Surrender Sept 2003 By: Patty Costantino This story takes place during and following Francesca. It is totally from Natalie's POV. Dedicated to Stacy and Phylis. Happy Belated Birthday, Ladies. As always, thanks to Phylis for beta-reading this for me. Disclaimer and Characters: Nick, and Natalie along with Celine Dion's song I Surrender don't belong to me. I'm just borrowing them for a little while. Permission is granted to archive at FKfanfic2, FK FTP archive. Will be archived at my site: http:/www.geocities.com/pas_20197/homepage08.html Any constructive criticism or thoughts are greatly appreciated and welcomed at psmoot43@hotmail.com or pas_20197@yahoo.com ************************************* Surrender By Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com Chapter 01/04 ************************************* Against the inky blackness of the darkened sky, a full moon was glowing its scintillating fire, matching a certain coroner's mood and actions as she sat on the edge of her bed in a white lace nightgown, sweeping a brush, almost seductively, through her damp hair. Her face was aglow with a mixture of intense emotions. Curled up on a nearby chair, her feline slept, oblivious to her intense feelings, flames which burned into her heart and down into her soul. *His* words and his words alone had ignited them. A dreamy smile spread across Natalie's face as she began to recall his words earlier in the morgue…. In a rare moment of openness, Nick had spoken, and unlike the impersonal coolness of the green-tiled walls surrounding them, his words had carried an intimate warmness to her. And, only to her. "You have to understand that every drop of blood has your whole life in it. It's not just our food. It's the way we feel life." Why hadn't he spoken of this before? Her pragmatic mind had wondered and her scientific nature had questioned. Hadn't he realized how invaluable this information could have been for their research into a cure? Six years of thinking Nick's condition had been physical when all along it could have been metaphysical?!? Why hadn't he revealed this sooner?!? She'd started to bristle inwardly, but soon calmed at the sound of his voice drifting up to her ears again. "Imagine if you could know someone's soul just by sharing their blood. Everything you know, everything you are transformed into touch and taste." His voice. So sensual…so seductive. Was he aware of the effect he was having on her? The yearning in her eyes? The slight flush to her cheeks? The quickening of her pulse? "Imagine the temptation to take just one sip, one sip and then another, and another." Was that a hungry gleam in his eyes? Growing anticipation in his tone? Her heart had begun to pound wildly in her ears, her own excitement climbing as his enticing words and alluring voice kept coming, sweeping over her, stirring her soul. "To take them inside you and know every secret." The words were coming out in a soft whisper, making her quiver…making her breathless…making her melt. A slight vibration, a hum, a wave of heat in her pelvic area was washing over her. Danger! The hum had cried. Vampire testosterone overload! Natalie had briefly mused before his voice and words were captivating her again, consuming her mind, and inflaming her soul. "To let them know yours. To be them. That's why it's such a tough habit to break…" His words had trailed off then, the memory of them crackling in the air around them. The sensuality in his voice had carried for a moment longer, then a sudden quiet had descended, as she'd watched the most endearing grin *ever* flash across his face. There was a touch of shyness to it, almost bordering on embarrassment. Why had he been embarrassed? Was it because he'd sensed her awareness of his mounting excitement when regaling her with his erotic confession? Or because he'd been thinking of her, anticipating what it would be like to taste her, to take her inside of him and know her completely? For her to know him? Had he ever fantasized what it would be like to reach into her soul this way? To have the ultimate consummation? Natalie had felt her face grow flush then, and a second later, felt compelled to avert her eyes downward to study the floor's dreary grayness. Hummm. There was her pelvis again. Damn! Could he sense her arousal? Her feverish state? An eternity had seemed to go by, the silence between them becoming more awkward with each passing moment when, without warning, she'd felt his cool hand on one of hers and, heard his gentle voice, "Nat, look at me." For a second longer, Natalie had avoided the imploring tone in his voice, her eyes remaining glued to the floor, then with reluctance, she'd lifted her head. Nick, his face a hair's breath away from hers, was squatting next to her. A small gasp had escaped her lips. "What?" She'd managed, her heart racing as another flush had crept up her face, casting a reddish hue on her cheeks. Her question was met with silence as she'd watched another mischievous smile spread across his face, and felt her hand being pulled gently towards his chest. Was that a tremor she'd felt in his hand? Was he nervous? Scared? Excited? Icy-hot sensations were rushing through her, as she'd pressed her hand into the soft confines of his silk shirt, savoring the feel of his taut muscles underneath. "Oh…my…goodness!" Natalie had exclaimed with a shudder, drawing her hand away abruptly before springing to her feet. With her back to him, she'd crossed her arms, embracing herself in a tight hold as if to try to quell the flaming desires coursing through her. But it had been to no avail. A moment later, she'd felt his hand sweeping her unruly curls from the nape of her neck, his cool breath against her skin, inflaming her again and heard his throaty voice against her ear. "Have I ever told you Nat that everyone has their own special scent?" "No, you haven't." She'd sighed against him, her eyes closing, her arms falling limply to her sides as Nick's had snaked around her waist. "What do I smell like?" She'd barely managed to ask, as he'd begun brushing sweet kisses down her throat, nibbling at her earlobe along the way. "Like allspice," He'd said, between kisses. "Allspice?" Natalie had murmured, reaching up to twine her hands around his neck, her head dropping against his shoulder, exposing her throat even more to him. "Yeah, like all the spices…" Nick had told her, his air-like kisses inching their way downward. "Cinnamon, nutmeg, gingers." "Anything else?" She'd asked breathlessly, arching her back against him, pressing her sensitive flesh against his questing lips, pushing her heat-filled body against his. Her eyes had opened and widened for a split second, a wicked smile tugging at her lips. An instant later, he'd pushed back. Another tingle. Another spark. And there had been that damn humming again. >From a distance, she'd heard Nick's voice floating up to her ears "Hot red peppers," Nick was murmuring against the soft hollow between her neck and shoulder, as his hands had begun to travel downward to stroke her abdomen. . "Hot red peppers?" She'd echoed, her breathing becoming *very* labored and she was finding it increasingly difficult to form any coherent thought as her senses had become fully aware of the havoc he was playing on her body. "Yes, Nat." He'd breathed against her ear. "Hot peppers…spicy, fiery hot peppers. You are like them you know?" She'd felt him slowly turning her around. "I am?" A shudder was racing through her as she'd lifted her head to meet his eyes. "It's one of the many qualities I most admire about you." His lips were now tantalizingly close, inches from hers in fact. His blue eyes, now laced with amber, were gazing at her with longing and love and yes, even adoration. "Really?" She'd swallowed hard, as she'd watched him lean toward her, his gaze fixed on her face… on her lips…. Instinctively, her eyes had closed, her lips parting in anticipation, as she'd felt his cool breath on her skin. Closer and closer… she'd sensed his lips drawing near. Like a moth to a flame. From afar, she'd heard his low, raspy voice. "I love your fire…your feistiness… your passion for…." Natalie was swaying toward him; ready and willing to feel his lips upon hers…to be consumed by his touch…to give herself completely to him…to be taken… to… Without warning, she'd felt him stop, his arms loosening from around her, and sensed him pull away. A second later, she'd heard a slight intake of breath, an uncomfortable cough and then… "Oh Dr. Lambert! Detective Knight!" A voice had cried, with a mixture of embarrassment and shock. "Was I interrupting something?" Natalie had groaned inwardly, opening her eyes to see Jeff, the lab technician, poised near the door, a test tube tray in his hands, his eyes purposely focusing on Natalie's latest "patient," a Mr. Klein. Immediately, she'd felt a flush spread across her cheeks, and retreating from Nick, putting more distance between them, felt another compelling urge to avert her eyes downward to stare at the drab gray floor again. "Maybe I should go," Jeff's flustered voice had come a moment later, followed by a rustling noise, and casting a sideways glance, Natalie had noticed his prepared flight to the door, the tray still resting in his hands. Feeling the flush bloom, she hadn't been able to bring herself to dissuade him, finding only the strength to look away. A moment later, Natalie had heard Nick's voice, soft in tone, but amazingly steady under the circumstances. "It's okay, Jeff. I need to get back to the precinct." There'd been another cough…another rustling noise…and a tinkling sound, as the tray, at last, had found a home on one of the counters. A deafening silence had then followed. And, it wasn't until it had grown to immense proportions, sweeping over the room like a dense fog, that Natalie had become acutely aware of two pairs of eyes on her, one, in particular, seemingly trying to inflict his will on her to look at him. A moment later, she had done so, and capturing his *very readable* expression, the tingling sensation had quickly returned. It had continued when he'd reached over to squeeze her shoulder, still giving her a meaningful look. Then, he'd left, slipping out of the morgue with graceful speed, not unlike a black panther. The rest of the evening had passed uneventfully, with Natalie faintly aware of the technicians coming and going, while she'd tried to suppress the pleasant tingle and muster up enough concentration to work on Mr. Klein and a few other "patients." Her semi-aroused state of mind had stayed with her even when, a few hours later, Nick had shown up again, in detective mode, to discuss Francesca and his tormented soul. Trying to maintain her composure and professionalism, Natalie had vaguely recalled giving him the usual fitting responses, but the only thing she could honestly remember with crystal clarity had been her remark about Lacroix' evilness. *That, * she'd definitely recalled! As the conversation had progressed, though, Natalie had found it increasingly more difficult to concentrate, feeling her semi-aroused state growing stronger with each passing moment he'd stayed, and had been relieved when Jeff had made another appearance and Nick had beaten a hasty retreat to the precinct. A few hours later in the interrogation room at the precinct, being somewhat more placid, Natalie had been ready to "talk" to Nick, but he'd had other plans. After briefly discussing Francesca's reincarnation, he'd leaned forward to place a chaste kiss on her cheek, said something like, "See ya, Nat" and, in a flash, departed, leaving her confused and wanting answers. Presently sitting on the bed, watching Sydney in quiet repose, Natalie was still bemused, beginning to wonder if she'd imagined the whole thing. Had it really happened? Or, if it had, had she read him wrong? Just then, a sudden warm breeze fluttered across her bare shoulders, shattering her musings. Her brows creased into a puzzled frown. Another gentle wisp of air caressed her skin. Natalie trembled once, not from the chill, but now from growing fear. Then, she heard it! A distinct noise behind her. Another quiver, this time more pronounced, swept over her, as her heart began to race and fear now threatened to overtake her. Frantically, she started looking around for something…anything to use. Her eyes came to rest on something firm and solid. She mused, seizing it. As she held the object more firmly in her hand, her eyes closed in silent prayer, and then rising with a steadiness she wasn't feeling, turned and opened her eyes. A gasp escaped her lips. "Hello, Natalie. I thought I'd dropped by to see if you wanted to pick up where we left off?" ************************************* Surrender By Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com Chapter 02/04 ************************************* A quiet fell over the dimly lit room, as they stood there staring at each other while a breeze fluttered around them, and Sydney purred in his sleep nearby. The silence continued, for a moment longer, their gazes locked, as an electric current seemed to pass between them, then Nick finally spoke. "Maybe you had other plans?" He gestured toward the object in Natalie's hand, giving her one of his boyish grins, and murmuring in that same sensuous voice, which always left her limp and boneless inside. Suppressing a delightful shiver, her eyes followed his. "Oh this." She chuckled, lowering it. "Didn't you know this hairbrush is really a garlic pepper spray in disguise, ready to thwart any vampire who happens to drop by unexpectedly?" Her eyes sparkled with merriment, her tone teasing, distorting her true feelings of wanton need, hungry desire and unconditional love. "Is this visit unexpected?" Nick asked in a low murmur, as she saw him begin to move towards her, and with each step, noted where his eyes were venturing. Natalie looked down, and felt her face flush. She was dressed in only her nightgown, her very *sheer* nightgown! Her flush deepened as she attempted to cover herself with her arms. A sharp jolt of desire swept through her. Could he sense it? Did he have any idea what effect he was having on her as his eyes continued to roam? Abruptly, she turned away. "No…. it …isn't." Natalie floundered, a slight tremor in her voice. "But I had wondered if…" Her words trailed off, as another spark of desire coursed through her, with the enticing feel of his strong arms wrapping around her waist and the alluring smell of his sandalwood aftershave reaching her nose. "If…" Nick asked in that same low, throaty voice, pulling her body against him, burying his face in her hair. "If you intended to back off again or…" She closed her eyes and sighed, her voice failing her, as she felt his lips move from her hair down to her neck, kissing and licking her flesh, then over to her earlobe, kissing and swirling his tongue around the outer reaches in wet, slow motions. "Or what Natalie?" He murmured against her ear, his hand drifting up and down the center of her nightgown, his fingers dusting over the exposed swell of her breasts along the way. "Or finish what you started!" She said fervently. Natalie felt his ministrations stop, his hand stilling on her. Tears began to well up in her eyes, frustration climbing with each passing second his hand remained dormant. When it was almost overtaking her, she felt his hand at last move again. Sighing in relief, she closed her eyes as she felt his hand travel up to her shoulder and release one strap of her gown, then another, before pushing the fabric downward and off her body to settle in a pool around her feet. She kicked it away, and settled back against him, as she felt his fingers reaching in to stroke along her soft, inner thigh. Natalie uttered a soft whimper as she locked her arms around his neck and entwined her hands in his tousled blond curls, pressing him closer, rubbing against him. A second later, she heard a low growl and felt a distinct shudder. Another leering smile appeared on her face. Another tingle as she felt him cup one of her breasts with his hand, then begin to alternate between pressing his palm against her taut nipples, and running his thumb around the peaked nub, tracing circles around the sharp point. Simultaneously, she sensed Nick's other hand wandering up her inner thigh to settle around her mound. A second later, there was a tearing… ripping sound… followed by a sensation of cool air. She opened one eye to glance down at the floor. She groaned inwardly, as her eyes darted across the carpet. another quiver, as she felt his fingers brushing over her wiry curls, then slip into her sensitive core, and begin to rub, caress and massage her nub. Natalie moaned against his shoulder, as she felt one of his fingers penetrate her center. Raining kisses now along her neck and over her shoulder, Nick began to move his finger inside her while resuming his ministrations on her breast, teasing and tracing circles around her nipple. Another low moan escaped her lips as she arched her back against him and tightened her hold on his hair. Did he have any idea what he was doing to her? The waves of pleasure he was producing inside of her as he moved her up to the next crest? Did he feel empowered by it all? A slight shift and she felt him begin to rub and touch her sensitive clit again with another finger, simultaneously, easing the other one in and out, faster and faster, while still teasing and touching her peaked nipple. Natalie was writhing and bucking now, her hips pushing up to meet his cool touches as she could sense her approach to the final crest. Then, there came another movement on his part, as she felt his hand reaching around her chin, drawing her lips towards his, while one of his fingers stroked once more across the hot center of her desire, sending her over into waves of ecstasy. Never before had she felt such sensations as ripples swept over her again and again.

At some point, she tried to cry out, but Nick's lips found hers in an explosive kiss, as he plundered his tongue inside her, sending her into more waves of ecstasy. His mouth continued to devour her, as the ripples surged through her. After a while, they began to diminish, as did the kiss, becoming less demanding, their tongues dancing in a more languorous motion and Natalie found herself being lifted and moved. When at last Nick released her, and she opened her heavy-lidded eyes, she found herself lying in her bed with Nick's body pressed against her. "I guess you answered my question." She stretched in contentment, smiling wickedly, before drawing him into another deep kiss. For a long moment, she felt Nick return the kiss with equal intensity, then pull away. "Was that a step in the right direction?" Nick sighed against her cheek. "Oh yes… I think it was a giant leap." She whispered as she began to rub her cheek against his, relishing the feel of his rough stubble on her softer skin. There was a slight pause then Natalie turned to look up at him before speaking again, "Nick?" Her voice carried a slightly shy tone as she broke into a smile. "Yes," He smiled back as he began to nuzzle her nose. "Earlier this evening, you said my personality was like my scent." She started, her eyes searching his as a slight flush began to appear on her face. "Yes, you're fiery and feisty." He said in a low murmur, still smiling. His voice was filling with an undercurrent of excitement, his blue eyes with desire, as he reached up with his hand to brush some errant curls away from her face. "And what else?" Natalie said, entwining her fingers in his hair, her voice slightly breathless, as a feeling of anticipation began to build within her. "You were going to say something else before Jeff made his ill-timed appearance?" "You have a passion for living." Nick said in that same low murmur, which always caused her heart to skip a beat, and then giving her a warm smile, his eyes filling with love, he lifted her hand to play with her fingers. "Living?" She asked, returning the smile, her eyes and tone mirroring his. "Do you mean only in the human way as a mortal?" "What other way is there, Nat?" He cocked a brow in curiosity, his eyes turning serious as she felt him pulling away slightly, dropping her hand. "Living *your* way." She said with candor, searching his eyes, challenging him. "In your world." "I told you once, my world isn't living." Nick said, but unlike the last time, Natalie sensed some hesitancy in his voice and doubt in his eyes. "Yeah I know you did and I told you once that you weren't dead." She retorted. "Not physically and certainly not spiritually. And although we may have distinct physical differences, spiritually we are the same, Nick. As someone once told me, we are two sides of the same coin." "Who told you that?" Nick asked, a look of utter bafflement spreading across his features. It was such a familiar expression. How often had she seen him with that particular look? Too many times to count. She resisted the impulse to smile, giving him instead a sobering look. "I think it would be best if I didn't say at the moment." "Why?" Nick queried, shaking his head, still puzzled. "It would spoil the mood." Natalie replied, and seeing another question beginning to form on his lips, rushed on. "Anyway, my point is this. *Existing* only for ourselves, alone, either as a mortal in my world or a vampire in yours, is *not living. * Not being able to share your thoughts, dreams and hopes with someone is *not living. * It's a meaningless existence, Nick." "What are you saying, Nat?" He asked, his voice gentle, but cautious, his expression hard to define. Natalie cupped her hands around his face. "I'm saying that I want meaning in my life. I want to share my life with you." She reached up to kiss him, brushing her lips across his. "I want to be with you whether in darkness or light, it makes no difference. As long as we are together." There was a fearless resolve in her eyes as she watched and waited breathlessly for Nick's response. Finally she heard it, still soft in tone, and now shaky with emotion. . "How did I ever come to deserve you?" Nick reached down to seize one of her hands, pulling it towards him to kiss each fingertip while his gaze, filling with love and awe, never wavered from hers. "We deserve each other." Natalie paused, as her eyes shone with the same intense love, then in a soft voice, she continued, "I want you to make love to me, Nick." "Do you realize what you're asking, Nat?" His eyes were a mixture of gravity and fear. Fear of what? Fear that in spite of her commitment to him just now, she might change her mind? "Yes." She stated in a low murmur, her voice filling with reassurance as she squeezed his hand. "I'll have to bring you across." He warned his eyes still laced with fear. "I don't think I'll be able to restrain myself enough to take just a little ~especially once I taste you." His lips curved into a slightly reticent smile at the admission, in spite of the continual fear reflected in his eyes. "And, as I said before, I'll readily step into the darkness." There was again no doubt in her voice, only love in her eyes while she watched the fear slowly ebb away from his into a tender gaze and felt him hold her hand more tightly. For a moment, Natalie returned the look and then breaking the spell, glanced away and downward, over to his now very rumpled shirt and pants. Her lips slowly curled into a seductive smile. "Nick, wouldn't you like to get more comfortable?" His eyes followed hers before breaking into another endearing, mischievous grin. "Yeah…but I'm going to need your help." "I thought you'd never ask." Natalie began to undo each button of his black silk shirt with agonizing slowness, purposely taking her time to savor the moment. Growing increasingly impatient, Nick stood up abruptly discarding the shirt and his pants, shoes and socks with quick agility, and finally, the black, silk boxers, as he slid them down and away. Naked, for a moment Nick simply stood there, affording her the opportunity to feast her eyes on him. And feast she did! Her eyes moved across his fine broad shoulders to his muscular biceps and pectorals around his chest, then downward, to his firm flat stomach, finally resting on his manhood, where, she noted, a thatch of blond hair grew like a halo around it. He was magnificent. Like a finely sculptured work of art. A hot, burning sensation was forming in the pit of her stomach and was beginning to extend out to her limbs. Suddenly, she heard him clear his throat, and looking up, actually saw a slight reddish cast on his face. "I take it this silence means you approve?" There was a touch of shyness in his voice, as he gave her a lop-sided grin. "Oh…yes." Natalie breathed. Her gaze wandered downward once more before resting on his face again. She lifted her arms in a silent invitation, her eyes filling with love. In an instant, Nick was beside her, his arms slipping around her waist, pressing her close. Bending over, he captured her lips in a cherishing kiss, as his hands began to caress the curve of her back. ************************************* Surrender By Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com Chapter 03/04 ************************************* Natalie began to explore Nick's body, running her hands across his broad shoulders, and over to his firm chest. She heard a deep moan in the back of his throat, and parting her lips, allowed the kiss to deepen, as she felt his hands wander down her neck, over her collarbone and lower, to cup her breasts again. Natalie moaned against his lips as Nick began tracing circles around her nipples and then releasing her mouth, worked his way downward, blazing a trail of kisses. Licking, nipping, and sucking on her flesh, she could hear his voice, speaking to her with warmth and tenderness, in cool breaths between kisses. The meaning of his words was less important than the sound of them. He could stir her soul, warm her heart and dispel any lingering fears or doubts just with his sweet murmurings alone as his lips continued to dance across her skin. Rolling slightly on top of her, his mouth kissed lower, down her front, to her breasts and taking each aroused nipple into his mouth, suckled gently, and then traced his tongue around each aureole. Emitting a soft whimper, Natalie arched her back to push against his eager lips as she began to dust her hands down his broad muscular back to his waist where she stroked his hips, then across his backside to his firm rear where she wrapped her hands around him to squeeze each cheek. Natalie heard a low guttural growl as she felt Nick kiss his way up her body to capture her lips again, this time in a searing kiss, then drawing away, to shower kisses over her eyelids, nose, cheeks and lips while pressing down against her, grinding his hips into hers. His kisses and the power of his arousal against her were bringing her to the edge. She needed to feel him inside her. But first, she wanted to touch him, to give back some of the pleasure he'd given her. Her hand started drifting downward, but soon she felt his fingers catch her wrist. "Nick, let me touch you." Natalie said, her voice imploring. "Nat, I can't wait. I need you…I want…" He began, his voice husky and low. "I want you too," She finished, giving him a warm, loving smile, before turning her hand to entangle her fingers with his. At the same time, she parted her thighs eagerly, opening up like a newborn sunflower, her hips rising to meet him, pressing against him. Natalie caught his gaze, matching the same expression as hers. He reached out with his hand to caress her cheek. "Nat, I love you," he said simply. At his words, so lovingly expressed, it warmed her heart, wiping away any doubts. Natalie knew, now more than ever, that loving each other was the right thing to do. Squeezing his hand, she regarded Nick with a firm resolve. "We'll make it… *I'll* make it back to you." She murmured, tears brimming in her eyes. "Because I love you too much to let you go on without me." For a moment, he remained poised over her, a look of awe on his face, his eyes brimming, too, with tears. Blood red tears. Time seemed to stand still, as Natalie caught the continual wonder in his eyes, then she felt a slight movement, as he began to enter her slowly, his gaze never wavering from hers. Her head fell back against the pillows as she moaned, enjoying the sweet bliss of his interminable entry. She could feel the motion within her as he pushed forward slowly and carefully. Then, she realized he was there, completely inside of her, as she heard him moan against her ear. And, in that one moment, absolute joy washed over her at the knowledge that they were finally joined in this wondrous, miraculous union. Tears sprung to her eyes and fell on her cheeks, as she looked up and caught Nick's amazingly tender expression through amber-colored eyes. "Don't be afraid, Nat." She heard him utter, his voice gravelly, but incredibly gentle, as she felt his hand wiping her tears away and caught sight of his white fangs, gleaming against the soft light in the room. In response, Natalie enveloped her arms and her legs around him, holding him close, while gazing up at him with unconditional love. He leaned forward to brush a cherishing kiss across her lips, mindful of his fangs, as his hands slipped around her back and then he began to move within her.

I surrender everything To feel the chance to live again I reach to you I know you can feel it too We'll make it through >From the first, they moved as one. At the beginning, Natalie sensed his slow deliberation, as she felt him ease in and out of her, taking his time, then slightly faster, as she moved her hips against his thrusts, increasing the pleasure, taking them higher and higher toward that point of complete abandonment… to utter surrender. A thousand dreams I still believe I'd make you give them all to me I'd hold you in my arms and never let go I surrender Natalie could feel herself surrendering to sweet blissfulness as she felt his breath on her skin, the contours of his firm body pressing against hers, and his cool length moving inside and rubbing against her. She arched her neck, head digging back into the pillow again, as she felt his ardent kisses on her face, punctuated with intermittent nips of his fangs on her throat, and eager hands on her breasts, dusting feather-like touches over each taut peak. She moaned as she felt him move downward to bury his face in the hollow between her neck and shoulder while he continued to pump into her in a slow and sensuous way delving ever deeper inside her. With each thrust of his hips, she could hear his deep-throated groans, as her hands wandered up and down his back, her fingers digging into the firm muscles. After a time, she felt Nick pulling back slightly, and changing the tempo, begin to thrust deep, hard and fast within her. Natalie gasped as shudders passed through her with the intensity of his piston-like strokes pounding against her. His lips and hands were now moving across her skin in feverish intensity, as he continued to pull back and push within her with quick, steady movements. Right here, right now I give my life to live again I'll break free, take me "Oh Nick…please take me…finish it!" Natalie cried out, as her arms wrapped around him so strongly she could feel the contours of his very bones. She felt his hips thrust once more, plunging deeply within her. It was enough. The world began to shatter around her in a multitude of brilliant colors and time seemed to slow down, as exquisite sensations went rushing through her like a never-ending tidal wave. My everything, I surrender all to you Dimly she could sense a brief moment of pain, as the waves went on, then incredible ecstasy as sensations~ more acute than ever~ began to bombard her mind. She saw images of Nick, past and present on horseback in the sunlight, being seduced over to the darkness by Janette and Lacroix, fighting his bloodlust and questioning his faith throughout the centuries, meeting and sharing memorable times with her. She sensed his moods, loves, compassion, and guilt, but most of all, his steadfast love for her as his thoughts, and emotions merged with hers. It was everything he'd spoken of and much more. A flawless meeting of two minds, a pure immersion of two souls into one. Never before had she felt such completeness as she did with him at this moment when she felt herself drifting away into unconsciousness. ************************************* Surrender By Patty Costantino/psmoot43@hotmail.com Chapter 04/04 ************************************* Natalie awoke in a state of grogginess to a dazzling light. It was coming from an oval shaped portal, a few yards away. Looking around, she noted there were low rolling, treeless hills around her. Slightly awed, Natalie rose slowly, and as she moved towards the portal, saw a veiled figure step out from under its archway. "Come closer." The soft voice beckoned. It sounded so familiar to her… "Mom?" Natalie's eyes began to widen in surprise as she came closer. "Yes, darling, it's me." "Oh Mom!" Natalie choked, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "Is it really you? I've missed you so." "I've missed you too, Nattie." Natalie could hear the raw emotion in her mother's voice and watched as she dabbed at some falling tears with the edge of her veil. "How's Dad?" Natalie managed, as she wiped away her own with the back of her hand. "Driving everyone nuts!" Her mother replied, her tears quickly subsiding, as her voice filled with both exasperation and love. "Let me guess." Natalie gave her a faint smile through her own diminished tears. "He's boring people with his scientific theories?" "You guessed it." She said. "Remember the Lambert family motto, `Solving a puzzle is its own reward?'" "Yeah, I know it well." Natalie gave her a wry grin. "Yes, I believe you do and speaking of which, I think your puzzle is waiting for you right at this moment." She said in a gentle tone, giving her an understanding look. "You mean Nick?" Natalie's smile broadened. "Yes." She regarded her with a half-hearted grin. "I can't leave him mom." Her smile softened as her voice became tender with emotion. "I love him." "I know, sweetheart." She said with equal tenderness. "Your father and I approve, you know." "You do?" Natalie asked, her eyes welling with tears again, as a feeling of joy rushed through her. "He's a fine, upstanding man." She added sincerely. "Sometimes I wish he thought so." Natalie said, the quality of her tone becoming regretful. "With you, he will." Her mother assured. "But for heaven's sakes!" She added, a smile spreading across her face again. "Get him to lighten up a bit." "I'll try," Natalie chuckled. "But it won't be easy." "You'll manage, you have your father's stubbornness." "And your determination." Natalie added with another wry grin. "Yes," She admitted, returning the grin, and then her expression sobered. "Now you must go." "Will I see you again here someday?" Natalie asked, her tone hopeful. "It will be a long time from now, Nattie, but yes, you and Nick will see me, and your father and Richie." "Richie?" Natalie's face lit up with a smile. "Yes, he's here." She confessed. "Oh, thank goodness!" Natalie's eyes closed, as she emitted a long sigh. Richie had been redeemed in spite of the mistakes she'd made asking Nick to bring him across. Opening her eyes a moment later, she noticed with regret that her mother's apparition had disappeared. A second later, from a distance, she could make out a voice…a very panic-stricken voice calling to her. "Nat, come back to me." Turning away from the portal, Natalie began to run. "I'm coming, my love…" She called. As she ran, with each measured sprint, the bright surroundings, she noted, were dimming into a softer light, then, all at once, she felt something firm being pressed against her, and a second later, tasted something thick, and rich on her tongue. It was so wonderful. Like ambrosia! She wanted, no needed more! Natalie grasped at the object with force, continuing to drink, as again, images of Nick appeared in her mind, his emotions assaulting her senses. With her newly formed fangs, she bit into what she now knew was Nick's wrist, allowing his sweet blood to flow faster down her throat and his loving feelings for her to wash over her mind and soul for a bit longer. After a while, she felt him pull away and heard his gentle voice. "Enough, my darling Natalie." Natalie tried in vain to reach for his wrist again, but came up with nothing. A frustrated growl erupted from her throat. She clamped one hand over her mouth, and felt her face flush even in her new fledgling state. Natalie groaned, as a moment later, she heard a quiet chuckle drift up to her ears. "Was that me?" She asked in dismay, lowering her hand. "Yes." Nick admitted, as she saw him turn away quickly, but not fast enough to catch the amused expression on his face. "Are you laughing at me?" Natalie slapped him playfully in the ribs. "No, Nat." He said, turning back and breaking into one of his infamous boyish grins. "*With* you." "Okay…I suppose…" She said drawing out her words slowly, a trace of doubt in her tone about his truthfulness, as she returned a slight grin. "Either way, though, I can understand your cause for laughter," She went on. "I mean really Nick! That was a *very* unladylike sound. What you must think of me…" "I think you are the most incredible …most beautiful woman I have ever known." He finished in a voice, filled with conviction, as he reached out with his finger to run it down her cheekbone, tracing the outline of her lips. "Really?" She asked, a touch of genuine awe in her tone, as she caught his tender, adoring gaze and felt his arms slip under her shoulders to draw her closer, his lips inches from hers. "Yes…really!" Nick said vehemently before his lips captured hers. He kissed her deeply and with intensity, drawing her to him. Natalie moaned beneath him, locking her arms around his neck. There was the beginning of a slight burning sensation around her eyes and a dull ache around her budding canines as the kiss seemed to go on indefinitely, their tongues dueling in a fiery dance. Then, she felt him pull away slowly, drawing the kiss to a close before rolling away slightly. "Oh my," Natalie sighed. "It's going to take a while to adjust to these new sensations. When you kissed me, I could feel my eyes changing and my canines dropping. And there was this yearning inside of me that needed to be fulfilled. Something…I don't know what… It's hard to explain…I wanted…" "You wanted to bite me, Nat." Nick finished as his lips began to travel down her neck, licking and suckling her skin along the way. "Yes," Natalie said. There was a growing anticipation in her voice and her blue eyes were glowing amber around the edges at the mere thought of Nick biting her and the delightful sensations he was producing on her flesh. "Oh Nick! I want to taste you again, share with you, feel you inside of me, reach into your soul, have you reach into mine." "I want that too Nat." She could hear similar excitement in his voice as she felt his lips moving now over her shoulder to her collarbone, suckling and nipping with his tongue and fangs along the way. A shiver rushed through her at the feel of his kisses and nips on her flesh. She moaned and was beginning to pull him closer when she felt it! A sudden pain in her stomach so acute it knocked the breath out of her. A second later, there was an intense burning sensation behind her eyes. "Oh Nick …it hurts. Please do something. " She yelped, releasing him before clutching at her abdomen. A moment later, she found herself sitting up, as she felt something cool being pressed to her lips, and heard his firm, but gentle voice. "Drink." Through a reddish haze, Natalie's senses could detect the aroma of the thick, rich liquid, slightly less alluring than Nick's blood, but still enticing. Her nostrils flared in expectation, and then upending the bottle, she drank until it was gone. It was quickly replaced with another. After the third one, the pain began to subside. Setting down the bottle, she glanced over at Nick, as she felt her eyes returning to normal. "It was human, wasn't it?" She swallowed hard. "Don't worry Nat, it was donated, but you'll need to drink it for a while to make you stronger." He said, his eyes and tone serious. "I understand." Her expression matched his, but there was also acceptance in her eyes. "You do?" Nick's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Yes," She said, as she began to yawn. "Oh Nick! I'm suddenly feeling kinda drowsy. I'm sorry. I guess we'll have to wait. I hope you don't mind." "I don't." Nick said. "We have plenty of time. What is more important is for you to get your rest." He kissed her hair, then Natalie felt the springs of the mattress move and a moment later, heard a screeching sound as Nick closed the drapes. "Nick?" Natalie asked as she felt him return and settle against her. "Yes, my love." He said, drawing the bed's comforter over them before wrapping his arms around her, and pressing her close. "I meant to tell you my mother thinks you're a fine, upstanding man." Natalie said as her eyes began to grow heavy. "What?!" Nick said, a mixture of surprise and bewilderment in his voice, as he turned her gently around to face him. "Yeah," Natalie acknowledged, her eyes opening, her drowsiness fading for the moment as she went on, "She also said you met with both of their approvals. Even dad's!" She paused. "That's quite an accomplishment, Nick. He's never thought any guy was good enough for…" "Nat, what on earth are you talking about?" Nick interrupted, shaking his head, now totally baffled. "Oh, yeah…I forgot to tell you." Natalie gave him a sheepish grin, cupping her hands around his face as she explained, "My mother was my guide at the portal." "In the light?" Nick's eyes lit up in surprise. "Yeah, it was so good to see her again," she admitted. "I miss her so." For a second, her eyes misted over then a smile began to spread across her face as she went on. "She told me Richie was there." "That's wonderful news, Nat!" Nick exclaimed, gathering her up in his arms, hugging her to him. "You know what else is wonderful?" She drew away slightly, still smiling. "What?" Nick asked, his eyes searching hers. "She said we'll see them in the light someday." Her smile broadened. "We'll find a cure?" Nick's eyebrow quirked in surprise, his voice filling with hope. "I think that's what she meant." Natalie whispered, brushing her lips across his. "And, our redemption." She added, drawing away to regard him. "Oh Nat." Nick turned away. "I'm sure you'll be redeemed, but I don't know about me. I've killed thousands, I've inflicted pain and suffering on so many…I don't think I'll ever be worthy of a state of grace…I'm so …" "Nick, Nick!" Natalie reached to cup her hands around his face, drawing him back to her as she caught a glimpse of skepticism in his eyes. "What?" He asked. "My mother also told me to tell you something else." She began. "What?" He repeated, the doubt still hanging over him like a dark cloud. "You need to lighten up." She said, her eyes boring into his, her expression unreadable, as she continued to cradle his face in her hands. "Lighten up?" He asked, giving her a slightly puzzled look. "Yeah, you know, lighten up, be more jovial, effervescent!" She said, her voice teasing, as she broke into a smile and began to stroke his cheeks with her thumbs. "Oh I don't know, Nat." Nick shook his head, a touch of sadness in his voice, the doubt remaining in his eyes. "That might be difficult for me." "Well, maybe I could help?" She said, her tone turning low and throaty, her blue eyes flickering amber, as her lips curled into wicked smile. "How so?" Nick nuzzled his nose against hers before moving his lips closer, his voice beginning to match hers, the doleful tone appearing to fade away rapidly. "Maybe by doing this?" She drew him down into a light kiss brushing her lips across his, barely grazing them. "Does that make you feel more effervescent?" She asked, searching his eyes as she drew away. "Hmmmm, maybe." He whispered, nuzzling her nose again, his eyes filling now with more assuredness. "Why don't you try again?" Locking her arms around him, Natalie pulled him down into a deep, passionate kiss. It went on for a while as her hands began to wander over his broad shoulders and down his back. Finally with reluctance she drew away and sighed. "How about that time?" She asked, panting slightly, as she pressed her forehead against his. "Better." He whispered, his voice very husky now, as he began to kiss his way down her throat. "Only better?!" She asked with indignant surprise, pushing him away abruptly, her sultry voice gone, her amber eyes flashing a slightly angry, reddish hue. "But, much *much* better." Nick chuckled, pulling her close again as his hands began to slip around her backside, his hips pressing down against her. "You know Nat, I think I'm going to need lots of help in this area, but *surrendering* to your methods will make it all worthwhile." He whispered, bringing his lips towards hers…. ******************************* Finis I hope you enjoyed my story. Has your computer screen fogged up? Anyway, I wanted to point out one thing. The two sides of the same coin reference came from BMV, at L'Azure. Lacroix mentioned it to Natalie when referring to her and Nick. Even he ~the old goat~ thought they were a match. Please write and let me know whether you enjoyed this little tale. I would really appreciate hearing from you. You can email me at: psmoot43@hotmail.com or pas_20197@yahoo.com