CHAPTER 1 New feelings for an old friend

Dedicated to the devious Dg, who always spikes the tequilia!

Helen looked down the muddy road of 1898 London bewildered. She had expected to land in Oxford, not here.

"Bloody hell" She murmured, recognizing her surroundings as White chapel. Helen Magnus was not usually one to shirk from danger, but she knew exactly what Druitt was capable of. Helen stepped deftly away from a seedy pub nearby and dissolved into the many shadows nearby. She slipped down the first dark ally she came across and exited to another street.

"Oi Love!" Helen turned to see a hansom barreling down on her, struggling to rein in his horses. "Watch it!"

Before she could react, a pair of hands grabbed her with superhuman strength and pulled her back to the ally with unnatural speed. Helen stood facing the wall with her rescuer behind her, holding her waist firmly, but not painfully.

"I beg your pardon Miss." A voice with a barely-there Serbian accent whispered. "But it isn't safe for a Woman like you to be out alone." He emphasized the 'W' sound, careful not to make it sound like a 'V' Helen nearly fainted with relief.

"Nikola!"

"Yes?" the vampire answered uncertainly, letting her go and stepping back. "Sorry, Do I know-"

Helen cut him off by crushing her lips to his. Nikola pushed her off gently and cleared his throat, embarrassed.

"I'm flattered Miss, but I don't think I can afford you."

Helen rolled her eyes and slapped him. "Nikola! I'm not a street walker. Its me, Helen. Helen Magnus."

"H-Hel-len?" Nikola rubbed his cheek and sucked in his fangs. "I thought your blood smelled familiar. What are you doing here? James and I waled you home 5 minutes ago."

Helen nodded. "Its complicated. But Its me. you're Nikola Tesla, Serbian and a vampire. You're in oxford, part of the five. The others are James Watson Nigel Griffin and Montague Druitt. Better known as John. You're a genius inventor who fell asleep once in Edison's electric chair. "

"Fascinating. Whats an electric chair?" Nikola asked, pulling Helen over to a streetlamp.

"You'll find out soon enough" Helen sighed. "Nikola please. I need your help."

Nikola pulled Her under the light and examined her carefully. "You don't look much like yourself, Helen. But you, sound like you. When did you color your hair?"

"1937. Nikola focus." Helen pleaded, shaking his shoulders lightly.

Nikola smirked crookedly. "Helen! It is you." He pushed her hair out of her face and looked at her deep blue eyes. "only person who ever- never mind. But what are you doing here?"

"That's what I'm trying to figure out." Helen sighed. "Wait, Nikola what are you doing here?"

Nikola fidgeted. "I um I was I uh... taking a shortcut back to Oxford." he stuttered.

"You were going the wrong way, Nikola." Helen replied and pointed in the opposite direction he was heading. "What were you doing in White chapel?"

Nikola looked around awkwardly. "I I .. i was going for... a drink..."

"You only drink wine. I've known you for 130 years. The real reason"

"I was I umm...I was... "

"Spill it Nikola." three words that never failed.

The vampire sighed and let his shoulders slump. "I was following Druitt. He shouldn't be down here, Helen. Not with a woman as amazing as you waiting at home. If it were me Id never be here. I would spend all my time home with you. Id be grateful for every minute... "
Nikola fell silent and blushed.

Helen stepped forward and caressed his cheek. "So you really did mean it? In Rome, it wasn't just to make me cooperate? You really love me?"

"I ...we..we've never been to Rome Helen." Nikola shrugged lamely.

"That isn't the point Nikola! Do you love me?"

Nikola smiled and nodded eagerly. "Alvayz" he whispered, pulling her closer. "Ever since ze day ve met. Do you think I vould put up with the otherz if I didn't love you?" he asked, his accent slipping in his excitement.

Helen rolled her eyes. "Why didn't you ever tell me?"

"Vhat does it matter? I'm telling you now, I told you in Rome-vhenever it is ve vent there." Nikola leaned into her ear with a smug grin. "Does this me ve can go back to kissing?"

Helen laughed and nipped his neck, making Nikola mutter an oath in Serbian. "Nikola. I need to go to my house. I have to talk to .. me."