath, or
even the start of a response.  Nick, in an attempt to release some of
the tension, asked, "So, is everyone ready?"

Nat and LaCroix nodded nearly in unison.  After a moment, Janette
reluctantly did so as well.

"I'll tell them you'll be out in just a few minutes," Reese said as he
stood and left.

As the four glanced between one another, Nick and Natalie's gazes met.
She could clearly see the worry on his face.  Approaching, she assured
him, "Everything should be fine.  We're going to be in a room with who
knows how much security.  If anyone tries anything, they'll be caught."

"You know that's not what I'm concerned about, Nat.  I'm worried about
what the reaction to this will be."  Placing a kiss on her temple, Nick
left the room, heading toward their destination with the others
following.

They slipped into the back corner of the room.  After a second, they
received a glance from the speaker: the mayor.  He wrapped up the
introduction, after which the four stepped up onto the bright stage.

Natalie and Janette hung back, standing near the back of the stage.
LaCroix stood purposely at the podium, Nick only a couple of steps
away.  LaCroix focused on the audience, scanning the crowd.  He stopped
on a young man, his hand patiently raised.

After making eye contact and receiving a nod, the reporter stood,
asking, "What is your relationship with the others present?"

Stiffening slightly, LaCroix stated, "Please elaborate."

"What are your relations with the others present?  Are they friends
that you have acquired?"

Catching a movement to the side, LaCroix turned toward Reese, who was
gesturing him to keep his silence.  He considered doing so, but knew
that sooner or later it would be discovered.  "Nicholas is my...son.
Janette is another member of our family, and Dr. Lambert is an
acquaintance."

The man sat down.  LaCroix turned his attention back to the sea of
reporters picking another--a woman.  "What are your approximate ages,
and those of your Council's members?"

LaCroix locked gazes with her for a moment.  At least this knowledge
was partially public.  The Council would not be thrilled, but then,
this conference wasn't for their benefit.  He answered, another
question quickly taking its place.

Nearly forty-five minutes later, Nick took up the answering.  The third
question made him freeze.

"Could you detail the event that began this breakaway?  We have heard
the results, but not the reasons behind them," one of the audience
repeated.

Nick felt Natalie take a step closer.  He forced himself to collect his
thoughts.  After a second, he answered, "It was an attempt to keep us,
specifically LaCroix, from acting against them."  After a moment of
silence, he explained everything: the children's murder and his
memories of the same, all of the way through to the Council's offer
that turned out to be a trick and the weak link they had established.

"Then, those children were considered pieces in a game?  They were
killed without mercy, to-"

LaCroix sent a chilling glare at the speaker, sending them back into
their seat.  He turned to his son, who had turned almost white.  These
memories did not need to be relived.  "If you will excuse us," he said,
leading Nicholas from the stage and into the hallway.

Natalie, slightly stunned, ended up at the podium.  She began her own
answering of the limited questions she could, hoping Nick and LaCroix
would be back soon.

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

Arriving back at the Raven about two hours later, Natalie sighed in
relief.  Her questions had mostly been about her relation to Nick and
the other members of the Community.  Only a handful of those questions
had been answered in her attempt of stalling for time until Nick and
LaCroix had returned.

Once they had, the questions continued; personal questions occasionally
popping up, at which they usually went to the next question.

Letting her eyes wander across the room, they stopped on Nick, who had
immediately gone to the couch upon arriving.  He sat in its corner,
creating a silent tension in the room.  Nick had received the brunt of
the 'personal' questions.  He'd been through enough lately, the
reporters' proddings only making things worse.  On the way back, Nick
had refused driving, simply handing her the keys and getting in the
passenger side.  Now, he sat staring blankly across the room.

Slowly approaching Nick, she sat next to him.  "You okay?"

"Fine...really...just don't ask me to do that anytime soon.  I should
have expected the questions.  Besides, it showed that we really do have
emotions," he said, attempting a smile.

"Grief is for the weak!"  Coming to stand before the two, LaCroix
added, "I would have thought you would have learned that by-"  He
stopped, hearing a knock on the door.  Behind it, stood three
mortals...none of whom he immediately knew the identity of.  He stalked
to the door, pulling it open.  On the other side, he found Reese, and
by his guess, two other detectives.  He waited for the mortal to speak.
When he didn't, LaCroix asked, "And what brings you here, Captain?"

"Two murders.  At the end of the press conference, we found two
victims, both drained."

"And what does that have to do with us?"

Reese paused, focusing on the group.  Meeting LaCroix' gaze, he
answered, "The victims' time of death corresponds to the time that you
and Nick were away from the podium.  At the moment, there is no charge
against either of you.  It is simply routine questioning."

LaCroix' eyes flashed amber.  "I am not-"

"It is just routine, LaCroix.  It shouldn't be any trouble at all.  If
they don't have any evidence, they can't hold us."

Setting his jaw, LaCroix turned, settling his gaze on Janette.  "Remain
here and watch Natalie.  Nothing is to happen during our absence.  If
we are not back by sunrise, Natalie will be staying the day."  Turning
to the doctor, he didn't receive the expected refusal, but a slight
nod, which he returned.  Locking his eyes on first Reese, and then the
accompanying officers, LaCroix exited with his son, the three mortals
following nearly on their heels.

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

LaCroix paced the length of the interview room like a caged animal.  He
was tired of all of the running around.  First, they'd been taken to a
conference room, and then Reese's office.  Now they were in one of the
interview rooms.  He and Nicholas had been at the precinct for well
over an hour.  So far, no one had spoken with them, the only mortal in
the room being a guard to keep them put.  He nearly scoffed at the
picture that formed in his mind.  As if a mortal could keep him in this
room.

The door swung open.  LaCroix stopped his travels just behind his son,
watching Reese and Detective Vetter enter the room.  "What grounds are
we being held on?" he demanded tersely.

"For your own protection."  Reese paused, breaking the glare that had
settled on him upon entering.  "You are not being charged with the
murders, but are currently the only suspects."

"Do you seriously believe either of us are stupid enough to drain a
mortal and leave their body in plain sight, let alone two?"  LaCroix
waited a moment, then stated, "If you have nothing, Captain, I suggest
you release us now."

"No," Reese said, shaking his head.  "To me, it looks like a setup. One
of the security tapes, specifically the one for the crime scene, has
been tampered with--a section of the recording was cut out.  Could this
have something to do with the messages you received?"

Both vampires considered the possibility.  Then Nick answered, "I don't
think so, perhaps....  Natalie.  Natalie and Janette are back at the
Raven."  He stood, walking to the end of the table.  "I'm going over
there."

Reese caught a hold of Nick's shoulder before he could slip past. "Your
partner is going with you.  You will remain in her sight at all times,
understood?"  Receiving a nod, he continued, "And if something has
happened to Natalie, that makes this a police matter, and you *will*
report anything."

"And LaCroix?"

Facing the taller man, Reese stated, "He will remain here until you
return unless something happened at the Raven."

LaCroix stiffened at that, but he would do as the mortal instructed.
However, if there was something wrong, that might very well change.

Nick again nodded and quickly left the room, Tracy hurrying to catch
up.  He kept his pace out to Tracy's car, holding out his hand for the
keys.  Reluctantly, she gave them to him.  Soon, they were speeding out
of the parking lot.

After a few minutes, Nick felt his connection with Janette change.  It
wasn't a call for help, or an intense emotion, but a dulling of her
presence that had alerted him.  Pressing his foot harder on the
accelerator, he took a right-hand turn, completely forgetting about the
blinker and nearly taking out the curb.

What felt like an eternity later, the car pulled to a quick stop in
front of the club.  Before Tracy knew it, Nick was at the door.  Once
again, she found herself running to catch up.  She barely reached the
main doors before they closed, by which time Nick was already going up
to the apartment.  "Nick!  Wait up!" she called, taking the stairs two
at a time.  Pushing the apartment door open, she froze.  The room was a
mess.  After a short moment, she focused on Nick and caught sight of
Janette, lying still on the floor.  "Wha...how is she?"

"Unconscious...she should be fine, but I want to take her somewhere
else."

Tracy nodded.  Her eyes darted around the room once again.  Janette was
there, the room's contents a mess.  Yet, there was something missing.
"Where's Natalie?"

"Not here," he softly stated.  Raising his eyes to her, they
momentarily flashed gold.  "Why didn't I see it coming sooner?!  If she
had come to the precinct, she would have been safe, both her and
Janette would be fine."

"Nick, don't-"

"I know, I know.  It's not my fault that this happened."  He sighed,
turning his attention back to Janette and brushing a strand of hair out
of her face.  "I want to get her somewhere safe."  Picking Janette up,
he started for the door.

"Nick?  Where are you-"

"I'll be back as soon as I can.  I guess you should call Reese...tell
him what happened."

She nodded, watching as her partner carried Janette out of the
apartment, hoping Nick would get back before Reese arrived.


Pawns of Kings (49/52)

Tracy stared across at her partner through the others on the scene.
Nick had returned seconds before the arrival of Reese, LaCroix, and
several of the officers from the precinct.  Glancing at those present,
she knew these were those Reese trusted.  The only one missing was
Natalie.  She glanced around at those from the morgue, and her eyes
settled on Grace, who was heading in Nick's direction.  Following,
Tracy wondered what had either been found, or if Grace was going to let
some steam out.


"Where is Janette?" LaCroix asked his son, his voice carrying its usual
icy and demanding tone. 

"At your apartment."

"We are *in* my apartment!" he hissed.

"The other one.  The one I'm not supposed to know about.  The pe-"

"Good.  She should be safe there until we can return."

Grace popped up, and with a faint smile told them, "You won't be able
to return anywhere until you've been cleared of the murders."

"Reese said he believed it to be a set up."

Glancing toward Nick, she reminded him, "But those tapes could have
been altered just as easily by you two."

The detective considered the statement.  Yes, that was absolutely
true...they could have, and there was no proof of just who had done the
tampering.  Trying to think of some way that Grace could help and
convince her of their innocence, he threw his mind over his previous
cases.  Then, it hit him.  "What is the distance between the marks on
the victims' necks?"

"What?"

Nick smiled at Grace, explaining, "A vampire's fangs are a set distance
apart.  Unless it is the same as one of us, we're off the hook."

"What was that about being 'off the hook'?" Tracy asked, stepping up
behind Grace.

"Let's ask Reese...I think it will work, unless the killers thought of
that.  If so, it might dig us in deeper."

"What's that you wanted to ask me?"

Nick cursed to himself, and caught a smirk from LaCroix.  "Just an
idea."  He paused, trying to let things settle.  Since he and Tracy
arrived, he had been busy.  Flying Janette to LaCroix' other apartment
had taken up much of his energy, and he was getting hungry.  "Right
now, I'm getting something to drink...too much going on."

He slipped away to the kitchen before they could comment.  He weaved
easily through the officers, each of their eyes settling on him for a
couple of seconds.  Pulling a bottle out of the refrigerator, he took a
large swallow of its contents to the surprise of those present.  As he
prepared to take another, he tasted something that shouldn't be there.

He abruptly had an uncontrollable need to gag, and went for the sink.
Nothing came up, the damage already having been done.

Feeling slightly lightheaded, he could feel LaCroix approaching.  "The
blood, it's...it's been drugged I think.  I...I don't feel...I feel
dizzy...."

As his son leaned back against the counter, LaCroix' anger boiled. 'How
dare some one do this to me!' he nearly spoke aloud, but first there
was Nicholas.  Damn all of the mortals that were gawking at them...he
needed to give Nicholas his blood to help filter out whatever else had
been in the bottle.

Pulling him from the counter, LaCroix took his son from the area.
Slipping into the first empty room, he shut the door behind them.

Nick could feel the sensation increase, his surroundings starting to
spin.  "LaCroix...I...."

"Shh..." LaCroix whispered, holding Nicholas close to him and guiding
him toward his own neck.  "Drink from me, Nicholas.  Let my blood dull
this...."

Surprisingly, Nicholas had needed no other coaxing words, and LaCroix'
lips parted as he felt Nicholas' sharp fangs dig deep into his flesh.
As his blood was pulled for him, he did everything he could to keep
Nicholas calm.

LaCroix forced himself to keep his own control as well.  He wanted to
return the action despite the poison that flowed in Nicholas' blood. It
would intensify their link and more, but he knew Nicholas would not
permit it.  He wanted his son's blood just as much as Nicholas
currently needed his.  They had not shared blood for a long while, and
he suspected it would not be wise to push the situation as he'd tried
in the past.  True, they had been on relatively good terms the last
couple of weeks, but he was still waiting for his son to return.
LaCroix let Nicholas drink, his eyes narrowing as the latter's emotions
met his own.

He felt his son strengthen, the blood being pulled quicker from him
than before, and a second later the younger pulled away.  Meeting his
son's eyes, LaCroix watched Nicholas turn quickly to the wall.
"Nicholas...?" he asked, completely unaware of what caused this action.

"I'm not ready for that, LaCroix, not yet....  I want this situation
resolved--completely--before any discussion of my returning is made."
Nick caught his father's surprise.  "I will not deny it, I cannot, but
neither am I entirely ready.  Give me some more time."

LaCroix watched Nicholas spin on his heel and head for the door.  He
was a bit stunned.  His son had sensed his thoughts in the blood...that
was the only explanation.  The younger was indeed returning to the
Community.

Yet, even as Nicholas left the room, he could feel his son's weakness.
He wasn't entirely sure if it was from the bottle's contents, or from
his blood.

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

Catching sight of her partner as he paused at the hall's entrance,
Tracy watched him lean against the wall.  She met up with him as he
pushed away from the surface, fully entering the room.  "You okay?" she
asked, regretting it as a glare shot her way.

"I'll be fine.  It's not easy to harm immortals, you know."

Tracy nearly spoke, but thought better of it.  She knew exactly what he
was getting at--Natalie.  "Reese wants us--you, me, LaCroix and Grace--
to go over to the morgue and try to clear you two.  In the meantime,
they'll continue here...see if they can find anything."  He didn't
answer, and as LaCroix approached, she watched Nick stiffen.

"That will be fine, Detective," LaCroix answered, having heard the
conversation from the hallway.  "Make sure the investigation goes no
further than the main room and the kitchen...nothing else is to be
touched, moved, removed-"

"I get the point.  I'll go tell Reese before we leave.  Grace is
already on her way, so I'll drive you two over in just a couple of
minutes."

As Tracy left, Nick commented to LaCroix, "I'm surprised you didn't
insist upon staying."

"I want this over with.  You know that.  We should be cleared of this
in short while, shouldn't we?"

Nick held firm under his father's stare.  They had a chance of not
being cleared; he knew that.  He didn't need LaCroix to remind him.
Hopefully, all of this would be over soon.

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

"Found it," Grace exclaimed, entering the room holding up a small metal
measuring device.  "Okay, let me see 'em."

Hesitating at the eagerness from Grace, Nick let his fangs drop.
Carefully, she measured the difference between his canines, the metal
points just grazing the tips of his teeth, forcing him to concentrate
to keep the remainder of his control.  He pulled back as soon as she
was done, moving a few steps to the side.  Natalie knew how sensitive a
vampire's teeth were, and he had to remind himself that Grace didn't.

"Thirty-five millimeters."  She turned to LaCroix, stating, "Your
turn."

He shot her an icy glare through narrowed, faintly golden, eyes.  She
stiffened, and he let his eyes return to normal.  "Be careful, or..."

She didn't have to ask what would happen.  Grace knew exactly what
those sharp pointed teeth were used for.  Carefully, trying to avoid
getting closer than was necessary, she took the measurements, and then
a couple of steps back.  "Thirty-four millimeters."

When she just stood there, LaCroix waited.  Grace made no further
comment.  "And what does that mean?"

"You're off.  The marks on the victims were thirty-one millimeters--
both of them."  Grace turned, and started writing on a piece of paper.

LaCroix was about to speak, but was interrupted by Detective Vetter's
cell phone, and he glared at her until it had been answered.  For a few
moments, she answered a few questions...mostly with yes/no answers, and
then, abruptly, she hung up.

"It was Reese.  We're supposed to head back to your apartment.  I guess
they found something."

LaCroix met her eyes for a second, and then started for the door with
Nicholas and the mortal right behind him.  Hopefully what they had
found wouldn't mean much to the mortals...he wanted to keep this matter
within the Community as much as possible.

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

Arriving back at his apartment, the two vampires were immediately left
in a sea of faintly organized confusion while Tracy went to get Reese.

As the Captain advanced, he held out a plastic bag containing a once
folded sheet of paper.  "We found this under one of the other bottles.
No one knows what it says.  One of the officers said it looked like it
might be Latin."

Snatching the bag from the mortal, LaCroix read through the familiar
language.  "It is Latin," he stated after several minutes, a stern look
on his visage.

"And?" Reese asked after a long second, his impatience clearly
noticeable.

Nick carefully took the note, looking through the words.  It wasn't the
Latin he knew, but LaCroix probably would have grown up with it.
Despite that, he could make out the gist of the message.  "LaCroix is
supposed to meet them...they want a deal from us in exchange for
Natalie, along with one-million dollars."

"One-million?" came Reese's incredible response.

"American, if I read it right.  Plus, I think this is supposed to
happen during the day.  LaCroix?"

The elder vampire met his son's gaze and nodded.  "Yes, and the only
difficult part will be the last term."

"What about the money?"

Turning back to Nicholas' superior, LaCroix stated, "That won't be a
problem.  Besides, I don't think the money is the key issue."

Reese held in his frustration.  He didn't want to be pushed out of the
situation, which was the direction LaCroix was already heading. Natalie
was just as important to him as any of his detectives or officers.
"When is this exchange to take place, and where?"

LaCroix took the note back from his son, putting it in his coat.  "Noon
tomorrow.  As to where...better if it is not known."

Reese watched the vampire, studying the cool, unemotional expression.
Without commenting on the note being evidence, knowing he wouldn't get
it back anyway, Reese stated, "That's less than twelve-hours from now."

"The money won't be a problem, and I believe Nicholas may be able to
provide the other solution."

"I'm going with you."

That broke LaCroix' calm.  "No, you aren't, Nicholas.  I do not know
the consequences of that.  Considering the instructions do state that I
am to come *alone,* I do not believe it would be wise.  We don't want
anything to happen to Natalie, now do we?"  He locked gazes with the
younger, his vision turning gold.  "I will organize the money and you
will get whatever is needed to get through this daytime meeting."
Turning to leave, he once again met Reese's eyes.  "I will be at
Nicholas' loft, and that is where I will remain until leaving for this
exchange."

After several seconds of silence between the three, Nick gave a glance
to Reese and Tracy before turning to leave as well.

"Nick?" Reese said, catching hold of the detective's shoulder.

"Don't come by until ten-thirty or eleven.  And, please keep this
between as few people as possible.  I know this situation is in both
jurisdictions, but Natalie is considered a member of the Community.
Technically, we should deal with the matter, but LaCroix is allowing
the cooperation.  However, I know he won't allow any interference on
your part, and I don't think it would be a good idea, either.
Everything will be ready no later than eleven."

Neither Reese nor Tracy could get a word of protest out before he was
gone.  They looked to one another, each wondering just how everything
was going to work out and fully aware Nick spoke the truth.  LaCroix
wouldn't allow any interference on their part, not if it went against
something he'd planned.


Pawns of Kings (50/52)

Nick sat starring off into space as he had for the past several hours.
The money sat on the table in a black leather briefcase.  He had signed
for it, as LaCroix had requested on a short note he'd found upon
returning home.

LaCroix had been asleep as he'd arrived back.  The note had also stated
he didn't want to be disturbed.  As a result, Nick was becoming
impatient waiting, not wanting to chance irritating LaCroix.  Glancing
at his watch, he knew it was late enough.  It was ten-thirty, and Reese
would probably be arriving soon.  He couldn't see his Captain just
waiting at the precinct until this was over.  Tracy would probably be
there as well.

Slowly and quietly he ascended the stairs, not making a sound as he
entered his room.  LaCroix lay rigid in his bed, the covers smoothed
over his form.  Nick stood midway between the door and the bed,
watching his father sleep.

Earlier, he'd just barely caught something LaCroix had said...almost
dismissing it as a fluke of his mind.  But, he *had* heard it.

'We don't want anything to happen to Natalie, now do we?'

That's what LaCroix had said.  The 'we' he was sure meant LaCroix and
himself, but it wasn't normal for LaCroix to use that word...not when
talking about a mortal.  Yet, it made perfect sense.  He'd seen it over
the past days and weeks.  It was in the release from the bargain he'd
made for Fleur and in the small actions LaCroix had made; whether they
be a touch on her face, or an extension of his protection.  LaCroix had
allowed her near free reign of his apartment.  He had even been
concerned when she didn't want to eat.

LaCroix was becoming closer to Natalie, and there was nothing he could
do about it.  How close that could eventually be, he didn't want to
think about.  Not right now.

Nick silently closed the distance.  Without a hint of hesitation, he
placed his hand on LaCroix' shoulder.  He didn't back up as LaCroix sat
up, focusing quickly on him with a golden gaze.

"You need to take the Litovuterine.  Reese might be here soon, so we
might want to take care of it now.  I'll be downstairs."

Nick slipped out of the room before LaCroix was fully awake.  Getting
the Litovuterine-D he'd taken from the morgue and readying a syringe,
Nick felt LaCroix come up behind him.

"What must I do?"

Without turning, Nick stated, "Lie down on the couch or the floor, and
roll up your sleeve."  He sensed his father's hesitation.  "It's
painful...you won't be able to control it."

The elder vampire held the other's gaze, knowing full well the truth of
the statements.  When Nicholas had taken the Litovuterine, he had felt
his son's pain as clearly as if it had been his own.  Nicholas had
taken a risk to keep himself hidden from the mortals.  He would do this
for both of them.  Natalie was the main focus of his son's attention,
and as a result, her safety was in his interest.  Besides, he found his
own thoughts straying to the mortal of late.  Not daring to show a
spark of emotion, he nodded.

As LaCroix complied, lying on the floor, Nick turned and approached. He
knelt next to LaCroix, slightly uncomfortable.  Receiving a nod, he
injected the Litovuterine.

LaCroix closed his eyes as he felt the drug enter his bloodstream.  For
a moment, there was no difference.  Then, as his heart beat, spreading
the Litovuterine throughout his body, he felt the pain.  It centered in
his abdomen, feeling as if he were being eaten from the inside out.  He
rolled to his side as the pain ripped through him, keeping his jaw shut
tight in an effort to remain silent.

It felt like minutes as the pain remained, not increasing, but
certainly not ceasing either.  Slowly, it began to fade.  After a
moment, he felt his chest tighten, at which he took in a deep breath.
As the tenseness disappeared, he became aware of his surroundings.  He
could feel the cool air around him, its movement nearly chilling him. A
cool hand rested on his arm--Nicholas' hand.

He could hear Nicholas mumbling about something...that he shouldn't
move for a moment...or something to that effect.  Ignoring the sounds,
he sat up.  In an instant, he felt the room spin, the shapes distorted.
As it stopped, he focused on his son.

"LaCroix?  How do you feel?"

"Weak...the pain...it's still there...."

"The pain will go away in a few minutes.  The weakness won't, though.
It's from the absence of the vampire, or so I assume."  Nick stood,
helping LaCroix to his feet.  As the elder man swayed, Nick steadied
him.

LaCroix pulled back from the gesture, nearly losing his balance on the
way to the couch.  Once seated, he leaned back and let his attention
fall on the briefcase.  "There was no trouble getting the money?"

"None.  It's all there, all in American bills and ready to go."  Nick
stopped upon hearing the lift start up.  His attention, however,
remained on LaCroix.  The other waited for him to continue, not aware
there were two mortals on their way up in the elevator.

The door slid open, LaCroix' attention snapping to those entering.  He
stood slowly, trying to avoid the dizziness he'd felt the other times
he'd moved.  Meeting Reese's eyes, he kept his gaze until he could
visibly see the man's nervousness.  At least he hadn't lost all of his
abilities.

Reese looked away.  Noticing the already used syringe, he knew this
was, more or less, a mortal LaCroix, although he couldn't tell any
difference.  "I'm letting this be in your hands on one condition,
LaCroix.  You will wear a wire to this meeting and we will listen.  If
something goes wrong, one of us will take some kind of action."

LaCroix' anger simmered.  Faintly, he wondered if he should have
demanded full control of the situation.  After all, Natalie was as much
of a member of the Community as any vampire in the city, and he had no
wish for these mortals to ruin everything.

Watching the vampire, Reese continued, "We will not make any move until
there is need for it.  Hopefully, there will not be, as by the time one
of us arrives there will probably be nothing we can do.  You will have
full control of the situation."

Calming somewhat, LaCroix considered the order with distaste.  He did
not wish to wear any such device.  At the same time, he was fully aware
that he would be unable to contact even Nicholas if something were to
not go as planned.  "Fine.  I will do as you wish.  However, any
conversation will, if possible, not leave those present.  Understood?"

Reese tried to keep his calm under the piercing, frozen glare often
directed at him.  "If it can be kept that way, yes.  But, I can't
guarantee it.  I brought all of the equipment with me.  We should
probably get it set up."

LaCroix didn't comment as Reese turned and left, undoubtedly retrieving
the mentioned equipment.  He really didn't feel like arguing at the
moment.  The Litovuterine was making him tired and he felt just as weak
now as he had several minutes before.  Nicholas had been right about
that, just as the pain was nearly gone.

It was now nearly eleven.  In an hour he would arrive at the meeting
place to make the exchange and whatever deal they had in mind.  Soon
after, Natalie would be returned to him--if everything went according
to plan.

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

LaCroix stood in the bright sunlight, trying to avoid its painful rays.
It might not burn, but it hurt his eyes far more now than it ever did
when he was mortal.

It was nearly one.  They were late.  As he waited, he wondered just who
was meeting him.  It could not be one of the Council, or any vampire
for that matter, unless they too knew of a way to beat the sun.  It had
to be a mortal.

He saw a man standing a short distance away, just close enough that he
could make them out amongst the blinding light.  When the other didn't
approach, LaCroix moved to meet him.  With every step he could feel the
wire pull on his skin.  He hoped this device wouldn't be detected.

"LaCroix."

Although it was a statement, LaCroix nodded in response.  "Where is
Doctor Lambert?"  The man nodded behind him, at which LaCroix followed
the indicated direction.  Another approached, holding her firmly in his
grasp, a gag preventing her from speaking or screaming.  He noted that
she appeared dazed, as if just waking from being sedated.

He could feel his anger burn inside him.  It was a kind of anger that
usually only manifested itself when Nicholas was involved, but this
time it was more.  The kidnappers had taken Natalie.  Even though she
was mortal, the Council knew that she was, more or less, under his
protection.  If they harmed her, they would pay.

"You have the money?"

"Yes.  It is as requested.  Release her, and you shall receive it."

"First, the matter of the deal....  If she is returned, you will either
accept the actions of your Council, or this will not be our last
meeting."

"I will accept no such deal.  We will make your exchange.  The Council
will be dealt with separately.  You have no place in our discussions."

"As you wish," the man said, nodding to his colleague.

LaCroix watched as Natalie was brought closer.  "Release her first.
Then, you will receive your payment."

There was another nod, at which Natalie felt her arms relax.  A moment
later the gag was removed, her lungs filling with fresh air.  Before
she knew it, she was being pushed towards LaCroix.  He caught her
easily, holding her possessively.  Out of the corner of her eye, she
watched a briefcase being exchanged, realizing that was her ransom.

"Since you have refused to make the deal, you will receive a warning
from the Council."

"Which is?" LaCroix asked.  Then, following the man's gaze, he could
just make out the end of a weapon.  After a moment of hesitation,
instinct hit.  He tried to get out of its range, but a second later he
felt an impact in his side.

Pulling the dart out, he could feel whatever it was starting to take
affect.  Suddenly, the sun seemed warmer and brighter.  His skin felt
like it was on fire, burning in the light.  He could feel his nature
return as it was seemingly revitalized with the dart's contents.

It felt as though he'd just tasted another vampire's blood.  Perhaps it
was something in the dart, or perhaps it was his own blood renewing
itself in his body.  Whatever was in it was counteracting the
Litovuterine Nicholas had given him.

But, right now that wasn't important.  Shooting a crimson glare at the
man, he flew toward shelter with Natalie gripped firmly against him.

Once out of the sun, he released her and collapsed to his knees in
pain.  It felt like a combination of when Nicholas had given him the
Litovuterine and something he was much more familiar with--hunger.  His
short time in the sun had caused his skin to feel like it had spent the
last few moments being scorched in an oven.  He needed blood to heal
the minor burns he'd received in the last few seconds that he'd been
outside, and he needed it now.

As the hunger became overwhelming, he focused on the mortal.  He could
hear her pulse beating quickly in his ear.  Her lips moved as she
spoke, but the words were inaudible to him.  She approached closer,
stopping just in front of him.  A couple of heartbeats later, he felt
her fingers on his cheek.  He turned into the light touch, his lips
meeting her palm for a mere second before she pulled away.  He closed
his eyes, trying to focus.

"LaCroix?"

He looked up to her, her form sitting in a red sea with her heart at
its center.

Natalie could see the need in his entire being.  His skin had burned in
several places, its normally smooth surface blistered.  Yet, he didn't
have the blood he needed to heal.  On top of that, he had a starved
look, which she knew wasn't going to go away on its own.  She moved
closer, repeating her previous action.  "You're hungry...you need-"

"No!"  He pulled her hand from his face, but didn't look away from it,
nor did he release his hold.  "I will wait...."

"LaCroix...take it.  Nick should be on his way, right?  LaCroix?"

"Nicholas is coming...I can feel him."

"And how long will it take for him to get here?  It's day, as I'm sure
you're aware.  You took the Litovuterine, didn't you?"  She watched
him, the hunger mixed with pain still being the dominant emotion.  "You
need blood, LaCroix.  The pain and burns, not to mention your hunger,
won't go away until you've fed."

He pulled her hand back to his face, pulling in its wonderful warmth
and the scent of her blood.

Natalie kneeled, "LaCroix, take it.  I'm aware of the risks.  I would
do the same for Nick."

After looking away for a second, he met her eyes.  There was no fear or
regret behind their depths.  Perhaps a tinge of nervousness, but that
couldn't be blamed.  In a quick movement, he pulled Natalie toward him,
turning her so that her back was to him.  His arms wrapped around her
waist.  One hand tilted her head to the side, leaving her neck fully
accessible.

For nearly a minute he just held her there, his fangs pausing inches
above her skin.  He marveled at her.  She was willingly giving him her
blood.  Once, they had been enemies.  Of late, they had become
something else.  What that was, he wasn't yet sure.  Right now all he
knew was that her blood was calling to him, her even pulse reeling him
in.

Not able to wait any longer, he struck, pulling the sweet liquid from
her veins.  As he felt the edge of his hunger back off, he continued to
drink, although slowly.  A feeling of complete exhaustion suddenly came
over him, and he ceased his task.  Holding Natalie close to him he laid
down on the cement, feeling the world disappear....


Pawns of Kings (51/52)

It had taken twenty-five minutes for Nick to get to LaCroix and
Natalie.  Tracy, who had driven him, stayed several steps behind him as
they entered the building he knew they were in.

Nick proceeded cautiously, not entirely sure what to expect.  Getting
slightly closer, he was rewarded with a mortal heartbeat--Natalie's. He
let out a breath, relieved that she was alive.

As they had left his place, he had felt LaCroix' need.  Shortly after,
he had sat stunned as he felt LaCroix take Natalie's blood without
resistance.  At the time, he didn't know how to feel.  He still didn't.
But, at least Natalie was safe.  That's what really mattered at the
moment.

Catching sight of them near the far wall, he could see them spooned
together.  LaCroix, apparently sleeping, held Natalie firmly to him.
Natalie, however, appeared awake--at least partly.

He continued his slow approach, finally kneeling as he reached them.
Reaching out, his fingers lightly brushed Natalie's forehead.  She
smiled at his action, at which he repeated it.  "Are you all right?"

She nodded.  "I think so...although I don't remember anything after I
felt LaCroix' fangs.  It was so fast...."

"Other than that?"

"I'm fine.  Nick, those that took me were mortals, but I think I saw
one of the Council last night."

"What do you remember?"

"They drugged me at LaCroix'.  The next things I remembered were waking
up in a car, and then seeing LaCroix out there, in the sun.  I thought
I was dreaming for a moment.  Don't really remember what happened then,
either.  It's all a blur."

Nick turned his attention momentarily to LaCroix.  He could see where
there were recent burns, some of which were only beginning to heal,
others that had already done so.  Through their bond, he could still
feel LaCroix' hunger, but it wasn't nearly as demanding as it had been
twenty-five minutes ago.

Repeating his earlier action on LaCroix, he felt the elder vampire stir
for a fraction of a second before returning to his deep sleep.  "We
should get LaCroix somewhere safer.  He'll need more blood when he
wakes.  And Natalie...you need rest.  I also want Grace to check you
over."

"Nick-"

"Please, Nat.  You've lost so much of your blood in the last week and a
half.  I don't want you overdoing yourself and making things worse.
I'll have her come by the loft, okay?  Nat?"

"Yeah, that's okay, but I feel fine," she mumbled.  Actually, she felt
better than that, even with the blood loss.  Her mind focused on the
hands that still wrapped around her.  The situation wasn't all that
uncomfortable, but it was awkward.  "Could you...help me a bit? LaCroix
seems to have a pretty good grip while he's asleep."

He tried to manage a smile, if only for her benefit.  After a moment,
Natalie was standing, first being fussed over by Tracy, and then being
led out to the car.  Nick followed, carrying LaCroix.  As they reached
the entrance, he placed the coat he'd used for his own protection
against the sun over LaCroix.  The sun wouldn't be a problem for him
until they were on the road.   They headed back to his apartment in
silence, his attention split between LaCroix and dodging the sun's
bright rays.

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

LaCroix had been restless the entire ride back.  Even after they'd
arrived and he had been taken to Nick's room, he wasn't sleeping
peacefully.

At his request, Grace had come shortly after their arrival.  She had
only left a few minutes ago.  She had checked Natalie over twice at
both her own and Nick's insistence, despite Natalie's statement that
she felt fine.  In the end, Grace had found nothing amiss.  Even the
tiredness from blood loss that should have been present was absent.

Immediately upon Grace's departure, Natalie had headed upstairs.  He
hadn't immediately followed, instead deciding to listen to the tape.
After twice through, he stopped.  From the tape it was clear that
LaCroix had done nothing wrong.  Natalie had freely offered her blood
to him.  LaCroix had simply accepted.  With the hunger, no other choice
could have been made.

Heading up to his room, Nick found Natalie sitting on the edge of the
bed.  Even though he'd been completely silent upon entering, she turned
his way.  "Nat...do you know what to do when he wakes?  It might be a
while, but-"

"I know.  I'll have blood ready.  You won't be here, will you?"

Pushing the ease at which she'd known and the certainty in her voice
away, he told her, "I'm taking care of this.  Only Reese and Tracy are
to know what I'm doing...I'm going to the precinct for a little while.
I will meet with the Council tonight.  I'm hoping this will be the last
time."

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

Nick had left the precinct as night had fallen.  Hopefully, his plan
would work.  He didn't even go through it in his mind, fearing Aha
would be able to sense his thoughts, although their link had faded
substantially.

He approached the house that the Council had been using as their base.
As he reached the door, it was immediately opened for him.  He entered,
not thinking if his arrival was anticipated by what he was, or the
link.  Being led into a room, he found all five members of the Council
present.

Aha's eyes lit up, a faint smile on his lips.  "What brings you here,
Nicholas?"

"I think you know that answer."

"You mean about Natalie?" Aha asked.  With a slight pause, he
continued, "It wasn't my idea.  Lucius seems to have taken an interest
in this mortal.  It was a convenient means."

"And those that carried out your work?"

"Will never be found.  They delivered the emails, helped with the
kidnapping, and set up the meeting.  They failed to get Lucius to agree
to the deal, their minds being more concerned with the money.  They
have served their purpose.  I can always get another group to help.
These mortal hunters were willing to side with a vampire to have
another, better chance at killing those like Lucius.  It had been pure
luck that Lucius had survived their assassination attempt, but they
broke with greed."

"And the money?"

"Will be added to our own funds."

Waiting a moment, Nick asked, "What was in the dart?"

"You mean the warning?  Just a taste of our blood, that is all.  We
knew Lucius would have to take the Litovuterine to get through the day,
and we also know what its effects are."  Aha watched the younger
vampire's eyes go wide at that.  Sensing the genuine surprise in
Nicholas' thoughts, he explained, "The older the vampire, the less time
it takes for the drug to wear off.  Lucius would only have been able to
survive the day another thirty, maybe forty minutes before the
Litovuterine lost its effect.  The dart's contents, vampire's blood,
merely set his system out of equilibrium, bringing his nature back to
the surface sooner.  Quite simple, really."

Nick took a few steps closer, but stayed out of any of their immediate
reach.  He remained as calm as he could at the news of the
assassination attempt being the event which caused the Council to hire
those mortals.  "And the two at the press conference...you killed them
as well?"

Aha remained silent on that, at which one of the other Council members,
probably the second in command, spoke, "I did.  It served its purpose.

We needed free access to the Doctor."

Approaching, Aha let his smile become more sinister.  "You know you can
do nothing to stop this, Nicholas.  Lucius may be stronger than many of
us and you may be a close second to him, but neither of you are a match
for the entire Council."

"I've already stopped it."

The smile disappeared, all but Ningal looking to Aha.  The head of the
Council let the gold in his eyes become visible.  This was not
expected.  Nothing had been done.  This was just another attempt to get
the Council to break, but something about the confidence in Nicholas'
voice prevented him from speaking.  Not only that, but searching the
other vampire's thoughts, Aha found hints of a plan.  Even now, he
couldn't tell just what Nicholas was hiding, but something was there.

"Our conversation has been recorded.  If those recordings are taken or
destroyed, their copies will remain.  Not only that, but there are
mortals who have listened to the conversation.  Unless you plan to kill
everyone who was in the 96th precinct tonight, you can do nothing. This
'control' of yours is over!"  His vision burned amber as he came face
to face with the elder vampire.

"It is over when we agree it is over, and it is not!" Aha stated,
circling the younger vampire.  As had been mentioned to him, Nicholas
was indeed foolish, but the Roman had failed to mention the younger
vampire's cleverness.  "A wire.  That's it, isn't it?  You're using the
mortals to aid you."

"But, I am not using the trickery that you have!"  Nick fixed his gaze
on the other.  "A vote will be taken.  If that vote is unanimous, then
you will return to Europe and your lives.  The Council will then
disperse."

"And you expect us to obey a vote by one ci-"

"Several cities.  They will be those with the largest Communities."
Nick turned to leave, but was stopped by Aha's voice.

"And when will this 'vote' take place?"

Nick considered this for a moment, and then answered, "Tomorrow night,
an hour before dawn."  Leaving both the room and the house, Nick took
several breaths of the cold night air, glad he was still in one piece.
Then, gazing a few seconds into the night sky, he took to the air.

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

Once the recording had been copied and was safely hidden away, Nick
left the precinct for his apartment.  LaCroix was still sleeping at the
moment, but he could feel the elder vampire starting to stir. Entering
through the skylight, Nick found Janette waiting impatiently.  "What
are you doing here, Janette?"

"Trying to find out what is going on!  You could have called and told
me what was going on, but no, you just leave a note with 'stay here'
written on it!"  She closed her eyes, pushing away her anger.  Getting
down to her reason for coming, she stated, "Nicolas...I cannot stay
here if I am to be ignored.  As soon as this mess is over, I am
returning to Paris and remaining there."

"Janette...."

"I am not needed here, mon Cher...it is long past time for us to part.
Natalie is yours, and, perhaps LaCroix' as well.  I will not interfere.
I will return to the apartment, but you must promise to tell me of
events."

Nick stood, watching her silently leave.  She was right.  They should
have parted before, but he couldn't let her go.  He never could.

Heading up to his room, Nick stopped just inside the door.  Next to
LaCroix lay Natalie, sleeping soundly.  His father's arms were wrapped
gently around her, pulling her closer.  Janette must have come up here.
That's why she'd said what she had.

Stepping closer, Nick ran the back of his hand across her cheek.  A
second later, he let it brush against her neck.  Pulling his hand away,
he could see her confusion as she woke, noticing LaCroix' closeness. As
she moved out of the grasp, LaCroix stirred.

Silently, he met the elder vampire's hungry gaze.  Nick spotted the
bottle next to the alarm clock and passed it to his father.  Once it
had been returned to the table, Nick hesitantly asked, "I need your
address book.  I'm organizing a vote of no confidence against the
Council.  To do that, we need the other city Elders on the continent to
take our side."

Once he had replayed Nicholas words, LaCroix responded, "I will contact
them.  What is this 'vote' to entail?"

Nick then explained what he planned.  That the cities to be contacted
would have a high number of their kind, and that one of each city's
tribunal members would be in Toronto at the specified time to make
their vote.

LaCroix kept a smile to himself.  Nicholas had done well.  With a fair
number of vampires with a decent amount of combined years, the Council
couldn't counter the vote without creating a bloodbath they would
almost certainly lose.  If the Council disregarded this vote, they
would condemn themselves.  He wished he'd thought of this plan.  "It
will be done.  I will cast Toronto's vote, if you don't mind."

Nick nodded.  He had expected the elder vampire to ask for that task.
Besides, he would have to go if for no other reason than to make sure
the Council didn't change the conditions of the outcome.


Pawns of Kings (52/52)

Nick stood in the background as the room became silent.  It was time
for the vote.  It was quickly decided that the two sides were 'the
Council', and 'the Community.'

LaCroix, second eldest of the nine non-council members not counting his
son, pronounced his vote first, sternly stating, "The Community."

Six others quickly followed, each taking the same side as LaCroix. That
left two others to choose.  One, a delegate from Atlanta, took his
time.  After meeting LaCroix' solid glare, he finally pronounced, "The
Community."  Seconds later, San Francisco's city Elder replied with the
same.

The vote had been unanimous as required.  Nick held in his joy as he
watched the majority of the Council become furious at the outcome. Only
Ningal remained calm in response to the ruling.

LaCroix locked gazes with Aha, firmly stating, "You no longer have any
power here.  Leave."

At first, none of the Council made any movement.  Nick held his place,
as did the others.  Then, slowly, the three he still didn't know the
names of left.

Seconds later, Ningal approached him.  "You are not weak, Nicholas.
Never let anyone tell you otherwise."  With that, she left, and only
Aha remained.

"You have won this, Lucius, but I will meet you again.  If you blunder
thi-"

"I am not known for making blunders, nor shall I be in the near future!
Perhaps we will meet again, and perhaps we will not.  I prefer that we
do not.  Now, get out of this city!"  LaCroix' eyes flashed scarlet,
the Council member's mirroring him.

Then, without another comment, Aha suppressed a snarl, and left.

LaCroix let his eyes glint with victory.  Now, they were no longer the
Council's pawns.  They were free to make their own choices.  Looking
around the room, he could see that the others present seemed satisfied
with the result.

As the others left, he exchanged nods and the occasional word.  The
entire time, LaCroix kept Nicholas, who stood in the back of the room
in the shadows, on the edge of his attention.  Once the others had
left, he approached, only for Nicholas to leave.  He followed quickly,
following their bond into the sky.

Several minutes later, they arrived nearly simultaneously on the loft's
roof.

"LaCroix..." Nick started, but looked away.  He couldn't think of
anything to say.

Keeping his place, the elder vampire felt awkward at the silence. After
momentarily glancing away, he spoke, "I congratulate you on your plan,
Nicholas.  It seems to have worked."

"I shouldn't have tried it, though.  Aha could have seen through it
before I even arrived.  It was a chance."

LaCroix faintly shook his head.  Nicholas was letting his guilt get in
the way...and there was absolutely nothing to be feeling guilty about.
"If you are to return to my side, you must-"

"I know.  And I'm not blaming myself for anything.  Just thinking
aloud.  I couldn't really think about all of the pieces.  If I did, Aha
might have picked up on my thoughts and seen them for what they were."

He glanced at his father, then entered through the skylight, LaCroix
remaining on the roof.

Inside, he met both Natalie and Janette.  Nick stood, his mouth moving
slightly, not sure what to do.  Janette approached him, a glimmer of
determination in her eyes.  As she made to kiss him, he turned away,
stopping her advance.

"I'm leaving at sunset.  I do not plan on returning for a while.  Au
revoir, mon Chevalier."  Nick kept his stance as the air moved slightly
at her departure.

"Nick?"

He didn't dare look at Natalie.  He could still feel the vampire
lurking from Janette's words.

"Nick?  I-I know you will always love her.  I won't deny that to you. I
understand your relationship with her, if only on the surface."  She
stopped the protest on his lips with her finger.  "You said we would
try to deepen our relationship.  I know that now isn't the time, but
I'm not letting you back out of this."  He didn't speak.  "Do you want
me to stay?"

Yes, he did.  Deep down, that's all he wanted.  He didn't want her to
ever leave him.  But, he needed a break.  He needed to try and figure
out what was going on with LaCroix.  He knew he was drifting back to
LaCroix, and truthfully, he didn't want to stop it.  He wouldn't.  But,
he also wanted to know LaCroix' intentions concerning Natalie.

Finally, he shook his head.  "Not today, please...I want to be alone
for a few hours."

"I'll see you at work tomorrow night, then?" she prodded, the tone of
her voice betraying her emotions.

"I'll be there, if that's what you're asking."

His even words made her pause for a moment.  "You could sound a little
more...I don't know...enthusiastic?"

"When I'm almost assuredly going to see the Commissioner sometime
tomorrow night?  I haven't exactly been following the rules, or even
working much the last few days.  Neither has Reese, for that matter."

Natalie kept her distance, but assured him, "I'm sure everything will
be fine.  It has to be."  After receiving no answer, she started for
the door, asking, "I assume this will also be made public, won't it?
The break-away from the Council, I mean."

"Yeah, it will.  That could be good or bad.  I'm not sure yet."  He did
his best to smile.  "It should be fine.  I think even the Commissioner
is getting used to me...at least a little.  After all, he's not trying
to get Tracy to transfer anymore."

She returned the half-smile.  "I'll see you at work, then."  After a
slightly awkward pause, she started to the door, not looking back as
she got in the elevator.

After Natalie's heartbeat no longer pounded in his ears, Nick looked up
at the skylight.  He could just see LaCroix on the other side, looking
down at him with a sinister smile.  Then, a second later, he was gone.

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

A week later:

Nick slumped onto his couch.  The past week had been...unexpected.  It
was just a boring, ordinary week.  There had been a few articles in the
paper and a few short sections in the news, but everything had been
relatively quiet.

Tracy's father had never confronted either himself or Reese.  Marks
was, and had been since the incident outside the precinct, much more
accommodating.  He'd even apologized a couple of nights ago, thanking
him for saving his life.  That had surprised him more than anything
else.

The precinct treated him like any other detective, and he was glad.  It
almost didn't even seem like vampires were real to the mortals...but
that was also the one thing that was different.  His coworkers now knew
why he worked at night, why he was always first to the scene, and how
he sometimes knew more than he should.  He was a vampire--that was no
secret.

Both Natalie and LaCroix had backed off, letting him sort things out.
In truth, he didn't know if that was helping or making things worse.
Closing his eyes for a moment, he focused on his memories, trying to
remember the times when he and LaCroix had been able to get along.
There were many, and he found he couldn't think about just one of them.

Feeling a familiar presence, a smile became visible on his lips.  He
opened his eyes to find LaCroix standing a short distance away, as he
had expected.  "Now, I'll come back.  I want this peace to last,
LaCroix.   I don't want it to be tossed aside with our differences."

"I will not allow that to happen.  You know that."

A shiver ran down Nick's spine at the tone.  Yes, he knew that as
surely as the sun would rise.  "I want to know what you intend to do
about Natalie."

"She is your...friend.  No harm will come to her."

"But, what is she to you?" he countered, and waited for the response.

The question caught LaCroix slightly off guard, not expecting it until
one of their later conversations.  He'd been trying to find an answer
for himself, but it hadn't yet shown itself.  "She is family.  Nothing
more."

"I don't believe that."

"Believe what you will."

Nick glared back.  He wanted an answer and he was going to get it. "Are
you...attracted to her?"  His father looked away, but he wasn't going
to let this go.  "I want an answer, LaCroix," he pushed.

The elder vampire considered his response for several moments.  "Yes,"
he stated, making Nicholas tense.  "I suppose I am attracted to her.
But, I will not interfere in your relationship with her.  She
is...yours."  LaCroix took several steps away, heading toward the
elevator.  "I believe she is also visiting this morning...."

Nick listened as the lift ground to a halt.  He watched as Natalie
exited, her pace slowing upon seeing LaCroix.

Natalie paused, her attention fully on the elder man.  Then, turning to
Nick she planned on saying something, but didn't get the chance.

"I will take my leave...."  LaCroix spared a long glance at Natalie.
With a nod, he stepped into the elevator.

Once the elevator had finished its decent, Natalie commented, "Is it
just me, or was that a little strange?"

"About the elevator?"

"Yeah...."

He shrugged.  "I'm not sure I really care right now."

"Nick...."

A grin spread across his lips.  "Right now, you're the only thing on my
mind."  He stepped up to her, his expression softening slightly. After
a long second, he kissed her lightly on the lips.  "I'm still not ready
to try anything more, but I don't want to be away from you."  He kissed
her again, deepening it, letting his nature through as much as he
dared.  Holding her at arms length, he asked, "Will you stay the day?"
He glanced down momentarily before meeting her eyes again.  "If only so
I can hold you?"

As she nodded, he kissed her again, and he led her over to the couch.
He pulled her with him down onto the couch, holding her tightly against
him and placing a feather-light kiss on her forehead.  As her head rest
just beneath his chin, he could feel her warm breath on his neck.
Although it made him want more, he didn't let himself give in.  This
was a time for them to be together in peace.  He didn't want to ruin
the moment.

Closing his eyes, he savored her warmth, listened to the rhythm of her
heart, letting it relax him.  He felt a familiar prodding in his mind.
Looking up, he could see LaCroix just on the other side of the
skylight.  A smile just barely graced his father's lips, but it was
clearly visible to him.  Letting his own smile grow, he watched
LaCroix' mirror it, and then the other was gone.

His lips brushed against Natalie's forehead again.  At the action, he
felt her arms tighten around him.  He could stay there for eternity,
but knew that that wasn't possible.  There was work, both their lives,
and he knew that LaCroix would still be around, making suggestions at
the very least.  They might not be outright, but they would still be
there, telling him the best way to lead his life.

For now, he had everything that he wanted:  Natalie, being able to do
something important with his time, and being on good terms with
LaCroix.  It's more than he'd had in a long while.  He was going to
keep this as long as he could manage.  Slowly, the smile softened as he
felt Natalie's breathing change as she fell asleep.  In another moment,
he felt his senses fade as he drifted off into his dreams of the
future.


~fin~

Well, that's the end of 'Pawns of Kings.'  I hope you enjoyed it, and
thanks for reading!

Jarvinia
Comments, suggestions, etc. to:
jarvinia@gmx.com
@>--,---`---