Authors Notes: Thank you all so much for the reviews. Sorry it took so long to update.

Nikola stood against the wall of a massive room. Helen was dancing with John, every now and then James would cut in. The three laughed joyously; Nigel was talking to a woman on the other side of the ballroom. Nikola felt invisible, sighing heavily he walked to the exit. His heart could not bear the emotional abuse. Three men loved the blond vixen, and she loved only one. Sadly it wasn't him.

Nikola collected his coat and left. He shuffled through the snow cold and alone. He didn't understand how Christmas could be such a happy time, he was miserable. Nikola shook his head the source blood would be ready soon and maybe he would be transformed into someone that Helen would find desirable.

"Nikola…" Helen called from behind him.

Nikola stopped and looked up to the sky. 'Some humor you have…' Nikola thought before composing himself and turning to her. "Yes?" He asked in a thick accent.

"You promised me a dance…" Helen said feeling something was bothering him.

"There is just too many people…I can't" Nikola forced the words from his mouth.

"Well there is no one out here." Helen suggested as she approached closer.

"Here?" Nikola asked puzzled.

Helen nodded taking his hand and placing it on her waist. Nikola smiled pulling her a little closer to his body as he took her other hand in his. Slowly the pair swayed side to side; Helen allowed her head to rest on his shoulder. She was humming a lovely melody.

Nikola smiled at his brunette goddess that cuddled closer to him. He remembered the first winter season they spent together. He longed for this moment then; now he had her. She was his, and she said she loved him. He reached for his phone he needed to ask Huggy Bear and Heinrich a favor. Helen draped an arm around him. Her warmth was very distracting as he thought of the many things he could do to her and get the same warmth.

Nikola smiled and composed his message. He unfortunately had to awake the beautiful woman next to him. He turned to his side moving her arm carefully. He buried his face in her neck gently biting and kissing her sensitive area. He pulled away to see a slightly annoyed Helen.

"Good morning Ljubavi." Nikola said pulling her closer.

Helen buried her face in his chest, biting him softly. Nikola swallowed hard as her assault on him was play out through soft touches and bite marks. Nikola wanted to ravish her but he had to keep her on schedule and that called for the denial of sex, no matter how amazing it could be.

*x*x*x*

Nikola smiled as he walked behind Will and Henry. They were the two people he needed to see. Henry stopped and looked at Nikola. He couldn't take the stare anymore.

"What?" Henry said looking at Nikola then remembering the text.

"I have a favor." Nikola said straightening his suit.

"Why would we help you?" Will asked raising an eyebrow.

"Because Huggy Bear I am offering you two weeks of freedom from myself and Helen." Nikola smiled pointing at Will and Henry "They only thing you two have to do is babysit the inmates and watch Lily."

"And what do I get out of this?" Henry asked.

"Well you could always invite Erika over and there would be no interruption on your date." Nikola offered.

Henry thought about it before smiling. "Deal."

Will sighed. "Fine."

"Good boys." Nikola said and walked into the office where Helen sat waiting.

Helen smiled and looked at John who was out from his holding cell. "John will be leaving now Henry if you drop the EM shields."

Henry swallowed and nodded as he typed in a code. "Done." He said feeling uneasy.

John leaned over Helen's desk. "You are making mistake." He warned.

"Good-bye John." Helen sternly said.

John sighed and let himself disappear. Nikola looked at Helen before looking over to make sure the shield was back up.

"Shall we?" Helen asked as she started the staff meeting.

Nikola sat with his own tablet making plans and confirming rooms. Nikola smiled at Helen as she spoke about new protocols and how new residents should be logged in. Nikola rolled his eyes as Henry frowned. Helen continued on about Nikola not paying attention.

"What?" Nikola said looking up at her.

"Exactly" Helen smirked as she stood in front of her desk. "Care to share with the rest of the class why you are so distracted?"

"Oh Helen….you always have me distracted." Nikola smirked making her regret singling him out.

Helen sighed looking away from him. She thankfully was able to control her blush. Helen turned her back to them. Will looked over to Nikola; he tried to figure out what Nikola was doing. Henry sighed as Helen handed him a stack of papers.

"Henry I need these refilled." Helen said before handing Will his on stack. "And Will I need you to read over these reports from the Tokyo Sanctuary."

Will and Henry sighed rolling their eyes. Henry adored Helen but he was glad he was helping Nikola; a few days without having to do paper work and playing around with Lily. Will looked at the reports ready to protest but she would be gone soon.

Nikola stood. "Helen I need you to accompany me some where it is very urgent." Nikola had a concerned look on his face causing her to worry.

"What is it Nikola?" She asked walking to him.

"It's a friend; he is in trouble." Nikola said printing the plane tickets he bought.

"What kind of trouble?" Helen asked looking at Will and Henry as they left the office.

*x*x*

The plane ride to Italy was a quite one. Nikola refused to tell her the trouble his friend was in. It was starting to get rather annoying. Nikola was grabbing their bags and for a moment she thought this was all a sham to get her alone.

"The car is waiting." Nikola said coming up behind her.

Helen went to take a bag but Nikola wouldn't let her. He followed her to the car and loaded the luggage. Helen waited for him to get in the cab.

"Nikola I am serious what is wrong with your friend?" Helen asked sternly.

"He has had his heart stolen, by this most incredible creature of beauty and grace." Nikola gave a cheesy smile.

"Nikola…" Helen said shocked that he lied to her. Well not really that shocked it was Nikola. "What about the-"

"Huggy bear and Heinrich are taking care of it and Lily." He assured her sheepishly. "You needed a vacation."

"NIKOLA!" Helen said but was unable to speak as Nikola covered her mouth with his.

"Trust me you will thank me later." Nikola said pulling back from the kiss.

Helen shook her head. It was sweet in a way that he would steal her away from her work. Lying her head on his shoulder she decided that she owed him this much. How had she over look him before? Helen smiled up at him.

Nikola stood in the window of the third story of Oxford. The snow fell covering the grounds and the bare trees. Helen was walking close to John as they hurried to the building. The snowflakes in her hair made her look like a winter angel. His heart stopped as he watched her stop and turned to talk to James. Nikola sighed wishing he would have kissed her the night before.

Nikola stroked her cheek as the car stopped at the hotel. He knew Helen had a villa in Italy but this small romantic hotel was the perfect place. It had the best wine and food, plus Nikola just wanted to give her a change in scenery. Nikola got out and opened her door. He offered his hand to Helen, who took it and allowed it to steady herself.

Nikola smiled as he went to the counter and got the keys to the room. Helen was at ease and allowed herself to cuddle up to him. It had been a long time since she looked so at peace with herself; he let his arm wrap around her as the bell boy took the bags. Nikola walked with her into the elevator and smiled as she hummed the tune the elevator played.

"Are you still mad at me?" Nikola asked looking down at her.

"Very." Helen said in a seductive yet stern voice.

Nikola chuckled. "Only you can make sounding angry sexy." He whispered in her ear earning him a sultry smug look.

The doors opened and the bell boy allowed them out before following them. Nikola opened the door; Helen walked in smiling. It was large and cozy; it had everything needed for a few days stay. Helen turned to Nikola and hugged him as the door closed. Nikola wrapped his arms around her and leaned into kiss her.

Helen pulled back and poked his ribs with her finger. "You lied to me."

Nikola sighed shaking his head. "I didn't really lie…"

Helen pouted slightly amused. "A friend needs help?"

"Okay so I stretched the truth a bit." Nikola said planting a kiss on her cheek. "I mean if you want to leave the door is over there you are not a prisoner." Nikola said coolly walking toward the wine bottles.

Helen rolled her eyes. "Then all of this hard work would be for nothing."

Nikola went to say something but the sound of heels colliding with the floor caused his mind to scatter. He poured a second glass of wine. "Then let's make the best of what I have planned."

Helen smiled as she walked towards him. Nikola watched her approaching; her bare feet were dainty and made no sound as she came closer. It was rare to see her with no shoes and the heels she usually wore hid a secret. Helen walked on the ball of her feet when she didn't were shoes.

"What?" Helen asked looking at Nikola's smirking face.

"You tiptoe about like you are in sneak mode…" Nikola shrugged innocently.

"Oh, do I?" She said taking her drink from him. Helen stood close to the vampire as she drank her wine. Her perfume was intoxicating to him.

Nikola nodded staring at her lips as she let her tongue slip across them removing the wine from them. Helen smiled turning her back to him and gestured towards the zipper on her skirt. Nikola stared at the silver line that made its way over the perfectly shaped butt. Nikola pulled the tab down slowly as he moved closer to her. He moved in for her neck but she pulled away again.

"Thank you." Helen said smiling as she walked into the bedroom area and closed the door.

Nikola sighed and finished his wine. He hated how she did that to him so easily. She was always good at slipping through his fingers.

Helen was sitting in her office. It was her first Christmas without Ashley. Nikola decided to go see her, and to offer her comfort. It was rare that he showed concern for anyone other than himself lately. It was mainly because it was in vain. Nikola cracked the door open and smiled slightly.

The squeaking sound from the door gave away his presences and Helen looked up at him. Her silence made him feel uneasy. "Helen, come with me for the day." Nikola's request earned him a puzzled looked.

"What?" Helen asked after a moment.

"Let me take you to dinner." Nikola explained. "Wolf-boy says you have been in here all day."

Helen rolled her eyes at Nikola. "I am fine, Nikola. Thank you for your concern."

Nikola paused before opening his mouth. "Helen if I have to come over there and lift you from your seat I will…" Nikola warned sternly.

Nikola was so serious, and the look on his face caused Helen to giggle. It was a look that he had worn many times at Oxford; it was hard to believe the two were the same.

Nikola looked at the door. Helen could not see that he was still that same Serbian boy she met in Oxford. He was still afraid to let anyone see him cry, he was still odd and had his same little quirks about him and most of all he was still crazy for her.

Helen sat in Nikola's hotel room. "I'd say Merry Christmas but I fear you'd shot me." Nikola said handing her a glass of wine.

The dinner had gone good it was quiet but Nikola still enjoyed it. He had her with him after all. Helen had been very quiet lost in her thoughts. She barely responded to any of his jokes. Nikola put the glass down as Helen shook her head; his arm wrapped around her pulling her into his chest.

Helen grabbed his shirt and held it so Nikola could not see her cry. Nikola stroked her hair in comfort. He closed his eyes. Her pain cut through him; Nikola gently pushed her shoulders back so that he could cup her face in his hands. He leaned forward kissing her softly. Helen stared at him a bit shocked before she allowed herself to lose control.

It was the first time Nikola slept through the entire night since the Cabal ordeal. The sun's gleaming light danced on his face waking him. His heart sank as he reached out and touched the once occupied space beside him.

Nikola sighed, and walked towards the door. He twisted the knob but it would not open. "Cute Helen, very…"

Helen opened the door the short silk scrape of material caused the vampire to completely blank. "You were saying." Helen asked leaning against the door frame.

Nikola smirked wrapping his arm around her waist pulling her to him. Helen allowed herself to go wrapping her arms around his neck. Nikola stared down at the vixen in his arms. Leaning in his mouth captured hers. Their mouths parted allowing their tongues to dance in the moment of passion. Helen's fingers trailed the back of Nikola's neck. Helen let a soft moan out as Nikola's mouth moved to her neck.

Nikola lifted the brunette beauty so that her leg wrapped around his waist and his hands were firmly on her ass. Helen's back met the cold wall behind her; Nikola sucked at the soft tender flesh of her collar bone before nibbling his way back up her neck to her earlobe. Nikola pressed his bulge against the apex of her thighs.

Helen responded gently rocking against the trapped member. Nikola groaned as he adjusted his hold on her. Clumsily he fell onto the bed with her. She was beautiful he thought as he moved to sit between her thighs. His hands ran up her legs forcing the black silk up around her waist revealing lacey black boy-short underwear. Nikola grinned as he hooked his fingers into the fabric and tugged it down her thighs, then across the smooth goddess like legs. Helen watched intently as Nikola made his move to her center. Helen gasped as Nikola's warm tongue met her clit. Nikola kissed and licked at her womanhood as he wrapped his arms under her legs and pulled her hips closer. His mouth continued it skilled assault on the beautiful woman.

Helen pulled at his hair with one and as the other clawed at the sheets beneath her. She wiggled under his glorious tongue; she needed him, she needed him now. Helen tugged harder on his hair when he started to use his fingers with his tongue. Helen cried out her hips rocking to meet his fingers as they slipped into her.

"Nikola." She gasped as her hips claimed his fingers. Nikola ignored her as he moved his fingers deeper and let his tongue dance along her clit. "Nikola…ple…please I…I need…you" Helen managed in short ragged breaths.

Nikola smiled pulling his mouth away from her. His fingers continued thrusting into her as he kissed up her stomach. Nikola stopped for a moment hovering over her body. Beautiful… His lips and teeth attacked her neck as he removed his fingers. His fingers made quick work of releasing his member from the prison that held it. With a gentle thrust he entered her warmth. Helen arched towards him. Nikola allowed her to adjust to him with slow and steady movements.

Helen's body rocked with Nikola's; her feet forced the pants lower and lower with each movement. Helen moaned as Nikola began to move faster. He sat on his knees letting his hands guide her hips to match his thrusts. He growled deep in his throat as he leaned forward pulling her up to sit on his knees. Helen whimpered as she rocked against him.

"Oh god!" Helen cried out letting her head fall back.

Nikola grinned and he jerked her against him. She felt so amazing on him; the way her body moved, the sounds she made…she drove him insane. He bit her neck sucking on her soft flesh; Helen bounced harder on him. Her body ached for release; she couldn't believe how long it had been since she felt so alive.

She pushed Nikola backwards allowing him to adjust his legs before she used his chest to steady herself. Helen took him deeper as she slid on and off of him. Her movements were fast and needy; she threw her head back as she sat up on him. Nikola's hands fondled her breast threw the silk. He slightly bucked under her meeting her bounces. Helen's pace sped up.

Nikola rolled her under him; he forced himself up on his arms as he began to thrust vigorously into her. Helen screamed his name as her orgasm ripped through her body. Her legs wrapped around him as he continued to thrust as his climax followed. He pushed deep into her as he came.

Mornings bright light woke Nikola; he refused to open his eyes. He reached out for Helen but she was not there. Nikola felt his chest constrict; tears swelled in his eyes. Damn it she did it again. She had loved him and left. Nikola stood up and went to the door. He sighed as he opened.

Helen nearly choked on her breakfast at the sight of the gloriously naked vampire. Nikola stared for a moment. She was there, she didn't leave this time. Nikola smiled playing it off like he knew she was there.

"Morning beautiful." Nikola said as he kissed her cheek. His eyes widened at the sight of a hicky. "You are going to be so mad." He said grinning at her.

"What?" She asked looking at him for a moment.

"I'm sure you can cover it with make up its…"

"Nikola you didn't…" Her voice was low and dangerous.

"Oh…I did." Nikola smiled watching Helen jump from her seat and hurry to the hanging mirror in the living area.

"Bloody Hell…Nikola!" Helen said as she was the offending spot on her neck.

"Look you hair will cover it." Nikola offered stealing a bite of her breakfast.

Helen pouted walking back to her seat taking her plate from Nikola. "You are…"

"Amazing…I know." Nikola said smiling at her.

Helen laughed rolling her eyes. "Go get dressed." She ordered through her laughter.