Pawns of Kings - part 39-45
Jarvinia
Pawns of Kings (39/52)
It had been a week and everything was quiet. Business was back to usual, or at least as usual as life in a morgue could be. Despite being shorthanded the last several weeks, the nightshift was far from behind. Three of her co-workers had quit within the last month, and Natalie heard that another technician was leaving within the week. In the last couple of months the crime rate on her shift had dropped dramatically, but if it ever flared up, they'd definitely be undermanned.
Natalie shifted in her chair, trying to get back to working on the form in front of her. Cause of death....
"Hey, Girl, it's been a long time."
The familiar voice stopped her in her tracks. "Grace?" she asked, looking up to meet the other woman's dark eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"I work here."
Natalie was stunned. "But...but I thought you had left for California for good...."
"So had I. If it weren't for everything that's been happening, I would have stayed. Crime rate's gone down so much...there's not enough bodies to shake a stick at, well, not at night anyway. Dayshift is getting all of the normal ones, and they've actually gotten more business. Nightshift...well, the ones we were getting were just plain weird. I needed a break. Is it any better up here in the center of everything?"
Center? Well, it *was* the center of most of the recent news, that was for sure. "Haven't seen too many 'weird' ones, if that's what you're asking."
"Good. I can deal with that." Grace paused. After glancing about the room, she leaned over Natalie's desk. "What I really want to know is how is everything going with you? I know you and Nick were friends, and, well...in case you haven't noticed he's been mixed up in this. In fact, the news has been going on more about him than the others--at least where I've been."
Natalie tensed. At first, she'd been overjoyed with Grace's presence. Now, she just wished Grace had waited on her question. "Number one, Nick is still my friend, and I have noticed..." she trailed off feeling something brush her mind.
A second later Nick walked in, stopping just inside the door. Walking down the hall, he had thought that the voice sounded familiar. Seeing Grace, he immediately forgot the reason for his visit. She was nervous. Whether it came from his presence or her fear of his reaction to her words, he didn't know. But, if Grace was back, he would probably be seeing a lot of her. "Natalie's known what I am for over six years, and there will be more publicity, I can almost assure that."
"Six years.... Nat?"
Natalie just barely heard Grace's words, focusing in on the new information. "Wait...more publicity? I thought everything was settled."
He sighed, letting his shoulders droop. "We are going to break off from the Council."
"You and LaCroix?"
Nodding, he elaborated, "And Janette and Antonius. Janette arrives tomorrow night. She'll be moving here until everything settles down."
'Until everything settles down,' Nat repeated to herself. Janette was nice and all, especially as far as vampires went, but she and Nick.... Natalie shrugged the thought off, not realizing that both Nick and Grace had noticed her tenseness.
"We're still planning. I think we'll make a move soon, perhaps in a month. Either that, or the Council will make it for us."
Grace, getting lost, prodded, "Council? What's this Council?"
He winced. He'd slipped, and now he had to explain. "Five of the eldest of my kind. They've been manipulating everything. From what was going on, our actions, and...they're also using me to control LaCroix."
"Damn, they're taking his only weakness," Natalie muttered, catching the other woman's attention immediately.
"Why would..." Grace trailed off, not sure what to ask.
Nick let out another sigh. He'd already told Grace far more than he wanted. Besides, he believed he could trust her. "LaCroix is the one who made me what I am." Expecting another question, he tried to remember why he'd come. The Carson case, that's right. "Nat, you said the Carson case was done?"
"Uh...yeah, just a second." Shuffling the papers on her desk, she couldn't find it. Where did she put it? Seeing a folder on the counter, she stood and walked over to it. Glancing momentarily at the folder, she handed it to Nick. "It was a suicide."
"Good, that's what all our evidence supports. I'm really not in the mood for a homicide. Not right now."
"Nick, if you do what you're planning, it's going to get worse."
"I know, but LaCroix' right about this." He turned his attention to Grace, who'd for the most part remained silent throughout their conversation. "Grace...I have to ask you to not speak to anyone else about this. No mention of a council, our plan, or my relation to LaCroix. Can you do that?"
'What was she supposed to do?' Grace asked herself. She had to admit that she didn't really trust Nick, or at least not what he was. "Yes. Other than Natalie, I wouldn't know who to tell."
Nick met her eyes, then spun and left as suddenly as he'd arrived.
Grace waited a moment, still able to see Nick's eyes boring into her own. He was different than before, she could feel it. He was darker somehow.... "Nat? Has he hurt you? In any way...any way at all?"
Natalie hesitated in her answer. Nick was just outside the door. She could feel it. "No, he hasn't. I trust Nick, and have for a long time."
She knew Natalie was lying. She had to be. "Nat, about the time Nick disappeared you were in the hospital. When I found out, I called. They said you had acute blood loss occurring without any explanation? You had told them you didn't remember anything, but you did, didn't you? Nick did that, didn't he?" Grace watched Natalie freeze, her muscles visibly tensing. "It's too much of a coincidence to be anything else. Besides, you were found at his place."
Still feeling Nick just outside the door, Natalie wished he would come back in, but he wouldn't. "Yes," she finally stated, "but it wasn't his fault...I knew he was going to take my blood that night. It was my request." Seeing Grace's disbelief, she further explained, "Right from the beginning when I first met him he had warned me back, telling me that he might unintentionally hurt me. I didn't listen then, and I'm still not. Like I said before, I trust Nick. I trust him with my life." When her friend didn't immediately comment, she was glad. Focusing on the door, she noticed Nick was gone.
"I still don't want to see you getting hurt."
With a deep breath, Natalie nodded. She could understand Grace's concern. Deep down she *was* afraid of getting hurt, but it would either happen or it wouldn't. "So...when do you start?"
"Officially, in three days. Right now I'm nightshift, but that might change."
"Yeah, I've been pulling a lot of double shifts to help the dayshift keep up," she commented. If it wasn't for Nick, she knew she probably would have switched shifts by now. But, she suddenly realized, now just about every decision she made depended on how it might affect Nick.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Three nights later:
Nick, Janette and Antonius sat in LaCroix' office, waiting for the latter to join them. He was late, and the three vampires' concern manifested in their uneasiness.
Feeling a hint of sensation, Nick looked up and LaCroix entered a second later. "Where were you?"
Slowly closing the door, he turned and stated, "Setting things in motion. I had a private meeting with the mayor to discuss our concerns and announce our intention to break from the Council."
"We had agreed to wait!"
LaCroix glared at his son, rapidly approaching and stopping just in front of Nicholas. "Yes, we had, but the Council will not wait as long as we need. Reach out with your senses, Nicholas, feel them closing in." When his son didn't respond, he ordered, "Now, Nicholas! Reach out and tell me what you feel!"
Closing his eyes, Nick did as told. Other than a faint connection to Aha, the Council's head, he didn't feel anything out of what had become normal over the past week. Then, it hit him. Over the last several days there had been something hiding just in the background. It was there, but not. The sensation was controlled, and it was getting closer. He looked up to LaCroix. "How did you know?"
"A contact in Paris. They left at sunset, bound for New York. It will only be a matter of time before they come here."
Nick stood, putting some distance between himself and LaCroix. "What did you tell the mayor?"
When LaCroix hesitated, Antonius stood as well. "Yes, what did you tell him?"
"That we wish to break from the rest of the Community and allow decisions to be based on a collaboration between city and Community government. The four of us will represent the Community in all matters."
Janette, who had been silent, spoke, "And you need me here because...?"
"Family, Janette, family. We have worked together in the past. We shall do so again." Catching a protest on her lips, he reminded her, "We might be further apart, but we are family and will always remain so."
LaCroix paused and moved behind his desk. Once seated, he let a few seconds of silence pass before starting. "As the Enforcers are under the Council's control, I want all of you to watch yourselves. Janette will stay here at all times, Antonius, you will return to the distributary and increase your security for what good it will do. You may leave." The three stood, and as his son was about to leave, he stated, "Not you, Nicholas. Close the door." Once done, he explained, "I know you must return to work, but take care. I don't know when the news will break, but I suspect it will happen sometime tonight."
"I'll be fine. The Enforcers will not act. I'm too involved with the mortals."
"Perhaps," he answered, fully aware the Enforcers might not care after the news broke. Opening one of the desk's drawers, LaCroix pulled out a flask and placed it on the far side of the desk. "Take it, Nicholas. Drink it when you need to. It is mine."
Nick hesitated on his master's last word, but did as he was told and nodded. A second later, he was gone from the office, on his way out of the club.
Pawns of Kings (40/52)
She and Nick had been patrolling since the beginning of their shift, about two hours before. Tracy had to admit that she was getting bored. Very, very bored. Nick didn't talk much, and at the moment the radio was off. Reaching for the dial, she switched it on, LaCroix' voice filling the car.
"...time has come. We will not allow ourselves to be pushed into a corner under guard or bolted into an empty room. We speak with our own voice now, the voice of this city's Community. We will not obey this new order, but will make our own-"
His eyes alternated between straight ahead and the dial. After a moment, Nick finally snapped the radio off.
Tracy shot a glare at her partner. "What did you do that for?" He just glanced toward her, then returned his eyes to the road. "What's he talking about, anyway?"
He looked at her again. She would know soon anyway. "We're breaking from Council control." Seeing Tracy's apparent confusion, he explained, "The Council was organized just before the news broke. Since then, they've been in complete control. The last straw was what happened when I was taken from the Raven. The 'Council' offered me something I couldn't refuse, particularly not after being emotionally weakened with the Kennington case. I was uncertain, but took it anyway, even though I quickly backed out of it. That's what they had expected, what they had planned. They wanted me to change my mind, which would leave them a link with me. They know what we're doing. We were going to wait, but...."
Her partner trailed off. She had remembered LaCroix' anger toward Reese. Later, she had discovered they were all the pawns of a Council, and now, the Council had ordered too many moves.
The two had patrolled another hour before returning to the precinct. Upon entering, Nick and Tracy could see several people gathered around a small television again. Tracy continued closer, wanting to know what was going on.
There was a slight pause in Nick's stride, his ears picking up the announcement with ease. LaCroix had been right about one thing--it wouldn't take long for it to get out.
Seeing Reese in the door of his office, Nick approached, not giving the Captain a chance to call him in. Entering, he stopped just inside the door. He waited silently as Reese closed the door and went to stand next to his desk.
"When is this going to end, Nick? I thought everything had been settled. Then, LaCroix goes and talks to the mayor about making a break with your Council."
"They are misusing their power. We have lived centuries without-"
"Yeah, I know, and so does the rest of Toronto. What I want to know is what are your intentions? What do you hope to achieve?"
"Primarily what you've heard. We want the Community to return to normal, to what it was like before the Council was formed."
Reese considered the distaste present when Nick said 'Council'. When the mayor had called him, that was something that had been mentioned--LaCroix' pronunciation, as if.... "What's with this dislike of this 'Council'?"
Nick froze, and then relaxed realizing Reese knew more or less nothing on what had gone on behind the scenes. "If I explain everything, you cannot let it leak to the precinct or anyone else." He waited a moment for his Captain's decision. Receiving a nod, he did as he had stated. He had explained the reasons behind LaCroix' outburst in the precinct, and all about the Council's offer. He even mentioned that the deaths of the Kennington children had been arranged by them to weaken him, and that the case's closure could very well have been a result of the Council's meddling.
Reese was silent. Finally, he'd been able to see the whole picture. He shook his head as he felt his anger rise. This group of vampires had committed murder, not for blood, but to help win Nick over and take what had obviously been a very tempting, but in the end, bogus offer. And all of this in the attempt to keep an eye on LaCroix. Why didn't they just threaten him to comply? Then, he asked the same question of Nick.
Taken off guard by the question, Nick explained why the Council's threats were more or less meaningless, how the Ancient's usually stayed out of the Community politics because alone they were no match for a group of younger vampires, but together in a group, they were almost unstoppable.
"In other words, they're taking advantage of what's happened."
Nick nodded. Yes, they had indeed been taken advantage of. "If we could do this without publicity, we would. But, the only way to make sure we can break away, is if we have something to back us up--public knowledge. They have the Enf-" He cut himself off, silently cursing to himself.
"They have what?"
"Nothing, Captain. Nothing."
"Nick, what do they have on their side?" Reese watched the detective fidget slightly. Apparently, Nick had just slipped, or almost slipped. "How much of an upper hand do these...whatever they are...give the Council?"
He sighed. It would have to be explained. "A big one. Enforcers. They're a kind of...police. They keep the Community in line by enforcing the Code. They're why it's taken so long for the world to discover us in the first place."
"And the Council controls them...."
Nodding again, Nick asked, "Could I...?" and trailed off, gesturing for the door.
"Yeah, go ahead. Although, it would be nice to know what's happening a little sooner. Whenever the news gets a hold of something to do with your Community, the precinct gets a little wobbly, as you might guess."
"I'll try, but I didn't know about this until a few hours ago. I don't know how much warning I can give, if any." Receiving a nod from the Captain, Nick slowly left the office, heading for his desk.
Sitting, he looked around for Tracy, and found her just leaving the crowd, coming toward him.
"So," she began, "How long do you think it will take to get this settled?"
"Hopefully not long. I really don't want to go through everything again, but at least this time we're speaking for ourselves." He paused, looking around on his desk. "Where did you put the Carson case?"
Tracy sighed as Nick changed the subject, pointing the folder out to her partner. After all, Reese did want that report in, and it was best not to have him kept waiting.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Arriving home, Nick went straight for the refrigerator. Pulling out one of the bottles, he stared at its contents for a moment. Then, he uncorked it, upending the half-full container. Stopping, he leaned back against the refrigerator, allowing his eyes to close while bathing in the sensations from the blood.
It had been too long since he'd allowed himself this pleasure. Raising the bottle a second time, he felt it being taken from his grasp. His eyes snapped open to find Janette standing right in front of him. "Janette...."
"Yes, mon Cher. You know, you should indulge yourself more often. It relaxes you, although I can think of something else to relax you..." she said, letting her words trail off. Then, moving closer, Janette let her lips just barely touch his, her hands on his shoulders. "I feel how troubled you are, Nicolas, and I know *exactly* what you need."
Janette kissed him again, this time deeper. He couldn't help but respond to her actions. She was right in that he was troubled, but he couldn't do what she was proposing. As she moved to kiss him again, he shook his head and stepped out of her range.
As he started across the room, she turned, but didn't follow. "Nicolas...don't push me away, not right now, not when you need me. I am offering you my blood, nothing more. I know you won't accept anything more than that."
Facing her, he opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't.
"Please, take it...as much as you want. I ask for nothing in return."
"Janette, no, I can't...Natalie...."
"I have no intention of separating you from your precious Natalie. But, I can feel your want for fresh blood. How long can you go before your craving overwhelms you, hmmm? If you wait too long, you know what the results could be."
"Yes. Yes, I know, but...." He stopped as she began to approach him, his sense of her vibrating softly. She continued until she stood right in front of him, filling his vision. He could feel her blood slowly flowing in her veins, the liquid calling to him. Feeling his fangs descend and his eyes burn with need, he stood as still as he could manage. How could he do this, now, when the thing that occupied the majority of his thoughts was Natalie? But, how could he not, knowing that Janette was right?
"Now, Nicolas, take it...."
Her pleading was all that was needed to lose his composure. He pulled Janette toward him in one swift motion, hesitating a mere fraction of a second before letting his fangs bury themselves in her neck, taking all that she was into him.
The blood was cool as it slid down his throat. It was something he'd labeled forbidden. But, for now, it was all he could think about. He felt Janette's life, both the faint flitting memories of her mortal life, the strong and often passionate memories of their past together, and also Janette's recent dalliance as a mortal. The last was something he had wanted for so many years, and she had obtained it so easily.
Every drop of her blood invigorated him, made him want for more. He kept drinking her life force until he could feel her weaken within his grasp. Only then did he pull away.
Janette leaned against him, what blood she had left not giving her enough energy to stand. Then, he realized just how much blood he had taken. He had nearly drained it all, his need so great and her body so willing. She was barely conscious, and would soon be asleep.
Picking her up, he gently carried her up to his room. Placing her on the bed, Nick felt her fingers still clutching to his back, a faint murmur asking him not to go.
So, he stayed. He slid into the bed with her, holding her firmly to him. Planning on only waiting for Janette to fall asleep before returning downstairs, he found himself dozing off.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Natalie shoved the door out of the way, entering Nick's apartment. Everything was dark, but then that was to be expected. It was just after noon, and she'd just gotten done with a double shift. The many hours in the morgue had been unpunctuated with any welcome visits. Nick hadn't come by, and neither had Tracy. Grace had kept her cheered up, but she couldn't keep her mind off Nick.
The morgue had watched the news in the break room. She just stood there stunned. Nick had told her they were going to wait, but if this was LaCroix' idea of waiting.... She shook her head, looking around the room.
In the kitchen, there was a bottle sitting out on the counter. It had just a small amount in it, the cork haphazardly pushed into the opening. Fixing it, she put the bottle back into the refrigerator without a second thought.
Heading up the stairs, she walked softly, hoping not to wake Nick as he was probably sleeping. But, if he wasn't, or if he was in the throws of some nightmare, she would stay for a while.
Pushing the already partially open door in further, she froze. Nick wasn't alone. She could see what appeared to be Janette lying next to him, his arms wrapped around her. Natalie stood still for a moment, watching them, suddenly afraid they would awake at her presence.
When neither made any movement, she slowly approached. As her eyes had already become accustomed to the darkness, she could easily see the still open wounds on Janette's neck. She didn't dare look for similar marks on Nick, in risk of waking him. Natalie took a step back. Then, as silently as she had come, she left the two sleeping vampires as they were, first leaving the room, and then the building.
Pawns of Kings (41/52)
Grace slipped cautiously into Natalie's lab, eying her friend suspiciously. Apparently, Natalie had already been in to work for several hours, and the night before she'd pulled a double shift. Looking over at her, Grace slowly approached, stopping right in front of her desk. "Nat?"
Her head snapped up, and she focused on Grace. Glancing down at the papers in front of her, she wondered what she'd been doing before...when did Grace get here?
"Natalie, whatever's bugging you, you shouldn't overwork yourself."
"I'm not."
Grace shook her head. "This wouldn't have anything to do with Nick, would it?" When Natalie's expression gave her a positive answer, she prodded, "Don't tell me his stress is wearing off on you...."
"No, it's definitely not that," she quickly, and sternly stated. Then, with a mumble, "I think he's already solved that problem."
Catching Natalie's barely audible comment, several reasons popped into her mind. As Natalie stood, Grace mirrored her action. "Where are you going?"
"To the break room. I need something to eat." Natalie quickly left the room, fully aware of Grace following just behind her.
"What did he do? You weren't like this last night. Not only that, but you were here until after dawn. Did you go over to his place?"
Natalie's sudden appetite left her as abruptly as it had arrived. She started to voice an excuse, but couldn't get a word out.
"Don't even try to get out of this one, Girl."
"I.... I guess you could say I saw something I shouldn't have. Nick was...." She trailed off, not able to speak the reality that she had feared ever since knowing Janette was moving here.
"With that woman, Janette?"
Natalie felt her jaw loosen slightly with shock. "How...how did you guess?"
"Rumor mills. Apparently they were seen a couple of times in the precinct. A few got the impression they were more than mere acquaintances."
"Were," Natalie snorted. "For a century she was his wife."
Trying not to focus too much on the last comment, Grace slowly answered, "So, then...you do know her."
"Yeah, for a few years. Nick's told me that they're just friends...but I still hate seeing them together, because that's not how they act."
"And let me make another guess...Nick doesn't know about your little visit today...."
"No, and I would thank you not to mention this-"
"Natalie. At least talk to him. Tell him what you saw and that you won't put up with it. If he keeps it up, forget him, because he doesn't deserve you." In her mind, Grace thought that this might be for the best. If those two ever did get serious about their relationship.... She worried for Natalie, knowing full well what the likely outcomes for her friend would eventually be--death or one of them. She shook her head, and said, "I'm going to get to work, and I think you should take a break, over precinct ways, perhaps...."
Grace left, her suggestion hanging in the air. After a second, Natalie sunk into one of the chairs. Should she go talk to Nick, find out once and for all what, if anything, was between them? But, once again, she found herself thinking about what the effect on Nick would be if she did. No, she would have to wait, at least until the news settled down a bit.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Three nights later:
Nick sat in the break room, his arms resting on the table, a silver flask standing just a few inches away. It was the one LaCroix had given him several days before, not one drop of its contents missing.
On several occasions over the past three days he had considered pouring the blood down the drain, but hadn't yet managed to get the top unscrewed. The same had been true whenever he'd considered drinking it.
Staring at the smooth silver, Nick could feel his need rising even farther. The blood he'd taken from Janette, both three nights ago and the previous night, had merely heightened his need...and now he was no longer considering if he would drain the flask, but when.
LaCroix' blood would still be good for another day, perhaps two. Already, it would have lost most of its potency, but he didn't care.
Reaching out with his senses, he listened for nearby or approaching mortals...there were none. Gingerly, as his hands faintly shook, he let his fingers wrap around the container. The cool metal felt heavy in his hands. He was hungry, and although he had a bottle in the Caddy's trunk, he really didn't want to go get it. Slowly, his other hand gripped the top, turning it until it was off.
The scent of the blood filtered out of the container. At the odor he felt his eyes change and his fangs itching to descend. Nick took the flask, bringing the opening closer, inhaling the scent. It was sharp, like that of a blade glistening under the light of a full moon.
He took a mouthful of the liquid, savoring every drop. Taking another sip, he picked up the lid, but hesitated putting it back on. Now, his hunger was stronger than ever, and before he knew it, he had taken another swallow. The next sip became a bit more, and soon he felt the blood steadily flow down his throat. As it came to a stop, Nick leaned back in the chair, his eyes closed, focusing on the blood and trying to calm himself.
Opening them, he flinched back from the seemingly brighter lights. After a moment, he put the top back on the flask and slid it into his jacket.
He sighed. Ever since he'd taken Aha's blood, his hunger had nearly been overwhelming. In the last four days, he'd taken Janette's blood twice. Even then, he had still been hungry--not his body, but the beast, the vampire.
He had pulled back from Natalie, hoping that this would pass, but it hadn't. And, for some reason, it hadn't been that hard in trying to avoid her. It was almost as if Natalie was helping in his effort, but....
Abruptly, he stood. His 'break' was technically over and Tracy was probably wondering where he was.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Grace pulled into the 96th's parking lot and turned off the ignition. Glancing over at the folder in the passenger's seat, she shook her head. The report was Natalie's, containing new evidence on a case. Natalie had 'asked' if she could drop the report off, complaining that she didn't have time, which they both knew wasn't true. But, she had agreed, and was planning on taking matters into her own hands.
Natalie was avoiding the precinct, and she hadn't seen Nick around the morgue since that first time he'd dropped in, now about a week ago. Although she had mixed feelings about Nick, particularly about what he was, Grace had decided she would go along with whatever Natalie wanted. But, before that could happen, she would have to get them to talk to one another.
Snatching up the report, Grace headed into the precinct, her first action being to drop the report off with Chris Chambers. Then, she let her attention focus on Nick. As he sat at his desk, she could see the tension. Just like Natalie, he seemed to be immersing himself in his work.
She walked steadily up to Nick and his partner's desks. When he didn't notice she was there, Grace cleared her throat. Even before all of his attention was on her, she stated, "I need to talk to you for a minute, Nick."
"Uh...sure."
"*Privately*," she emphasized, sure that the other detective noticed as well. She watched Nick slowly stand, no doubt wondering why she was here.
As he led them into the break room, he thankfully noted that it was still empty. "What do you need?"
"Nick, did you know that Natalie's overworking herself? And I mean _overworking_." Grace let the information sink in for a second, and then asked, "Do you know why she's doing this? You. Not just you, but more specifically you and Janette. She dropped by your place a few days ago and saw you two together."
Nick caught his balance on a nearby chair. This is definitely not what he'd been expecting to hear from Grace. "It's not what...."
"Don't tell that to me, tell it to Natalie. But, the point is, either you two start acting like you're in a relationship, or you should end it. I don't like seeing Natalie getting hurt, and that's what she is right now. Very hurt."
"I never...." He trailed off, knowing it wasn't true. He had hurt Nat by returning to Toronto. By staying, he'd just made things that much worse. "It's what I am, Grace. No matter what I do, I hurt her, I...." How could he explain this to her? What he was destroyed the mortals around him...but he couldn't stay away from Natalie. He shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I-I can't end it, not now." He met Grace's eyes, catching the faint anger behind them. Then, he turned and left the room without another word.
Approaching his desk, he paused a moment before continuing toward the exit. He needed some fresh air--now. Coming out the main doors, he felt someone prodding his thoughts. Shutting them out as much as he could, he continued down the steps, walking toward the parking lot. He really didn't want to think about any of the recent events. With the Ancient's prodding, every word of the offer came back.
Reaching his destination, he considered taking off right there, but the sound of a heartbeat interrupted him. He turned toward the mortal. His eyes met Marks', at which time they both froze.
Before either could comment, Nick heard something else. Within a second's time, a vampire stood about halfway between them. Marks' attention turned fully on the new arrival, and Nick's fluctuated between the two. Studying the vampire, Nick saw the stake held at his side. An Enforcer, it had to be.
"There has been no infringement. Leave," he stated, even though he doubted the vampire would listen.
"This is a warning for LaCroix from the Council."
Almost no time passed before the Enforcer flew toward him. There was just enough time to divert the descending stake. Nick shoved the other away, but the vampire had managed to grab hold of him, pulling him along as well. Eventually, it resulted in both of them losing their balance and tumbling into the pavement.
Once he was standing again, Nick refocused on the Enforcer, only to find another standing before him, a third just a little further away. With one, he could have dealt with them, but three.... Nick kept his attention as even as he could between them, and he could see that all three were armed. The two nearest him held simple, yet deadly stakes, the third gripping a crossbow.
The first took a second pass at him, the second stood still, and the third took aim in their general direction. With splitting his attention between the first and third, he took several hits. As the bow was more accurately aimed, he waited until the bolt was released. Once it was, he took the opportunity, pulling his attacker into the line of fire.
The bolt was right on target, hitting the Enforcer just right of the heart, a scream of agony filling the parking lot. With little thought or effort, Nick took the stake that was held loosely in the vampire's hand. A second later, he plunged it into the Enforcer's heart, effectively cutting off the scream. Then, he let the vampire fall to the ground, grasping uselessly at his fatal wound.
Only now did he feel his eyes glow, his vision tinted in a field of amber. Turning to the second, he caught a faint hint of hesitation on the other's part. Then, as the Enforcer flew at him, he snarled, throwing the vampire into the pavement. Catching Marks' expression of utter terror, Nick glanced behind him. The third Enforcer was holding the bow level at Mark's chest.
Seeing the trigger move, Nick, nearly halfway between the two, flew toward Marks. He pushed the mortal out of the way, the bolt shattering on impact with the building. Turning, Nick just barely caught sight of LaCroix, who was dealing with the shooter, before he was under attack from the remaining Enforcer.
Heartbeats pounded in his ears as those in the precinct undoubtedly came outside, curious of what was going on. As he defended himself from the attack, he could feel not only LaCroix, but Aha nearby as well. He had to end this, and now.
His opponent was, although an Enforcer with increased speed and strength, a mere fraction of his age. That was enough to give him the upper hand. Twisting the other's arm, he first forced the stake free and to the ground. Then, he pushed the Enforcer in the same direction, forcing them to the ground. Retrieving the stake, Nick stood, stating, "Leave if you value your life."
The vampire stood and seemed to consider the words. Another second, and he once again flew toward Nick. The younger vampire was easily thrown into the building, the stake following close behind, hitting its target right on.
As utter silence surrounded him, Nick could feel Aha's presence increase. Glancing up, he could see the Ancient on the top of a nearby building. There was a faint fanged grin staring back at him, and then nothing as the other vampire took to the air.
Looking around him, Nick could see the remains of three vampires, all turning to ash. His father stood over one, the elder vampire's attention focused on him, as was every mortal's. He could hear a couple of whispered comments, and one conversation struck him more than the others--they had seen him, and the others, fly. LaCroix had landed right in the parking lot before them, but no one, except perhaps Tracy, knew of their abilities. He closed his eyes, pushing the gold away and retracting his fangs that, until now, he was unaware had even descended.
This week had not been his week, nor did it look like it would be getting better anytime soon....
Pawns of Kings (42/52)
As they arrived on the scene, Tracy and Reese surveyed the parking lot, noting the piles of ash and scorched wood on the pavement. As Reese listened in on the conversations, Tracy kept walking, her path leading her straight toward Nick.
Before she arrived, his senses told her she was there. He opened his eyes to face his partner, and immediately looked away and toward LaCroix. Then, it hit him. If the Enforcers came here, what would stop them from going to the morgue?
Nick quickly approached LaCroix, leaving behind a faintly annoyed Tracy. He tried to lead them away from the crowd of mortals, but the elder vampire wouldn't budge. Moving closer, he stated, "Natalie. If they'd come here, they might go there as well. I have to go to her...." After trailing off, he tried to bypass LaCroix.
Firmly grabbing his son's arm, LaCroix whispered in his ear. "I will 'check' on her. I believe you have other problems right now, ones that will lead to questions you would be better at answering."
Before he could protest, LaCroix took to the air, effectively making his task more complicated than it already was. Hearing Reese usher the onlookers back into the precinct, Nick retrieved the various weapons and their pieces. Marks hung around a moment longer than the rest, but apparently saw that now was not the time to ask his questions.
Reese watched his detective calmly pick up much of the scenes evidence. Nick had, from what he'd learned in the past couple of minutes, killed two other vampires. In the mortal world, a crime on another mortal was obviously police business, but this didn't reside under 'mortal' law. As all actual 'participants' were members of the vampire Community, there was nothing he could do about it. True, one of the vampires had apparently taken aim at one of the other detectives, but that was a different, and now redundant, matter. Whatever punishment would be dealt would be done so within the Community. Apparently, LaCroix didn't seem too concerned, as he had, in fact, killed one of the three. "Nick...I hate to ask, but what happened here?"
That stopped Nick cold. What was he supposed to say? That they pissed the Council off just a bit too much and this was the price? "It was a warning." Reese wasn't taking it. "Those that...were here, they were Enforcers. I've already explained what they are."
"And I don't think your Council is going to take this well, will they?"
"No, not really. But, this was just a warning." Nick turned away, looking across the parking lot. "They were young. They didn't often have the opportunity to deal with older vampires. Whether or not we had killed them they wouldn't have lived through the night. The Council would have done it themselves if we hadn't. If the Council had no visible part in it, it would make them look better when it hits the news."
Reese nodded. Now, the action made some sense to him. "And since you and LaCroix killed them, it will in turn lower the populace's opinion toward you."
"Exactly."
"You know, Nick...you and LaCroix are going to have some explaining to do." He paused, and then squarely met his detective's gaze. "Flying isn't what could be called a 'normal' ability, not to us mortals." Reese watched Nick squirm slightly, the topic clearly not something Nick wanted to discus. "Well, I think you might want to go over to the morgue and put events straight, if you know what I mean. After that, I want you in my office, and if possible, I want LaCroix there as well. I'll forward whatever I'm told to the mayor. He can get the information to whomever needs it."
Nick didn't move as Reese left, no doubt on his way to his office to settle down the higher-ups once they got wind of this. About ready to leave for the morgue, Nick felt something. Glancing back, he found Antonius behind him.
"I would hate to be in your position right now."
"You are, Antonius. We're on the same side."
"On the same side, yes. In the same position, no." Antonius paused, moving in front of Nick. "I don't have to explain all of this. I'm not really involved, and I'm happy for that, at least. Janette is in the same position as me. You and LaCroix have been singled out by both sides, I'm afraid."
Nick sighed. He knew they'd been singled out, at least for the moment. Hopefully it would stay that way, but...he wouldn't bet on it. "What are you doing here? You've been avoiding mortals of late."
"LaCroix sent me. He wants me to stay here until you get back in case anything else happens."
His father hadn't mentioned anything about calling Antonius, but it was probably for the best. The precinct would have a 'guard' until his return, although he certainly didn't envy him the task. "Well, call Janette and have her meet me at the morgue." Catching a faint nod, Nick turned. For the first time, took off in the open without care for onlookers.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Natalie sat impatiently at her desk. Glancing up for what had to be the fiftieth time in the last fifteen minutes, she again found LaCroix, standing, seemingly interested in something on the other side of the room. Although he wouldn't answer any of her questions, a technician had already spilt the news to the morgue.
Three vampires had attacked Nick at the precinct, and apparently he and LaCroix had killed them all. Not only did they do this in front of a mortal audience, but both had also been noted as having certain abilities--abnormally super speed and flight.
Watching LaCroix' attention shift to the door, Natalie turned and waited. A few seconds later, Grace walked in confidently but stopped upon seeing her guest.
"Could I speak to Natalie alone?"
First, LaCroix shot a glare at Grace, but catching one of the doctor's own, he silently acquiesced.
Grace stood her ground as the vampire passed her. Waiting a moment, she stepped further into the room. "What is *he* doing here?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but it does have something to do with whatever happened at the precinct."
"Well, I was talking to Nick, and then he left, went outside. Apparently, he was attacked. I was one of the first out of the precinct, and you wouldn't believe what I saw...." Grace paused and moved closer. "Nick killed two of them. I didn't see any hesitation of thought, nothing. There wasn't even any hint of effort. It was like he was used to what he did. He was so fast, and so was his attacker. One thing I will say though, he saved one of the detectives. I don't know his name, but I've seen him around before."
She paused hearing Grace's words. Nick had easily slipped back into what he was. She was losing him, and had been ever since he had returned to Toronto. Even before he'd left, she'd already lost him, but had never dared to acknowledge it. It had been too much then, and now it was like she was just going though the motions.
"Nick's a lot more than any of us thought. They are killers, Natalie. That's what they are. Both Nick and LaCroix proved it tonight. They both kill without concern, and their own kind, at that. I think we should be more wary about them, Nick included."
"Yes, he is. He's also a whole lot more than just a killer. He might have been one at one time, but he isn't anymore."
"He killed them, Nat. How can you say that?"
Natalie didn't like the direction this conversation was going, or the direction of many of Grace's recent discussions. "Because killing is no longer his sole activity. It's not what he lives for." Once again, she was defending Nick, and for the first time she asked herself why. If she had 'lost' Nick as she had told herself just a few minutes before, why was she still trying to protect him? But, she knew. She still wanted him to be her friend, even if he did go back to LaCroix.
"Just take care, okay, Natalie? You've been hurt enough by him. I don't like seeing my friends hurt. If you want anything, and I mean anything, just ask."
Natalie sadly nodded. It was assuring that Grace would be there for her, but everything seemed to come back to Nick. His life was consuming her to the point that that's all that hers concerned. Turning to Grace, she saw the other woman standing expectantly, waiting. "I'll be fine, Grace." The attempt wasn't enough, and she continued, "I'll be here tomorrow night, if that's what you're wondering. Nick isn't going to kill me, and certainly not within the next eighteen hours or so."
"Well...just make sure of that. Oh, and another thing--don't ask me to deliver anything to the 96th again, especially if that kind of stuff happens all of the time. Remember, I moved here to get away from some of the crazy stuff."
Catching Grace's obviously joking expression, she couldn't help but smile herself. "I'll try, but I can't promise you that last one." Watching Grace nod, Natalie waited as she slowly left, a moment later her presence being replaced with LaCroix'.
"And what would Nicholas say about your friend's concern?"
She was a little surprised by the question, but quickly answered, "That it was valid."
"Indeed it is, and unless you want to break your words to her, perhaps you should heed them."
"You know I won't."
"Yes, I do." As his attention was diverted to the door, he let his lips curl into a slight smile.
Natalie also turned to the door, watching as Nick cautiously entered. Their eyes only met for a second before he approached LaCroix. It was clear that something was up behind his mask.
"Reese wants us both in his office. He's going to take care of the paperwork, but we do have some explaining to do."
"And what about..." he trailed off, his senses telling him the answer. Even without his link to her, he could feel Janette's approach. "Very well. I suppose we should deal with this before it gets out of hand." LaCroix focused on Natalie. Giving her a slight nod, he turned and left.
Nick hesitated, at first preparing to speak, but then backed up and followed LaCroix out.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Standing just outside the Raven, Natalie was exhausted. Janette had arrived soon after Nick and LaCroix had left, making the last part of her shift nearly unbearable. Again, it wasn't Janette's actions that affected her mood. In fact, Janette had been very polite. The vampiress had been almost curious, attempting to ask an occasional question. It was just that every time she saw Janette, her mind put Nick, smiling, right next to her.
Natalie shook the thought away and stared up at the building. She had already gone by the loft, but no one was home. She walked past the Raven to a small door just above street level. The stairs inside would lead her to the same door as the stairs inside the club. Natalie hesitated, but knew that at least one of the three would already know she was there and LaCroix would be greeting her before her knuckles even rapped on the door.
Sighing, she boldly, but carefully pushed the door open and ascended the stairs. True to her thoughts, LaCroix was already waiting for her, the door opening just before she reached the landing. He silently let her pass, and looking around she couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. Nick wasn't visible, and neither was Janette.
First, she checked the kitchen, thinking Nick might be in there. Returning, she walked down the hall, a slight bump in her gate as she walked passed Janette's room before continuing to Nick's.
The door was open, only a candle lighting the room. Although it was a little dim, she would comment that the flame's placement, oh so close to a small mirror, did an excellent job with the light. She could clearly see Janette sitting on the bed's edge, Nick just beyond her.
Another hint of sadness crept in. Nick was going back to them. Watching Janette's fingers trace Nick's jaw line as he slept, her mood only became grayer. Perhaps she shouldn't have come? Taking a step back, she nearly gasped as she hit a tall, fairly rigid surface. A hand, no doubt LaCroix', manifested on her shoulder, and amazingly, she actually relaxed with the touch.
LaCroix bent over so that his lips were even to her ear. "Go to him," he whispered, releasing his hold.
She took a step, and then paused. As Janette moved away, Natalie approached further, until she and the vampiress had effectively switched places. "Is he okay?"
"He's fine, Doctor. Sleeping...as he often does."
About to ask another question, she had it answered as the palm of her hand cradled the side of Nick's face. A slight sensation, she wasn't sure what to call it, told her that Nick's memories were plaguing him. He was sleeping soundly, yes, but there was a touch of sadness, perhaps even regret to his experiences.
LaCroix ushered Janette out. Seeing his expression, Natalie followed as well before he shut the door tightly behind them. Janette left to the kitchen, and LaCroix followed her into the main room.
"You are welcome to stay the day if you wish, although I'm afraid there are no extra rooms."
Natalie considered her response. Would Nick want her to stay? He had both LaCroix and Janette there already; did he really need a third person crowding him? "I'll stay," she stated confidently. "I'll sleep out here."
"Very well. Janette will get you whatever you need."
She watched as LaCroix turned and headed down the hall. A moment later, Janette returned from the kitchen. Their eyes locked, and she had no idea what to say to the other woman....
Pawns of Kings (43/52)
Time passed awkwardly for about three minutes by Natalie's guess. Still, she had no idea what to say to Janette, and as it turned out, she didn't need to.
"Natalie...I want to apologize for being bothersome to you tonight. I shouldn't have interrupted your work."
"That's fine," she automatically replied. "There wasn't much for me to do anyway."
"I don't blame you for your dislike of me. Yes, Nick and I are close, but we will never again have what we once did. It wasn't meant to be. I know that now, and you should as well." Janette paused, glancing momentarily away. "Nicolas loves you more than you know. He has refused my offers to relieve his tension, but the blood...we need it to keep sane. What he really wants and needs is *your* blood, not mine. He's been struggling with it over the past several days."
"I...I...." She didn't know what to say. This was about the last thing she was expecting to hear from Janette. She was, to put it mildly, stunned. "How...how do you know this?"
"The blood. It sends signals both ways, especially with Nicolas, as he does not know how to block them. He loves *you*, Natalie, not me."
"But, how...? I mean, I'm mortal, I cannot give him anything-"
"I know Nicolas. Your presence is plenty. Yet, his body asks for something in return, and he's not letting it have what it needs." Again, Janette paused, this time to drop her voice to a whisper. "I am asking this for Nicolas, not LaCroix.... If you want to make him feel better, you need to show him that it is safe to take a little. I know what happened before, but now should be different."
Natalie tried to voice her answer, but Janette cut her off first.
"Just sleep, Natalie. It is only a request. Think about it. If you can, forgive Nicolas for his actions; they were not meant to harm you. I will return shortly...I assume you would like to sleep on more than just the cushions?"
She nodded, her eyes following Janette until the other woman was out of sight. Natalie wanted to take Janette's advice, but Nick...he treated her like a curious child would a porcelain doll. Despite his actions, she had not broken, nor would she. She barely noticed as Janette brought her a pillow and blanket and laid them out on the couch. Nor did she remember the other woman leaving her, or sitting down for that matter, as she drifted off to sleep.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
LaCroix jolted awake. As of late, his first action was to insure that Nicholas was fine. Although he seemed so, he definitely was not asleep. Getting out of bed, he followed the thread that connected them down the hall. What he found was Nicholas sitting next to the couch. His son's fingers were entangled with the mortal's, his thumbs rubbing in circular motions alternatively across her palm and the back of her hand.
While he silently watched his son, Nicholas abruptly looked up at him, the ministrations ceasing and a tenseness filling his son. At first, the reason was unknown, but after a minute, the reason hit him through their bond. Nicholas didn't know if he was still going to keep his side of the deal they had made so many years ago.
Although he desperately wanted his son as far from this mortal as possible, he was fully aware of the repercussions. Besides, lately he had seen the doctor coming closer to their way of thinking. Perhaps she could eventually be persuaded to come across....
"You have nothing to fear from me, Nicholas, and neither does your precious Natalie. I lay no claim on her."
"But...."
LaCroix approached, focusing on Natalie's slow, steady breathing. "You have suffered more in your attempts to distance yourself from her than I did when leaving your sister. The debt has already been paid."
The words he'd waited for, had planned on waiting an eternity for, had been said. But, he didn't really feel the pressure lift from him, and he knew why. "I don't want to hurt her, but I know I will...that I already have."
"Yes, perhaps that is true...." LaCroix paused, standing and putting some distance between them. Natalie was all his son thought of lately. He needed something.... Then he got an idea, something that might help them both. "But, has she turned her back on you, to our kind? Even after all that she's experienced, she comes back. It's like the moth to the flame, but the question is...who's the moth, and who's the flame?"
Nick considered the question, but didn't know the answer. He didn't even know if LaCroix did.
"It is the moth's nature to go to the flame. The flame then consumes it and grows brighter. The moth has fulfilled its fate, and the flame is stronger for the experience. You, as Natalie, are the moth who feeds the other's flame. But, only if you embrace what you are, as does the unfaltering moth, will either of you feel the flame burn."
As he let his mind make whatever conclusions it chose, Nick suddenly felt sick. Was LaCroix suggesting what he thought he was suggesting? "You want me to bring Natalie across."
"No, nothing quite that drastic." 'Not yet, at least,' he added to himself. "Let your nature be shown. Don't hide it from her. Revel in the sensations you get. Use them to temper your hunger, to feed your flame."
"But, the flame kills the-"
"Yes, I have to admit there are a few flaws...I agree. The idea is what I wanted you to focus on, not the science." He watched as Nicholas bowed his head, and then leaned against the couch. After a moment, his son again took the mortal's hand, continuing his earlier actions. "The moth becomes a part of the other. That moth is then reborn, starting the process anew.... Is that better?"
Nick looked up to see a smirk plastered on his father's face. LaCroix was, hopefully, just amusing himself with his reaction. He decided to push LaCroix' good mood a bit further. "Perhaps you should have said that before admitting your..." he fumbled for a word that wouldn't set LaCroix off, "...slip."
Raising his eyebrows, LaCroix was faintly surprised. Nicholas hadn't used 'mistake' as would have been entirely appropriate. When he didn't comment, he felt Nicholas again relax. As his son's attention returned to the mortal, LaCroix' gaze caught on the glass on the table. It was empty. Carefully retrieving the glass, he went to the kitchen to refill it, pouring a second for himself.
On the way back, he set the glass back on the table, letting the bottom clank faintly with the hard wood. The sound made Nicholas jump slightly. Yes, Nicholas' thoughts were indeed off in their own little world. He took a sip of his glass, watching as his son picked up the glass, his thoughts already lost. "Don't spill it," he stated in a whisper, again startling Nicholas, the blood nearly pouring over the edge.
As Nicholas drank the top portion of the glass, LaCroix' lips curled up into a smile, and he left the two alone. Nicholas was coming back to him. Yes, it was going very slowly, but it was happening nonetheless. Before he'd thought of the doctor as an obstacle. Even with her advice, that had, indeed worked as she said it would, he had still seen her more as a resource than anything, but now....
A resource, yes, but she was so much more. In truth, he didn't really mind her presence. She was, as far as mortals went, one of only a select few he'd seen in the last century that he believed would thrive as a vampire in this modern world. As a scientist, she had to continuously adapt, keep up with the rapidly changing technology. For vampires, that ability was indispensable.
Even he, and to a greater extent, Nicholas, had been on this new 'internet' several years before many mortals. They had, through time, learned how to adapt. Yet, the last two centuries had taken their toll on some of the older members of the Community. Time had flown past so quickly, overwhelming some of his kind.
But, Natalie would never have a problem adapting to the future. He would even go so far to say that the idea of being able to live through history, into the future to see what came off the recent advancement, enticed her. But then, he knew that would be very tempting to most mortals.
The one thing she would have a difficulty with, he suspected, would be integrating into the Community. For several years, she had been just outside its edges, doing far more than even the Community did to conceal their presence. Yet, for this, things could be done to ease the transition. His smile increased in intensity. Not only would this help her if she chose to come across, but it would increase the possibility that she would do so in the first place. Then, his family would be complete, and it would stay that way.
He finished off his glass, placed it next to his alarm clock, and settled back in bed. Nicholas was in the same place as he had left him in. Gently, he prodded his son's thoughts before closing his eyes to sleep.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Natalie hummed slightly as she played a game of solitaire on her computer. Work was slow, too slow. She was happy, but it had nothing to do with her lack of patients.
Upon waking that evening, she had found Nick next to the couch, his head resting on top of her hand. Although she had to leave for home to get ready for work, Nick had promised to visit on his lunch break.
Taking a peek at the clock, she continued on with her game. She was hungry, but knowing Nick would be coming soon, she had chosen to wait. Even as her stomach protested once more, she reminded herself of her decision.
Upon hearing the door open, she perked up. Catching sight of Grace, Natalie suddenly realized that if it *had* been Nick, she wouldn't have heard anything. "Hi Grace."
"I was just coming to see if you wanted some lunch? I brought extra chicken...."
Natalie's stomach betrayed her, making itself evident in the room, a blush brightening her skin.
"Well, that settles it. Chicken coming right up."
Grace left before she could respond, and all she hoped was that Nick didn't arrive in the middle of her meal. She played another game of solitaire, her mind so preoccupied it didn't take long before there weren't any moves possible. Sometime she really needed to go into the options and change it from deal three to deal-
Someone cleared their throat, and she looked up to see a smiling Nick.
"What are you doing?" he asked, trying to get a look at her computer.
"Losing at solitaire...filling time...." She didn't get to add another comment before her stomach rumbled again.
"....and ignoring your stomach."
"Look who's talking, Mr. Deprive Himself."
"And what am I depriving myself of?"
Natalie stood, and walked slowly around to the other side of the desk. She'd been planning this ever since her shift had begun. Now, it was time to go through with it.
Stopping just in front of him, she answered, "Me." Before Nick could react, she kissed him. He pulled away as she had expected. "See...."
"I-" What did he want? LaCroix' words had been with him for hours, and he was beginning to believe them. Could he temper his hunger enough? Could he use what he felt to control his hunger? Slowly, he returned the kiss, allowing it to deepen, his fangs quickly descending.
Again, Natalie found him pulling away, but this time he turned as well. Taking his chin, she forced him to look at her, his golden eyes shining with need. He tried to advert his eyes, eventually giving up and just closing them to hide from her. "Look at me, Nick." After a pause he did, at which she told him, "Don't hide from me, I want to see all of you."
As she kissed him again, he let her run her tongue across his fangs. Tasting a hint of her blood, he knew it had been a mistake. As the flow of sweet liquid stopped, he slowly pulled back, his want for her blood greater than before. His vision was clouded with a gold-crimson haze, and he didn't know how much more he could take.
Natalie turned her head slightly, her neck enticing him closer. With a moment of hesitation, LaCroix' words replayed in his mind. 'Revel in the sensations you get. Use them to temper your hunger, to feed your flame.'
Then, as his need and hunger outweighed his concern, the last words replayed to him. 'Feed your flame.' His flame was his hunger, and it was ready for a meal.
His fangs quickly embedded themselves into the soft flesh. All he could think of was the sensations from the blood. It was amazing. There was no malice, no fear...the blood was all revealing. Everything was being given to him, made into him, feeding him....
"Chicken's rea- Ah...Nat?"
The sound immediately caught his attention, angering him. How dare someone interrupt him! He moved, turning and holding Nat against him. He first hissed, and then snarled at the mortal. A second later, her identity hit him--Grace.
The hunger melted away, and he looked down to find Natalie clutching loosely to his arms, her breathing heavier than it should have been. What had he done?
Focusing on Natalie's heartbeat, he could hear it; slow but steady. Her breathing was also evening out as her body shut down in order to sleep and heal. Holding her, Nick let his lips just brush against her temple.
He had nearly killed her, that's what he had done. Raising his head, his eyes still golden, the taste of Natalie's blood lingering in his mouth, he met Grace's gaze.
Grace stared back at him disbelievingly. Nick tried to think of something to say...but what could he? He had nearly killed Nat. Nick watched stunned as Grace put the food to the side, prying Natalie away from him.
Natalie was just barely conscious, and he wasn't sure what to make of the expression on her face. She was upset, probably in response to his loss of control, which had nearly ended in the loss of her life. He bowed his head as Grace took Natalie to the file room, waiting until he heard the door close. As the gold began to fade, he flew from the room wanting to get as far away as he possibly could.
Pawns of Kings (44/52)
Nicholas was at the bar, drinking a substantial quantity of blood-wine. LaCroix watched from a distance as the mortals, and even many of the Community avoided him. He didn't blame them--not with the anger just under the surface, or the gold shining in Nicholas' eyes. Still, he had to do something. His son was scaring away his customers.
He approached, but saw no sign that the younger had noticed. "I see you are feeling more yourself tonight, Nicholas."
"Can it, LaCroix!" Nick snapped. "Just...let me be."
Nicholas' response was not what he'd expected. Without thinking, he snarled, "I will not!" With the sudden silence that had come over the immediate vicinity, LaCroix first took the glass from Nicholas' hand, and then half-dragged the younger into his office, slamming the door behind them. "I know where your feelings are coming from. I can smell the doctor's blood on you. But this guilt...forget it! You know it only bri-"
"I nearly killed her, LaCroix!" Nick hissed, cutting the elder vampire off. As the small confines of the room abruptly became apparent to him, he began to pace. "I took almost as much blood as I had that first time. Your moth feeds the flame all right! It makes it burn out of control!" Nick stopped pacing, sobering slightly. "If Grace hadn't walked in when she did, Natalie would be dead."
So, that's what it was. He knew Nicholas had been feeling guilty, but he had expected it to be about taking her blood, not about this.
"LaCroix? When...if she comes by...don't let her in. Tell her I'm not here, that you don't know where I am." His father stiffened. "Please, LaCroix."
He considered the request. For now, he needed to calm the Raven, but later he would have a 'talk' with Nicholas. "Fine, but you will go up to the apartment, and I will not see you in the club again tonight."
With a faint nod, Nick slipped out of the room much calmer than when he'd entered.
LaCroix shook his head. Where Nicholas and his moods were concerned, it was a perpetual case of maintenance. He would certainly need to calm his son during the day, but for now, he had other tasks. First he would get the Raven back to 'normal', and then he was going to find out what really happened from Natalie. He wanted to know the situation _before_ he discussed it with Nicholas. Most likely, his son had twisted the events, making it sound worse than it really was.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
It had taken less time than he had suspected at the Raven. Only the few mortal customers had still been wary, but then, they were mortals. Their numbers had dropped significantly since the news had broken, and the majority of those that came kept themselves guarded. If not, they didn't stay mortal long.
LaCroix looked at his surroundings. He was in the morgue parking lot. With a cursory glance, he noticed the doctor's car was still there.
Yes, Nicholas must have indeed let his guilt get the better of him. If the doctor's car was still here, she must be fine. Entering the building, he stayed on the vaguely familiar path to her office. Upon entering, he noted it was empty, but two heartbeats were just on the edge of his senses.
One was quick and strong, but it was the second that caught his attention. It was Natalie's...slow but steady, but without further inspection he knew she would be fine with rest. He paused for a moment, then followed the rhythm to a nearby door.
Finding it open by about an inch, LaCroix pushed it in, watching as a woman turned toward him, squinting slightly at the brighter light. The woman's name was Grace...he remembered the faint memories from Nicholas' blood from months before.
Seeing the vampire in the doorway, all she could feel was anger. Grace did her best in suppressing it, evenly stating, "I don't know why you're here, but get out."
"I wanted to speak with...Natalie...." He let the name roll off his tongue, and then stopped. "Nicholas is agitated. Although he had mentioned what had happened, I had believed the events to be exaggerated. I see now that they were not."
"Apparently not. Now that your curiosity has been filled, I want you to leave before you wake her up. Natalie needs rest and lots of it. What she doesn't need is your kind hanging around her, killing her."
LaCroix let his eyes burn gold. He didn't comment, knowing full well his answer would only be twisted. Yes, by being in the presence of his kind Natalie very well could succumb to death, probably sooner than if she kept her distance. But, the decision wasn't entirely his and Nicholas'. The doctor had made several visits to the Raven, to Nicholas, on her own. She knew the risks better than most mortals.
He knelt down for a second, letting his fingers brush against her face. She was indeed an unusual mortal. Not only had she captured Nicholas' eye, but his as well. His own thoughts had occasionally centered on her of late. Straightening, he felt Grace's sight following him. LaCroix turned to her with icy blue eyes. When it sent a shiver down her spine, he smiled faintly.
"You're not going to make her one of you."
It was a statement, her tone nearly making it a threat. Depending on how the future was told, however, it wouldn't necessarily ring true. "If it comes to it, the decision will be hers. But, I will not refuse if she asks." Turning, LaCroix made it to the door. He considered giving Grace a message. Instead, he glanced back once more, and then left.
This friend of the doctor's alone would do more to deter Natalie from the Raven than anything he could say. And for the time being, she needed to stay away...at least until Nicholas was thinking straight again.
Now, it was off to Antonius' to get a few extra bottles for the day, and from there, finally back to the Raven.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
The club was nearly empty as he passed through it. Only a few strays that Janette had already adopted and was thankfully keeping herself busy with. He did not need any of her persuasions to interfere at the moment.
Entering his apartment, he found Nicholas staring blankly at the black television screen. At least his son had apparently done as was asked. Dropping the bottles off in the kitchen, he poured a single glass before returning to the other room.
Nicholas seemed to pay him no heed as he had arrived, or as he approached closer. Stopping just a couple of feet away, he asked, "Time is going slow tonight, isn't it?"
"Leave me alone, LaCroix. I don't want to talk about anything."
LaCroix abruptly sat on the couch holding the glass out. "Not even a drink? Earlier you were having quite a time, I believe."
"I don't want it."
"Very well." LaCroix took a sip from the glass, placing it on the table. Then, he grabbed the remote and leaned back. "What would strike your fancy this morning? News? No, that's too repetitive and nothing to concern us with. Perhaps one of the mortal's extrapolations of the future, then? Or history, or-"
"Leave me alone!"
"If you had wanted to be left alone, why did you come here? You could have just as easily gone to your place, but you didn't." LaCroix waited and watched as his son first stiffened, and then relaxed.
"I nearly killed her. How am I supposed to be near her without doing so again?" Nick took in his father's silence. "I can still taste her blood. It makes my hunger burn for more. Nothing subdues it. Not blood, not blood-wine, not anything. I...sort of helped myself," he said, nodding off toward the kitchen.
"I figured you would." LaCroix stood, Nicholas' eyes following his movements carefully. "Go to your room. I will bring you something to calm your hunger." As his son just sat there, he said, "Go, Nicholas. By refusing it you will only make it worse."
LaCroix waited until his son had disappeared down the hall. Returning to the kitchen, he took a mouthful of blood before setting his glass on the counter. Then, he took one of the bottles he had gotten from Antonius. It was of the most recent shipment, only about a day old. It would have to be fresh enough.
Carefully, he uncorked the bottle, filling a large mug about three-fourths full. Then, he placed it in the microwave, putting it in just long enough to make it about body temperature. Once it was done, LaCroix dipped his finger in it, licking off the warm liquid. It was just right.
Taking one of the seldom-used knives, LaCroix held his wrist over the warm blood and made a deep cut, letting the blood flow freely. As the mug was filled almost to the top, he sucked the blood away from the wound. Almost as an afterthought, he gently stirred the blood mixture, filling the immediate area with an almost unbearable aroma. He kept his control tight. This was for Nicholas, and only Nicholas.
Leaving his glass, he took the mug to Nicholas' room. Entering, he watched his son's eyes flash golden at the first scent of the blood. Nicholas, who had originally been sitting against the head of the bed, his legs pulled up to his chest, was now relaxed, his eyes not leaving the mug for a moment.
Accepting the cup being handed to him, Nick nearly spilled it in his haste to take it. He held it for a second with both hands, and then greedily drank its contents. The blood was a mixture of pure human blood and LaCroix'. The human blood was relatively fresh, and it had been warmed. This was as close to drinking from a human as one could get. Not only that, but LaCroix' blood provided a combination of strengthening the images from the mortal, and a power of its own that flowed into him. Together, the two sensations calmed his hunger as had been intended.
"More?"
He shook his head, giving the mug back to LaCroix and leaning back with his eyes closed. The blood had indeed calmed him, but the hunger was already trying to come back. He wanted blood, fresh human blood...Natalie's blood. That's what he wanted. Nothing else could be substituted for it. Feeling a faint touch on his cheek, he pulled away, glaring at LaCroix. "Don't, LaCroix. I want to be alone."
"Will you sleep?" Not waiting for Nicholas to voice his protest, he repeated, "Will you sleep? If you will, I will leave. If not, I will stay."
Nick seemed to consider this for a moment. He didn't know if he could sleep or not with all of the thoughts running around in his head. "I'll try, although I don't know if I'll be able to."
"That is all I ask. If you-"
"I know. Just...please...."
"As you wish, Nicholas." LaCroix planned to repeat his earlier action, but Nicholas pulled back first. Another second and he was gently closing the door, heading back to the kitchen and his own thoughts.
Pawns of Kings (45/52)
About mid-day, LaCroix found himself lying wide-awake. He wasn't really sure why, though. Everything seemed fine. Nicholas was calmer now than he had been since his arrival. Yet, something had to be wrong, otherwise he wouldn't have awakened.
He reached out across his and Nicholas' bond. To his surprise, he found the younger vampire awake. Perhaps not all was as well as it seemed, he decided, and went to Nicholas' room.
It wasn't difficult to see that the bed was empty. Almost immediately he focused on Nicholas' form across the room. His son was sitting with his back to the corner, his legs pulled up in front of him. In fact, he looked much like he had earlier that night, but this time he didn't relax.
"Nicholas?" Two midnight blue orbs starred silently back at him. Their depths seemed to twist like a whirlpool, leading him closer. An occasional bright blue or gold flashed in them, if only for a moment. They smoothly followed his movements while he approached. Raising his hand, LaCroix caught a faint flinch as he closed the distance between them.
Pulling back, the elder vampire sighed. "I cannot do anything to help unless you let me." Nicholas' eyes stayed focused on him, but he did nothing more. "Would you like me to bring you something?" Still nothing. Then, he caught an almost imperceptible quiver of his son's lip.
"Yes," Nick finally said, his fangs glinting in the darkness.
LaCroix didn't immediately react, the sight before him quite an unusual occurrence. Nicholas was so close to the edge, the doctor's blood still flowing through his veins. This was something he'd tried so hard to achieve in the past, but is this what he'd really wanted? For Nicholas to be so consumed by his nature that he couldn't think about his actions? Or, was it merely his acceptance of his nature that he wanted?
Nicholas' eyes pleaded with him, as they had occasionally done in the distant past. They demanded blood, the one thing that could both calm them and push them over the edge. It was everything to their kind, their survival, their way of experiencing life. Nicholas was no exception.
He left the room, carefully preparing the mixture much like he had that morning, but this time made it half and half. Returning, LaCroix found Nicholas much like he had been left, two hungry gold rings carefully watching the mug.
Again, it was almost immediately finished off. Nicholas held out the mug, silently pleading for more. LaCroix nodded, repeating the process twice more, keeping the mixture's consistency the same.
This time when Nicholas held it out for more, he refused. It turned a hungry Nicholas into an angry Nicholas. Although not exactly what he had intended, he could use Nicholas' anger to his advantage. He had in the past.
Standing still, LaCroix let his body relax even as the faint rumbling became louder. Eventually, it turned first into a hiss, and then a snarl. "No," he repeated, effectively starting a chain reaction.
As Nicholas flew forward, he was ready. He first trapped the younger within his hold, and then held him with Nicholas' back to him. Then, he waited until Nicholas ceased struggling. Releasing one of his son's arms, LaCroix offered him his wrist, which was quickly taken.
LaCroix closed his eyes as he felt his blood being pulled from him. It wasn't a gentle or careful action, but harsh and almost violent. He let Nicholas take all he wanted. When it finally stopped, LaCroix let him lean against him, which didn't last long as Nicholas let his muscles relax and was lowered to the floor.
"What do I do, LaCroix? Tell me." After a moment of silence, Nick let himself fall over. Slowly, he proceeded to curl up on his side. "I love her...I can't help it. If this continues...I'll kill her. Please, help me, Lucien."
LaCroix started at the use of his first name. It was rare, even when they had been on good terms, for him to ever hear it. Janette never called him that, none of his other children had, and neither had he let them. But, Nicholas.... He turned to Nicholas' form on the floor, the younger vampire's body shaking, if only faintly. "Anything."
"I can't leave here, neither can I stay away from her. If I see her again, I'm afraid I won't have control. Just thinking about...."
He waited, but Nicholas didn't continue. "And how do you want me to help?"
"Tell her to leave. Leave Toronto and me and start a new life. Find someone to set it up so that she'll stay safe." Behind him, he could feel his father stiffen. "Please, father...Lucien...."
LaCroix didn't answer. Why was he so hesitant now when there had been so many times in the past that he would have jumped at the chance Nicholas was now giving him?
"Lucien...."
He tried to block it out, but couldn't. He couldn't refuse Nicholas this. "Yes, I will tell her to leave, but I doubt she will do so."
"Please...."
He wouldn't make the promise complete. For some reason he couldn't, something was holding him back. After a second, LaCroix gently picked Nicholas up and took him to the bed. He wrapped the blankets tightly around Nicholas without protest, his son's body already entering a deep sleep. Then, he left the room, his thoughts not straying from Nicholas.
LaCroix continued to the kitchen where he found Janette ready with a glass of blood. He took it without comment, knowing full well that she too had been woken by Nicholas.
He had made it about halfway through the glass before he felt something. It was a familiar heartbeat coming up the stairs--Natalie's.
Janette started for the door, but he caught her arm, warning her with a glare to stay out of the matter. Then, he walked toward the door, opening it as he heard the footsteps stop.
Natalie stood just outside the door, one hand supporting her against the wall. Her fair complexion hit him first; a shade he rarely saw on the doctor's features.
"I know he's here. I want to talk to him."
"I do not-"
"Don't bother, LaCroix. Just let me see him. I don't care if he's awake or not." He stood before her, blocking her entry. "Please LaCroix. After I see him, I'll leave if that's what you want."
He sighed, allowing her passage into the apartment. As she continued down the hall, LaCroix followed her closely. When she opened the door to Nicholas' room, he held her shoulders to prevent her from approaching and very likely waking Nicholas.
She watched as Nick twitched every couple of seconds, obvious that something was torturing him. The bed had been nearly unmade by his movements. He was tangled within the sheets, and she wondered if his discomfort was contributing to his nightmares. "LaCroix? How...?"
"I seriously don't know. He asked that you not be allowed in." He felt Nicholas stir slightly, stating, "I think you should leave."
LaCroix pulled her back, leading her out of the room, but her attention stayed on Nick. He was waking. She could see it. Natalie watched as he turned on his side, his eyes opening, their golden hue staring calmly back at her--at least for a moment. The gold intensified, crimson slowly replacing it. She gasped at the sight, nearly able to feel his hunger.
She knew exactly what Nick wanted. It was her blood that he craved. As his pleading crimson eyes captured her, she felt herself being pulled away once more.
Nick snarled, at which she felt the pulling stop. Immediately her mind told her the danger she was in. Being as weak as she was, there would be no way she alone could escape him. Even LaCroix was taking care with the situation.
"The doctor was just leaving."
"No, she isn't..." he hissed, getting out of the bed, but not approaching any further.
LaCroix slowly moved in front of Natalie. The waiting tension inside of his son was finally released. As Nicholas sprung forward, LaCroix did his best to counter the move. Sensing Janette just behind him, he whispered, "Keep her safe, Janette."
It only took that momentary weakness for Nicholas to gain the upper hand. LaCroix felt himself being pushed toward the wall. Once the younger had pinned him there, he was dealt a strong blow to his jaw, pushing him off balance. By the time he had recovered, his son was already out of the room. LaCroix followed as quickly as he could.
Nicholas had cornered both Janette and Natalie in the corner near the door, but he wasn't making any further moves. It was almost as if his son wasn't sure what to do. "Nicholas...think about this. Don't let it control you. You are the beast's master. Take it and make it your slave. You are not weak, Nicholas."
Closing his eyes, Nick wasn't sure whether to tune LaCroix out or not. It had been LaCroix' words that had caused him to let his guard down before. He wanted Natalie's blood, wanted to take all of it, but he also wanted to protect her. The two objectives didn't match. If he killed her, he certainly wasn't protecting her. What was he supposed to do? As the conflicting choices tore him apart, Nick sunk to his knees. "Please, LaCroix...Lucien...."
LaCroix was faintly stunned at Nicholas' use of his name yet another time on the same night. He could see surprise from Janette, and confusion from Natalie. Closing the last couple of steps to Nicholas, LaCroix pulled his son to his feet.
Offering his wrist, Nicholas shook his head. "Drink Nicholas. Then, I will get you something else." His son obeyed, his fangs slipping slowly into his flesh. After a second, he could feel the blood slowly being pulled from him. Nicholas only drank for several seconds before pushing his wrist away and shaking his head. "Janette, take him to his room." She complied quickly, but Nicholas stiffened at her approach. "I will be there soon, now go." It took a moment, but Nicholas obeyed.
Once they were gone, LaCroix sighed and focused on Natalie. She hadn't said a thing, but he knew she had to have questions. He turned, going to the kitchen to prepare another mug for Nicholas. Her observant gaze watched his every move.
She didn't follow him as he went to his son's room. As expected, Nicholas drained the blood in a couple of seconds, holding it out for more. LaCroix nodded, heading back to the kitchen.
He paused at the counter, trying to regain some of his strength. In the past hour, Nicholas had nearly drained him. He needed his own sustenance. Yet, he would provide one more mug for Nicholas, but only one more. Then, he'd have to replenish his own blood.
Reaching for the refrigerator, he found Natalie blocking his way. She was holding the knife he'd used, his blood still clinging to its surface.
"Use mine."
LaCroix looked her over. Her exhaustion showed in everything about her. It was in her stance, her expression, even the rhythm of her heart. "No. You are too weak."
"It's what he needs. You know that, and I know that. Maybe it will satiate his hunger."
"And if it doesn't?"
The question hung in the air. "Then, it doesn't."
He locked his eyes on her, waiting for a falter, but none came. It was risky, but it might work. "Then, if Nicholas comes for you, what do you wish me to do?"
"Nothing. Let him take it. Like I said, it's what he needs."
"And you are weak. He *will* kill you if no action is taken."
"And I believe that it won't come to that."
Her statement was final. He set his jaw, taking the knife from her, and putting it in the sink. Retrieving another, he led her gently into the other room. "Lie down," he instructed. As she did so, he could feel just a hint of nervousness. She knew exactly what she was getting into.
Placing the mug and knife on the table, he gently raised her legs, letting them rest on the end of the couch. Then, he let her rest as he found a blanket. He covered her, tucking it tightly around her. Picking up the knife, he carefully took her arm, turning it over. LaCroix met her eyes, waiting for permission to continue.
Receiving a nod, he placed the blade to the inside of her arm, a fair distance away from her wrist. Making the cut, he let her blood flow into the mug. It's aroma wafted the short distance to him, the scent arousing his hunger. LaCroix pushed it away, forcing himself to remain in control.
As the mug reached half-full, he turned her arm with the wound on top, the blood still slowly flowing from the wound. He felt her pulse weaken. The cut had to be closed, and quickly. Coming closer to the wound, he asked, "May I?" his fangs just visible. A wave of fear coursed through her. "It will close the wound," he said, reminding her of the properties of his kind's saliva.
Natalie, barely conscious, nodded once, her eyes lazily following his movements. She watched nervously as his lips gently caressed her skin. He licked away the blood, his fangs brushing against her arm. Feeling a faint sucking sensation, he again licked the wound. Then, he laid her arm on her stomach, letting it rest limply. She could feel the cut tingling slightly from his actions. Drifting off, she hoped her idea would work....
...continued in part 46
Jarvinia
Pawns of Kings (39/52)
It had been a week and everything was quiet. Business was back to usual, or at least as usual as life in a morgue could be. Despite being shorthanded the last several weeks, the nightshift was far from behind. Three of her co-workers had quit within the last month, and Natalie heard that another technician was leaving within the week. In the last couple of months the crime rate on her shift had dropped dramatically, but if it ever flared up, they'd definitely be undermanned.
Natalie shifted in her chair, trying to get back to working on the form in front of her. Cause of death....
"Hey, Girl, it's been a long time."
The familiar voice stopped her in her tracks. "Grace?" she asked, looking up to meet the other woman's dark eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"I work here."
Natalie was stunned. "But...but I thought you had left for California for good...."
"So had I. If it weren't for everything that's been happening, I would have stayed. Crime rate's gone down so much...there's not enough bodies to shake a stick at, well, not at night anyway. Dayshift is getting all of the normal ones, and they've actually gotten more business. Nightshift...well, the ones we were getting were just plain weird. I needed a break. Is it any better up here in the center of everything?"
Center? Well, it *was* the center of most of the recent news, that was for sure. "Haven't seen too many 'weird' ones, if that's what you're asking."
"Good. I can deal with that." Grace paused. After glancing about the room, she leaned over Natalie's desk. "What I really want to know is how is everything going with you? I know you and Nick were friends, and, well...in case you haven't noticed he's been mixed up in this. In fact, the news has been going on more about him than the others--at least where I've been."
Natalie tensed. At first, she'd been overjoyed with Grace's presence. Now, she just wished Grace had waited on her question. "Number one, Nick is still my friend, and I have noticed..." she trailed off feeling something brush her mind.
A second later Nick walked in, stopping just inside the door. Walking down the hall, he had thought that the voice sounded familiar. Seeing Grace, he immediately forgot the reason for his visit. She was nervous. Whether it came from his presence or her fear of his reaction to her words, he didn't know. But, if Grace was back, he would probably be seeing a lot of her. "Natalie's known what I am for over six years, and there will be more publicity, I can almost assure that."
"Six years.... Nat?"
Natalie just barely heard Grace's words, focusing in on the new information. "Wait...more publicity? I thought everything was settled."
He sighed, letting his shoulders droop. "We are going to break off from the Council."
"You and LaCroix?"
Nodding, he elaborated, "And Janette and Antonius. Janette arrives tomorrow night. She'll be moving here until everything settles down."
'Until everything settles down,' Nat repeated to herself. Janette was nice and all, especially as far as vampires went, but she and Nick.... Natalie shrugged the thought off, not realizing that both Nick and Grace had noticed her tenseness.
"We're still planning. I think we'll make a move soon, perhaps in a month. Either that, or the Council will make it for us."
Grace, getting lost, prodded, "Council? What's this Council?"
He winced. He'd slipped, and now he had to explain. "Five of the eldest of my kind. They've been manipulating everything. From what was going on, our actions, and...they're also using me to control LaCroix."
"Damn, they're taking his only weakness," Natalie muttered, catching the other woman's attention immediately.
"Why would..." Grace trailed off, not sure what to ask.
Nick let out another sigh. He'd already told Grace far more than he wanted. Besides, he believed he could trust her. "LaCroix is the one who made me what I am." Expecting another question, he tried to remember why he'd come. The Carson case, that's right. "Nat, you said the Carson case was done?"
"Uh...yeah, just a second." Shuffling the papers on her desk, she couldn't find it. Where did she put it? Seeing a folder on the counter, she stood and walked over to it. Glancing momentarily at the folder, she handed it to Nick. "It was a suicide."
"Good, that's what all our evidence supports. I'm really not in the mood for a homicide. Not right now."
"Nick, if you do what you're planning, it's going to get worse."
"I know, but LaCroix' right about this." He turned his attention to Grace, who'd for the most part remained silent throughout their conversation. "Grace...I have to ask you to not speak to anyone else about this. No mention of a council, our plan, or my relation to LaCroix. Can you do that?"
'What was she supposed to do?' Grace asked herself. She had to admit that she didn't really trust Nick, or at least not what he was. "Yes. Other than Natalie, I wouldn't know who to tell."
Nick met her eyes, then spun and left as suddenly as he'd arrived.
Grace waited a moment, still able to see Nick's eyes boring into her own. He was different than before, she could feel it. He was darker somehow.... "Nat? Has he hurt you? In any way...any way at all?"
Natalie hesitated in her answer. Nick was just outside the door. She could feel it. "No, he hasn't. I trust Nick, and have for a long time."
She knew Natalie was lying. She had to be. "Nat, about the time Nick disappeared you were in the hospital. When I found out, I called. They said you had acute blood loss occurring without any explanation? You had told them you didn't remember anything, but you did, didn't you? Nick did that, didn't he?" Grace watched Natalie freeze, her muscles visibly tensing. "It's too much of a coincidence to be anything else. Besides, you were found at his place."
Still feeling Nick just outside the door, Natalie wished he would come back in, but he wouldn't. "Yes," she finally stated, "but it wasn't his fault...I knew he was going to take my blood that night. It was my request." Seeing Grace's disbelief, she further explained, "Right from the beginning when I first met him he had warned me back, telling me that he might unintentionally hurt me. I didn't listen then, and I'm still not. Like I said before, I trust Nick. I trust him with my life." When her friend didn't immediately comment, she was glad. Focusing on the door, she noticed Nick was gone.
"I still don't want to see you getting hurt."
With a deep breath, Natalie nodded. She could understand Grace's concern. Deep down she *was* afraid of getting hurt, but it would either happen or it wouldn't. "So...when do you start?"
"Officially, in three days. Right now I'm nightshift, but that might change."
"Yeah, I've been pulling a lot of double shifts to help the dayshift keep up," she commented. If it wasn't for Nick, she knew she probably would have switched shifts by now. But, she suddenly realized, now just about every decision she made depended on how it might affect Nick.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Three nights later:
Nick, Janette and Antonius sat in LaCroix' office, waiting for the latter to join them. He was late, and the three vampires' concern manifested in their uneasiness.
Feeling a hint of sensation, Nick looked up and LaCroix entered a second later. "Where were you?"
Slowly closing the door, he turned and stated, "Setting things in motion. I had a private meeting with the mayor to discuss our concerns and announce our intention to break from the Council."
"We had agreed to wait!"
LaCroix glared at his son, rapidly approaching and stopping just in front of Nicholas. "Yes, we had, but the Council will not wait as long as we need. Reach out with your senses, Nicholas, feel them closing in." When his son didn't respond, he ordered, "Now, Nicholas! Reach out and tell me what you feel!"
Closing his eyes, Nick did as told. Other than a faint connection to Aha, the Council's head, he didn't feel anything out of what had become normal over the past week. Then, it hit him. Over the last several days there had been something hiding just in the background. It was there, but not. The sensation was controlled, and it was getting closer. He looked up to LaCroix. "How did you know?"
"A contact in Paris. They left at sunset, bound for New York. It will only be a matter of time before they come here."
Nick stood, putting some distance between himself and LaCroix. "What did you tell the mayor?"
When LaCroix hesitated, Antonius stood as well. "Yes, what did you tell him?"
"That we wish to break from the rest of the Community and allow decisions to be based on a collaboration between city and Community government. The four of us will represent the Community in all matters."
Janette, who had been silent, spoke, "And you need me here because...?"
"Family, Janette, family. We have worked together in the past. We shall do so again." Catching a protest on her lips, he reminded her, "We might be further apart, but we are family and will always remain so."
LaCroix paused and moved behind his desk. Once seated, he let a few seconds of silence pass before starting. "As the Enforcers are under the Council's control, I want all of you to watch yourselves. Janette will stay here at all times, Antonius, you will return to the distributary and increase your security for what good it will do. You may leave." The three stood, and as his son was about to leave, he stated, "Not you, Nicholas. Close the door." Once done, he explained, "I know you must return to work, but take care. I don't know when the news will break, but I suspect it will happen sometime tonight."
"I'll be fine. The Enforcers will not act. I'm too involved with the mortals."
"Perhaps," he answered, fully aware the Enforcers might not care after the news broke. Opening one of the desk's drawers, LaCroix pulled out a flask and placed it on the far side of the desk. "Take it, Nicholas. Drink it when you need to. It is mine."
Nick hesitated on his master's last word, but did as he was told and nodded. A second later, he was gone from the office, on his way out of the club.
Pawns of Kings (40/52)
She and Nick had been patrolling since the beginning of their shift, about two hours before. Tracy had to admit that she was getting bored. Very, very bored. Nick didn't talk much, and at the moment the radio was off. Reaching for the dial, she switched it on, LaCroix' voice filling the car.
"...time has come. We will not allow ourselves to be pushed into a corner under guard or bolted into an empty room. We speak with our own voice now, the voice of this city's Community. We will not obey this new order, but will make our own-"
His eyes alternated between straight ahead and the dial. After a moment, Nick finally snapped the radio off.
Tracy shot a glare at her partner. "What did you do that for?" He just glanced toward her, then returned his eyes to the road. "What's he talking about, anyway?"
He looked at her again. She would know soon anyway. "We're breaking from Council control." Seeing Tracy's apparent confusion, he explained, "The Council was organized just before the news broke. Since then, they've been in complete control. The last straw was what happened when I was taken from the Raven. The 'Council' offered me something I couldn't refuse, particularly not after being emotionally weakened with the Kennington case. I was uncertain, but took it anyway, even though I quickly backed out of it. That's what they had expected, what they had planned. They wanted me to change my mind, which would leave them a link with me. They know what we're doing. We were going to wait, but...."
Her partner trailed off. She had remembered LaCroix' anger toward Reese. Later, she had discovered they were all the pawns of a Council, and now, the Council had ordered too many moves.
The two had patrolled another hour before returning to the precinct. Upon entering, Nick and Tracy could see several people gathered around a small television again. Tracy continued closer, wanting to know what was going on.
There was a slight pause in Nick's stride, his ears picking up the announcement with ease. LaCroix had been right about one thing--it wouldn't take long for it to get out.
Seeing Reese in the door of his office, Nick approached, not giving the Captain a chance to call him in. Entering, he stopped just inside the door. He waited silently as Reese closed the door and went to stand next to his desk.
"When is this going to end, Nick? I thought everything had been settled. Then, LaCroix goes and talks to the mayor about making a break with your Council."
"They are misusing their power. We have lived centuries without-"
"Yeah, I know, and so does the rest of Toronto. What I want to know is what are your intentions? What do you hope to achieve?"
"Primarily what you've heard. We want the Community to return to normal, to what it was like before the Council was formed."
Reese considered the distaste present when Nick said 'Council'. When the mayor had called him, that was something that had been mentioned--LaCroix' pronunciation, as if.... "What's with this dislike of this 'Council'?"
Nick froze, and then relaxed realizing Reese knew more or less nothing on what had gone on behind the scenes. "If I explain everything, you cannot let it leak to the precinct or anyone else." He waited a moment for his Captain's decision. Receiving a nod, he did as he had stated. He had explained the reasons behind LaCroix' outburst in the precinct, and all about the Council's offer. He even mentioned that the deaths of the Kennington children had been arranged by them to weaken him, and that the case's closure could very well have been a result of the Council's meddling.
Reese was silent. Finally, he'd been able to see the whole picture. He shook his head as he felt his anger rise. This group of vampires had committed murder, not for blood, but to help win Nick over and take what had obviously been a very tempting, but in the end, bogus offer. And all of this in the attempt to keep an eye on LaCroix. Why didn't they just threaten him to comply? Then, he asked the same question of Nick.
Taken off guard by the question, Nick explained why the Council's threats were more or less meaningless, how the Ancient's usually stayed out of the Community politics because alone they were no match for a group of younger vampires, but together in a group, they were almost unstoppable.
"In other words, they're taking advantage of what's happened."
Nick nodded. Yes, they had indeed been taken advantage of. "If we could do this without publicity, we would. But, the only way to make sure we can break away, is if we have something to back us up--public knowledge. They have the Enf-" He cut himself off, silently cursing to himself.
"They have what?"
"Nothing, Captain. Nothing."
"Nick, what do they have on their side?" Reese watched the detective fidget slightly. Apparently, Nick had just slipped, or almost slipped. "How much of an upper hand do these...whatever they are...give the Council?"
He sighed. It would have to be explained. "A big one. Enforcers. They're a kind of...police. They keep the Community in line by enforcing the Code. They're why it's taken so long for the world to discover us in the first place."
"And the Council controls them...."
Nodding again, Nick asked, "Could I...?" and trailed off, gesturing for the door.
"Yeah, go ahead. Although, it would be nice to know what's happening a little sooner. Whenever the news gets a hold of something to do with your Community, the precinct gets a little wobbly, as you might guess."
"I'll try, but I didn't know about this until a few hours ago. I don't know how much warning I can give, if any." Receiving a nod from the Captain, Nick slowly left the office, heading for his desk.
Sitting, he looked around for Tracy, and found her just leaving the crowd, coming toward him.
"So," she began, "How long do you think it will take to get this settled?"
"Hopefully not long. I really don't want to go through everything again, but at least this time we're speaking for ourselves." He paused, looking around on his desk. "Where did you put the Carson case?"
Tracy sighed as Nick changed the subject, pointing the folder out to her partner. After all, Reese did want that report in, and it was best not to have him kept waiting.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Arriving home, Nick went straight for the refrigerator. Pulling out one of the bottles, he stared at its contents for a moment. Then, he uncorked it, upending the half-full container. Stopping, he leaned back against the refrigerator, allowing his eyes to close while bathing in the sensations from the blood.
It had been too long since he'd allowed himself this pleasure. Raising the bottle a second time, he felt it being taken from his grasp. His eyes snapped open to find Janette standing right in front of him. "Janette...."
"Yes, mon Cher. You know, you should indulge yourself more often. It relaxes you, although I can think of something else to relax you..." she said, letting her words trail off. Then, moving closer, Janette let her lips just barely touch his, her hands on his shoulders. "I feel how troubled you are, Nicolas, and I know *exactly* what you need."
Janette kissed him again, this time deeper. He couldn't help but respond to her actions. She was right in that he was troubled, but he couldn't do what she was proposing. As she moved to kiss him again, he shook his head and stepped out of her range.
As he started across the room, she turned, but didn't follow. "Nicolas...don't push me away, not right now, not when you need me. I am offering you my blood, nothing more. I know you won't accept anything more than that."
Facing her, he opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't.
"Please, take it...as much as you want. I ask for nothing in return."
"Janette, no, I can't...Natalie...."
"I have no intention of separating you from your precious Natalie. But, I can feel your want for fresh blood. How long can you go before your craving overwhelms you, hmmm? If you wait too long, you know what the results could be."
"Yes. Yes, I know, but...." He stopped as she began to approach him, his sense of her vibrating softly. She continued until she stood right in front of him, filling his vision. He could feel her blood slowly flowing in her veins, the liquid calling to him. Feeling his fangs descend and his eyes burn with need, he stood as still as he could manage. How could he do this, now, when the thing that occupied the majority of his thoughts was Natalie? But, how could he not, knowing that Janette was right?
"Now, Nicolas, take it...."
Her pleading was all that was needed to lose his composure. He pulled Janette toward him in one swift motion, hesitating a mere fraction of a second before letting his fangs bury themselves in her neck, taking all that she was into him.
The blood was cool as it slid down his throat. It was something he'd labeled forbidden. But, for now, it was all he could think about. He felt Janette's life, both the faint flitting memories of her mortal life, the strong and often passionate memories of their past together, and also Janette's recent dalliance as a mortal. The last was something he had wanted for so many years, and she had obtained it so easily.
Every drop of her blood invigorated him, made him want for more. He kept drinking her life force until he could feel her weaken within his grasp. Only then did he pull away.
Janette leaned against him, what blood she had left not giving her enough energy to stand. Then, he realized just how much blood he had taken. He had nearly drained it all, his need so great and her body so willing. She was barely conscious, and would soon be asleep.
Picking her up, he gently carried her up to his room. Placing her on the bed, Nick felt her fingers still clutching to his back, a faint murmur asking him not to go.
So, he stayed. He slid into the bed with her, holding her firmly to him. Planning on only waiting for Janette to fall asleep before returning downstairs, he found himself dozing off.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Natalie shoved the door out of the way, entering Nick's apartment. Everything was dark, but then that was to be expected. It was just after noon, and she'd just gotten done with a double shift. The many hours in the morgue had been unpunctuated with any welcome visits. Nick hadn't come by, and neither had Tracy. Grace had kept her cheered up, but she couldn't keep her mind off Nick.
The morgue had watched the news in the break room. She just stood there stunned. Nick had told her they were going to wait, but if this was LaCroix' idea of waiting.... She shook her head, looking around the room.
In the kitchen, there was a bottle sitting out on the counter. It had just a small amount in it, the cork haphazardly pushed into the opening. Fixing it, she put the bottle back into the refrigerator without a second thought.
Heading up the stairs, she walked softly, hoping not to wake Nick as he was probably sleeping. But, if he wasn't, or if he was in the throws of some nightmare, she would stay for a while.
Pushing the already partially open door in further, she froze. Nick wasn't alone. She could see what appeared to be Janette lying next to him, his arms wrapped around her. Natalie stood still for a moment, watching them, suddenly afraid they would awake at her presence.
When neither made any movement, she slowly approached. As her eyes had already become accustomed to the darkness, she could easily see the still open wounds on Janette's neck. She didn't dare look for similar marks on Nick, in risk of waking him. Natalie took a step back. Then, as silently as she had come, she left the two sleeping vampires as they were, first leaving the room, and then the building.
Pawns of Kings (41/52)
Grace slipped cautiously into Natalie's lab, eying her friend suspiciously. Apparently, Natalie had already been in to work for several hours, and the night before she'd pulled a double shift. Looking over at her, Grace slowly approached, stopping right in front of her desk. "Nat?"
Her head snapped up, and she focused on Grace. Glancing down at the papers in front of her, she wondered what she'd been doing before...when did Grace get here?
"Natalie, whatever's bugging you, you shouldn't overwork yourself."
"I'm not."
Grace shook her head. "This wouldn't have anything to do with Nick, would it?" When Natalie's expression gave her a positive answer, she prodded, "Don't tell me his stress is wearing off on you...."
"No, it's definitely not that," she quickly, and sternly stated. Then, with a mumble, "I think he's already solved that problem."
Catching Natalie's barely audible comment, several reasons popped into her mind. As Natalie stood, Grace mirrored her action. "Where are you going?"
"To the break room. I need something to eat." Natalie quickly left the room, fully aware of Grace following just behind her.
"What did he do? You weren't like this last night. Not only that, but you were here until after dawn. Did you go over to his place?"
Natalie's sudden appetite left her as abruptly as it had arrived. She started to voice an excuse, but couldn't get a word out.
"Don't even try to get out of this one, Girl."
"I.... I guess you could say I saw something I shouldn't have. Nick was...." She trailed off, not able to speak the reality that she had feared ever since knowing Janette was moving here.
"With that woman, Janette?"
Natalie felt her jaw loosen slightly with shock. "How...how did you guess?"
"Rumor mills. Apparently they were seen a couple of times in the precinct. A few got the impression they were more than mere acquaintances."
"Were," Natalie snorted. "For a century she was his wife."
Trying not to focus too much on the last comment, Grace slowly answered, "So, then...you do know her."
"Yeah, for a few years. Nick's told me that they're just friends...but I still hate seeing them together, because that's not how they act."
"And let me make another guess...Nick doesn't know about your little visit today...."
"No, and I would thank you not to mention this-"
"Natalie. At least talk to him. Tell him what you saw and that you won't put up with it. If he keeps it up, forget him, because he doesn't deserve you." In her mind, Grace thought that this might be for the best. If those two ever did get serious about their relationship.... She worried for Natalie, knowing full well what the likely outcomes for her friend would eventually be--death or one of them. She shook her head, and said, "I'm going to get to work, and I think you should take a break, over precinct ways, perhaps...."
Grace left, her suggestion hanging in the air. After a second, Natalie sunk into one of the chairs. Should she go talk to Nick, find out once and for all what, if anything, was between them? But, once again, she found herself thinking about what the effect on Nick would be if she did. No, she would have to wait, at least until the news settled down a bit.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Three nights later:
Nick sat in the break room, his arms resting on the table, a silver flask standing just a few inches away. It was the one LaCroix had given him several days before, not one drop of its contents missing.
On several occasions over the past three days he had considered pouring the blood down the drain, but hadn't yet managed to get the top unscrewed. The same had been true whenever he'd considered drinking it.
Staring at the smooth silver, Nick could feel his need rising even farther. The blood he'd taken from Janette, both three nights ago and the previous night, had merely heightened his need...and now he was no longer considering if he would drain the flask, but when.
LaCroix' blood would still be good for another day, perhaps two. Already, it would have lost most of its potency, but he didn't care.
Reaching out with his senses, he listened for nearby or approaching mortals...there were none. Gingerly, as his hands faintly shook, he let his fingers wrap around the container. The cool metal felt heavy in his hands. He was hungry, and although he had a bottle in the Caddy's trunk, he really didn't want to go get it. Slowly, his other hand gripped the top, turning it until it was off.
The scent of the blood filtered out of the container. At the odor he felt his eyes change and his fangs itching to descend. Nick took the flask, bringing the opening closer, inhaling the scent. It was sharp, like that of a blade glistening under the light of a full moon.
He took a mouthful of the liquid, savoring every drop. Taking another sip, he picked up the lid, but hesitated putting it back on. Now, his hunger was stronger than ever, and before he knew it, he had taken another swallow. The next sip became a bit more, and soon he felt the blood steadily flow down his throat. As it came to a stop, Nick leaned back in the chair, his eyes closed, focusing on the blood and trying to calm himself.
Opening them, he flinched back from the seemingly brighter lights. After a moment, he put the top back on the flask and slid it into his jacket.
He sighed. Ever since he'd taken Aha's blood, his hunger had nearly been overwhelming. In the last four days, he'd taken Janette's blood twice. Even then, he had still been hungry--not his body, but the beast, the vampire.
He had pulled back from Natalie, hoping that this would pass, but it hadn't. And, for some reason, it hadn't been that hard in trying to avoid her. It was almost as if Natalie was helping in his effort, but....
Abruptly, he stood. His 'break' was technically over and Tracy was probably wondering where he was.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Grace pulled into the 96th's parking lot and turned off the ignition. Glancing over at the folder in the passenger's seat, she shook her head. The report was Natalie's, containing new evidence on a case. Natalie had 'asked' if she could drop the report off, complaining that she didn't have time, which they both knew wasn't true. But, she had agreed, and was planning on taking matters into her own hands.
Natalie was avoiding the precinct, and she hadn't seen Nick around the morgue since that first time he'd dropped in, now about a week ago. Although she had mixed feelings about Nick, particularly about what he was, Grace had decided she would go along with whatever Natalie wanted. But, before that could happen, she would have to get them to talk to one another.
Snatching up the report, Grace headed into the precinct, her first action being to drop the report off with Chris Chambers. Then, she let her attention focus on Nick. As he sat at his desk, she could see the tension. Just like Natalie, he seemed to be immersing himself in his work.
She walked steadily up to Nick and his partner's desks. When he didn't notice she was there, Grace cleared her throat. Even before all of his attention was on her, she stated, "I need to talk to you for a minute, Nick."
"Uh...sure."
"*Privately*," she emphasized, sure that the other detective noticed as well. She watched Nick slowly stand, no doubt wondering why she was here.
As he led them into the break room, he thankfully noted that it was still empty. "What do you need?"
"Nick, did you know that Natalie's overworking herself? And I mean _overworking_." Grace let the information sink in for a second, and then asked, "Do you know why she's doing this? You. Not just you, but more specifically you and Janette. She dropped by your place a few days ago and saw you two together."
Nick caught his balance on a nearby chair. This is definitely not what he'd been expecting to hear from Grace. "It's not what...."
"Don't tell that to me, tell it to Natalie. But, the point is, either you two start acting like you're in a relationship, or you should end it. I don't like seeing Natalie getting hurt, and that's what she is right now. Very hurt."
"I never...." He trailed off, knowing it wasn't true. He had hurt Nat by returning to Toronto. By staying, he'd just made things that much worse. "It's what I am, Grace. No matter what I do, I hurt her, I...." How could he explain this to her? What he was destroyed the mortals around him...but he couldn't stay away from Natalie. He shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I-I can't end it, not now." He met Grace's eyes, catching the faint anger behind them. Then, he turned and left the room without another word.
Approaching his desk, he paused a moment before continuing toward the exit. He needed some fresh air--now. Coming out the main doors, he felt someone prodding his thoughts. Shutting them out as much as he could, he continued down the steps, walking toward the parking lot. He really didn't want to think about any of the recent events. With the Ancient's prodding, every word of the offer came back.
Reaching his destination, he considered taking off right there, but the sound of a heartbeat interrupted him. He turned toward the mortal. His eyes met Marks', at which time they both froze.
Before either could comment, Nick heard something else. Within a second's time, a vampire stood about halfway between them. Marks' attention turned fully on the new arrival, and Nick's fluctuated between the two. Studying the vampire, Nick saw the stake held at his side. An Enforcer, it had to be.
"There has been no infringement. Leave," he stated, even though he doubted the vampire would listen.
"This is a warning for LaCroix from the Council."
Almost no time passed before the Enforcer flew toward him. There was just enough time to divert the descending stake. Nick shoved the other away, but the vampire had managed to grab hold of him, pulling him along as well. Eventually, it resulted in both of them losing their balance and tumbling into the pavement.
Once he was standing again, Nick refocused on the Enforcer, only to find another standing before him, a third just a little further away. With one, he could have dealt with them, but three.... Nick kept his attention as even as he could between them, and he could see that all three were armed. The two nearest him held simple, yet deadly stakes, the third gripping a crossbow.
The first took a second pass at him, the second stood still, and the third took aim in their general direction. With splitting his attention between the first and third, he took several hits. As the bow was more accurately aimed, he waited until the bolt was released. Once it was, he took the opportunity, pulling his attacker into the line of fire.
The bolt was right on target, hitting the Enforcer just right of the heart, a scream of agony filling the parking lot. With little thought or effort, Nick took the stake that was held loosely in the vampire's hand. A second later, he plunged it into the Enforcer's heart, effectively cutting off the scream. Then, he let the vampire fall to the ground, grasping uselessly at his fatal wound.
Only now did he feel his eyes glow, his vision tinted in a field of amber. Turning to the second, he caught a faint hint of hesitation on the other's part. Then, as the Enforcer flew at him, he snarled, throwing the vampire into the pavement. Catching Marks' expression of utter terror, Nick glanced behind him. The third Enforcer was holding the bow level at Mark's chest.
Seeing the trigger move, Nick, nearly halfway between the two, flew toward Marks. He pushed the mortal out of the way, the bolt shattering on impact with the building. Turning, Nick just barely caught sight of LaCroix, who was dealing with the shooter, before he was under attack from the remaining Enforcer.
Heartbeats pounded in his ears as those in the precinct undoubtedly came outside, curious of what was going on. As he defended himself from the attack, he could feel not only LaCroix, but Aha nearby as well. He had to end this, and now.
His opponent was, although an Enforcer with increased speed and strength, a mere fraction of his age. That was enough to give him the upper hand. Twisting the other's arm, he first forced the stake free and to the ground. Then, he pushed the Enforcer in the same direction, forcing them to the ground. Retrieving the stake, Nick stood, stating, "Leave if you value your life."
The vampire stood and seemed to consider the words. Another second, and he once again flew toward Nick. The younger vampire was easily thrown into the building, the stake following close behind, hitting its target right on.
As utter silence surrounded him, Nick could feel Aha's presence increase. Glancing up, he could see the Ancient on the top of a nearby building. There was a faint fanged grin staring back at him, and then nothing as the other vampire took to the air.
Looking around him, Nick could see the remains of three vampires, all turning to ash. His father stood over one, the elder vampire's attention focused on him, as was every mortal's. He could hear a couple of whispered comments, and one conversation struck him more than the others--they had seen him, and the others, fly. LaCroix had landed right in the parking lot before them, but no one, except perhaps Tracy, knew of their abilities. He closed his eyes, pushing the gold away and retracting his fangs that, until now, he was unaware had even descended.
This week had not been his week, nor did it look like it would be getting better anytime soon....
Pawns of Kings (42/52)
As they arrived on the scene, Tracy and Reese surveyed the parking lot, noting the piles of ash and scorched wood on the pavement. As Reese listened in on the conversations, Tracy kept walking, her path leading her straight toward Nick.
Before she arrived, his senses told her she was there. He opened his eyes to face his partner, and immediately looked away and toward LaCroix. Then, it hit him. If the Enforcers came here, what would stop them from going to the morgue?
Nick quickly approached LaCroix, leaving behind a faintly annoyed Tracy. He tried to lead them away from the crowd of mortals, but the elder vampire wouldn't budge. Moving closer, he stated, "Natalie. If they'd come here, they might go there as well. I have to go to her...." After trailing off, he tried to bypass LaCroix.
Firmly grabbing his son's arm, LaCroix whispered in his ear. "I will 'check' on her. I believe you have other problems right now, ones that will lead to questions you would be better at answering."
Before he could protest, LaCroix took to the air, effectively making his task more complicated than it already was. Hearing Reese usher the onlookers back into the precinct, Nick retrieved the various weapons and their pieces. Marks hung around a moment longer than the rest, but apparently saw that now was not the time to ask his questions.
Reese watched his detective calmly pick up much of the scenes evidence. Nick had, from what he'd learned in the past couple of minutes, killed two other vampires. In the mortal world, a crime on another mortal was obviously police business, but this didn't reside under 'mortal' law. As all actual 'participants' were members of the vampire Community, there was nothing he could do about it. True, one of the vampires had apparently taken aim at one of the other detectives, but that was a different, and now redundant, matter. Whatever punishment would be dealt would be done so within the Community. Apparently, LaCroix didn't seem too concerned, as he had, in fact, killed one of the three. "Nick...I hate to ask, but what happened here?"
That stopped Nick cold. What was he supposed to say? That they pissed the Council off just a bit too much and this was the price? "It was a warning." Reese wasn't taking it. "Those that...were here, they were Enforcers. I've already explained what they are."
"And I don't think your Council is going to take this well, will they?"
"No, not really. But, this was just a warning." Nick turned away, looking across the parking lot. "They were young. They didn't often have the opportunity to deal with older vampires. Whether or not we had killed them they wouldn't have lived through the night. The Council would have done it themselves if we hadn't. If the Council had no visible part in it, it would make them look better when it hits the news."
Reese nodded. Now, the action made some sense to him. "And since you and LaCroix killed them, it will in turn lower the populace's opinion toward you."
"Exactly."
"You know, Nick...you and LaCroix are going to have some explaining to do." He paused, and then squarely met his detective's gaze. "Flying isn't what could be called a 'normal' ability, not to us mortals." Reese watched Nick squirm slightly, the topic clearly not something Nick wanted to discus. "Well, I think you might want to go over to the morgue and put events straight, if you know what I mean. After that, I want you in my office, and if possible, I want LaCroix there as well. I'll forward whatever I'm told to the mayor. He can get the information to whomever needs it."
Nick didn't move as Reese left, no doubt on his way to his office to settle down the higher-ups once they got wind of this. About ready to leave for the morgue, Nick felt something. Glancing back, he found Antonius behind him.
"I would hate to be in your position right now."
"You are, Antonius. We're on the same side."
"On the same side, yes. In the same position, no." Antonius paused, moving in front of Nick. "I don't have to explain all of this. I'm not really involved, and I'm happy for that, at least. Janette is in the same position as me. You and LaCroix have been singled out by both sides, I'm afraid."
Nick sighed. He knew they'd been singled out, at least for the moment. Hopefully it would stay that way, but...he wouldn't bet on it. "What are you doing here? You've been avoiding mortals of late."
"LaCroix sent me. He wants me to stay here until you get back in case anything else happens."
His father hadn't mentioned anything about calling Antonius, but it was probably for the best. The precinct would have a 'guard' until his return, although he certainly didn't envy him the task. "Well, call Janette and have her meet me at the morgue." Catching a faint nod, Nick turned. For the first time, took off in the open without care for onlookers.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Natalie sat impatiently at her desk. Glancing up for what had to be the fiftieth time in the last fifteen minutes, she again found LaCroix, standing, seemingly interested in something on the other side of the room. Although he wouldn't answer any of her questions, a technician had already spilt the news to the morgue.
Three vampires had attacked Nick at the precinct, and apparently he and LaCroix had killed them all. Not only did they do this in front of a mortal audience, but both had also been noted as having certain abilities--abnormally super speed and flight.
Watching LaCroix' attention shift to the door, Natalie turned and waited. A few seconds later, Grace walked in confidently but stopped upon seeing her guest.
"Could I speak to Natalie alone?"
First, LaCroix shot a glare at Grace, but catching one of the doctor's own, he silently acquiesced.
Grace stood her ground as the vampire passed her. Waiting a moment, she stepped further into the room. "What is *he* doing here?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but it does have something to do with whatever happened at the precinct."
"Well, I was talking to Nick, and then he left, went outside. Apparently, he was attacked. I was one of the first out of the precinct, and you wouldn't believe what I saw...." Grace paused and moved closer. "Nick killed two of them. I didn't see any hesitation of thought, nothing. There wasn't even any hint of effort. It was like he was used to what he did. He was so fast, and so was his attacker. One thing I will say though, he saved one of the detectives. I don't know his name, but I've seen him around before."
She paused hearing Grace's words. Nick had easily slipped back into what he was. She was losing him, and had been ever since he had returned to Toronto. Even before he'd left, she'd already lost him, but had never dared to acknowledge it. It had been too much then, and now it was like she was just going though the motions.
"Nick's a lot more than any of us thought. They are killers, Natalie. That's what they are. Both Nick and LaCroix proved it tonight. They both kill without concern, and their own kind, at that. I think we should be more wary about them, Nick included."
"Yes, he is. He's also a whole lot more than just a killer. He might have been one at one time, but he isn't anymore."
"He killed them, Nat. How can you say that?"
Natalie didn't like the direction this conversation was going, or the direction of many of Grace's recent discussions. "Because killing is no longer his sole activity. It's not what he lives for." Once again, she was defending Nick, and for the first time she asked herself why. If she had 'lost' Nick as she had told herself just a few minutes before, why was she still trying to protect him? But, she knew. She still wanted him to be her friend, even if he did go back to LaCroix.
"Just take care, okay, Natalie? You've been hurt enough by him. I don't like seeing my friends hurt. If you want anything, and I mean anything, just ask."
Natalie sadly nodded. It was assuring that Grace would be there for her, but everything seemed to come back to Nick. His life was consuming her to the point that that's all that hers concerned. Turning to Grace, she saw the other woman standing expectantly, waiting. "I'll be fine, Grace." The attempt wasn't enough, and she continued, "I'll be here tomorrow night, if that's what you're wondering. Nick isn't going to kill me, and certainly not within the next eighteen hours or so."
"Well...just make sure of that. Oh, and another thing--don't ask me to deliver anything to the 96th again, especially if that kind of stuff happens all of the time. Remember, I moved here to get away from some of the crazy stuff."
Catching Grace's obviously joking expression, she couldn't help but smile herself. "I'll try, but I can't promise you that last one." Watching Grace nod, Natalie waited as she slowly left, a moment later her presence being replaced with LaCroix'.
"And what would Nicholas say about your friend's concern?"
She was a little surprised by the question, but quickly answered, "That it was valid."
"Indeed it is, and unless you want to break your words to her, perhaps you should heed them."
"You know I won't."
"Yes, I do." As his attention was diverted to the door, he let his lips curl into a slight smile.
Natalie also turned to the door, watching as Nick cautiously entered. Their eyes only met for a second before he approached LaCroix. It was clear that something was up behind his mask.
"Reese wants us both in his office. He's going to take care of the paperwork, but we do have some explaining to do."
"And what about..." he trailed off, his senses telling him the answer. Even without his link to her, he could feel Janette's approach. "Very well. I suppose we should deal with this before it gets out of hand." LaCroix focused on Natalie. Giving her a slight nod, he turned and left.
Nick hesitated, at first preparing to speak, but then backed up and followed LaCroix out.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Standing just outside the Raven, Natalie was exhausted. Janette had arrived soon after Nick and LaCroix had left, making the last part of her shift nearly unbearable. Again, it wasn't Janette's actions that affected her mood. In fact, Janette had been very polite. The vampiress had been almost curious, attempting to ask an occasional question. It was just that every time she saw Janette, her mind put Nick, smiling, right next to her.
Natalie shook the thought away and stared up at the building. She had already gone by the loft, but no one was home. She walked past the Raven to a small door just above street level. The stairs inside would lead her to the same door as the stairs inside the club. Natalie hesitated, but knew that at least one of the three would already know she was there and LaCroix would be greeting her before her knuckles even rapped on the door.
Sighing, she boldly, but carefully pushed the door open and ascended the stairs. True to her thoughts, LaCroix was already waiting for her, the door opening just before she reached the landing. He silently let her pass, and looking around she couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. Nick wasn't visible, and neither was Janette.
First, she checked the kitchen, thinking Nick might be in there. Returning, she walked down the hall, a slight bump in her gate as she walked passed Janette's room before continuing to Nick's.
The door was open, only a candle lighting the room. Although it was a little dim, she would comment that the flame's placement, oh so close to a small mirror, did an excellent job with the light. She could clearly see Janette sitting on the bed's edge, Nick just beyond her.
Another hint of sadness crept in. Nick was going back to them. Watching Janette's fingers trace Nick's jaw line as he slept, her mood only became grayer. Perhaps she shouldn't have come? Taking a step back, she nearly gasped as she hit a tall, fairly rigid surface. A hand, no doubt LaCroix', manifested on her shoulder, and amazingly, she actually relaxed with the touch.
LaCroix bent over so that his lips were even to her ear. "Go to him," he whispered, releasing his hold.
She took a step, and then paused. As Janette moved away, Natalie approached further, until she and the vampiress had effectively switched places. "Is he okay?"
"He's fine, Doctor. Sleeping...as he often does."
About to ask another question, she had it answered as the palm of her hand cradled the side of Nick's face. A slight sensation, she wasn't sure what to call it, told her that Nick's memories were plaguing him. He was sleeping soundly, yes, but there was a touch of sadness, perhaps even regret to his experiences.
LaCroix ushered Janette out. Seeing his expression, Natalie followed as well before he shut the door tightly behind them. Janette left to the kitchen, and LaCroix followed her into the main room.
"You are welcome to stay the day if you wish, although I'm afraid there are no extra rooms."
Natalie considered her response. Would Nick want her to stay? He had both LaCroix and Janette there already; did he really need a third person crowding him? "I'll stay," she stated confidently. "I'll sleep out here."
"Very well. Janette will get you whatever you need."
She watched as LaCroix turned and headed down the hall. A moment later, Janette returned from the kitchen. Their eyes locked, and she had no idea what to say to the other woman....
Pawns of Kings (43/52)
Time passed awkwardly for about three minutes by Natalie's guess. Still, she had no idea what to say to Janette, and as it turned out, she didn't need to.
"Natalie...I want to apologize for being bothersome to you tonight. I shouldn't have interrupted your work."
"That's fine," she automatically replied. "There wasn't much for me to do anyway."
"I don't blame you for your dislike of me. Yes, Nick and I are close, but we will never again have what we once did. It wasn't meant to be. I know that now, and you should as well." Janette paused, glancing momentarily away. "Nicolas loves you more than you know. He has refused my offers to relieve his tension, but the blood...we need it to keep sane. What he really wants and needs is *your* blood, not mine. He's been struggling with it over the past several days."
"I...I...." She didn't know what to say. This was about the last thing she was expecting to hear from Janette. She was, to put it mildly, stunned. "How...how do you know this?"
"The blood. It sends signals both ways, especially with Nicolas, as he does not know how to block them. He loves *you*, Natalie, not me."
"But, how...? I mean, I'm mortal, I cannot give him anything-"
"I know Nicolas. Your presence is plenty. Yet, his body asks for something in return, and he's not letting it have what it needs." Again, Janette paused, this time to drop her voice to a whisper. "I am asking this for Nicolas, not LaCroix.... If you want to make him feel better, you need to show him that it is safe to take a little. I know what happened before, but now should be different."
Natalie tried to voice her answer, but Janette cut her off first.
"Just sleep, Natalie. It is only a request. Think about it. If you can, forgive Nicolas for his actions; they were not meant to harm you. I will return shortly...I assume you would like to sleep on more than just the cushions?"
She nodded, her eyes following Janette until the other woman was out of sight. Natalie wanted to take Janette's advice, but Nick...he treated her like a curious child would a porcelain doll. Despite his actions, she had not broken, nor would she. She barely noticed as Janette brought her a pillow and blanket and laid them out on the couch. Nor did she remember the other woman leaving her, or sitting down for that matter, as she drifted off to sleep.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
LaCroix jolted awake. As of late, his first action was to insure that Nicholas was fine. Although he seemed so, he definitely was not asleep. Getting out of bed, he followed the thread that connected them down the hall. What he found was Nicholas sitting next to the couch. His son's fingers were entangled with the mortal's, his thumbs rubbing in circular motions alternatively across her palm and the back of her hand.
While he silently watched his son, Nicholas abruptly looked up at him, the ministrations ceasing and a tenseness filling his son. At first, the reason was unknown, but after a minute, the reason hit him through their bond. Nicholas didn't know if he was still going to keep his side of the deal they had made so many years ago.
Although he desperately wanted his son as far from this mortal as possible, he was fully aware of the repercussions. Besides, lately he had seen the doctor coming closer to their way of thinking. Perhaps she could eventually be persuaded to come across....
"You have nothing to fear from me, Nicholas, and neither does your precious Natalie. I lay no claim on her."
"But...."
LaCroix approached, focusing on Natalie's slow, steady breathing. "You have suffered more in your attempts to distance yourself from her than I did when leaving your sister. The debt has already been paid."
The words he'd waited for, had planned on waiting an eternity for, had been said. But, he didn't really feel the pressure lift from him, and he knew why. "I don't want to hurt her, but I know I will...that I already have."
"Yes, perhaps that is true...." LaCroix paused, standing and putting some distance between them. Natalie was all his son thought of lately. He needed something.... Then he got an idea, something that might help them both. "But, has she turned her back on you, to our kind? Even after all that she's experienced, she comes back. It's like the moth to the flame, but the question is...who's the moth, and who's the flame?"
Nick considered the question, but didn't know the answer. He didn't even know if LaCroix did.
"It is the moth's nature to go to the flame. The flame then consumes it and grows brighter. The moth has fulfilled its fate, and the flame is stronger for the experience. You, as Natalie, are the moth who feeds the other's flame. But, only if you embrace what you are, as does the unfaltering moth, will either of you feel the flame burn."
As he let his mind make whatever conclusions it chose, Nick suddenly felt sick. Was LaCroix suggesting what he thought he was suggesting? "You want me to bring Natalie across."
"No, nothing quite that drastic." 'Not yet, at least,' he added to himself. "Let your nature be shown. Don't hide it from her. Revel in the sensations you get. Use them to temper your hunger, to feed your flame."
"But, the flame kills the-"
"Yes, I have to admit there are a few flaws...I agree. The idea is what I wanted you to focus on, not the science." He watched as Nicholas bowed his head, and then leaned against the couch. After a moment, his son again took the mortal's hand, continuing his earlier actions. "The moth becomes a part of the other. That moth is then reborn, starting the process anew.... Is that better?"
Nick looked up to see a smirk plastered on his father's face. LaCroix was, hopefully, just amusing himself with his reaction. He decided to push LaCroix' good mood a bit further. "Perhaps you should have said that before admitting your..." he fumbled for a word that wouldn't set LaCroix off, "...slip."
Raising his eyebrows, LaCroix was faintly surprised. Nicholas hadn't used 'mistake' as would have been entirely appropriate. When he didn't comment, he felt Nicholas again relax. As his son's attention returned to the mortal, LaCroix' gaze caught on the glass on the table. It was empty. Carefully retrieving the glass, he went to the kitchen to refill it, pouring a second for himself.
On the way back, he set the glass back on the table, letting the bottom clank faintly with the hard wood. The sound made Nicholas jump slightly. Yes, Nicholas' thoughts were indeed off in their own little world. He took a sip of his glass, watching as his son picked up the glass, his thoughts already lost. "Don't spill it," he stated in a whisper, again startling Nicholas, the blood nearly pouring over the edge.
As Nicholas drank the top portion of the glass, LaCroix' lips curled up into a smile, and he left the two alone. Nicholas was coming back to him. Yes, it was going very slowly, but it was happening nonetheless. Before he'd thought of the doctor as an obstacle. Even with her advice, that had, indeed worked as she said it would, he had still seen her more as a resource than anything, but now....
A resource, yes, but she was so much more. In truth, he didn't really mind her presence. She was, as far as mortals went, one of only a select few he'd seen in the last century that he believed would thrive as a vampire in this modern world. As a scientist, she had to continuously adapt, keep up with the rapidly changing technology. For vampires, that ability was indispensable.
Even he, and to a greater extent, Nicholas, had been on this new 'internet' several years before many mortals. They had, through time, learned how to adapt. Yet, the last two centuries had taken their toll on some of the older members of the Community. Time had flown past so quickly, overwhelming some of his kind.
But, Natalie would never have a problem adapting to the future. He would even go so far to say that the idea of being able to live through history, into the future to see what came off the recent advancement, enticed her. But then, he knew that would be very tempting to most mortals.
The one thing she would have a difficulty with, he suspected, would be integrating into the Community. For several years, she had been just outside its edges, doing far more than even the Community did to conceal their presence. Yet, for this, things could be done to ease the transition. His smile increased in intensity. Not only would this help her if she chose to come across, but it would increase the possibility that she would do so in the first place. Then, his family would be complete, and it would stay that way.
He finished off his glass, placed it next to his alarm clock, and settled back in bed. Nicholas was in the same place as he had left him in. Gently, he prodded his son's thoughts before closing his eyes to sleep.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
Natalie hummed slightly as she played a game of solitaire on her computer. Work was slow, too slow. She was happy, but it had nothing to do with her lack of patients.
Upon waking that evening, she had found Nick next to the couch, his head resting on top of her hand. Although she had to leave for home to get ready for work, Nick had promised to visit on his lunch break.
Taking a peek at the clock, she continued on with her game. She was hungry, but knowing Nick would be coming soon, she had chosen to wait. Even as her stomach protested once more, she reminded herself of her decision.
Upon hearing the door open, she perked up. Catching sight of Grace, Natalie suddenly realized that if it *had* been Nick, she wouldn't have heard anything. "Hi Grace."
"I was just coming to see if you wanted some lunch? I brought extra chicken...."
Natalie's stomach betrayed her, making itself evident in the room, a blush brightening her skin.
"Well, that settles it. Chicken coming right up."
Grace left before she could respond, and all she hoped was that Nick didn't arrive in the middle of her meal. She played another game of solitaire, her mind so preoccupied it didn't take long before there weren't any moves possible. Sometime she really needed to go into the options and change it from deal three to deal-
Someone cleared their throat, and she looked up to see a smiling Nick.
"What are you doing?" he asked, trying to get a look at her computer.
"Losing at solitaire...filling time...." She didn't get to add another comment before her stomach rumbled again.
"....and ignoring your stomach."
"Look who's talking, Mr. Deprive Himself."
"And what am I depriving myself of?"
Natalie stood, and walked slowly around to the other side of the desk. She'd been planning this ever since her shift had begun. Now, it was time to go through with it.
Stopping just in front of him, she answered, "Me." Before Nick could react, she kissed him. He pulled away as she had expected. "See...."
"I-" What did he want? LaCroix' words had been with him for hours, and he was beginning to believe them. Could he temper his hunger enough? Could he use what he felt to control his hunger? Slowly, he returned the kiss, allowing it to deepen, his fangs quickly descending.
Again, Natalie found him pulling away, but this time he turned as well. Taking his chin, she forced him to look at her, his golden eyes shining with need. He tried to advert his eyes, eventually giving up and just closing them to hide from her. "Look at me, Nick." After a pause he did, at which she told him, "Don't hide from me, I want to see all of you."
As she kissed him again, he let her run her tongue across his fangs. Tasting a hint of her blood, he knew it had been a mistake. As the flow of sweet liquid stopped, he slowly pulled back, his want for her blood greater than before. His vision was clouded with a gold-crimson haze, and he didn't know how much more he could take.
Natalie turned her head slightly, her neck enticing him closer. With a moment of hesitation, LaCroix' words replayed in his mind. 'Revel in the sensations you get. Use them to temper your hunger, to feed your flame.'
Then, as his need and hunger outweighed his concern, the last words replayed to him. 'Feed your flame.' His flame was his hunger, and it was ready for a meal.
His fangs quickly embedded themselves into the soft flesh. All he could think of was the sensations from the blood. It was amazing. There was no malice, no fear...the blood was all revealing. Everything was being given to him, made into him, feeding him....
"Chicken's rea- Ah...Nat?"
The sound immediately caught his attention, angering him. How dare someone interrupt him! He moved, turning and holding Nat against him. He first hissed, and then snarled at the mortal. A second later, her identity hit him--Grace.
The hunger melted away, and he looked down to find Natalie clutching loosely to his arms, her breathing heavier than it should have been. What had he done?
Focusing on Natalie's heartbeat, he could hear it; slow but steady. Her breathing was also evening out as her body shut down in order to sleep and heal. Holding her, Nick let his lips just brush against her temple.
He had nearly killed her, that's what he had done. Raising his head, his eyes still golden, the taste of Natalie's blood lingering in his mouth, he met Grace's gaze.
Grace stared back at him disbelievingly. Nick tried to think of something to say...but what could he? He had nearly killed Nat. Nick watched stunned as Grace put the food to the side, prying Natalie away from him.
Natalie was just barely conscious, and he wasn't sure what to make of the expression on her face. She was upset, probably in response to his loss of control, which had nearly ended in the loss of her life. He bowed his head as Grace took Natalie to the file room, waiting until he heard the door close. As the gold began to fade, he flew from the room wanting to get as far away as he possibly could.
Pawns of Kings (44/52)
Nicholas was at the bar, drinking a substantial quantity of blood-wine. LaCroix watched from a distance as the mortals, and even many of the Community avoided him. He didn't blame them--not with the anger just under the surface, or the gold shining in Nicholas' eyes. Still, he had to do something. His son was scaring away his customers.
He approached, but saw no sign that the younger had noticed. "I see you are feeling more yourself tonight, Nicholas."
"Can it, LaCroix!" Nick snapped. "Just...let me be."
Nicholas' response was not what he'd expected. Without thinking, he snarled, "I will not!" With the sudden silence that had come over the immediate vicinity, LaCroix first took the glass from Nicholas' hand, and then half-dragged the younger into his office, slamming the door behind them. "I know where your feelings are coming from. I can smell the doctor's blood on you. But this guilt...forget it! You know it only bri-"
"I nearly killed her, LaCroix!" Nick hissed, cutting the elder vampire off. As the small confines of the room abruptly became apparent to him, he began to pace. "I took almost as much blood as I had that first time. Your moth feeds the flame all right! It makes it burn out of control!" Nick stopped pacing, sobering slightly. "If Grace hadn't walked in when she did, Natalie would be dead."
So, that's what it was. He knew Nicholas had been feeling guilty, but he had expected it to be about taking her blood, not about this.
"LaCroix? When...if she comes by...don't let her in. Tell her I'm not here, that you don't know where I am." His father stiffened. "Please, LaCroix."
He considered the request. For now, he needed to calm the Raven, but later he would have a 'talk' with Nicholas. "Fine, but you will go up to the apartment, and I will not see you in the club again tonight."
With a faint nod, Nick slipped out of the room much calmer than when he'd entered.
LaCroix shook his head. Where Nicholas and his moods were concerned, it was a perpetual case of maintenance. He would certainly need to calm his son during the day, but for now, he had other tasks. First he would get the Raven back to 'normal', and then he was going to find out what really happened from Natalie. He wanted to know the situation _before_ he discussed it with Nicholas. Most likely, his son had twisted the events, making it sound worse than it really was.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
It had taken less time than he had suspected at the Raven. Only the few mortal customers had still been wary, but then, they were mortals. Their numbers had dropped significantly since the news had broken, and the majority of those that came kept themselves guarded. If not, they didn't stay mortal long.
LaCroix looked at his surroundings. He was in the morgue parking lot. With a cursory glance, he noticed the doctor's car was still there.
Yes, Nicholas must have indeed let his guilt get the better of him. If the doctor's car was still here, she must be fine. Entering the building, he stayed on the vaguely familiar path to her office. Upon entering, he noted it was empty, but two heartbeats were just on the edge of his senses.
One was quick and strong, but it was the second that caught his attention. It was Natalie's...slow but steady, but without further inspection he knew she would be fine with rest. He paused for a moment, then followed the rhythm to a nearby door.
Finding it open by about an inch, LaCroix pushed it in, watching as a woman turned toward him, squinting slightly at the brighter light. The woman's name was Grace...he remembered the faint memories from Nicholas' blood from months before.
Seeing the vampire in the doorway, all she could feel was anger. Grace did her best in suppressing it, evenly stating, "I don't know why you're here, but get out."
"I wanted to speak with...Natalie...." He let the name roll off his tongue, and then stopped. "Nicholas is agitated. Although he had mentioned what had happened, I had believed the events to be exaggerated. I see now that they were not."
"Apparently not. Now that your curiosity has been filled, I want you to leave before you wake her up. Natalie needs rest and lots of it. What she doesn't need is your kind hanging around her, killing her."
LaCroix let his eyes burn gold. He didn't comment, knowing full well his answer would only be twisted. Yes, by being in the presence of his kind Natalie very well could succumb to death, probably sooner than if she kept her distance. But, the decision wasn't entirely his and Nicholas'. The doctor had made several visits to the Raven, to Nicholas, on her own. She knew the risks better than most mortals.
He knelt down for a second, letting his fingers brush against her face. She was indeed an unusual mortal. Not only had she captured Nicholas' eye, but his as well. His own thoughts had occasionally centered on her of late. Straightening, he felt Grace's sight following him. LaCroix turned to her with icy blue eyes. When it sent a shiver down her spine, he smiled faintly.
"You're not going to make her one of you."
It was a statement, her tone nearly making it a threat. Depending on how the future was told, however, it wouldn't necessarily ring true. "If it comes to it, the decision will be hers. But, I will not refuse if she asks." Turning, LaCroix made it to the door. He considered giving Grace a message. Instead, he glanced back once more, and then left.
This friend of the doctor's alone would do more to deter Natalie from the Raven than anything he could say. And for the time being, she needed to stay away...at least until Nicholas was thinking straight again.
Now, it was off to Antonius' to get a few extra bottles for the day, and from there, finally back to the Raven.
*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.
The club was nearly empty as he passed through it. Only a few strays that Janette had already adopted and was thankfully keeping herself busy with. He did not need any of her persuasions to interfere at the moment.
Entering his apartment, he found Nicholas staring blankly at the black television screen. At least his son had apparently done as was asked. Dropping the bottles off in the kitchen, he poured a single glass before returning to the other room.
Nicholas seemed to pay him no heed as he had arrived, or as he approached closer. Stopping just a couple of feet away, he asked, "Time is going slow tonight, isn't it?"
"Leave me alone, LaCroix. I don't want to talk about anything."
LaCroix abruptly sat on the couch holding the glass out. "Not even a drink? Earlier you were having quite a time, I believe."
"I don't want it."
"Very well." LaCroix took a sip from the glass, placing it on the table. Then, he grabbed the remote and leaned back. "What would strike your fancy this morning? News? No, that's too repetitive and nothing to concern us with. Perhaps one of the mortal's extrapolations of the future, then? Or history, or-"
"Leave me alone!"
"If you had wanted to be left alone, why did you come here? You could have just as easily gone to your place, but you didn't." LaCroix waited and watched as his son first stiffened, and then relaxed.
"I nearly killed her. How am I supposed to be near her without doing so again?" Nick took in his father's silence. "I can still taste her blood. It makes my hunger burn for more. Nothing subdues it. Not blood, not blood-wine, not anything. I...sort of helped myself," he said, nodding off toward the kitchen.
"I figured you would." LaCroix stood, Nicholas' eyes following his movements carefully. "Go to your room. I will bring you something to calm your hunger." As his son just sat there, he said, "Go, Nicholas. By refusing it you will only make it worse."
LaCroix waited until his son had disappeared down the hall. Returning to the kitchen, he took a mouthful of blood before setting his glass on the counter. Then, he took one of the bottles he had gotten from Antonius. It was of the most recent shipment, only about a day old. It would have to be fresh enough.
Carefully, he uncorked the bottle, filling a large mug about three-fourths full. Then, he placed it in the microwave, putting it in just long enough to make it about body temperature. Once it was done, LaCroix dipped his finger in it, licking off the warm liquid. It was just right.
Taking one of the seldom-used knives, LaCroix held his wrist over the warm blood and made a deep cut, letting the blood flow freely. As the mug was filled almost to the top, he sucked the blood away from the wound. Almost as an afterthought, he gently stirred the blood mixture, filling the immediate area with an almost unbearable aroma. He kept his control tight. This was for Nicholas, and only Nicholas.
Leaving his glass, he took the mug to Nicholas' room. Entering, he watched his son's eyes flash golden at the first scent of the blood. Nicholas, who had originally been sitting against the head of the bed, his legs pulled up to his chest, was now relaxed, his eyes not leaving the mug for a moment.
Accepting the cup being handed to him, Nick nearly spilled it in his haste to take it. He held it for a second with both hands, and then greedily drank its contents. The blood was a mixture of pure human blood and LaCroix'. The human blood was relatively fresh, and it had been warmed. This was as close to drinking from a human as one could get. Not only that, but LaCroix' blood provided a combination of strengthening the images from the mortal, and a power of its own that flowed into him. Together, the two sensations calmed his hunger as had been intended.
"More?"
He shook his head, giving the mug back to LaCroix and leaning back with his eyes closed. The blood had indeed calmed him, but the hunger was already trying to come back. He wanted blood, fresh human blood...Natalie's blood. That's what he wanted. Nothing else could be substituted for it. Feeling a faint touch on his cheek, he pulled away, glaring at LaCroix. "Don't, LaCroix. I want to be alone."
"Will you sleep?" Not waiting for Nicholas to voice his protest, he repeated, "Will you sleep? If you will, I will leave. If not, I will stay."
Nick seemed to consider this for a moment. He didn't know if he could sleep or not with all of the thoughts running around in his head. "I'll try, although I don't know if I'll be able to."
"That is all I ask. If you-"
"I know. Just...please...."
"As you wish, Nicholas." LaCroix planned to repeat his earlier action, but Nicholas pulled back first. Another second and he was gently closing the door, heading back to the kitchen and his own thoughts.
Pawns of Kings (45/52)
About mid-day, LaCroix found himself lying wide-awake. He wasn't really sure why, though. Everything seemed fine. Nicholas was calmer now than he had been since his arrival. Yet, something had to be wrong, otherwise he wouldn't have awakened.
He reached out across his and Nicholas' bond. To his surprise, he found the younger vampire awake. Perhaps not all was as well as it seemed, he decided, and went to Nicholas' room.
It wasn't difficult to see that the bed was empty. Almost immediately he focused on Nicholas' form across the room. His son was sitting with his back to the corner, his legs pulled up in front of him. In fact, he looked much like he had earlier that night, but this time he didn't relax.
"Nicholas?" Two midnight blue orbs starred silently back at him. Their depths seemed to twist like a whirlpool, leading him closer. An occasional bright blue or gold flashed in them, if only for a moment. They smoothly followed his movements while he approached. Raising his hand, LaCroix caught a faint flinch as he closed the distance between them.
Pulling back, the elder vampire sighed. "I cannot do anything to help unless you let me." Nicholas' eyes stayed focused on him, but he did nothing more. "Would you like me to bring you something?" Still nothing. Then, he caught an almost imperceptible quiver of his son's lip.
"Yes," Nick finally said, his fangs glinting in the darkness.
LaCroix didn't immediately react, the sight before him quite an unusual occurrence. Nicholas was so close to the edge, the doctor's blood still flowing through his veins. This was something he'd tried so hard to achieve in the past, but is this what he'd really wanted? For Nicholas to be so consumed by his nature that he couldn't think about his actions? Or, was it merely his acceptance of his nature that he wanted?
Nicholas' eyes pleaded with him, as they had occasionally done in the distant past. They demanded blood, the one thing that could both calm them and push them over the edge. It was everything to their kind, their survival, their way of experiencing life. Nicholas was no exception.
He left the room, carefully preparing the mixture much like he had that morning, but this time made it half and half. Returning, LaCroix found Nicholas much like he had been left, two hungry gold rings carefully watching the mug.
Again, it was almost immediately finished off. Nicholas held out the mug, silently pleading for more. LaCroix nodded, repeating the process twice more, keeping the mixture's consistency the same.
This time when Nicholas held it out for more, he refused. It turned a hungry Nicholas into an angry Nicholas. Although not exactly what he had intended, he could use Nicholas' anger to his advantage. He had in the past.
Standing still, LaCroix let his body relax even as the faint rumbling became louder. Eventually, it turned first into a hiss, and then a snarl. "No," he repeated, effectively starting a chain reaction.
As Nicholas flew forward, he was ready. He first trapped the younger within his hold, and then held him with Nicholas' back to him. Then, he waited until Nicholas ceased struggling. Releasing one of his son's arms, LaCroix offered him his wrist, which was quickly taken.
LaCroix closed his eyes as he felt his blood being pulled from him. It wasn't a gentle or careful action, but harsh and almost violent. He let Nicholas take all he wanted. When it finally stopped, LaCroix let him lean against him, which didn't last long as Nicholas let his muscles relax and was lowered to the floor.
"What do I do, LaCroix? Tell me." After a moment of silence, Nick let himself fall over. Slowly, he proceeded to curl up on his side. "I love her...I can't help it. If this continues...I'll kill her. Please, help me, Lucien."
LaCroix started at the use of his first name. It was rare, even when they had been on good terms, for him to ever hear it. Janette never called him that, none of his other children had, and neither had he let them. But, Nicholas.... He turned to Nicholas' form on the floor, the younger vampire's body shaking, if only faintly. "Anything."
"I can't leave here, neither can I stay away from her. If I see her again, I'm afraid I won't have control. Just thinking about...."
He waited, but Nicholas didn't continue. "And how do you want me to help?"
"Tell her to leave. Leave Toronto and me and start a new life. Find someone to set it up so that she'll stay safe." Behind him, he could feel his father stiffen. "Please, father...Lucien...."
LaCroix didn't answer. Why was he so hesitant now when there had been so many times in the past that he would have jumped at the chance Nicholas was now giving him?
"Lucien...."
He tried to block it out, but couldn't. He couldn't refuse Nicholas this. "Yes, I will tell her to leave, but I doubt she will do so."
"Please...."
He wouldn't make the promise complete. For some reason he couldn't, something was holding him back. After a second, LaCroix gently picked Nicholas up and took him to the bed. He wrapped the blankets tightly around Nicholas without protest, his son's body already entering a deep sleep. Then, he left the room, his thoughts not straying from Nicholas.
LaCroix continued to the kitchen where he found Janette ready with a glass of blood. He took it without comment, knowing full well that she too had been woken by Nicholas.
He had made it about halfway through the glass before he felt something. It was a familiar heartbeat coming up the stairs--Natalie's.
Janette started for the door, but he caught her arm, warning her with a glare to stay out of the matter. Then, he walked toward the door, opening it as he heard the footsteps stop.
Natalie stood just outside the door, one hand supporting her against the wall. Her fair complexion hit him first; a shade he rarely saw on the doctor's features.
"I know he's here. I want to talk to him."
"I do not-"
"Don't bother, LaCroix. Just let me see him. I don't care if he's awake or not." He stood before her, blocking her entry. "Please LaCroix. After I see him, I'll leave if that's what you want."
He sighed, allowing her passage into the apartment. As she continued down the hall, LaCroix followed her closely. When she opened the door to Nicholas' room, he held her shoulders to prevent her from approaching and very likely waking Nicholas.
She watched as Nick twitched every couple of seconds, obvious that something was torturing him. The bed had been nearly unmade by his movements. He was tangled within the sheets, and she wondered if his discomfort was contributing to his nightmares. "LaCroix? How...?"
"I seriously don't know. He asked that you not be allowed in." He felt Nicholas stir slightly, stating, "I think you should leave."
LaCroix pulled her back, leading her out of the room, but her attention stayed on Nick. He was waking. She could see it. Natalie watched as he turned on his side, his eyes opening, their golden hue staring calmly back at her--at least for a moment. The gold intensified, crimson slowly replacing it. She gasped at the sight, nearly able to feel his hunger.
She knew exactly what Nick wanted. It was her blood that he craved. As his pleading crimson eyes captured her, she felt herself being pulled away once more.
Nick snarled, at which she felt the pulling stop. Immediately her mind told her the danger she was in. Being as weak as she was, there would be no way she alone could escape him. Even LaCroix was taking care with the situation.
"The doctor was just leaving."
"No, she isn't..." he hissed, getting out of the bed, but not approaching any further.
LaCroix slowly moved in front of Natalie. The waiting tension inside of his son was finally released. As Nicholas sprung forward, LaCroix did his best to counter the move. Sensing Janette just behind him, he whispered, "Keep her safe, Janette."
It only took that momentary weakness for Nicholas to gain the upper hand. LaCroix felt himself being pushed toward the wall. Once the younger had pinned him there, he was dealt a strong blow to his jaw, pushing him off balance. By the time he had recovered, his son was already out of the room. LaCroix followed as quickly as he could.
Nicholas had cornered both Janette and Natalie in the corner near the door, but he wasn't making any further moves. It was almost as if his son wasn't sure what to do. "Nicholas...think about this. Don't let it control you. You are the beast's master. Take it and make it your slave. You are not weak, Nicholas."
Closing his eyes, Nick wasn't sure whether to tune LaCroix out or not. It had been LaCroix' words that had caused him to let his guard down before. He wanted Natalie's blood, wanted to take all of it, but he also wanted to protect her. The two objectives didn't match. If he killed her, he certainly wasn't protecting her. What was he supposed to do? As the conflicting choices tore him apart, Nick sunk to his knees. "Please, LaCroix...Lucien...."
LaCroix was faintly stunned at Nicholas' use of his name yet another time on the same night. He could see surprise from Janette, and confusion from Natalie. Closing the last couple of steps to Nicholas, LaCroix pulled his son to his feet.
Offering his wrist, Nicholas shook his head. "Drink Nicholas. Then, I will get you something else." His son obeyed, his fangs slipping slowly into his flesh. After a second, he could feel the blood slowly being pulled from him. Nicholas only drank for several seconds before pushing his wrist away and shaking his head. "Janette, take him to his room." She complied quickly, but Nicholas stiffened at her approach. "I will be there soon, now go." It took a moment, but Nicholas obeyed.
Once they were gone, LaCroix sighed and focused on Natalie. She hadn't said a thing, but he knew she had to have questions. He turned, going to the kitchen to prepare another mug for Nicholas. Her observant gaze watched his every move.
She didn't follow him as he went to his son's room. As expected, Nicholas drained the blood in a couple of seconds, holding it out for more. LaCroix nodded, heading back to the kitchen.
He paused at the counter, trying to regain some of his strength. In the past hour, Nicholas had nearly drained him. He needed his own sustenance. Yet, he would provide one more mug for Nicholas, but only one more. Then, he'd have to replenish his own blood.
Reaching for the refrigerator, he found Natalie blocking his way. She was holding the knife he'd used, his blood still clinging to its surface.
"Use mine."
LaCroix looked her over. Her exhaustion showed in everything about her. It was in her stance, her expression, even the rhythm of her heart. "No. You are too weak."
"It's what he needs. You know that, and I know that. Maybe it will satiate his hunger."
"And if it doesn't?"
The question hung in the air. "Then, it doesn't."
He locked his eyes on her, waiting for a falter, but none came. It was risky, but it might work. "Then, if Nicholas comes for you, what do you wish me to do?"
"Nothing. Let him take it. Like I said, it's what he needs."
"And you are weak. He *will* kill you if no action is taken."
"And I believe that it won't come to that."
Her statement was final. He set his jaw, taking the knife from her, and putting it in the sink. Retrieving another, he led her gently into the other room. "Lie down," he instructed. As she did so, he could feel just a hint of nervousness. She knew exactly what she was getting into.
Placing the mug and knife on the table, he gently raised her legs, letting them rest on the end of the couch. Then, he let her rest as he found a blanket. He covered her, tucking it tightly around her. Picking up the knife, he carefully took her arm, turning it over. LaCroix met her eyes, waiting for permission to continue.
Receiving a nod, he placed the blade to the inside of her arm, a fair distance away from her wrist. Making the cut, he let her blood flow into the mug. It's aroma wafted the short distance to him, the scent arousing his hunger. LaCroix pushed it away, forcing himself to remain in control.
As the mug reached half-full, he turned her arm with the wound on top, the blood still slowly flowing from the wound. He felt her pulse weaken. The cut had to be closed, and quickly. Coming closer to the wound, he asked, "May I?" his fangs just visible. A wave of fear coursed through her. "It will close the wound," he said, reminding her of the properties of his kind's saliva.
Natalie, barely conscious, nodded once, her eyes lazily following his movements. She watched nervously as his lips gently caressed her skin. He licked away the blood, his fangs brushing against her arm. Feeling a faint sucking sensation, he again licked the wound. Then, he laid her arm on her stomach, letting it rest limply. She could feel the cut tingling slightly from his actions. Drifting off, she hoped her idea would work....
...continued in part 46
