A/N: Thank you all for the wonderful and awesome reviews! I see I really surprised you all with that last chapter. I appreciate all the thoughts and comments. I send a huge thank you to my beta Jen, for helping to get this crazy story out to you all. Big Hug!
More fun to come...
Enjoy!
Here we go...
Chapter 12
III
"No! Put me down! Nooooooooo!" Calleigh shouted in anger, in a state of shock as Janette landed off balance, bringing them down hard on the rooftop. The blonde moaned and panted breathing in the cold frigid air trying to find her bearings. She slowly rose from the icy ground, shivering cold, wrapping her arms around herself trying to get warm. Her eyes scanned the rooftop and she quickly located Janette who was writhing on the ground badly injured.
"Janette?!" Calleigh scrambled towards her unsure how to help. The brunette was in clear agony moaning.
"What can I do? How can I help you?" Calleigh asked worried feeling her anger dissipate. For the first time in her life she felt unsure and helpless in a city she didn't know. Horatio was gone. She blinked staring off in a daze.
Janette moaned low in pain breathing hard pulling Calleigh from her thoughts. "My arm… is broken as well as many bones in my back and neck." She growled something in French. "I will heal… but it will take some time. I won't be able to get us back inside Cheri and you will surely freeze out here."
"I'll… get help," Calleigh said shivering again trying to get warm. "Don't move okay?"
Janette scoffed rolling her eyes. "I don't think that's going to be a problem Mon ami."
Calleigh swayed her head in realization. "Right… sorry." She scanned the rooftop again and shook her head. It was cold, dark and she was freezing, dressed in only her jeans and sweater, she assessed the situation then exhaled in concern. "The roof door?"
Janette snickered in pain. "Lacroix had it sealed long ago. Forget it."
Calleigh turned and stared at her. "Sealed? Why on earth would he do that?! How are we supposed to get back inside?"
"Like we usually do," Janette answered with a breath. "Fly. Only I think… not in this case." She leaned her head back against the brick wall for support. "Lacroix doesn't like unwelcomed visitors, which is why he sealed the door long ago."
Calleigh walked over toward the old metal door and began to pull on the ice cold handle. She groaned and grunted yanking hard on it then tried with two hands and finally let go. It wouldn't budge. Assessing the situation, Calleigh balled both her hands into fist blowing warm air into them.
"The door is welded Mon Ami. Forget it," Janette softly breathed. "This is not good for you. You're shivering cold," the brunette uttered in concern.
"I'm… okay…" she answered with chattering teeth. "I just have to… find a way to… help you."
Janette chuckled then grimaced. "You want to help me? I will live Mon Ami. You are the one who may freeze to death up here. Lacroix is going to be furious with me. I put you in danger… and Horatio…"
Calleigh smirked then sighed watching the vampire close her eyes in pain. "You tried to save us Janette. I'll tell Lacroix. Don't worry about him."
Janette's eyes fixed on Calleigh. "Oh Mon Ami… I worry very much about him. He left me in charge and trusted in me and look at the mess we are in."
"And you did everything in your power to help us. What else could you possibly do?" Calleigh snapped out cold and frustrated.
Janette groaned and hissed in pain. Calleigh walked over toward her then kneeled reaching for her hand. She exhaled quietly watching her warm breath frost right up. "Will… my blood help you?" Calleigh asked hesitating, unbelieving the words that came from her own mouth.
Janette nodded. "It will but…" She let out a breath and groaned holding onto her arm and shoulder in extreme pain.
"But what Janette, let me help you," Calleigh lowly respired. "You did everything to help us. Nick and Lacroix saved Horatio. Please let me help you if I can. Let me return the favor." She slowly moved her arm out in front of the injured vampire and spoke in a shaky tone. "Just don't… kill me… or bring me across okay?"
Janette snorted a laugh, winced in pain then was sorry for it. She took Calleigh's offered wrist and let the change wash over her. She exhaled roughly explaining with golden eyes. "I will only take a small amount to recover enough to get us back inside."
Calleigh bit down on her lip in apprehension and closed her eyes. "Okay…"
Janette's cool lips pressed against her warm skin then the brunette turned away quickly, hearing Lacroix's inner voice speak to her. With all her willpower she suddenly drew back growling and panting in desperate need of blood. She shrieked as if being tortured.
"What's wrong?" Calleigh asked worried, watching her struggle with her hunger. "It's okay Janette, I want to help you."
"No!" She hissed with red eyes and bared fangs. "Lacroix and Nichola… will be here in a moment." She winced and huffed in pain. "Only it feels like forever with you freely offering me your very intoxicating blood."
Calleigh blinked and looked all around thinking Janette was more dazed then she first thought. The brunette did hit her head really hard. Hell Calleigh didn't know how she survived the brutal attack to begin with.
The blonde surveyed the roof top again and came up with the same answer. They were alone. All alone in the dark, on a rooftop in the middle of the cold night… then the unthinkable happened. Her heart almost leapt out of her chest as Lacroix and Nick landed right next to her on the rooftop.
"My God!" Calleigh gasped with a hand on her chest. "You two are gonna kill me!" she shouted then instantly calmed, "but thank God you're back!" She sighed in relief as Nick embraced her tightly.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" he lowly breathed watching Lacroix allow Janette to fiercely feed from his wrist. He ran his hands up and down Calleigh's arms trying to create warmth. "You're freezing!" He said shaking his head upset.
"He has Horatio." Calleigh lowly explained while holding onto Nick.
"I know," Nick answered taking her hands in his, warming them also.
Calleigh frowned. "How could you… possibly know?" She hesitated staring at him.
Lacroix gave Janette a quick once over then lifted her into his powerful arms. "You will be fine Mon Amour." He tenderly breathed then called to Nick.
"We'll explain inside," Nick said, boosting Calleigh into his arms. They headed back into the Raven.
Lacroix was furious and it showed. With each breath he inhaled the scent of Horatio's aromatic blood. It flowed throughout his apartment and his mind. With furrowing brows he glanced at Calleigh, inhaling her blood as well but… she seemed unharmed.
Nick opened the door to the guestroom and Lacroix laid Janette gently down on the bed. He rolled up his sleeve and turned towards Nick.
"Go to the cellar and bring back a few bottle of fresh stock. The best!"
Nick nodded, turned and was gone in a flash.
Janette moaned low, grabbed onto Lacroix's forearm explaining. "I tried… to fight him off." She gasped with a breath and finished, "He's mad… insane…and has a power beyond belief."
Lacroix inclined his head. "I am aware. Do not speak. Save your energy Mon Amour." With tenderness he caressed Janette's cheek then bit into his wrist offering her his blood again. "Drink…"
Janette looked at Calleigh, licked her lips in hunger, groaned and viciously took his offered wrist, suckling harshly, thinking of the blonde.
Calleigh watched Lacroix's eyes slowly close as he breathed in sharply. Her mind was going a thousand miles a minute. She looked away in a daze wondering if Horatio was even alive. Unaware Lacroix had turned her way, she ran a rough hand through her hair then wiped at her teary eyes, doing her best to keep her emotions in check. Her body trembled.
"We will find Horatio," Lacroix lowly assured in the softest tone.
Calleigh blinked finding his gleaming golden eyes on her. She gnawed on her bottom lip. "He may be, dead already," Calleigh thought knowing the barber's method of operation. She berated herself for thinking negatively.
"He lives," Lacroix answered lowly.
Calleigh let out a breath and stared in wonder at the ancient who was radiating incredible power and confidence. "You don't know that!" She snapped upset.
Lacroix's tone filled with intensity. "But in fact my dear, I do. Horatio is very much alive."
Calleigh's eyes narrowed on him suspiciously. "How the hell do you know that?!"
Janette suddenly released his wrist and let out a contented sigh.
"Rest," Lacroix lowly ordered watching her drift off into a deep sated sleep. Lacroix drew his wrist up towards his lips and slowly lapped at the small wound closing it.
Calleigh stared and held his magnetic amber eyes. She watched his tongue slowly slide over the wound and her mind drifted. She wondered what that tongue would feel like on her. Her lips, throat, breast… and lower. She felt her body grow warm. 'What the hell Calleigh!' She continued to berate herself as suggestive thoughts raced through her mind. 'Horatio! Focus Calleigh!' She shook her head trying to clear her thoughts.
The corner of Lacroix's lips lifted as he watched her take in a much needed breath. The ancient was very aware. He quietly answered, "Horatio and I have developed a link… or bond if you will."
"What?" Calleigh leaned in wondering if she heard him correctly, completely unbelieving. "You're just saying that to make me feel better."
Lacroix snorted a laugh. "My dear, I can assure you I am doing no such thing. Horatio… is in despair, and in very real danger, I tell you."
Calleigh's heart sank. She felt like someone punched her right in the gut. Now she hoped he was lying to her but knew he was telling the truth. The color left her face and her shoulders slumped in dread.
Lacroix's brow rose observing the blonde who completely dropped her defenses. It was the first time he had witnessed the fiery southern bell's distress. He actually felt bad.
"Do not fret," Lacroix whispered then with a whoosh was suddenly inches from her lips.
Calleigh blinked stunned and took a step back creating more space between them. "How the hell do you do that," she barely whispered.
"With just a thought my dear," he answered and held her worried gaze then lifted his right hand toward her face. Calleigh drew back, her eyes untrusting.
"I will not harm you. I only mean to console you at this time. I know your pain Calleigh," he lowly breathed in that silky tone that caused her knees to go weak. "You're freezing my dear. Your body trembles." His tone dropped to a low whisper. "A warm fire is in order."
Calleigh blinked and shook herself from her revere. She could feel herself drifting off again, he was doing something to her. She was sure of it then the back of his cool fingers connected with her cheek in an amazingly soft caress. She moaned low. Her eyes closed, her body trembled as she experienced his incredibly tender touch and that tingling sensation again.
"How…" she started slowly, trying to focus on her thoughts. "How, do you… know…"
Lacroix quietly answered, using all his suggestive powers on the blonde. "I know Horatio's thought's. His love for you is great. Remarkable really, if I may be so bold to say." Lacroix concentrated trying to connect with the red head again but couldn't. He finished quietly, "It was in his blood that spoke to me."
Calleigh let out a soft shaky breath as Lacroix's hand slid down over her silky hair, onto her shoulder. Her breath hitched. "Lacroix… can you show me," she whispered as if in a trance.
Lacroix's brows rose. He inhaled deeply smelling fresh blood once again coming from her. He looked her over feeling the hunger tug at him, especially since he had fed Janette twice. He wondered for a split second where his wayward son was with the fresh bovine but then focused on Calleigh again and the intoxicating scent of her blood.
"My dear, allow me to start the fireplace for you."
She watched him gracefully stroll toward it, light a long match and toss it in. The fireplace blazed to life glowing brightly. He turned towards her speaking with command. "Come here," Lacroix lowly urged with his hand out.
Calleigh wavered then with a sigh walked over toward him. She hesitantly took his offered hand as he explained bringing her closer to him and the fireplace. "I do not wish to upset you more than you already are but… you detest my blood and the thought of sharing blood. Do not deny it for I have seen it in your eyes each time you witness the act."
Calleigh nodded in agreement whispering, "I, know." With eyes closed still feeling the warmth of the fire ease and relax her body she finished. "I want to try. Please…."
Lacroix breathed softly. "I am unsure… if it will work with a mortal." He explained rather liking this idea of hers. He was barely holding himself in check feeling the change wash over him already. His mouth was watering and his fangs aching for just a taste of her. His lower loins tightened feeling pure lust tug at him.
"It worked with Horatio," she answered raspy, so sweetly, "He's mortal."
Lacroix smiled at the blonde. "Yes but… Horatio has drank much from me and I believe because of it, we now share a connection. A bond." Lacroix shook his head side to side still dumbfounded how he had any kind of connection with Horatio at all.
"I do not think it will work in your case." He groaned inward again, smelling her flowery scent assault him. It was beginning to overwhelm him. He looked her over again searching for a wound then questioned. "Were you injured in any way my dear?"
Calleigh's eyes finally opened only to find his inches away. She held her ground not feeling intimidated anymore, staring into his amazing golden eyes. "No. I don't think so… why?"
Lacroix held her gaze and remained quiet asking a silent question. Calleigh's face flushed red when she realized what he was thinking. That time of the month.
"No…" she murmured then ran a hand over her arm and flinched. She turned her arm to find fresh blood on it. "You're right," she said stunned, looking down at the wound. "Going through the glass window probably cut me."
Lacroix smirked while his lips curled in thought. 'Of course I am.' He watched her start to roll her sleeve up then with more strength then he liked, grasped hold of her arm. "Allow me," he said in a very hoarse tone never wavering from her green sparkling emeralds.
"Allow you… what?" She asked confused.
"Allow me to heal you." He licked his lips in anticipation, "and then if you still wish to try… you may taste of me. We shall see if you can see Horatio's love for you in my blood."
Without hesitation Calleigh nodded just as he knew she would. He took her by the hand and sat her on the couch, holding her gaze as he sat beside her. Little by little he lifted her left arm up then turned it, wrist up and as if in slow motion, covered the small gash with his lips, keeping his eyes on her the whole time as he first licked then suckled softly.
Calleigh sucked in a sharp breath as her whole body tensed and tingled like never before. She moaned low feeling him suckle gently then lave even slower. Her mouth opened and her hand instinctively moved, gripping onto his shoulder for support. Her body shook, her head tilted back and another low gasp left her lips.
Lacroix moaned low lapping at the wound languidly. "Relax… and let it wash over you. Do not fight it my dear," he barely breathed extremely aroused.
Calleigh's breathing quickened. She swallowed trying to wet her parched throat. "What's… Happening to… me?"
"Your body is accepting my blood… its healing. Allow it. Do not fight." Lacroix lowly explained and with ease lowered her down on the couch.
"But… But," she said in hesitation, confused feeling out of sorts, "I didn't… drink… any of your blood."
"No. Not yet." Lacroix informed with a hint of a smile. "But I did share my blood with you as I healed your wound."
Calleigh blinked completely unaware. Her voice grew softer, "Horatio…?"
"Yes my dear, we will try," Lacroix answered. He once again bit into his wrist and just as he lowered it towards Calleigh's mouth Nick grabbed onto him savagely.
"What the hell are you doing?! Have you lost your mind, Lacroix!"
Lacroix growled incensed and shoved Nick back with one powerful hand. "Really Nicholas, you must learn to control yourself or one day… it will be your demise!"
"What are you doing?!" Nick insisted harshly, shoving a bottle of human blood toward the ancient.
Lacroix took it roughly and downed the contents breathing hard. "I was doing what she asked, Nicholas. She wishes to connect with Horatio. We were about to try."
"You know damn well you can't do that with a mortal!" Nick snapped angrily, knowing Lacroix was up to something again.
Calleigh interrupted. "No… we don't know that Nick. If he can feel Horatio… why can't it work for me too," she asked starting at the stunned homicide detective.
"You're willing to share blood with… Lacroix?" Nick asked in disbelief.
"Yes," Calleigh nodded and slowly rose with the help of Lacroix. "Especially, if I can feel Horatio," she paused and freely admitted, "I would do anything."
Nick stared at her shocked, knowing she had no idea what she just confessed aloud. He shook his head side to side. "You have no idea what you're saying, Calleigh."
"Yes I do!" she shot back.
"Easy my dear," Lacroix said steadying her, watching her eyes close as a wave of dizziness came over her. She stared at him for a long moment.
"Do you wish to continue?" Lacroix lowly asked ignoring his arrogant son.
Calleigh nodded. "Yes, please."
"Very well," Lacroix answered then coaxed her back down on the couch.
"This is ridiculous," Nick snapped worried for Calleigh. "Lacroix! You know this isn't going to work!"
Lacroix spun in a fury and growled. "What I know Nicholas… is that this was all your doing! To heal Horatio! A mortal man. You thought yourself it would not work and yes, even I questioned it but it did work! Now I tell you, we are in uncharted waters. I have never helped mortals before… and after today, I never wish to help heal them again. But if I can give her a peace, a chance to connect with her lover, for even the shortest time… perhaps the last…, why would you deny her this? Why would you not wish me to try?"
Nick let out a breath stunned with his sire's words. He instantly calmed. 'Lacroix cared?' He questioned in disbelief. In all his eight hundred years he'd never seen Lacroix act this way. Concerned. Truly concerned. He nodded in understanding and watched Lacroix kneel next to Calleigh again, whose eyes filled with tears.
"You know he's gonna kill Horatio," she breathed in tears. "That's the only reason you want to help me."
Lacroix's tone was soft, sincere. "No. That's not true. It is all right my dear. Try to relax and clear your mind." Lacroix informed the blonde wiping one stray tear off her silky smooth cheek. He gently caressed a smooth hand over her forehead then bit into his wrist and lowered it towards her parting lips. "Taste of me," he barely breathed, feeling arousal and hunger wash over him.
Calleigh moaned low and winced at first then her lips closed around the wound and Lacroix let out a breath of pleasure. Her eyes closed. He stared at her and watched her eyes move behind her lids knowing she was visualizing something. A few minutes passed and he drew his wrist back slowly.
Calleigh licked her lips and moaned low still being assaulted with visions. She smiled then her eyes opened and suddenly filled with tears.
Lacroix placed a tender hand cupping her cheek. "It has worked," he whispered, clearly reading the emotions on her face and the tears flooding her eyes. "Are you all right?"
Calleigh nodded but could barely speak. She felt Horatio's overwhelming love for her, fill her like nothing ever before. She blew out a breath feeling her heart swell then ache. "Yes… just…, overwhelmed," she rasped trying not to sob. His feelings… adorations for her were incredibly strong and Calleigh was astonished how she could actually feel his love inside her.
"Please… help him, Lacroix? Please?" She begged, reaching for his hand, holding it between both of hers pleading with the powerful ancient.
Lacroix let out a short breath taken aback with her affections. Her sparkling emerald eyes were filled with so much hope and love. Her soft pleading tone and tender touch overpowered the ancient. He nodded feeling more than he had ever before for the blonde. "We will do everything in our power to save him Calleigh."
She held his gaze transfixed. "You have to save him. He means everything to me. He's my world."
Lacroix nodded. "Yes. I am aware of the love you both have for each other. It is… extraordinary. I agree."
Nick stared in amazement watching the exchange of words between the two. Lacroix truly cared for Horatio and Calleigh both. Nick could feel his master's powerful emotions through their link and was shell shocked.
"You must rest now my dear," Lacroix lowly breathed, caressing Calleigh's cheek with long tender fingers. "Your body needs time to adjust. I will wake you if we learn of anything new."
"Thank you," Calleigh breathed in fatigue still hanging onto his hand.
Janette moaned low causing Lacroix to turn. Nick walked over toward Janette and the moment she opened her eyes, he held out a bottle for her. She grabbed it and downed it in just a few swallows. Nick turned back and again was shocked to see such concern on Lacroix's face as he watched the blonde fall into a deep slumber.
Janette swung her legs off the side of the bed with low groan. She stared at Nick and then Lacroix who walked over towards her.
"Horatio was brave. He caused a distraction so we could get away. He knew he never stood a chance against the barber, yet he still was willing to do it. He is an amazing mortal." She drank more from the bottle and finished, "and now Lacroix, I agree with your decision to bring him across. Make him one of us." Janette inclined her head toward the sleeping blonde. "I would welcome her as my sister as well. She fought courageously and was willing to help me, even share her blood with me."
Nick barely breathed astounded. "She fought the barber?"
Janette nodded with raised brows. "Not only did she fight him. She staked him… and I think she surprised even him!"
Lacroix nodded slowly then turned back momentarily towards the sleeping blonde. "Yes. They're both quite remarkable." He turned back towards his son with lips curved upward and Nick lost it.
"Has everyone lost their mind?" Nick growled, "You can't bring them across! Their Miami Dade officers of the law! Besides they don't want to be vampires! They don't want to be like us!"
Lacroix glared at him. "Well I guess we will leave that up to them Nicholas. They have both shared blood with me. Perhaps they have changed their minds."
Nick let out a breath feeling his guilt eat at him. His little voice kept screaming at him. 'This is your fault! Your fault!'
Lacroix nodded. "Yes. Horatio is quite… extraordinary indeed." He placed a supportive hand toward Janette who rose with his help then embraced her. "You have done well my dear. I am glad you're safe and unharmed."
Nick stared at his maker in shock. His act of affection was sincere and even Janette gave Nick a look of disbelief. What the hell was going on with Lacroix!
Lacroix released her, let out a breath then headed out of the room. "Rest! When the sun goes down, we will find Horatio… and once and for all, we will dispatch the barber to hell where he belongs."
Once out of the room Janette turned towards Nick. "Did something happen to Lacroix?" she asked lowly knowing their master was quite capable of hearing.
Slowly Nick shook his head side to side. "No nothing. But… I think he really cares about them. I mean… I think he does."
A slow smile spread across Janette's lips. "Mon ami… we both know Lacroix for centuries. He wishes to extend our family and has found the perfect couple to do so."
Nick nodded. "He gave me his word Janette!"
"But Nichola, if they both agree there is nothing you can do. You should leave well enough alone." She looked over at Calleigh's sleeping form. "I know how much you wish to be with her as well… and I'm not just talking about feeding, Mon Ami."
A forced breath left his nose. He couldn't deny it. "She's a beautiful woman." He raked a hand through his hair. "This is all wrong Janette."
"Is it?" She asked shaking her head back and forth. "No Nichola, it is so right. Don't you see that?"
Nick huffed and let out a breath. "What I see is… is Lacroix taking advantage of mortals once again."
"If they chose Nichola… it is their decision."
"Like it was ours!" He snapped back.
Janette smirked at him. "I made my decision long ago and I have never, ever regretted it. Don't you dare try to make me like you Nick!" She paused. "Tell me after eight hundred years do you not long for something different? A new brother. A beautiful sister and lover… who you long to touch and feel and taste of." Janette wrapped her arms around him tightly, embracing him, feeling his indecision. "Imagine the fun we could have with them my love."
Lacroix's lips curled up hearing their conversation. He let out a long breath in satisfaction and closed his eyes sitting back in the cushioned chair. He let his mind search and focused on the supposed link he had with Horatio. He felt nothing and wondered if what he had felt earlier was a temporary link with the red head. The psychic thread that connected master and child together was always very strong. The bond was unbreakable. Lacroix was always able to keep track of Nicholas each time he ran off. Janette was never a problem and he always knew her whereabouts. The master was always aware of his children through the bond.
Lacroix shifted hoping the link with Horatio was more than temporary. The idea of having another son, one so intelligent and stimulating appealed to him. He knew Horatio would make a wonderful son, brother…., even eventually and perhaps one day, lover. The ancient grinned with eyes closed, combining Horatio and Calleigh's memories together in his mind. He wished to know everything about them and let their thoughts roam through his mind as he drifted off into a much needed sleep.
TBC…
Okay... so are you all freaking out? Calleigh willingly shared blood with Lacroix!
Next chapter will blow you all away.
Prepare!
