Choices of the Heart Sequel to Love Faith and Sacrifice #8 in the Second Chance Series Written by StormyNite in of November 1998 Part 1 The gunshot was distinct and Daniel's increased hearing immediately followed the direction of the sound. "Pull over, Miller. I think I heard gunfire." Daniel rolled down the car window to listen once more. They were near Jilly's for the 3rd time this evening. The violence was increasing around the bar every night. Things had to slow down soon. They'd had 2 stabbings and 1 shooting in the last month all within a block of the bar. Miller pulled the car over and both men jumped out. Another gunshot could be heard coming from the alley across the street. "Call it in! I'll check it out." Daniel started off at a run. "Wait, Daniel!" Miller screamed to no avail when he watched his partner turn the corner. He was going to get himself killed. The last two nights in a row, someone had taken shots at their car when they drove around. Miller was starting to get paranoid that someone had it out for them. He picked up the microphone and called in for back-up, then took off after his partner. Daniel cleared the alley and listened intently with all his senses just as Nick had taught him. He reached out with the vampire within him and tried to feel the heartbeat. Seconds later the steady heartbeat from the end of the alley echoed in his head as well as the anger and resentment. He opened his eyes, knowing full well they had to be golden in color, but he didn't fight it. He plastered himself up against the wall just as a bullet whizzed by his head. "Don't think I don't know what you are, COP!" The voice screamed >from the end of the alley. Was it a man or a woman? Daniel couldn't tell, so he reached out again with his senses and felt only evil within the mind. Odd now in the heat of conflict, he could no longer hear the heartbeat. Maybe he was trying too hard as Nick said. "That's right. I'm the police. Now throw out your weapon and we can talk this out. Nothing is worth getting killed over." Daniel projected the hypnotic resonance in his voice toward the mortal in the shadows up next to the wall. Daniel could make out his form now with more concentration, but the utter calm he felt unnerved him. How could that be? Moments later a gun was tossed into the alley. It slid slowly into the light given off from the sole street lamp at that end of the alley. "That what you want, cop?" Daniel was not naive enough to believe that it was his only weapon. "Now throw out the other one and we can talk." Hysterical laughter filled the alley when Miller ran directly into the light. A bright flash flared at the end of the dark street as Daniel yelled, "Get down, Miller!" He launched himself airborne at the voice at the end of the alley. Miller screamed at the same time Daniel hit his target. Daniel and the assailant rolled together out into the street from the forward force of Daniel's airborne body. Daniel heard his partner's screams but could do nothing to change it at the moment. The creature under him was agile as a cat, with quick reflexes, even in the dark. Daniel knocked the second gun from his hand and rolled off him pulling his weapon, but he was too slow. The flash of the third gun in the assailant's hand registered in Daniel's mind only seconds before the razor sharp bullet tore through his body. Pain exploded within his chest and he automatically brought his hand to the gapping wound. He stared in amazement at the blood covering his hands, then collapsed to his knees. Hysterical laughter filled the alley as the darkness claimed him. --------------- The phone rang incessantly. Tracy reached for it still groggy, but tried to bring her mind into focus before she spoke. "Vetter!" She grumbled into the phone. "And it better be good." "Detective Vetter?" The voice was that of one of the girls at the switchboard. Tracy couldn't tell which, but instantly she was awake. "Yes. What's wrong?" "I was asked to call you by Captain Reese. He thought you'd like to know that Detective Daniel Trent and his partner Detective Miller were both shot tonight." "How bad?" Tracy interrupted her while fear seized her heart. "I'm afraid Officer Miller didn't make it, Detective Vetter. His partner, Daniel Trent, is still in surgery but it doesn't look good. The Captain thinks you should get down there right away. He's there right now." Her voice sounded sympathetic yet businesslike as she waited for an answer. "I'll be right there." Tracy threw the phone onto the cradle and reached for her jeans on the back of the chair. --------- Tracy raced into the hospital emergency, only to be stopped by Captain Reese. Her frightened eyes met the Captain's and she tried to brace herself for the worse. "Tell me, Captain. How bad is he?" Reese pulled her over to the nearby chair and made her sit, then sat down beside her. "I'm not going to lie to you, Tracy. Daniel is not expected to make it. They don't understand how he is still alive right now. The bullet was coated in some sort of sticky material and made of lead encased in wood. It tore a hole through his chest big enough to put your hand through. The doctors have done all they can for him now. They are just trying to keep him comfortable. That's all they can do...There was just too much damage." Reese's sad face met her eyes as they filled with tears. She brushed them away fiercely. "I want to see him." Tracy rose and headed for the intensive care unit at the end of the hall. Reese didn't try to stop her, but just pulled out his cell phone and dialed. --------------- The nurse turned as she entered the room and nodded in sympathy when a great sadness engulfed the young woman who walked to the bedside. "I'll be just down the hall if you need me." She spoke softly, then stepped out into the hall. Tracy watched the monitors in vain as Daniel's heartbeat spiked then flatlined, then spiked again. This wasn't possible, was it? Tracy let the tears flow and watched Daniel's labored breathing and listened to the death rattle in his chest. "No, Daniel! Don't you leave me...not like this...not now...not after we've come so far." She picked up his hand and kissed it gently, then brought it next to hers. Without hesitation she pulled a knife from her pocket and sliced his wrist, then her own. Quickly, she wrapped them together in an effort to keep him alive, so his body would have time to heal. "Come on , Daniel. Stay with me. Use my blood to heal you. She watched him gasp for air when her blood mingled with his. He seemed to relax, but he was losing the battle. "Fight, Daniel! Fight this!" Her tears flooded her vision as she watched the monitors and said a silent prayer. "He can't make it alone, Trace." Vachon's light Spanish voice filtered across the room. Bright, tear-filled eyes met his. "Help him, Vachon. Please?" The need in her voice tore at his heart. "There's only one way to help him, Trace, and you know what that is." Vachon appeared in front of her now and lightly traced the tears flowing silently down her cheek. "Save him, Vachon. Make him what you are completely and he will have a chance...Please?" Her voice was but a whisper when the final words left her lips. "I can't live without him. You know that. He's a part of me, just as you are." Her eyes begged him. Vachon stared at the limp form of his competition on the small bed. In his vampire heart he knew he should walk away and let him die. It would be easier, but he couldn't. He owed the man, and he owed Tracy for giving him his life back...and he always repaid his debts. "He has to choose to come back, Trace. You or I cannot make that decision for him." He walked over to the bedside, then gave her one last glance before he sank his teeth into Daniel's neck. The monitors began to flatline within moments and Daniel's heart slowed almost to a complete stop. Vachon tore his lips away from his neck and moaned from the onslaught of emotion he felt from the dying man before him. Daniel's love of Tracy raged in Vachon's soul like a burning fire and the young Spaniard stumbled with the intensity. Tracy grabbed his arm to support him. His brown eyes met her frightened ones, filled with awe. Daniel's feelings and view of Tracy were so different than his own. It was a complete different woman he saw before him than the one who staked him in the name of love to save him from Divia's poison. "Please, Vachon. Help him." Her sweet voiced played havoc with his senses and he could not deny her any more than Daniel could. Vachon sliced his wrist with his fangs and placed it over Daniel's mouth. The sweet blood of his vampire's life dripped slowly down Daniel's throat. A full minute passed...and still nothing. "Daniel, please come back to me." Tracy whispered into his ear. "Come back and we'll find a way to be together, just like Nick and Natalie. Don't give up on us." Tears began to flow freely once more and she sobbed as she laid her head on his shoulder. Finally, Daniel began to suck gently on Vachon's wrist, then more deeply until Vachon could feel the power and life of the vampire being passed on. Tracy watched mesmerized as the two men she loved fought for life when the door burst open. "Vachon!" Nick growled at the scene before him, knowing full well he was too late. Instantly, the vampire flared and Vachon's pulled his wrist free to stare at the older vampire before him. "Are you all three out of your minds?" Nick pushed the door closed behind him and locked it before he advanced. Tracy ran to Nick and stood between him and Vachon. "Please, Nick. I begged Vachon. Daniel was dying! I couldn't let him go. You have to understand this. It's not Vachon's fault. He did it..." Nick pulled her into his arms and she broke down. Her entire body shook as she wept into his shoulder. Nick's strength and power enveloped her and she finally felt safe. Vachon watched helplessly, then felt his fledgling begin to stir. Nick caught it instantly. "You're going to have to kill me later, Knight. Daniel is about to wake up and Tracy is the only real blood supply available in this room. I suggest you get her out of here. I'll take Daniel to my place and try to get him adjusted." Vachon waited for approval and Nick nodded, then escorted Tracy out of the room. When the nurse entered the room moments later, Daniel and Vachon were both gone. Part 2 ----------- Jonathan sat on the floor of his room handing the colored blocks to his sister one at a time. Each time she giggled and threw one across the room he would pick up another and hand it to her. Gracie would throw the block up against the wall to listen to the noise, then giggle all over again. Finally, they ran out and Gracie began to cry. Jonathan shook his head in disgust. "Oh, come on, Gracie. There's no reason to cry. Let's just go get them." He stood and offered her his small hand, then pulled her to her feet. He walked slowly so her little feet could manage to keep her balance. Twice she lost her grip and fell hard onto the floor. Each time Jonathan would go back, help her up and start over. His patience with his little sister was incredible. Gracie smiled in appreciation of her big brother and reached out with her mind. "Now stop that! You know Mom and Dad get upset if you do that without permission. You are suppose to ask first before you touch someone's mind." Jonathan pointed to his head and frowned. Gracie lowered her eyes in guilt. Jonathan knelt down in front of her. "But it's okay this time. Just remember to ask first." Gracie reached over and touched Jonathan's forehead with her tiny finger. "Peas?" She smiled innocently. Her speech patterns were that of a normal 18 month-old, yet her mind worked much faster. "Okay, but only for a little bit." Jonathan placed her palm on his forehead and relaxed. His baby sister touched his mind to feel the peace within him. Her questions fired into his brain like tiny sparks filled with awe and anticipation of what was to come next. He was her mentor and she loved him beyond anything else except the warmth and love she felt >from her parents. Jonathan always made her feel better when she didn't understand. The peace that was within him flowed into her tiny brain and she relaxed, then broke the connection. Her tiny expressive eyes met his and she giggled once again. "Mo noise?" She asked, then pointed toward the pile of colored blocks up against the wall that they'd originally started for. "Okay, but this time I get to throw them, too." They headed for the wall a little slower this time. As they neared the wall, it began to shimmer and sparkle. Gracie giggled softly when the light began to surround them and move away >from the wall. Jonathan felt the light touch on his skin, then it caressed his hair like soft fingers in his sleep. He pulled Gracie closer to him in an effort to protect her, but she reached for the shimmering light and giggled louder. "It's alright, Jonathan. I won't hurt you." The dancing lights took on the shape of a woman dressed in white. Her long curly blonde hair laid gracefully on her shoulders and a strange light shown brightly in her eyes. She glided around the room touching things reverently, giving the children time to adjust and feel with their extraordinary senses. Finally, she touched the picture of Nick and Natalie on the nightstand by Jonathan's bed. "It's my Mom and Dad." Jonathan said informatively to the woman in front of him. He watched her closely for a reaction. She turned and smiled, bringing out the pure beauty from within her. "I know, Jonathan. I knew your father well many years ago." She glided across the floor and stopped before almost 7 year-old son of Nicholas de Brabant. She reached out to touch him and Jonathan did not pull away. He could feel neither evil nor good within her. A slight feather sensation brushed his skin as her fingers softly traced his jawline. "You should have been my son." She smiled sadly and her eyes filled with regret. The sadness washed over him and Jonathan reached out to give her comfort, but his hand pass completely through her shimmering form. Her green eyes filled with the bright light once more and the sadness disappeared. "That was very sweet of you, Jonathan, and I am sorry for letting my feelings touch you." "You loved my Dad, didn't you?" Jonathan waited but already knew the answer. "Yes, a long time ago, Jonathan, but he didn't love me enough...and that makes me sad sometimes." The lady in white knelt down on the floor, then finally sat letting the white robes float around her like a cloud. Gracie crawled over to her and stopped at the hem of her gown. Jonathan did nothing to stop his little sister as she sat up and held her arms out for the woman to hold her, but the lady in white did not respond. "I cannot, little one." Her soft voice floated around the children. My time to touch and hold anyone has passed. I can only touch you from a distance, as I shall." She smiled when Gracie tried to touch her with her mind but failed. "That only works with the living, child. Use that carefully to help others and there will be nothing you cannot do." "Why are you here?" Jonathan asked simply. Bright eyes filled with questions met hers. Her form began to shimmer and her voice began to fade. "Because I want to be, Jonathan...because I want to be." And she was gone. ------------ Theressa finished filing the manuscript into the vault and sat down at her desk. She stared at the odd cup sitting on her desk, then glanced at the even older book of artists renderings of people in power during the 11th century. A curator in one of the Italian museums discovered it in one of the storage areas unearthed beneath the main vault only last week. Numerous manuscripts, sculptures, and paintings were found in an airtight storage area some 15 feet beneath the main vault. Apparently years ago when they built the new vault, the storage compartment had been forgotten or covered up intentionally. The new vault was built some time during the Second World War and Theressa suspected the older compartment was closed off intentionally to protect its contents >from the Nazis. The ROM had been sent numerous pieces to try and translate simply because she was here. She had developed quite a reputation over the past several years. Theressa flipped back to the same page she'd been drawn to earlier, and stared at the drawing of a tall man dressed in black standing to the right of the king in the picture. Blood and mutilated bodies lay at the foot of the king and a look of self-satisfaction was etched into both their faces. Even though it was not a photograph or even an oil painting, she recognized LaCroix instantly. The artist's portrayal of his eyes were nothing short of breathtaking...even in black and white. It had been a very violent time and the caption she'd translated read: 'The Power of Evil Within' "It must be very entertaining to keep you here this late." The rich male voice of her new boss echoed from the doorway. She glanced up to see him leaning against the doorframe. "Oh, James. I could say the same thing about you. I thought you and Joanne had a dinner date tonight." James walked into the room and perched on the corner of her desk. "We did, but her mother dropped in unexpectantly. Needless to say, I'm not one to prevent a mother-daughter bonding experience for my wife." He turned the book around to glance at the pictures before him, then noticed her notes causing him to visibly shiver. "The artists named that one correctly." He pointed to LaCroix standing behind the king. "He is not someone I'd care to meet personally." James kind eyes met Theressa's and something close to pain gripped her heart. He recognized it instantly. "Are you alright, Theressa?" She fought for control, then responded and closed the book. "I'm fine, James. Just a little tired. I think I'll call it a night after all." She rose and headed for the coat tree and her wool topcoat. He watched her closely, but not knowing her well, decided against pushing the issue. "Okay! I'll see you tomorrow, then." They both headed for the door and she turned out the lights. -------- Theressa sat in her car and let the engine warm up. Her mind as usual had gone back to Lucien. The last several years had been both enlightening and frightening with him and her brother-in-law. They were alike in many ways, but so different in others. Her blood bond with LaCroix was growing and she suspected she would never be completely mortal again. That both frightened her and excited her. Every time she found a picture of LaCroix or Nicholas, she was reminded of the benefits of not aging, yet on the other hand there was always a price. She'd only discovered one painting of Nick involved with evil and bloodshed, and it was related to the crusades...but LaCroix was different. The evil within him had been depicted numerous times over the centuries. He had such a long time to revel in the sweet feeling of power that accompanied the evil...and he liked it. She wasn't foolish enough to believe that she could somehow overnight make him see that the power of good was stronger than evil. Two thousand years with no rules, no restriction, no morals and constant self-satisfaction would not be easy to overcome. She could feel the conflict within him when he'd been close to Nick for any period of time. LaCroix had let her see glimpses of their relationship through their blood bond, but refused to let her completely into his soul. He guarded it well. A part of him loved her, she knew that. But was that love strong enough to overcome the evil of the vampire and bring him back to the light like Nick? Is that what she really wanted? For that matter, would she live long enough to accomplish it, or would old age and destiny rip away their chance of becoming truly one with each other? Theressa leaned her head against the headrest. She wanted, no needed, to feel what true love was like to know for certain if she and LaCroix could ever attain it. She loved LaCroix, but the evil within him frightened her. She wasn't foolish enough to deny that. Could she let him bring her across and let his evil be a part of her for eternity? There had to be another way and she already knew the answer. Part 3 ------------ "Don't be angry with me, Nick." Tracy said softly hoping for the best. "I just couldn't let Daniel..."Tears began to flow silently down her cheeks. Nick pulled the caddy over to the curb before he spoke. He gripped the wheel tightly and tried to rein in his anger. "I understand, Trace, exactly how you feel and it's the hardest thing in the world to watch someone you love die when you know you can do something about it. But choosing to give up the light has to be a conscious decision made with all the facts. There is evil within us all and if the vampire controls that evil with his power, then others pay the price...and that's not fair." His frustrated eyes met hers and looked for understanding, but only saw more questions. "I don't understand, Nick. You're not evil. I've watched you risk your life for strangers, put everything that you value up for grabs, just to try and make things right. That's not evil... You use the vampire within you for good not evil. Why not Daniel?" "Trace!" Nick held her arms a little to tightly and forced her to look at him. "The evil is within me. I have done more horrible things than you can imagine and reveled in it. It took me centuries to honestly say I even had a chance against the vampire within me, and even then I fell off the wagon and reverted to the boodlust and pleasure of draining someone's life away. You can't imagine what it feels like to know and feel everything about a person with the first taste of their blood. It's like an addiction that grows stronger with every mouthful. It possesses you until the pleasure is so extreme you think you will die without it. It's in your mind, your heart, your soul to the point that what you once thought was you doesn't exist anymore. I fight everyday of my life to control it, to save the man inside and let HIM control my destiny. Until I met Nat, I had never won. It's her love of both the man and the vampire that makes me strong enough to go on every day. Daniel won't have that. He was having a hard enough time dealing with just part of the vampire." Nick watched the tears form behind her eyes and burst forth, then she sobbed and he was lost. Quickly he pulled her into his arms. "I'm sorry, Nick. I'm so sorry. I just couldn't let him go, no matter what the cost." She pulled her head off his shoulder and looked into his eyes. "Even if I'd known, Nick, I couldn't have given him up. I love him. Maybe not the same way you and Nat love each other, but I love him and it will just have to be enough." Her eyes pleaded with his. "Help us, Nick. Help Daniel to see the man inside the vampire and fight it. He trusts you and so do I." She wiped the tears away, but refused to remove her eyes from his. This was important to all of them. Only Nick could help Daniel now, not Vachon...only Nick. Nick read the determination in her eyes and the love. Maybe it would be enough. Maybe if he'd had some support earlier on, it wouldn't have taken so long for him to find what he needed. Maybe she was Daniel's answer. Finally, he rested his forehead on hers and gave in. "Okay, Trace." He whispered softly. "I'll help. You know I will." She hugged him fiercely, then smiled. "Thanks, Nick. We won't disappoint you, and I'll have patience. I swear it." She raised her hand in the girl scout pledge hand signal. He laughed. "Okay, girl scout! I'm taking you home, then going to see Nat before I call it a night. It's almost an hour before sunrise and Alma's watching the kids for us because Nat's on the clock till noon. You just stay away from Daniel until I get a chance to work with him and Vachon, too. Okay?" He waited for her to agree. "Deal, Partner!" She smiled for the first time that night. ---------- Nick rode the lift up to the loft after reluctantly leaving Nat at the morgue, still working. He'd explained everything to Nat and she'd taken it fairly well under the circumstances. She had pointed out the obvious Nick had overlooked. She was so good at that. Daniel had to choose to come back. Whether it was for Tracy or the fact he just didn't want to die, the final choice had been his and his alone. The more Nick thought about it, the better he felt. He hated the thought of Daniel not being truly happy with his choice but even in the state of near death, there were choices. Daniel had chosen to come back to this world...for better or worse. They would all deal with it together now. "Such a sad face, Detective Knight." Alma stated as he walked through the door, using his formal title to try and snap him out of it. "Sorry, Alma." Nick smiled at her subtle tactics. "But Detective Knight is off duty now, and Nick Knight is just a bit tired and crabby. Tell me my kids have been angels and it will make my day." Nick tossed his coat over the chair and went straight to the refrigerator. Grabbing the nearest green bottle he took 2 large swallows before turning back to Alma. The steer's blood took the edge off his hunger and created a soothing effect on his stressed mind. Maybe all he needed was a fresh outlook and some rest. It seemed his life never got any simpler. He reached for a glass out of the cupboard and poured more blood, then replaced the bottle in the icebox. Alma watched him closely, knowing full well what had happened. Vachon had phoned asking for her to deliver some fresh blood to the church before calling it a night. She'd expected Nick to be more than slightly ticked off, even now. It would appear she was wrong. Nick just seemed tired, as he should be. She didn't know how he handled it all. Most of the vampires she knew couldn't handle a third of what Nick did, but he had Natalie and the kids. They were his anchor in his hour of need. Alma smiled when she thought about Nat and the kids. Yes, she'd trade all the power, all the stress, everything she owned to be loved like Nick was. Everything he'd been through in the past 10 years had cost him plenty, but the rewards were greater. Most of the community envied and respected Nick for everything he'd gone through to get here. He was their future if they wanted it bad enough. Even LaCroix was beginning to change. She smiled as she watched him sink into the leather armchair and relax. He was reaching out to his children. She knew it the moment he sighed. He made a great father. "They are both fine, Nick," She smiled and sat down in the chair across >from him. "...and they were both little angels except for the block throwing incident and their ghost story." Nick reached out to Jonathan and Gracie and found them asleep. He didn't push into their link so as not to disturb their sleep. When he opened his blue eyes, he watched Alma smile. "Blocks and ghost stories? Do I want to know?" "Nothing new for kids. Jonathan was teaching Gracie the art of tossing blocks and they just added the twist of the ghost to try and get out of picking up their mess." Alma laughed. "I'm off to the Raven for a bit to pick up supplies for ..." She stopped, not having meant to bring it up. "It's okay, Alma. Tracy and I had a talk, then Nat gave me a lecture and they are both right. Daniel made the final decision, not Tracy or Vachon. Vachon just gave him a choice." He smiled at Alma who finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Who knows? Maybe it was all for the best. We'll find out won't we?" Alma walked over and hugged him still sitting in the chair. "Nat's a lucky lady, Nick. Love and kids have mellowed you...and I like it. I never did like all that angst anyway." She chuckled, then headed for the door. "Call me tomorrow if you need me. Jonathan and I are working on a new jigsaw puzzle, and I promised him I'd help him finish it." "Thanks, Alma! I'll call you." She'd disappeared before he'd finished and the lift kicked on. ------- Nick listened closely to the heartbeat, then headed for the fridge for the iced coffee. He pulled out a tall class and poured when Theressa stepped into the loft. She knew Nat was still at work, she'd checked. This was the best time if she was going to ask. She walked into the room and tossed her jacket on the chair next to Nick's. She smiled when she watched him pour her addiction into the tall glass without asking. He'd known it was her, probably downstairs and sometimes that bothered her. Sometimes her brother-in-law scared her with his abilities even more so than Lucien, probably because she hadn't been privy to what was going on inside his head. "I see you were expecting me." She accepted the glass he placed in front of her. "Not really, Theressa. Nat just started icing down her left over pot every morning just in case you dropped in." He smiled that boyish smile that charmed so many...and Theressa was no exception. "Our way of saying that you're always welcome here." She sat down at the table with a smile on her face. "And I always do, Nick. Thanks. I appreciate you accepting me like you have considering how much time Tasha and I spend together...I'm very grateful." Theressa sipped the ice, cold coffee laced with just the right amount of sugar. No artificial sweeteners for the Lambert women...only the real stuff for them. Nick watched her closely and felt her heartrate speed up after a couple of sips. Something was on her mind. "What's up, Theressa?" She almost jumped when he spoke. "How do you always know?" Her brown eyes met his, then the answer dawned on her. "My heartrate increases, doesn't it?" Nick just smiled. Nick reached for another green bottle in the fridge and poured himself a coffee mug full, then sat down at the table with her. She fiddled with her glass, stared off into space, and tried to regain her composure and her thoughts before she started. "Are you waiting for me to read your mind, Theressa? If you are, you have the wrong Knight for that. That's Gracie's department and she's still got a long way to go before she gets it mastered." Nick waited and felt the resolve in his sister-in-law when her eyes finally met his. "I want you to bring me across, Nick." Her eyes locked onto his and she waited for the reaction, which didn't take long. At first disbelief registered on Nick's face, then he listened to the steady heartbeat and analyzed the seriousness in her eyes and was shocked. "You can't be serious, Theressa?" She grabbed his hand still wrapped around the mug full of blood in front of him. "I know what I'm asking, Nick. I've thought about this for a long time. Lucien has been slowing bringing me across and I doubt that I could ever return to normal...but I don't want him to bring me across." Her eyes searched Nick's for understanding. "I know some of what he's done to you over the years and I'm not that strong. I love him, Nick, and I want longer than this lifetime to make him see that loving me has more power than the evil within him. I'm scared of that evil, Nick. At times when he gives me glimpses of it, I'm terrified. I don't want to feel that for eternity. I'm not strong enough to conquer it like you." Nick pulled his hand from hers, stood and walked away toward the fireplace. She followed. "Please, Nick. I know there's evil within you, but you've conquered it. Your love for Tasha and hers for you have conquered your beast. You can actually feel the love between the two of you when you're together. I want to know what that kind of love feels like. I want to be able to recognize it, if it exists or can exist between Lucien and I. If he brings me across, I won't know if it's the power of the evil that's made me love him or the man inside. I want a chance at having what you and Tasha have. He's had too many years with the evil within him to accept it all within my lifetime and I accept that, but I can't bring myself to embrace the evil in hopes of love. If you bring me across, I'll know what that love feels like and recognize it, nurture it, make him happy with the man instead of the vampire." She waited for him to speak as he stared into the fire with his back to her. "And if it's not possible, you'll still be a creature of the night." Nick turned back to her with visible pain in his eyes, not the anger she expected. "You no longer have the light of day as a choice, nor children, nor that home you've always wanted. There is no turning back if you're both vampires, Theressa." Nick turned back to the fire and stared into it. "Aside from the fact that LaCroix would never permit it, and it would hurt Natalie." Theressa came to his side and gently touched his arm. "I know I would be a part of you, Nick, and it would bother Tasha for awhile, but she knows you love her. This isn't like last time. We've both changed and she's not insecure about your relationship. I know as sure as I breathe how much she loves you and the kids." She tightened her grip on his arm to make him look at her again, which he did. "Can you honestly deny Lucien his last chance of redemption. Natalie has changed your whole life, hasn't she? Why can't I change Lucien's? He loves me as much as he loved Fleur. It's in his blood when we make love. Give us a chance at happiness. This is the only way and you know it. I want to be with him through all eternity but not with the evil as my guide." A single tear slid down her cheek and she waited. She was asking a lot, and putting great faith in Nick and Natalie's relationship. If the situation were reversed, could she share Lucien with Tasha? She knew she had to be a part of Nick and the love he possessed for her sister in order to keep her hope in tact. Nick slowly wiped the tear from her cheek with great sadness in his eyes. "What you are asking would hurt both Natalie and LaCroix. You can't ask her to share me with you or LaCroix to share you with me. When you're brought across, you become part of that person...both the good...and the evil." Nick turned his eyes back to the fire. "You know how I feel about the vampire within me. I know why you fear the evil, Theressa...believe me, I know and you don't fully understand what the vampire will do to you. You've only just touched the surface. You would go screaming into the night if I let you see half of what I've done in my lifetime." He turned back to her as she stood silently beside him. "I won't ask Natalie to share her bond with me. She loves you, but that would hurt her more than you can imagine and last, but not least, LaCroix would never agree. Believe me when I say you don't want to experience his wrath first hand." Theressa lowered her eyes in understanding but she refused to give up. "I understand, Nick, but I had to try. I know I won't live long enough to make Lucien see other alternatives...and I honestly don't know if I will come back for him with the evil he possesses in him now...but I know it will come to that. We've come close too many times already." She turned and headed for her coat on the table, then stopped at the lift door. "I'm sorry, Nick. I had no right to ask you or Tasha to sacrifice even a part of what you have. You've fought too long, and too hard to get to where you are. I knew it would put a strain on your relationship and I shouldn't have asked. I need to feel the love you both possess just once to know if Lucien and I ever really have a chance. As Tasha would say, "I'm being selfish." Theressa smiled bravely in defeat as she reached for the lift button. "I'm good at that! Tell Tasha I stopped by and kiss the kids for me." The lift door closed and she disappeared. Part 4-Adult ---------- Tracy walked out of her apartment just after noon. She hadn't been to sleep yet. She knew she should get some rest, but it just wasn't possible. Should she call Vachon to see how Daniel was or would that make things worse? Damn! She wished she'd asked more questions about being brought across. It's not that it hadn't crossed her mind in the past. Since she'd met Daniel and watched Nick and Natalie together, she was sure there was another way. Well, things had changed again. Now she was in love with two full blooded vampires. That sort of limited her options. Tracy walked around the block and started to step into the alley, when out of the corner of her eye she saw the shadow move. Some internal protective instinct made her feint to the left. The flash of the silver blade in the sunlight caught her eye only seconds before it ripped through her jacket and into her flesh. Pain flared in her side as she rolled away, pulling the knife free from her assailant's hand. When she pushed to her feet, the knife still protruded from her side and the running footsteps down the alley caught her attention. She looked up to see only a glimpse of the figure running around the corner. Bright lights began to flash behind her eyes and she felt the dampness cover her side, then pain tore through her lithe form. Finally, she looked at the offending knife in her side and her mind registered the amount of blood only seconds before darkness claimed her. ------------ Nat rode the lift up in exhaustion. It was well past noon and she'd been on shift for almost 18 hours straight. Fatigue would have been an understatement, but she knew something was wrong. She'd felt Nick's turmoil early and it hadn't lessened as the day progressed. He hadn't called, so it wasn't an emergency and the kids were okay. She knew that much. When she opened the door, she reached out with her senses only to feel the confusion and pain inside him. He sat quietly staring at the fire. She dumped her coat on top of his and went to his side. Grabbing his hands, she knelt in front of him. Only then did he notice her. "You want to talk about it?" His troubled eyes found hers for the first time. Without thinking, he pulled her into his arms and buried his face in her auburn tresses. She wrapped her arms around his neck and snuggled closer into his embrace. "I'm sorry, Nat. I should have shut our link down, but I just needed to know you were there." She pulled her head off his shoulder and kissed him softly. "I'm glad you didn't. I knew you and the kids were okay, but a phone call would have been nice." She smiled sweetly. "What would I have said? I'm not sure even now what to say." He leaned his forehead to hers. "Why don't you start at the beginning. That's always a good place." She waited silently but never removed her forehead from his as his hands rubbed gently up and down her back while he tried to find the words for his thoughts. "Theressa stopped by this evening." He removed his head from hers and stared into her questioning eyes, yet she didn't grill him. "I gave her iced coffee and polite conversation until she decided to ask me to bring her across." Nick waited. Nat's breath caught and her heart skipped a beat before she found her voice. "Why, Nick? Why would my sister want you to make her into a vampire? She refused to have LaCroix bring her across not that long ago. I don't understand. Why now? Why you?" Then Nat's mind put several things together. "She's afraid of the evil within LaCroix." She said more of a statement than a question. "She wants to feel the love inside you and how the good within you controls the vampire. She wants to be a part of you." Natalie watched his face already knowing the answers. Nick was seriously considering it and it terrified her. She started to pull away and he stopped her. "Don't, Nat. We said no more secrets. I know how much your sister hurt you in the past and how betrayed you felt. I know that deep down inside your heart, you haven't forgotten the pain it caused you to see your fiance' in your sister's arms. You've forgiven her but not forgotten. I know how much it still bothers you about Janette and Alyssa, but you have to understand why she wants it." Nick pulled Nat back onto his lap and held her close. "I love you beyond all that's rational or sane. You are my heart and my soul and you gave me back my life." He placed her head between his hands, then kissed her softly. "I would never hurt you knowingly. You and the kids are the light of my life and I don't know if I have the right to deny that to others." Confused eyes met his. "She loves LaCroix, but she's terrified of the evil within him. He's bringing her across slowly and she's afraid she won't come back for him. She wants to know that true love really exists and feel it in her blood. She wants a chance to live long enough to make LaCroix see that evil is not stronger than good, and love is the only true power in the universe. How can I deny her that? How can I deny LaCroix a chance at redemption and love? Your love changed me. It made me whole and gave me back my faith and hope in something stronger than the vampire. Who's to say Theressa isn't that person for LaCroix? I denied him Fleur out of a need to protect her innocence. She had no idea of the evil. It would have destroyed her, but Theressa knows about the evil and wants to overcome it. How can I deny them a chance a what we have?" Nick searched for Nat's understanding and what she felt. Nat's top lip quivered as she listened. Nick was right. How could he deny them a chance? Pain tore at her heart at the thought of sharing his love with someone else. Would he choose Theressa over her after he tasted the passion and love inside her? Did they really have anything if he did? A thousand questions screamed in her mind to which most of the answers terrified her. The fact that he was even considering it scared her so much, it made her doubt what they had. The rational side of her brain knew what he was saying, but her heart still ached at the idea of Nick being with someone else. It ate at her self- confidence and made her doubt what she felt from Nick all over again. She stared at him, uncertain of what he wanted her to say. "I...I...I don't know what you want me to say, Nick. This is your decision. If you want my blessing, I can't give it. I don't want to share you. Theressa would be a part of you that you would want physically and mentally. Your blood bond with her would be stronger than ours and I don't think I could..."A single tear escaped her eye and slid down her cheek. He wiped it away and pulled her into his arms burying her face in his shoulder. "This is not MY decision, Nat. It's OUR decision. I would never do anything to make you doubt my love for you. I was willing to kill LaCroix to keep him from bringing Theressa across without her permission and I will die before I knowingly hurt you." He pulled her head back to search her eyes, then kissed her lips gently. I don't want to share myself with anyone except you. I said forever and I meant it, but I know how much it hurt you to lose Richie and how happy you've been since Theressa has been back. I don't want you hurt... and you will be if she dies." His eyes searched hers for an answer and found none. She was as confused as he had been all day. "I'm in a catch twenty-two. I bring her across, I hurt you by creating doubt in our marriage. If I don't, she dies and you still get hurt. Let's also not forget, LaCroix would probably kill me on top of it." He rested his forehead back on hers. "Why can't she stay as she is? Why does she have to die? LaCroix has changed since he's met her. Maybe if she stayed away from him for awhile, the effects of his drinking from her would where off. They haven't shared blood completely." Desperately she sought alternatives. "She loves him. I know that but she wants kids and a home, just like we have. She can't have that if she's brought across. Vampires don't have babies, remember?" Nick raised a questioning eye skeptically. "Really?" His eyes trailed to the kids' bedroom upstairs. "Nick you're not a full blooded vampire anymore. This is not the same." "Isn't it, Nat? Isn't this exactly what Theressa is trying to attain? Only she's smart enough to know that LaCroix's evil has more power over him now than she does. She'll never live long enough to make him realize that...and he won't give her up. It's in his blood. What part of the man that still exists inside of him loves her and he's not going to give that up for me...or for anyone. The only reason he didn't bring her across last time was because he was terrified I was right. She won't come back for him. He's scared she can't love the man and the vampire at the same time. The same as I was with you, only magnify it by three. LaCroix is almost 3 times as old as I am. You feel the doubt in my blood even now about how you can love me. Make no mistake, he will try bringing her across before he lets her go. He'll let her die before he gives her up to age and disease. He watched Fleur age and finally die. He won't do it again. I know I couldn't watch you go through it knowing I could stop it. If we can't be mortal together, then I want you to join me in the darkness. I never realized that until today." Nick's eyes were filled with a pain she didn't recognize. She brushed his face with her fingertips, watched the emotions play across his features and realized for the first time just how vulnerable he was. Her doubts began to diminish and she kissed him passionately to which he responded immediately. She deepened the kiss and he pulled her closer into his embrace and slipped his tongue inside her mouth. She opened herself freely to him and moaned when his hands slipped under her blouse and caressed her warm skin. He undid the clasp on her bra and released her breasts to his sweet caresses. His mouth plundered hers and she dueled with his tongue until his fangs began to ache in need. His hands wove a magic spell over her breasts, caressing and kneading until her nipples hardened under his touch. He broke the kiss long enough to pull her blouse of her head and she arched into him when his mouth found the hard nubs and sucked gently. Her body reacted immediately as the hot flash of lust caused her juices to flow. No matter how many times they made love, she could never get enough of him. Her body craved the union with his both physically and mentally. Their blood bond sizzled with passion and lust and she moaned in need as his hands found the waistband of her trousers. His tongue licked maddening circles around each nipple until she screamed in frustration. He picked her up and her trousers dropped to the floor in a puddle at her feet. In one swift motion, her tore her lace panties from her bottom until she stood before him gloriously naked. Lust dusted her blue eyes flecked with gold as he carried her to the rug in front of the fireplace. Gently, Nick laid her down, then stood to remove his own clothes quickly. She watched him intensely which made him grow even harder under her gaze until she licked her lips in anticipation. Slowly, she ran her hands over her naked body in front of him causing his own eyes to blaze red-gold. She stared at his erect manhood before her and smiled wickedly. Nick let his hand drop to his penis and massaged it in front of her. "Tell me what you want, Natalie. Tell me which one of us you want." His engorged member grew even larger as he stroked himself before her, but he waited for an answer. She rose to her knees and stared into his gold eyes matched by her own. "I want both of you, Nick." Her finger ran slowly up his thigh. "I want to feel all of you. I want to be a part of the man AND the vampire." Her tongue replaced her fingers on his thigh and he gasped for air. She let her fangs extend, then scrapped a thin line on his inner thigh as her fingertips traced a light, feathery path along his shaft. He moaned in appreciation while she licked the blood that oozed in the thin cut until it healed. Nick's lust overwhelmed her through their link and it satisfied her more than she'd ever imagined. "Nat?" Nick wound his hands into her auburn curls and gave into the erotic pleasure her lips and fingers created in him. He wanted to be inside her both body and soul. She was driving him crazy with her tongue. He couldn't stop the growl growing in his chest. "Nat, please?" He pushed into her hand in an effort to get her to take him into her mouth. Natalie continued to drag her fangs closer and closer to his manhood, rubbing her soft cheek against his hard member. The smooth texture of her skin and the warmth within her drove him closer and closer to the edge. "Not like this, Nat. Please?" He tried to pull her away, but she refused. Quickly, she wrapped her tongue around his shaft and sucked. He was lost and pushed into the hot chamber that was driving him into oblivion. Natalie sucked hard taking him fully into her mouth only to retreat and drag her fangs along the soft tissue of his penis. Nick screamed in frustration and pushed her head back onto his shaft. She sucked his bloody pre-cum into her mouth and the blood that flowed freely from the cuts on his penis. Sheer need coupled with warmth flooded her senses. Nick's love for her overrode every other sensation and feeling in his body. He wanted her body and soul. He wanted her more now than even the first time they made love. Each moment they spent together was a treasure and the love he felt for her was growing even still. Tears of joy flooded her face with the knowledge of his love, and her doubts began to wash away. She sucked him until the bleeding stopped and the man inside the beast was on the verge of losing himself to the pleasure coursing through his body, but it wasn't enough. She removed her lips from his shaft and sank her fangs into his groin as her hand worked his penis into a frenzy of pure carnal lust. She wanted to taste the lust. She wanted to feel his pleasure each step of the way. When she sank her fangs into his groin, intense pleasure flooded his body. Her hand continued to work his member as her lips had earlier, and Nick gave into his wife's desire for him. He opened the link between them fully and let his need for her flood her senses as she drank. He buried his hands in her hair and pushed his penis harder into her hand with each stroke. Each mouthful of blood she took brought him closer to the release she wanted to taste. "Drink, my love!" He panted with each stroke and held her to his groin. "Feel the need. Feel it all, Nat." He moaned between strokes until he couldn't stand it any longer and exploded in her hand. Bloody cum shot from his shaft and she drank heavily, savoring every sensation within him and pushing back the love she felt deep within her. She grabbed his ass when he exploded in her hand and drank more. Pure pleasure washed over her to the point of pain, then she could feel all that he was. All his fears about her becoming a vampire and growing to hate him, fears about hurting her with Theressa, fears about watching LaCroix suffer once more were all wrapped in the warmth of his love for her as his solid foundation. She released his groin and stared into his golden eyes in awe. His love and need for her grew even still. She wanted more. He wanted more. Without taking her eyes from his, she licked his now semi-soft member until he began to harden once again. Even the bloody cum possessed his love and she lapped it up in a effort to possess all of him. With his shaft now hard, Nick pushed her back onto the furry rug on the floor. She didn't resist, only sought his lips. Her tongue dueled with his as he slid his cool, hard body on top of hers. With one swift stroke he buried himself deep within her. She gasped, then arched into him to let him have better access. Nick released her lips and pushed up on his arms to watch the need build within her. "Tell me what you want, Natalie." He pushed slowly back into her making her moan in frustration. She arched, then wrapped her legs around his waist and tried to pull his lips back to hers. "No, way." He retreated, pulling himself free from her hot sex. He grabbed his slick member and rubbed the head of his penis in small circles against her clit until she growled in frustration, only then did he plunge back deep within her. "Nick! I need...." She panted the words as he retreated, then he stroked her harder. "I need all of you. I need to be one with you. Come with me." She gasped again as he plunged deeper inside her. She couldn't get enough of him. She placed her legs on his shoulders and gave him free access to her very core. Each stroke was longer and deeper than the one before as they both rode the tidal wave of pleasure. She thought she would die from the sensations coursing through her veins. Finally, he pulled himself free and flipped her offer. He entered her >from the back now. She contracted her vaginal wall around his stiff shaft as he pounded her harder and harder until she lost the battle and fell over the edge. "Nick!" She screamed as the first wave of her orgasm overtook her. He plunged his fangs into her neck and buried himself deep within her willing body. She pulled the orgasm from him and he exploded, then she sank her fangs into his wrist and the blood circle was complete. Love laced with lust and pleasure overwhelmed him and he drank deeply. He could never get enough of her and his soul knew it. No longer did he fight the emotion his wife's love created within him. They were one completely like this and they both craved it beyond anything else. She opened her heart and mind to him and he felt the doubts within her. She feared the loss of his love to Theressa if he brought her across. She felt her sister's passion and love would sway Nick to her bed instead of Nat's. The woman within her didn't want to share Nick with her sister or anyone else. She learned to live with Nick's love of Janette as being in the past, but Natalie still doubted her own ability and passion to keep Nick satisfied. The pain of losing him overwhelmed his senses and he almost broke the bond between them. Instead, he pushed all his love into the link between them. His feelings for her and the kids, their life together and how complete it made him. Her doubts saddened his heart and he wanted to erase them all and make them whole once more. He would never hurt her. If she wanted him to walk away from Theressa's request, he would. She was the most important thing in his life and nothing would ever change that. He wanted nothing more than to make her happy...and if that meant letting LaCroix try and bring Theressa across...so be it. "Nick, I'm sorry." Natalie released his wrist and began to cry. Nick pulled himself free from her, then turned her to face him. Her tears tore at his heart. Quickly, he wrapped her in his arms and held her tight against his chest. This was not what he wanted. He just needed to know how she felt. He wanted her to see the whole picture and what was at stake. He didn't want to hurt her. "Nat, please...please don't cry." He rocked her in his arms and buried his face in her hair. "I wouldn't even have considered it, if I'd known it would upset you so much. I love you. Nothing will ever change that and..." He pushed her away from his shoulder and placed her head in his hands. "I would never chose Theressa over you. I find her intriguing because of her historical knowledge...but that's all. She loves LaCroix and I love you. Bringing someone across doesn't have to make them sexually dependent on you, or you their master. I don't believe that. I know it's hard to believe considering how LaCroix has treated me over the years, but there are countless other vampires out there that don't drive their children to the brink of sanity. No one has to possess you mentally or physically, unless you want it...and I don't want Theressa that way. I just wanted her safe at your side and maybe give LaCroix a shot at something he thinks died in him centuries ago." Nick leaned into Nat and kissed her softly. "You are the only woman I want in my bed, in my heart, in my soul. You make me stronger than I have ever been in my life and you've given my a gift that I will always be grateful for." She stared into his blue eyes with questions. "What gift, Nick?" Her voice was but a whisper. "Your love, Nat. You love both the man and the vampire and that has made me finally realize that there really is good in me. That the evil I possess is not stronger than the good within me. Your love made me choose to follow my heart instead of the vampire." He smiled, then kissed her again. "Besides you're the sexiest woman I've ever known, either mortal or vampire. I want you more each time we are together. Sometimes I want to crawl into your skin and touch what it is you feel when you're with me. My body and my mind both crave you like an addiction. How could you ever think that would change?" Tears began to flow again and she tried to force them back. He gently wiped them away. "I'm sorry, Nick. I'm so selfish. My mind knows you are right, but my heart doesn't want to share you. I just..." He silenced her with his lips. "Then you won't. We'll find another way. There has to be another answer out there. You are my heart's desire, Natalie Lambert Knight and I love you and the kids more than life itself...never doubt it." His lips met hers again and she opened like a flower under his touch. His touch and his words did more to calm her fears. She relaxed into their blood link and let the images and warmth of his love bathe her in security and confidence. Each touch was a comfort, each kiss a promise and she responded in kind. Together they would find an answer everyone could live with, but for now, her mind and body wanted to be one with his. He felt the change within her immediately and his strokes became more sensual until she moaned into his mouth and her fangs ached for fulfillment. He smiled at her reaction and pushed her back down on the rug. "I think we both need to feed our addictions a little more." He rubbed his now hardening shaft across her inner thigh and she smiled. Slowly she ran her hand down his chest and flat stomach and stopped just above the hairline of his manhood. "I think you're right, Mr. Knight." She licked her lips enticingly, then placed her hand on his side and flipped him over onto his back. "But I think it's my turn to be on top." Part 5 Nick felt someone watching him. The more awake he became, the more intense the sensation. Finally he opened his eyes to find his son's blue eyes watching him closely. Nick noticed the blanket lying over them as he and Natalie lay naked before the fireplace. The embers of the fire still slowly popped and sparked trying to remain alive for yet another minute before giving up the ghost. Nick glanced at the blanket, then his small son. "I take it you thought we might catch cold?" Nick smiled as he pushed into his link with his son. He felt no shame or concern from the small child. Then of course, Jonathan had been able to feel most of what Nick felt when his emotions where intense and they were definitely intense yesterday. "I thought mom might. She's always cold in the winter and I didn't think Gracie would understand mom making you feel better. She reads minds, but she's to young to understand all that physical stuff." Jonathan blushed and Nick reached over and offered him his hand. "It is called making love, Jonathan." He watched his small son closely. He was so mature for almost 7 years old. It was like talking to a young adult. It wasn't fair. "And yes, it makes mom and I both feel better. It's a way for us to be closer... to be a part of each other." "More than sharing blood?" His tiny eyes filled with doubt. Nick smiled at his curiosity. "When your mom and I make love and share blood, we are no longer two people. Her love and warmth surround me like a glove and it makes me very happy. My love for her gives her strength and hope. Together we are stronger and happier than we have ever been." Nick squeezed his tiny son's hand. "I only hope you, too, can find someone when you grow up to share your life with. Then you will understand all that you feel from me. I'm sorry that sometimes I can't stop my emotions from touching you, but at least you know how much your parents love each other. That's more than lots of kids can say." Nick smiled hopefully. Looking for some understanding from his young son. "It's okay, Dad. I like it when you're happy, and mom has made you happy a lot lately." Nick laughed and it woke Natalie, still snuggled in his arms. "What's so funny?" She opened her eyes blearily to find their son sitting beside them on the floor, smiling broadly. She started to blush then felt Nick wrap the blanket around her. "We were discussing how happy you make me...and Jonathan has just pointed out that you've been making me happy a lot lately." Nick watched Nat swallow hard and the red flush her cheeks. "You mom looks great in red, don't you think, Jonathan?" Jonathan felt his mom's discomfort and knew his dad was teasing her. "It's okay, Mom. I've seen you and dad naked before. I just wanted to know if making love was better than sharing blood. It makes dad happy. How about you?" Jonathan's frank question startled Nat, but then she regained her composure. Why shouldn't her children know how happy and good it felt to love her husband. "Making love with your father makes me happier than anything I've ever done in my life, Jonathan. The only thing that comes a close second to it is the day I brought you and your sister into to this world. I hope someday you will find someone who can make you this happy...both in bed and in life. That's my one wish for you and Gracie." Nat smiled and reached over to pull her young son in for a hug. "MOM!" Jonathan struggled after a bit. "You're naked! Dad may like you that way, but I think it's..."He struggled for the word. "Gross!" Nick and Nat said in unison, then laughed. Nat released her squirming son. "I'll remind you of that when you bring your first girlfriend home." The phone rang and Jonathan bolted to answer it. "Knight residence." He said very politely. "I'll get him." Jonathan carried the receiver over to his dad, still lying comfortably on the floor cradling his mom. The warmth and love he felt from his parents made him happy. He loved to feel the depth of their emotions. He'd heard other kids talk at the gym when he went for his karate class. Every day, he was more certain that he was the luckiest kid in the world to have two parents who loved each other as well as their own kids. It seemed rare among his newly made mortal friends. So many came from divorced households, parents who neglected them, or parents who just didn't care. Yes, he was very lucky. He handed his dad the phone, finally making him stop kissing his mom...so much for this adult stuff. It was time for some classic cartoons. A kid could only handle just so much. "Knight!" Nick said as he held Nat in his arms rubbing her back absentmindedly as he spoke. He loved the feel of her naked body under his fingertips. He wondered if he could talk Nat into going commando under her scrubs. They could have a quick dinner break together. The idea made him harden at the thought. "Nick, you there?" Reese questioned after telling him the whole scenario and not getting a response. They were in bed together. That was a given. "Nick?" Reese almost yelled into the receiver. "I'm here, Captain. What's the problem?" Natalie started nibbling on his neck as he spoke into the mouthpiece. "Tracy's been stabbed. Some pervert tried taking her out somewhere around noon. If she hadn't moved so quickly the knife would have pierced her heart." "Is she alright?" Nick sat upright and tensed. "She'll be fine with a little rest and a couple of units of blood. The knife nicked an artery and she'd lost quite a bit of blood before they got her to a hospital. We have a guard posted outside her door, but she's asking for you. She said there was something familiar about the assailant. She wasn't sure if it was a man or a woman. She wants to see you as soon as you can get there." "On my way, Captain." Nick hit the off button and pulled Nat and himself to their feet. He wrapped the blanket around Nat and flew them upstairs. --------- The brooding figure stared out of the old vacant building window. Night was about to fall. Dusk was getting earlier this time of the year. That meant Knight would be at the hospital. Now all he had to do was complete the plan and everything would be as it should have been in the beginning. Knight was a bigger problem than he'd originally thought. That was his mistake the first time. He would have what was his and rid the world of another blood-sucker all in one step. It was obvious there was only one way to guarantee Knight would come alone. So be it! He turned and grabbed his dark coat and headed for the door. --------- Nick parked the caddy in the hospital emergency room lot, ran to the desk and flashed his badge. They gave her room number on the third floor in regular care, and Nick finally decided to breathe. He pushed the lift number three and waited until the elevator took him to the third floor. He looked for the room number, knocked and walked in. It was no surprise to find Vachon sitting at her bedside while Tracy dozed. Their eyes met, Vachon nodded and rose quietly. Both men took their conversation outside into the hall. "What happened?" Nick closed the door tightly before he continued. "I don't know, Nick. The doctor says she's going to be okay. Daniel woke up screaming this afternoon that Tracy was hurt. We called all the hospitals and clinic until we found her. I couldn't get over here till dusk and the damn nurses wouldn't tell me anything because I wasn't family. Daniel finally calmed down around 3 and said she was okay. I don't understand any of this. His link should be stronger with me...not Tracy. It's like they are blood-connected. Is there something I should know about that I didn't see in Daniel's blood?" Vachon's brown eyes questioned Nick's. "They are blood connected. They've shared blood and Daniel saved Tracy's life once with his blood, but you know most of that. You've shared blood with Tracy and you didn't feel anything this afternoon?" Nick seemed as confused as his young Spaniard friend, then an old myth he'd read once popped into his mind. Maybe it was the sharing of the blood between the three of them that was causing the connection. "I remembering reading in the 'Book of the Ancients', if more than one vampire was involved in the blood sharing and the bringing across of a mortal, the mortal was linked to both of them. The mortal might experience a stronger connection to the vampire's emotions they craved the most." Nick stared at Vachon. "I always wrote it off as a myth, due to the fact that I'd never seen two vampires share anyone especially when they brought them across. That shouldn't apply to you three because you've neither of you have ever drained Tracy." Nick shook his head more perplexed. "She's been asking to see you ever since I got here. Something about the guy smelling familiar." Vachon rolled his eyes in disbelief. "Don't ask...I haven't a clue where she gets this stuff, but she's your partner." Vachon stared at the door a little forlorn and hesitant. He wanted to go back in, but if Tracy really craved Daniel more than himself, could he live with that? He wasn't ready to deal with it right now. Daniel was not the usual fledgling and his control was unbelievable. It seemed that his body accepted his full status of vampire without objection and the time he'd spent with Nick over the years taught him patience. Vachon admired him for that just as he admired Nick, but he could never admit that to his new child and competition. What a mess this was. "I'm going back to the church and try to keep a tight leash on Daniel for another 24 hours. He seems to have adjusted faster than I've ever heard of, but then I doubt there's too many half-lings that have been brought across either. He won't wait long to see that Tracy is okay, so you better catch this guy, Knight." He disappeared before Nick even bothered to respond. Nick pushed the door open into Tracy's room. --------- Tracy heard the conversation in the hall and recognized both voices. They were talking about her. She knew that much. When Nick pushed open the door, her bright clear eyes met his. "You don't look too bad for playing the pin cushion this afternoon." Nick smiled and walked to her bedside as she tried to sit up without grimacing. She couldn't manage it and Nick finally helped by placing several pillows behind her to prop her up. "Thanks, Nick. Always knew I could count on you for a good analogy for the way my side feels." She rubbed her side where the bandage was, then looked back to Nick. "The guy is familiar. I first thought it was a woman, then the more I lay here, the more I'm sure it was a guy. Medium height but very light on his feet. It's the smell I can't place. There was something familiar about it. It clung to his clothes. It smelt something like herbs but bitter and pungent at the same time, almost to the point that it made your eyes water. I've smelled it before. I just can't place where and when. It's a case you and I have worked on. So go back and pull all our files, and see who's free that might have a reason to take a stab at me." She waited for Nick to agree and he just smiled. "Well?????" "Right idea, Trace, wrong person." Nick waited for her to understand. "I'm slow, Nick. What are you saying?" Nick flipped open his cell-phone and dialed the Captain. "Captain, I need you to send a unit over to the loft. Someone Nat knows personally." "Are you on to something, Nick?" Reese could feel the tension in Nick's voice. "Just do it, Cap. I think this guy is after anyone connected to me, and there's nobody closer than Nat and the kids." Nick's gut instinct told him he was right and he'd learned to follow it. Tracy's description of bitter herbs that made your eyes water made him flashback to a small apartment less than a year ago. All the officers had complained about their eyes before they left. The smell was part of a concoction made by an old blind woman. If his anger hadn't been controlling him at the time, it would have made him nauseous as it had Nat. Nick picked up Tracy's hand and smiled sadly. "The guy is eliminating everyone connected to me. First Daniel, now you...if I'm guessing he'll go after Nat and the kids next. He's playing a game and he wants to make sure he has my attention first." Nick picked up the phone again. Vachon answered on the second ring. "Vachon? Get over to the loft and stay with Nat and the kids until a unit >from the precinct gets there. I'll get LaCroix to cover Theressa. Just in case, our little friend isn't the mortal I think he is." Vachon agreed. Nick hung up the phone and dialed Nat. She would be leaving for work soon. He had to catch her before the sitter showed up. He wanted them all at the precinct or at least under vampire watchful eyes at the loft. "You go ahead and go, Nick. I'll be okay. There are several guards outside. I'll be fine." Tracy hid the fear in her stomach. "I'll be right here with her, Nick." Daniel's soft voice echoed across the room. Nick turned, not a bit surprised. "I'm not sure that's a good idea yet, Daniel. Your control isn't very good yet and Tracy is..."Before he finished his sentence Tracy was in Daniel's arms crying. He showed no signs of losing control. Tracy got a hold of herself and released Daniel to fingertip length. "Just go, Nick. We'll be fine." Tracy stared at Daniel, then back to Nick. "Go!" Nick disappeared right before her eyes. "I wish I could do that. It would be such an advantage." She sighed, then turned her attention back to Daniel, finally feeling safe. Part 6 --------- Vachon just appeared inside the loft. Everything seemed quiet, then he realized it was too quiet. He reached out with his senses hearing only one irregular heartbeat. He flew towards it, to find the babysitter out cold on the floor. Vachon tried to revive her and she slowly regained consciousness. "What?" Joyce sat up slowly as the room began to spin and then she screamed when Vachon's face began to stop moving in front of her. "It's okay, Joyce. It's Vachon. You're okay." Vachon tried to steady her. Joyce had met him on several occasions with Tracy. She was the mortal mother of one of the new members of the community. She'd been babysitting for the Knights for over 2 years and the kids loved her. She should remember. He waved his fingers in front of her face. "How many fingers do I have up?" He came into focus and she recognized his light Spanish accent and relaxed, then she realized what had happened. "The children! He's taken the children!" Her eyes filled with panic as she grabbed Vachon for support. Nick appeared instantly behind Vachon. "Nick! He's taken the children!" Joyce broke free of Vachon and ran to Nick's arms. "It's okay, Joyce. Just tell me what you know...and where's Nat?" Nick tried to control the cold fear that clutched his stomach and calm the hysterical woman. "He was evil. All dressed in black with a flowing cape. I turned and he was there. I don't know how he got in. He wasn't one of you. I'd know. That electrical itchy feeling I get around vampires wasn't there. She stared momentarily at Vachon, then Nick. He said to tell you: "The kids were now his as they should have been from the beginning, and it was time to rid the world of the evil you possessed once and for all. That the true power would reign once more." Tears began to flow freely down her cheeks. I tried to stop him but he hit me with something. I just wasn't fast enough, Nick. He knows what you are. He might harm Jonathan and Gracie. He's crazy. You could see it in his eyes. They were coal black and so shiny, they took your breath away. I thought I was looking into an abyss and there was no way out." "It's okay, Joyce. You did the best you could. Where's Nat? Did she already leave for work?" Nick's heart flipped in his chest. He couldn't stand the thought of the madman having his whole family in his clutches. "She had to leave early. They wanted her there as soon as she could manage it, so she called me and I came early. If I hadn't been here, he'd have them all." Joyce gasped at the thought. "Nick, he wants you dead? Who is he?" Nick pulled the woman back into his arms until she stopped shaking. "I'm not sure, Joyce, but I'm going to find out for certain." Nick pushed her away and pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. "Jill? Is Nat there yet?" Nick held his breath, saying a silent prayer. "She's hanging up her coat now, Nick. I'll get her. Is there something wrong?" Jill hesitated and Nat immediately grabbed the phone out of her hand. "Nick, what's wrong?" She'd felt his fear in the parking lot and almost ran into the building. "Nat!" Nick forced himself to be calm and pushed into their link before he continued. She felt it instantly and braced herself. "Someone has the kids." "I'll be right there!" Nat started to hang up the phone, when she heard Nick scream her name. "NAT, NO!!!!" She placed the phone back to her ear, hesitantly. "We have to...." "Stay right there, Nat. If you had been here, he'd have taken you as well. I can't do the kids any good if I'm worried about you. He won't come near the station. There are too many cops. He's using the kids as bait. He won't harm them until he's gotten what he wants. I can feel both Jonathan and Gracie. They are scared, but okay. Meet me at the precinct and maybe we can figure out who this guy is, but don't go until a couple of officers get there to escort you across the street. Promise me!" Nick waited and pushed into their link. "Okay, Nick, but hurry." Tears began to flow silently down her cheeks and pain engulfed her. She hung up the phone and stared at Jill. "Someone has my babies..."Her voice broke as she whispered the words, then gave into the pain she felt. -------- Nick flew to the precinct to find half the night shift waiting with Nat at his desk. When she saw him, she flew to his arms and the tears started fresh again. Nick just held her and let her cry. Reese's heart tore in two watching them together. What kind of maniac would use children? Nick's eyes met the Captain's as he held Natalie crying in his arms. Nick relaxed and pushed into their blood link, letting his strength and love for her help her gain control. Finally, she managed to stop the tears. "Tell, me what happened." Frightened eyes finally met his. "Is Joyce alright? Who is the man? Why does he want to hurt you?" Nick ran his finger down her cheek and wiped the last tear away. "I'm not positive, Nat. He said it was time to rid the world of the evil I possessed and let true power reign once more." Nick watched her eyes and waited. She recognized the words immediately and gasped. "I'm right. It's Duvall, isn't it?" Nick grabbed his wife's arms in frustration. "It can't be! He's in prison. They put him away for 20 years." She turned to the Captain. "It's Lyle Duvall. All he ever talked about was the reign of true power. Tell me he's still in jail." She looked at the Captain to confirm. Reese looked confused. "I honestly don't know, Nat. They extradited him several months ago back to the states. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you upset, but he was supposed to be in prison down there. I'll find out, and if they let that madman out...I'll..." Reese turned and stormed into his office to pick up the phone. Nick and Nat watched him closely. Johnson touched Nick's arm. "I've got the computer print out on all your other cases, Nick...just in case." Johnson turned to the rest of the precinct who stood waiting anxiously for the Captain's findings. "We are all yours, Nick, until we catch this madman and get the kids back safe. No one messes with one of ours...or their family." All the heads in the group nodded in agreement. Nick was overwhelmed with their support. "Thanks, we appreciate it...All of you. You are our extended family." Nick reached his hand out to shake Johnson's with gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks, you don't know how much this means to us." "I'm going to pull all the stuff on the last 3 months and Torvel is working the earlier stuff. We'll get this guy. Don't worry, Nick...Nat. We'll get the kids back safe." Johnson turned and headed back to his desk. Nick and Nat walked into the Captain's office just as Reese slammed the phone down in anger. "He's out! He escaped 2 weeks ago from the maximum-security prison just outside New Orleans. His mother died several months ago and they've had him in for psychiatric treatment 4 times a week. He smashed the medical security guard over the head and disappeared in the laundry truck. They've got a nationwide APB out on him. I'm calling border patrol to see if they've had anything unusual." "Don't bother, Captain. It's him and he won't stop until he gets the kids and me. It's what he came here for in the first place...That hasn't changed. Nick is just in the way. He thinks if he kills Nick, then I'm his and the kids too. He's sick...very sick...." Her frightened blue eyes met Nick's. He immediately pulled her into his arms and rubbed her back. "It's okay, Nat. I'm not that easy to kill and we have a few hidden talents he doesn't know about." He pushed her away from him slightly and smiled. "We'll get the kids back. Jonathan has calmed down now." He waited for her to understand. "Let's get back to the loft. I need a few things before I go." "Nick, what are you talking about?" Reese looked at his star detective. "You don't know where this guy is. How are you going to find him...and if you do...you are NOT going in there without backup!" "I don't know where he is Captain, but if he calls it will be at the loft. We have to be there because I'm not taking any chances. I'll call you as soon as we hear anything. In the meantime, can you make sure we have complete computer access from the loft and a trace on our line. Maybe we can find out something while we wait." Nick and Nat headed for the door. "Done...you call as soon as you know anything." ---------- Nick flew Nat back to the loft since the caddy was still at the hospital where he'd left it. They rode the lift up in silence as Nick reached out to his small son and tiny daughter. Jonathan had calmed down now for some reason and was pushing into their link. He held Nat close for both their comfort and concentrated. He could see the old warehouse through his son's eye, but the location was still unknown. He would have to follow their link to find them. Nat watched Nick closely and knew instantly when the connection was made. "Do you know where they are?" She waited anxiously. "In a warehouse somewhere. I'll have to follow the tie to Jonathan, but they're not frightened. Jonathan feels protected...safe for some reason...and Gracie has fallen asleep." Nick's bewildered eyes met his wife's. "I don't understand this." He pushed open the lift door to be greeted by a wave of anger that pushed him to his knees. Part 7 Natalie caught Nick before he reached the floor, then she too felt the anger wash over her and turned to greet the cold, angry eyes of LaCroix. Nick was more strongly affected by his father's anger and gasped for breath. Nick's locked eyes with LaCroix's and he knew immediately what was wrong. LaCroix flew at his son and tossed him hard against the wall near the lift. The force of the blow did nothing to help Nick regain his breath or his balance. Waves of hatred and anger poured over him, trying to entice the vampire to emerge and fight the battle LaCroix wanted so desperately to wage. "You will not have what is mine again, Nicholas!" LaCroix hissed into his son's face and let his fangs drop as his eyes turned. He slammed Nick harder again against the wall until blood appeared from a wound on the back of his head and trickled down his neck. LaCroix noticed it immediately and sneered in disgust. "You aren't strong enough to bring her across..." He turned to Natalie who stood behind him "...or your own wife for that matter." LaCroix released Nick and headed for Nat. "Maybe I should just bring the good doctor across first, then Theressa. Maybe then you'll come to your senses." LaCroix grabbed Natalie by the throat. She glared into his eyes, but showed no fear. Her anger flashed brightly as she laid her warm hand on his wrist, then squeezed. LaCroix smiled at the strength the woman possessed, but it wasn't enough to stop him. Suddenly great warmth passed through him along with enormous power. Eventually, it overwhelmed him. His wrist snapped and he released her throat with a howl of pain. Cradling his broken wrist, he stared back into her eyes, which were now laced with golden dancing lights of fire. Then he felt his son through her just before Nick touched him. When he turned, he noticed the same fire in his son's eyes. Fear touched LaCroix for the first time in a long time. Together his son and this woman were stronger than his ancient power. Together, they had a strength that even his evil couldn't overpower. Nick grabbed his father's broken wrist, making him growl in pain once more before he spoke. "Get control of it, LaCroix. I have no intention of bringing Theressa across." Nick released his wrist. "Why do you think she came to me instead of you." Nick shoved his face into his father's. "She does not want to be possessed by the evil within you. She loves the man. God only knows why, but she does. Somewhere deep inside you there is a man she loves and she wants a chance to make you see and feel him again. She can't do that if you possess her like an object and try to control her. She's not frightened of the vampire, she just doesn't want to love him. She's smart enough to know she won't come back for evil and the evil within you controls you most of the time." The blue returned to Nick's eyes, and Nat's as well, by the time he'd reached his wife's side. "We don't have time for this now. In case you are wondering, your grandchildren have been kidnapped. Maybe, just this once you could put your personal agenda aside and help us find them." Nick waited for the words to sink in. LaCroix pulled himself up and straightened his coat. His wrist had healed quickly and he brushed the imaginary lint off his jacket while he regained his composure. Cold, emotionless eyes met Nick's when he spoke. "Whoever has them is a dead man. I will see to it." "That's not what I need. I need you to help me open the link between Jonathan and myself like you did before. He doesn't know where he is. I need to follow that link to find them. I need your blood connection to me to help open the door far enough to feel my son from even this distance." LaCroix walked to his son, let his fangs drop and sliced his wrist, then Nick's. He then turned to Natalie. "The door will open easier and be stronger if you join us, Doctor." Without hesitation she offered him her wrist. He sliced it, then his other, but she refused. She sliced Nick's other wrist with her nail, then placed her wrist to his. Nick placed his other bleeding wrist to his father's and reached into their link. "Relax, Nicholas. Concentrate on Jonathan until you feel his heart beating as your own. Listen with all our senses. Feel your son just as I feel you...become one with him over the distance. Listen with all that you are...all that we are together." --------- Lyle had locked the young boy and the infant girl in the oldest part of the warehouse. He had to prepare first, then he would call Knight and lead him into his own death. The children would be safe enough. After all, the boy was gifted and very adult for his age. Both of the children were frightened when he brought them and the little girl was crying. He hated crying and somehow the boy knew it. He quieted her and sat them both in the far corner out of his way. He'd locked the door on the way out. They weren't going anywhere. They were three stories up with no exit but a window. The boy was too smart to try jumping. He had some supplies to attend too. -------- Jonathan quieted Gracie and she sobbed muffled tears into his shoulder. She touched her brother to read his mind and felt his fear. This man was a bad man and he wanted to hurt daddy. They were the bait, whatever that meant. Her little mind couldn't fathom everything running through her brother's mind, but she recognized the fear and it scared her more. "It's okay, Gracie. I'm here. I won't let the bad man hurt you and neither will dad. Dad will come. We just have to reach out to him and he will find us. Jonathan pushed into the link with his father and felt Nick touch him. It was so wonderful. It was love, warmth, calm, patience, worry, confidence and faith in Jonathan to lead him to them. Jonathan tried to open his mind to his father, but it just wasn't strong enough. He was too far away. He became frightened that he'd not be able to lead his father to them, then the light in front of him began to shimmer and the beautiful lady in white appeared once more. With her she brought peace and love. She smiled at Jonathan and the light around her danced with a fire of its own. "It's will be fine, Jonathan. Relax and reach out to your father. Push the fear away. I will protect you until Nicholas gets here. Be not afraid of the evil, it cannot defeat the goodness within you." Her calm voice and soft words made Jonathan relax and he pushed into the link once more. This time, the link was stronger. He felt his mother and grandfather. They were helping Dad. Jonathan smiled to know even his father needed help at times. His fear disappeared. Nothing would happen to them now that Mom, Dad, and Grandfather were together. Nothing could defeat them together. "That's right, Jonathan. Push into the link and let your father feel you. He can follow the link to you and your sister." Her beautiful smile began to fade and twinkle as she slowly faded away. "I'll be near if you need me. Your father will be here soon." ------- Nick followed the link to his son. Jonathan grew stronger as he got closer. Nick knew he was in the right area when the warehouses came into view. He closed his eyes and listened with all his senses and landed just outside the warehouse door. He listened once more and could hear three heartbeats. Two were Jonathan's and Gracie's. Both were fairly calm, so they must be alone. This whole thing was a trap but he was ahead of schedule. Lyle hadn't called yet. He wouldn't be expecting Nick just yet. Nick slipped through the side door silently and listened once more. He was moving upward. The kids were upstairs, he knew that much. He flew towards his son's heartbeat. Lyle ran the last flight of steps. Knight was here. How was that possible? His extra sensors flashed only seconds after he loaded the crossbow. No matter...he would just use the boy as a shield and kill Knight straight away. It wouldn't be as much fun, but it would work. Knight would have no way of knowing he needed the child alive. The son of a full-fledged vampire in his circle would bring an enormous price, and their cause needed money if they were to grow and prosper like mother had promised. Natalie was the key and her children would pay for his crown. Lyle burst onto the third floor and threw open the door to the children. No need to be quiet. Knight already knew he was there. Duvall ran into the room and spotted the children by the window. The little girl started crying. The boy laid her down and stood protectively in front of her. Lyle swept him into his arms and clutched the child small frame to his body only seconds before Nick landed in front of them. He squeezed with his arm wrapped around Jonathan's stomach until the child gasp for breath. Nick stopped dead in his tracks. "Very good, Knight. Just realize I can kill him with just a small squeeze." Duvall's smile was twisted as his dark obsidian eyes filled with a peculiar light. "But then again maybe... like father like son." Duvall knelt, placed Jonathan's feet on the floor and shoved him out to arm's length, then pointed the crossbow at his small heart. "How would you like to watch your son take one through the heart, Knight? Of course, it would probably tear his little body apart, but then again that would leave one less blood-sucker in this world....And to think they put me in jail for killing whores. I'll bet you've killed thousands in your lifetime. I checked you out, Knight. You're an old son of a bitch!" Duvall laughed hysterically then swiveled the crossbow toward Nick. "Now that's a sight I've waited for. You between the crosshairs. Do you bleed like everyone else, Nick? Will your son?" Lyle swerved back toward Jonathan, who had managed to move further away, when the crazy man pointed the bow at his father. Duvall realized his mistake the instant he turned, so he fired at the small figure to his side. Nick flew faster than he'd thought possible and threw himself in front of his small son's body. The arrow pierced his left shoulder above his heart and dug itself in deep. He rolled and covered his son with his body when the gunshot fired. The bullet missed them both as Nick rolled to his knees. Pain shot through him and he gasped for breath. The arrow touched his heart and the fire exploded inside him like an inferno. Nick saw the gun rise once more, pointed at his son, and he lunged upward with what strength he had left. The bullet went wild toward the ceiling as he hit Duvall's arm, causing him to land in a heap on the floor in front of the windows. Fire laced with horrendous pain tore through Nick's body as he struggled to stay conscious. Duvall slammed his foot onto the arrow shaft, breaking it and driving it deeper into Nick's heart. "Die screaming, Knight. Just like all those women I put out of their misery. Then I'm going to sell your kids, rape your wife and make her my concubine for the next 100 years. He raised his foot to stomp the arrow deeper when a bright light blinded him. He threw his hands over his eyes. Nick used what strength he had left. He grabbed the foot, still in the air above him, and pushed upward. Caught off balance, Lyle fell sideways toward the window. The shattering glass, followed by his fading scream as he fell three stories, was all that could be heard in the stillness of the night. Nick tried to get to his feet, but collapsed for his efforts. Jonathan was at his side immediately. "Dad? Dad? Are you okay?" His touch brought the warmth and peace that it always did, but Nick knew he was losing the battle. He had to get them out of here. "Get your sister, Jonathan." Nick said in a low whisper fighting the scream that wanted to rip from his throat. He wouldn't lose control...not now that the kids were safe. He had to get Nat here. The pain suffocated him and the black void beckoned his soul. There was peace in the void. Nick could feel it and the pain would be gone. "You must fight it, Nicholas." Her soft voice floated across the room while she stood only a few feet away. "Alyssa?" He couldn't believe his eyes. The bright light that had blinded Duvall in those critical seconds had been hers. "Yes, my love. It is I." A great sadness swept over her features, then she smiled. "You saved my children? Why? Why have you come?" Regret laced Nick's weakened voice and body. He was dying and she was to show him what he couldn't have. She was the guide to tell him he hadn't earned his redemption. "Please, Alyssa don't let my children watch me die. I don't want them to remember me that way. I beg you..."Nick tried to sit once more and screamed in pain for his efforts. "It is not yet your time, Nicholas. I am your children's guardian angel. I was sent to protect them from the evil that follows you still. You have made progress with yourself but there are others who must see the way before you can join us. Until then, I am your childrens protector." She smiled at Jonathan and little Gracie who crawled toward her. Their love for you and yours for them will be your salvation, Nicholas. That...and your undying love for Natalie. You have put them ahead of everything else in your life and it has made you whole, but you have to teach others. You have to make others see that the love within us is the answer to their salvation." "Alyssa...I'm...." Nick screamed as the fire within him exploded into the bright flames of Hell. "Jonathan, pull the arrow from your father's shoulder." Her bright eyes met the small child's with confidence in his ability to do as she asked. "It will hurt Dad. I won't hurt my Dad. I can't hurt him like that." His small mind registered the blood and the pain that he felt through the link with his father. "You must, Jonathan, or your father will die. Pull the arrow from his shoulder and the pain will stop." She floated closer to him and knelt on the floor beside his small frame and his father's. "You trust me, don't you, Jonathan?" He felt no evil within this creature and she loved his father and his father had loved her once. It was in his blood. He shook his head in the affirmative and placed both hands on the arrow, then pulled. At first it resisted, then Nick screamed in agony when the arrow tore free from his body. "Dad!!!!!!!!!" Jonathan cried when their link suddenly shut down. "Dad!!" Jonathan shook his father to no avail. "Give him your blood, Jonathan. Remind him what he's fighting for." Alyssa reached out with a warm light and encompassed the room with it. Jonathan felt the warmth and strength inside himself and sliced his wrist with a piece of glass. He sliced his dad's and placed their wrists together. He let the peace and love within him touch his father's heart. Nick moaned and fought his way toward consciousness. "Reach out to your mother, Jonathan. Help your father reach out to her." Alyssa watched the man she once loved enough to die for, summon the only woman that had truly possessed his heart. It had been his destiny all along. She would not question it now. Part 8 ---------- Nat had paced the floor ever since Nick flew through the skylight. LaCroix stood silently by watching the good doctor walk the floor before him. He'd relaxed into the link with his son and was allowed just a glimpse of the depth of the emotion between Nick and Natalie. There were no doubts and no secrets between them. That confused him even more. He had been certain Nicholas planned to take Theressa and bring her across to prevent himself from doing so. It had been Theressa's idea after all and that bothered him more than if it had been Nicholas'. First things first. They had to destroy this lunatic who threatened his grandchildren. Although he could feel Jonathan through Nicholas at times, his connection with his grandson was quite limited. He couldn't understand that and suspected it had to do with the taint of the good doctor's mortal blood. That, too, would change in time as Jonathan aged and he showed his grandson some of the advantages of being a creature of the night. In the meantime, he would be patient. The moment Nick located the children, Natalie stopped pacing and listened with her ever increasing senses. LaCroix smiled at the woman in front of him. She used what powers she had wisely and without remorse. That was a good sign and in time she, too, would be his just as he'd always planned. There was nothing Nick possessed that LaCroix could not take away. His cold eyes followed her actions, then she turned to face him. "I will never be yours LaCroix...not now...not ever. Don't mistake me for my sister." Natalie marched over to him. Confusion was written on his face. "Even I can read your thoughts and face now, LaCroix. Don't ever let it cross your mind, that I'm fooled with the changes within you. Nick may believe you have a shot at redemption and possibly Theressa, given enough time...but I think you pollute everything you touch. You are here because a part of Nick loves you and he won't give up on you. Everything you do has a price tag...but the game has changed. You can no longer force your will on Nick with pain or guilt. Now he believes in something stronger than the power of the vampire." Nat stared at the ancient vampire before her...and for the first time...felt no fear. Yes, things had changed and she would die to keep it that way. A burning pain shot through her chest. She gasped for breath and fell to her knees. When she looked up, she found LaCroix doubled over in pain as well. He looked up and hissed at her through extended fangs. "That bastard shot him! Damn you, Nicholas..." He tried to stand but fell hard on his knees to the floor. Nat went to his side and steadied him. As much as she disliked LaCroix, her compassionate nature could not let her leave him as he was. She felt Nick's pain and confusion but she had something else to hang onto that LaCroix didn't. He stared into her eyes for a moment in confusion. "I have his love and faith in us. It gives me a strength you don't have." She helped him to the couch, then grabbed her keys and ran to the car. She jumped behind the wheel of the caddy cursing her inability to fly. She had to master that soon. She reached out with her senses and followed the connection to her husband. --------- Alyssa watched Jonathan hold his little wrist to his father's in an effort to keep Nicholas alive. She could feel the love between father and son and it caused her to smile. Gracie had crawled to her father's side and lay her head gently on Nick's thigh, but never cried. They were all three reaching out to Natalie. Alyssa felt Natalie enter the building and both sadness and joy overwhelmed her. Natalie rushed through the door, not stopping until she reached Nick's side. She never questioned Alyssa's presence, nor feared her in any way. Alyssa watched silently as Natalie calmed the children and checked Nick. "It's okay, Jonathan." She gently removed her small son's wrist from his fathers. "Let me help you father now. She reached over and rubbed Gracie's cheek but didn't try to move her, then sliced her own wrist and placed it over Nick's mouth. Jonathan's eyes drifted to Alyssa, then back to his mother's. Questions filled his small features.. "Mom?" "I see her, Jonathan." Natalie turned to Alyssa and never flinched by the sheer beauty of the woman before her. "I owe you my thanks for protecting my children and my husband." Natalie looked the woman over closely and reached out with what she knew and what she felt from Nick. A great sadness briefly washed across the ethereal beauty before her only to be quickly replaced with something much stronger and more compelling. Nat understood. "You still love him even now. Don't you, Alyssa?" It was more a statement than a question because she already knew the answer. Fear gripped her heart when she spoke. "Have you come back to claim him? Has he earned his redemption and you are his guide?" Unshed tears filled her eyes as she waited for an answer. Alyssa floated closer to the small group on the floor and knelt down before them. "No, Natalie. I have come back to protect your children. Nicholas has you for his guide to redemption. I love him still, but his heart has always belonged to you. It was both your destinies. He loved me in the only way that he could, but it wasn't enough. I have accepted that just as you have to accept his undying love for you and the need others have to feel it. What you have is a rare thing that others will try to possess. You must learn how to share it and when to protect it. Throw away your insecurities and enjoy all that you have together. Love and faith in each other have brought you this far, don't question it now. Choose with your heart instead of your head and all will be well." Alyssa began to shimmer before them and smiled at the children. "Take care, little ones. I shall be here if you need me." Then she disappeared. Nick began to suck gently on Nat's wrist. The warmth of her blood trickling down the back of his throat awakened the vampire and he became greedy. He grabbed her wrist and sucked harder, pulling the life giving fluid into his battered body. Each mouthful was ambrosia filled with something the vampire wanted to possess. The taste was sweet and fulfilling, yet it created a need deep within him. Flashes of memories flooded his mind and body, filled with love, passion and desire. The man behind the vampire surged forth calling out his wife's name. "Nat?" Nick moaned as he broke free from her wrist. Her love surrounded him like a warm blanket and he wanted nothing more than to cuddle up in the protection of it and heal, but something kept nagging at him. The kids...the kids were in danger...Alyssa....he'd seen Alyssa again. His eyes flew open. A dull ache still filled his chest, but Natalie's blood coupled with Jonathan's had healed the major damage. Fatigue overwhelmed him as his exceedingly fast metabolism tried to compensate for the damage done to his body. "It's okay, Nick. I'm right here." Natalie caressed his cheek and pulled his head into her lap. He tried to rise, but he lacked the strength. "Just lie still, Nick. Let your body heal." "The kids...Jonathan...Gracie..." Nick struggled again to fight the fatigue within himself "They are okay...sshh...just lie still." Natalie tried to calm her husband. "I'm right here, Dad." Jonathan grabbed his father's hand. Gracie hugged her father's thigh as she lay her head down with fatigue of her own. Nick reached down with his other hand and touched her curly hair, then sighed in relief. His family was safe once more. Finally, he gave into the fatigue and slept. LaCroix watched them from the door. The woman in white was Nicholas' dead wife of so many centuries ago. How was this possible? He listened to the interchange between the women and felt no anger or hostility. The good doctor once again amazed him. She should have been filled with jealousy, but he couldn't feel it. Something warm filtered between the women and LaCroix couldn't put his finger on it. When Alyssa disappeared, he felt Nicholas' vampire emerge full strength only to be tamped back in place after a few mouthfuls of the doctors blood. Damn that woman. If he were ever to reclaim what was his he would have to destroy what was between them. He watched the family before him and something close to regret touched his features, then he shrugged it off. "May I be of some assistance?" His smooth, controlled voice carried across the warehouse filled with strength and confidence. "Grandfather!" Jonathan beamed when he saw LaCroix. He felt the power and strength immediately from his grandfather and knew all would be well. Together Mom and Grandfather would make sure Dad was okay. Natalie turned and eyed LaCroix closely, then turned back to Jonathan. Her son's trust in him she felt was misplaced, but LaCroix was his grandfather, and she would not deny her child that relationship...unless it harmed him. LaCroix never once threatened the children, probably because they were Nick's, but she would keep close tabs on that as well. "I will not harm them, Natalie." He used her name for the first time in a long while. "They are my grandchildren and he is my son." He waited for her response before he moved. "Help me get them home." She whispered and began to doubt her gut reaction. Maybe there was hope for him after all. Part 9 ---------- 3 days later: Theressa paced the floor of LaCroix's private chambers as he finished his broadcast. She must be out of her mind. She'd told Alma not to interrupt him, that she'd wait until he'd finished. He'd been rather amicable since she'd told him about asking Nick to bring her across. Somehow that bothered her. Was he really changing that fast? She smiled at the thought. Maybe it would all work out after all. Since he'd let her have the first glimpses of what it could be like, she had been enthralled. Yet, she feared the control, his possessive nature. If only she could get Nick to bring her across, then all would be perfect. She felt him enter the room and turned to meet his cold eyes. "Lucien, I wish you wouldn't do that." She walked gracefully to his side and wrapped her arms around him, then laid her head on his chest. He wrapped her in his arms and gave into the warmth and passion within the creature in his embrace. Such beauty and passion burned within her and he would possess it. This time he would leave her no options. The desire was there. She would be his and bring Nicholas back to him as well. "What is it you want, young one?" He pushed her away causing her to become confused. She was so naïve. "Lucien?" Her eyes were confused. "What's wrong?" This was not going the way she'd planned. She needed his help. If he did not agree, she was lost. He placed her head between his hands lovingly and rubbed the smooth skin on her cheeks with his thumbs. She was so beautiful and the man inside him lurched to the forefront and claimed her lips. She brought out the lust and desire of the man full force every time they were together. A part of him marveled at it, yet the vampire screamed in frustration for control. She opened to him like a flower and her tongue slid swiftly into his mouth deepening the kiss. She was such a temptress, such a harlot when she wanted to be. He'd felt that in the first drop of her blood years ago. She was as selfish as he...and he liked it. His fangs dropped and she wrapped her tongue around them sensually eliciting a growl from his chest. She teased and caressed him with her tongue and her hands, making him hot and anxious. He pushed her hard up against the wall and ripped her blouse from her body, exposing her perfect breasts and neck to his lust-filled eyes. Her eyes met his and his mouth found hers once more as his finger massaged and kneaded her breasts into hard nubs beneath his fingertips. He plundered her mouth, nicked her lips with his fangs and sucked the blood into his mouth with glee. She tore his shirt open and pressed her breasts against his cool skin, then dragged her tongue across his razor sharp fangs inside his mouth. Blood gushed from the wound, and he sucked greedily. He felt the lust, the need within her for him...and for the vampire. She wanted the vampire as much as the man...maybe more. He released her lips and sank his fangs deep into her neck. Blood gushed into his mouth and she was his body and soul. Every thought, every memory, every need within her flooded his senses and he drank deeper. She would be his. Images and fears floated across the link. She wanted more than he could offer her alone, but that would not stop him. She wanted it all and there was only one person who could give that to her. Anger roared through him and he drank even more while pushing back the evil within him, but it needed no guidance. The evil inside her small form surfaced quickly and reveled, then fed from the vampire. They would be as she wished and he in turn would get what he wanted as well. Her heart began to fail and he withdrew. Now...but one step remained. ---------- Nat sat comfortably ensconced in her husband's arms, sipping her wine as they relaxed before the fire. "A penny for your thoughts." She smiled and watched him closely. Nick had felt the rush of anger in LaCroix and wondered what had set him off this time. He didn't want to be on the receiving end any time soon until his strength was back. If he was guessing, it had to do with Theressa. He sighed, then leaned his head next to Nat's. "I was just thinking about your sister. LaCroix is angry about something and I'm betting Theressa is at the bottom of it." Nat wrapped her arms around her husband and nuzzled close to him. "I'm sorry for being so selfish and having doubts. I understand what Theressa needs and wants but sometimes they aren't the same. I know if it comes to it, and there's no other way, I couldn't stand by and watch her die...but I want to find another way. I honestly don't know if it's love she wants...or possession. For that matter, I'm not sure it's even her wishes. " She lifted her forehead from his and looked into her husband's loving eyes. "I know a part of you trusts him because he's been there for you, but I see all the pain and heartache he has caused you as well. All of which, was an effort to possess you. I can't forgive or forget that. He's hurt you so much in the past and I don't want him to hurt you anymore." She smirked and sighed. "I realize that's a pipe dream, but it is my dream for you...and for us. If LaCroix can honestly change, I will accept that...but not until. Can you understand?" Nick pressed his soft lips to hers. "I understand completely and you are right as usual... but we don't have to play anymore." Nick brought his lips back to hers and deepened the kiss. Breaking glass, followed by a black streak, landed in the middle of the living room. The glass from the skylight shattered around the figure like shimmering pieces of light from the fire. Theressa's limp form lay in LaCroix's arms as Nick and Nat bolted to their feet. LaCroix growled in anger. "She's dying, Nicholas and I'm here to claim my debt from both you and the good doctor." His cold eyes danced with gold flecks and determination. "What have you done, LaCroix?" Nick growled and removed Theressa gently from his arms, checking for a pulse as he knelt down to the floor with her limp form. Nat did a quick check and took a sharp intake of breath as she frantically checked for a pulse. Nick with his oversensitive hearing could hear her heart laboring to survive, but losing the battle. She would soon be gone. Anger laced with pain shot through him. When he realized it was Nat's pain that he felt, he stared at his wife who had tears running down her face freely. "You hurt them both if you don't bring her across, Nicholas." LaCroix reined in his anger to use guilt as his weapon. Nick's angry blue eyes met his. "You son of a bitch!" Nick lunged at his father, but in his still weakened state, he was no match for his sire. LaCroix quickly pinned Nick to the wall. "You owe me, Nicholas, as does your wife...A life for a life. I had always hoped it would be the good doctor but alas this is almost as good. Give her your blood and bring her across. Do this and the debt will be even." He released his son and stepped back. Nick looked at him in disgust. "She wouldn't come back for you and now you want me to condemn her to darkness for eternity. You think that is love? You think she can actually feel that love through me enough to change you and her?" Nick glared at his father. "But that's not the plan is it?" Completely in control again, LaCroix's smooth velvet voice radiated throughout the room. "Whether it was the plan or not, it is irrelevant now. She will be dead in a few minutes which will hurt your wife and children. You are the only one she'll come back for. It's in her blood." Something close to pain quickly passed across LaCroix's features and Nick caught it immediately. "Nick!" Nat screamed as she held her sister in her arms. Her eyes pleaded with his when they met, and Nick was lost. "Please, Nick. No matter what the reason, I can't watch her die. Please save her, for me, for us. It's our only option now." Nick knelt down beside his wife, let his fangs descend then sliced his wrist. He looked to Nat one more time. She squeezed his hand and he placed his wrist over Theressa's mouth. Slowly his blood trickled down her throat. Warmth spread through her whole body and she floated in a soft cocoon. A thick substance trickled down her throat and at first she started to choke only to taste the sweetness of it. Hesitantly, she tasted and sucked and the warmth enveloped her in such security and love, she never wanted to awaken. Pain and something else sat at the fringes, then the images began to appear. First anger, bloodlust, then sweet peace enveloped in a soft cushion of love. Nick and Natalie together, the kids, their life together, the total oneness they felt all wrapped into the sweet fluid running down her throat. She wanted more. At first she sucked gently, then harder and opened up her heart to him. Images of her betrayal to Nat, her first husband, LaCroix and their relationship both complicated, yet simple. She wanted Nick to see them, and to see how much she wanted to be with him. Only each time she reached out to him with it, the image became the three of them. Each time she saw herself in Nick's arms, then LaCroix's. Only then did she realize it was Nick she craved as much as LaCroix. She wanted all of him. She wanted to possess him, love him, make him scream her name in pleasure. She manufactured the images in her mind and pushed them back between their thin blood link. They would be as he and Janette had been, and LaCroix would add to the fire. Together, pleasure was theirs throughout eternity at any cost. She sucked greedily. Nick gasped as the pleasure she experienced passed between their link and the images flooded his mind. His mind screamed...no...then his heart. He would not return to the past. Anger washed through him. He started to pull away and she grabbed desperately to his wrist. LaCroix knelt behind him preparing to stop his retreat. Nick stared into Nat's eyes and saw pain and love and finally knew the answer. He reached for her with his other hand and pulled her neck to his mouth. Gently he sank his fangs into her neck and drank of the love between them. Together, they pushed into the bond to Theressa and forced the evil back into submission. A great power overwhelmed Theressa as she drank, then the love between Nick and Nat consumed her. She released his wrist with a gasp of awe. Nat held her husband's mouth to her neck and pushed into their bond letting her love for him and the children be her guide. LaCroix screamed in pain and backed off as Theressa sat before them, immobile. Finally, they broke the link and Nick stared into his wife's eyes. Strength and understanding shown deeply in her blue orbs, then she smiled and sighed. "No doubts and no fear, Nick. We said together, always." She turned to her sister who sat speechless before them. Theressa reached to touch Nick's face. Surely the power she felt was only a dream. She wanted him both physically and mentally. They were bound by blood. He couldn't deny her now. She reached to touch Nick's face and her hand was stopped only inches from its target. Natalie's small hand wrapped itself around her sister's wrist. "Not this time, Theressa. You wanted to feel the love between us and you have. You cannot have what you want without the sacrifices. You have to learn to love through the anger, the pain, and the doubt. When you do, then you will have what you want...but not with Nick." Her angry eyes met her sisters. "What did you feel, Theressa? You let him seek out your weakness and make it your guide." Nick's soft voice echoed in Theressa's mind and through their blood connection. "Reach out with what you feel from me. That life you see for me is over. My heart, my body, my soul all belong to my wife. We shall be as brother and sister, nothing more. Search your heart for what you really want. Don't let his evil taint the goodness within you and make you lose everything you've worked for since you've gotten back. If you throw away your love for Natalie for the power, then his evil has won. " Theressa's hand dropped to her side and resignation was written on her face along with sadness. Nick took Nat's hand and they stepped back together. Nick turned to LaCroix once more. "I will never return to that life. What you do with yours from here on out is your choice. Our debt to you is paid. I hope it was worth the price. Leave my home and don't return. You are not welcome here. Nick turned to Theressa. "I will give you the benefit of the doubt that the evil within him caused you to do what you did..." He glanced back at Nat briefly, then turned angry eyes back to Theressa. "...but if you ever hurt Natalie again, I will personally stake you myself. Nick pulled Nat's hand to his lips and kissed it gently, then swooped her into his arms. "This is my home and I want you both to leave." He turned and carried his wife upstairs. He stopped at the head of the stairs as he felt their eyes on his back. "The game is over, LaCroix. WE aren't playing anymore...and NEITHER are my children." Nick waited for LaCroix to understand. He smiled when he felt him shut the link between them. He was so predictable. A small pain passed over Nick, but he pushed it away quickly. He would use his heart as his guide and protect his family. The silence grew between them as the finality of Nick's decision swept through the room. "Leave...and don't come back." Nick turned and walked down the hall carrying his wife. Epilogue Natalie wrapped her arms around her husband's neck and cried. Nick simply let the pain run its course and held her tight. When she finally got control blood-shot eyes met his. "Tell me it was LaCroix's evil that made her want you. Tell me it wasn't just because you are mine, that she wanted you so much. I don't want to believe that she could hurt me like that again." Her eyes pleaded with his. Nick kissed her softly. "There is evil within us all, Nat. LaCroix just found her weakness and fed it. It's what he does, but she had an affect on him as well. He has changed. You are her idol. Whatever you possess must be worthwhile and that will never change. As far as whether she really wanted me over LaCroix, she had convinced him. That's why it hurt him and he lost control." He gently caressed her face lovingly. They had said, no secrets and no lies, he wouldn't start now. "Are you saying they deserve each other?" Nat sighed sadly and pressed her cheek into his palm. "I'm saying they both have a long way to go, and they are stuck with each other now. I will not let either one of them hurt my family again, but it will be fun to see LaCroix try to control her." Nick smiled at the thought. Yes, Theressa had some sort of control over LaCroix and when she figured out how to use it, the fireworks would really begin. Nick and Nat finally laughed at the irony of it all. Nat rolled on top of her husband and smiled. "I think, to coin an expression from my son, I need to have you make me happy." She smiled wickedly and ran her hand down his thigh stopping only inches >from his manhood. "I mean...really happy!" His lips pounced on hers. --------- The beautiful woman in white sat on the bedside reading a fairy tale >from one of Jonathan's favorite books. Gracie lay sleeping quietly at his side. A look of peace and contentment shown on both children faces now. Alyssa arrived shortly after LaCroix, to keep the children calm. Evil had once more been defeated by good tonight and she smiled with that knowledge. Nicholas had come such a long way since that fateful night centuries ago. The power and love within him would be his guide. She was sure of that now. "What do you feel, Jonathan?" She spoke softly almost in a whisper. He smiled as his bright eyes and blond hair glistened in the moonlight. Happiness was written on his face. "I feel love." He said simply which caused Alyssa to smile in return. "I'm glad, Jonathan, but you must remember...choices of the heart, both good and bad are based on love. Let your heart always guide you in the right choice. It is better to have loved and lost than to never love at all. Never forget that...your father hasn't." She began to shimmer and fade before his small frame. "I will remember Miss Alyssa...and Gracie too!" He waved goodbye as she faded into the night. The End. Author's Note: If you enjoyed the story, why not read some more? Come join the fun and visit my Fiction page at: >http:www.plantnet.com/~nitewind/Fiction2.html Better yet go UNDERCOVER & enjoy the ride with my new novel! Available NOW in paperback, pdf & CD versions: See my webpage above! Or go direct to the sources at: >http://www.virtualbookworm.com/undercover >http://www.amazon.com Type in B.W. Starmer or UNDERCOVER >http://www.barnesandnoble.com Type in B.W. Starmer All comments to: ****StormyNite at: nitewind@plantnet.com**** ***The Truth is out there!*I just can't find it!*** **NNPacker*BlackHatWatcher*XFileTruthSeeker** *Andromedans*CroweFan*SorboDrooler*GWDFC*