AN:

I'd like to say I didn't know where this idea came form but that would be a lie. A while ago I watched the werewolf movie with Anthony Hopkins. The movie was a bit disappointing but parts of it spoke to me. From those parts this fic was born.

Yes it's technicality a period piece but the period doesn't matter much. Not to me. I wanted to spend time on the story and not research especially since this is a short fic. Let's just agree it was before cars and electricity. Okay?

~Kelly~

The Grove

Chapter One

Welcome Home. Nikolas thought with a quite sigh as Wyndemere came into view. It had been four long years since he had stepped foot on his childhood home. In that time he had learned many things. None more important than how to live with regrets.

He knew that going to university was the right thing. Nikolas even managed to enjoy most of his time there. That is until winter. From November to March he could do nothing but think of home- and her.

As the carriage stopped Nikolas shook his head. He shouldn't be thinking about her especially not given his present company. Courtney had virtually invited herself along on the trip along with her brother and this business partner. The blonde had been dying to see Wyndemere ever since Nikolas first described it. Although at the moment he couldn't help but wish he was alone. This, bring Courtney to Wyndemere, would forever put her out of reach which was exactly what Nikolas wanted. Then why did the knowledge made him even more miserable?

"Master Nikolas it is good to have you home."

"Thank you Alfred. Is the house running on schedule?" he asked hoping the aging servant would get his meaning.

"It is. In fact your uncle is playing chess as we speak." the servant replied almost instantly. It was well known there were only two people Stefan played chess with and clearly he wasn't playing chess with Nikolas.

"Excellent. I'll see him after getting settled."

"And your guests sir?" the elderly man asked glancing at his young master's three companions.

"The east rooms I think." he replied after a moment. The east room were the furthest from the family's private quarters. A fact Nikolas knew his uncle would appreciate.

"Very good sir."

"Your move." Stefan prompted his opponent gently. Elizabeth had been playing chess with him for years. Most days there were equally matched today however the brunette was distracted.

"I know. I was just thinking."

"Would you like some advice?"

"On how to lose?" she asked arching one eyebrow. "I think I have that under control sir."

"We've had this discussion Elizabeth. It's Stefan."

"That wouldn't be proper."

"Propriety never bothered you before."

"Maybe it should have." she replied quietly lowering her head. She tried hard not to think of Nikolas over the last few years. Most of the time she succeeded but here at Wyndemere she could do nothing else.

"That isn't why he left."

"Your turn."

"Stubborn girl." the older man mumbled carefully choosing a chess piece. It had been the same conversation or rather lack their off since Nikolas left four years ago. Perhaps when he returned this spring things would finally settle down. 'Or not.' he thought sadly looking at his opposition. During Nikolas's time away Elizabeth had grown into a beautiful young woman. Even dressed, as she was today, in boy's clothing. Stefan knew that soon her desire to have a family would win out.

After several more moves the tension between them became almost unbearable. The only good thing about the silence was Elizabeth's playing dramatically improved. Stefan was just about to call it a draw for the day when the study door opened.

"It is comforting to know nothing has changed in my absence." Nikolas said from the open doorway. He stepped further in the room taking care not to even look in Elizabeth's direction. He didn't want to know what changes if any had taken place with the younger woman.

"Nikolas, you're home early. This is quite a surprise."

"I didn't wish to wait until spring. Besides I promised Courtney I'd show her Wyndemere."

"Courtney?"

"Yes I brought her and two others along as my guests."

"Excellent. Did Alfred already see to their rooms?"

"Yes he did. You have a wonderful home Mr. Cassadine."

"Thank you but it's part of Nikolas's inheritance. I'm just looking out for his interests until he's ready to settle down."

"How interesting."

"Excuse me. I need..." Elizabeth started but never finished before leaving the room.

"Who was that?" Courtney wondered already looking down on the young woman. She couldn't believe Nikolas's uncle entertained the help that way.