Chapter 25

A/N: Okay so our story continues. Thank you all for the heartfelt comments and reviews. You guys are the best and I always appreciate hearing your thoughts. The fun is about to begin again… Prepare yourselves!

Big thank you to my awesome beta Jen! You Da bomb!

Here we go!

III

Nick collapsed back in the chair with a hiss and lifted the bottle to his lips again. He exhaled heavily finishing it off, still feeling the burning pain from the Holy water.

Lacroix's eyes narrowed on the enforcers standing in the doorway. He would never show weakness or pain, especially to them. He lifted the glass to his lips watching them intently. They turned and left then Lacroix downed it.

Samuel's lips barely curled at the ancient.

Lacroix pushed back the stinging sensation coursing through his body and headed for Samuel. He groaned inwardly feeling like hot fire ants were attacking his bare skin.

"You look like you've been through hell." Samuel said with a chuckle in his tone.

Lacroix's eyes tightened on the enforcer. "I have been to hell and back, this is nothing I assure you. This," Lacroix moved his hand toward his bare chest and sores. "Is nothing compared to what I'm going to do when I find Eduardo. Be assured Samuel… I.. Will.. Find him." Lacroix growled, stopping on each word making sure to get his point across.

Samuel's eyes widened just a bit. "I thought you had killed him for certain. It seems Eduardo is quite the adversary. Somehow, he is even able to elude us."

Lacroix hissed sharply will accusing eyes. "Somehow."

Samuel straightened and held the ancient's blazing eyes. "We are friends, Lucien. But do be careful making such accusations! You forget where you are and all we have tolerated with your family."

Nick slowly rose and turned watching the two exchange words. He knew Samuel was referring to him and all the trouble he caused Lacroix and the community, wanting to be mortal again.

"Is that a threat, Samuel," Lacroix's tone dropped low. His golden eyes never wavered from the enforcer yet he was very aware of Nick's declining patience.

Samuel smiled coldly. "I'm an enforcer. I do not make threats." He paused and let out a breath. "Your eyes are rather condemning."

"Yesss," Lacroix agreed exaggerating the word. "Calleigh was kidnapped by one of our kind. The perpetrator then waits for both Nicholas and I to leave… Then somehow the enforcers come to take Horatio."

Samuel nodded slowly. "Yes. I must agree it does sound rather calculated, but… I assure you we had nothing to do with this Lucien. We are not in collusion with Eduardo or whatever plan he concocted to take his revenge upon you and your family."

"Perhaps you should speak for yourself," Lacroix answered coolly. You can not know the mind of the other enforcers, and some are his friends."

Samuel moved his head side to side. "No. The enforcers would never betray Marcus, our sire. Every enforcer here is trustworthy and just. Years of training have proved so."

"Not everyone," Lacroix snorted a harsh laugh.

Samuel nodded. "All but one," he corrected.

"We shall see," Lacroix retorted.

"You seems so sure, Lucien. May I ask why you feel this way?"

Lacroix looked over at Horatio and Nick then back toward Samuel. "I sensed another… when we found Calleigh."

"Another vampire perhaps," Samuel continued.

Lacroix's eyes narrowed. "Another enforcer… besides Eduardo."

"Why did you not tell me this before?"

"You didn't ask and I had to be certain I could trust you Samuel."

Samuel nodded in agreement. He placed a light hand on Lacroix's shoulder. "I give you my word; we will find Eduardo and whoever is colluding with him. They will be dealt with in the harshest of forms!"

Lacroix's nodded. "Yes. This we are in agreement with except, I will be the one who finds Eduardo and kills him. I will make sure he suffers greatly for all he has done."

Samuel sighed and let his hand slip from Lacroix's shoulder. "Eduardo is a fool for crossing you. He will suffer; I assure you, one way or another."

Lacroix nodded.

A low cry came from the other room causing Samuel to frown. "Will… she live?"

Lacroix nodded. "Yes… I will make sure of it."

"You will bring her across?" Samuel asked surprised.

"Only if it is necessary."

Calleigh cried out again in pain.

"Is there anything I can do?" Samuel asked sincerely.

Lacroix moved his head side to side in a no. "Just keep a watchful eye on all until this is resolved."

"You have my word. I will do just that Lucien."

"Thank you, Samuel," Lacroix breathed placing a hand on his shoulder showing his gratitude.

"We will bring you fresh stock to sustain you and your family. Should I bring food for the mortals as well?"

Lacroix looked over at Horatio who moaned low. "No. Perhaps just water and some juice for now. I think neither is going to be eating anytime soon."

"I will take my leave," he bowed his head, turned and left.

Nick let out a long breath and moved beside Lacroix. "Why didn't you tell me there was another enforcer involved?"

Lacroix shrugged. "I didn't think it was important at the time. Our first concern was Calleigh and we weren't under attack."

Nick's brows arched high. "We weren't!" He stared at the ancient like he had three heads. "Have you seen what you look like! I'd say that falls under the category of attack!"

Lacroix sighed. "Really Nicholas, I meant a physical attack by Eduardo and the other enforcer."

"Oh! Oh! Well that clears it all up!" He said exasperated, throwing his hands in the air.

Lacroix rolled his eyes and headed for the second room where Calleigh was. Nick followed behind him with a groan.

"You should feed more and get some rest Nicholas. Your body needs to heal."

Nick let out another breath. I'll rest when we find Eduardo… and kill the bastard!"

Lacroix nodded in agreement.

Jeanette sat in the chair beside the bed, tending to Calleigh. She was asleep but in clear pain, moaning every few minutes.

"How is she?" Lacroix asked looking at the battered pale blonde in the bed.

"Not good. I'm worried about her Lacroix. Her heartbeat is much too slow and the baby…"

"I know," he lowly answered placing one affectionate hand on Janette's back.

"Can't you give her more blood?" Janette lowly asked.

"No." Lacroix responded. "I have already giving her too much. More would jeopardize her life and the possibility of bringing her across."

Calleigh cried out as her whole body tensed under the covers.

Nick ran a rough hand through his hair as Lacroix sat on the bed beside her. He placed her hand in his and spoke quietly.

"You must be strong Calleigh. For Horatio. You know how much he needs and loves you. You must fight, like never before. Do not give into the pain. Do you understand me?"

Calleigh moaned low with a slight nod of her head.

Janette suddenly gasped and pointed inhaling and seeing the blood. "She's hemorrhaging!"

"We have to do something!" Nick growled. "The baby!"

Lacroix rose. "Go! Call Dr. Lambert."

"What?!" Nick's eyes flew open. "Have you lost your mind Lacroix?"

Lacroix snapped out. "Bring her back her as fast as you can Nicholas. There may still be time!"

Nick and Janette stared at him. "You can't be serious!" Nick argued. "Have you forgotten where we are, and better yet, who we're with Lacroix?!"

Lacroix glared at his son. "Nicholas, if you wish to help then I suggest you do as I say. Now!"

"I can't bring Natalie back here Lacroix. They'll kill her or worse, bring her across! You know that!"

With a whoosh Lacroix was in front of Nick sneering. "They will NOT harm her! You forget she saved our kind and the enforcers are grateful and know this! They are quite aware of Dr. Lambert."

Nick stood there dumbfounded. He did know the enforcers knew all about Natalie but he was still afraid for her.

Lacroix snapped pulling him from his haze. "Are you going to stand there all day Nicholas?!"

"What?" Nick blinked. "No, of course not!" He looked at Janette who nodded in approval. Then with a whoosh was gone.

A low moan came from outside. Lacroix looked at Janette. "Go. Stay with Horatio. Comfort him. I will sit with Calleigh."

Janette nodded and headed for the door. "Pull the door closed behind you Janette," he breathed in a low tone.

Janette stopped and looked back at him with question. Lacroix was well aware of the thoughts going through her mind.

"She is safe Mon amour. I will not harm her."

Janette nodded and slowly pulled the door closed behind her.

Lacroix walked over toward the crate of bovine. He lifted a bottle, pulled out the cork and downed it, then took another bottle and finished it in seconds. He walked over towards Calleigh smelling her sweet intoxicating blood.

"There is one way I may be able to heal you my sweet." He opened the button on his pants and unzipped them then climbed into bed sliding in beside the blonde.

His large hand caressed the side of her bruised face as he moved in closer and whispered. "It is Lacroix. You're safe Calleigh." He pressed his body against her, feeling the warmth of her skin caress him. "You must try to remain quiet my sweet. I will do my best not to hurt you, trust in me."

"Lacroix…" Calleigh moaned low with closed eyes. Her right arm lifted around him as he moved in closer and gently kissed her parted lips. She barely responded in her weaken state and he found himself growing angry again. He wanted to rip Eduardo to pieces with his bare hands.

He concentrated on her invigorating scent then slowly kissed and nuzzled along her neck, whispering low words of affection. Low moans left her lips and he could only hope there was some pleasure in what she was feeling.

One large hand softly caressed her breast while the other lifted her leg over his thigh. He kissed her lips then with great care slowly pressed his hips forward making them one. With a sudden gasp her eyes flew open to see him, up close, with all the burn marks on his face.

Calleigh cried out and immediately began to resist. He looked like a monster or demon. Not the Lacroix she knew.

"No, no," Lacroix whispered as she tried to push him off. He grabbed both her hands and held them speaking low trying to calm her. "It is me, Lucien. I will not harm you Calleigh. Allow me to make love to you, it may… save the baby."

Flashes went off in her mind then tears filled her eyes and began to stream down her cheeks. "Eduardo…" she rasped. "He… he…"

Lacroix tenderly caressed the tears from her cheek. "Sshhhh." He pressed one tender finger against her lips. "He will never harm you again Calleigh. I promise you that. Trust me, please."

"Yes," she murmured low. "I tried… to fight… I tried…"

"Yes. I am aware… but now you must forget that. It was only a bad dream."

"Dream…" Calleigh repeated as Lacroix entranced her.

He released her hands and Calleigh immediately pulled him in closer. "Don't leave me," she barely breathed, trembling in his strong arms, nestling as close as she could get to him.

"I won't," Lacroix partly growled trying to push back the rage he felt swelling up inside his dead, cold heart. He held her close, enthralled in the warmness of her soft body then leaned in and kissed her slowly, moving his hips just as slow, breathing against her lips. "You're, safe my sweet, in my arms." His tone was soft and sincere, mesmerizing. "Close your eyes and let me love you. All will be well again."

Calleigh moaned snuggling her head into the crook of his neck, speaking in a trance like state. "Close… eyes… All will be… well."

"Yes. All will be well," Lacroix whispered assuring her again and again.

III

The door flew open and Nick entered dragging Natalie behind him. His eyes went wide as saucers at the scene before him. He growled.

"Lacroix! What the hell…!"

Lacroix's eyes opened and the ancient exhaled in complete relaxation. Calleigh's head rested against his chiseled chest and her arms were wrapped around him.

He carefully turned to the left, gently lowering Calleigh's body onto the bed and off of him. He kissed her on the cheek whispering. "Sleep. All is forgotten. All is well. It was all just a bad dream." Lacroix threw off the blanket and casually rose.

Natalie's eyes almost popped out of her head seeing him naked and in full glory. She gasped then quickly turned away turning a bright red. "I think… I'll wait outside."

Nick smirked as the ancient slipped on his pants. He walked right up to him fully enraged growling, "What's come over you Lacroix?! Have you completely lost your mind?!"

Lacroix glared at him and then looked over at Calleigh who moaned. "Do quiet your tone Nicholas." His tone dropped deathly low. "I will kill you where you stand if you wake her!"

Nick blinked in shock staring at his maker. He quickly put himself in check. The last thing he wanted to do was wake Calleigh but Lacroix had his head reeling.

Lacroix softly exhaled. "I do believe Calleigh is doing much better."

Natalie turned and walked beside the bed. She opened her bag and began to take her vitals.

Nick stared at his maker, whispering, "Did you- Did you…"

"Have sex with her?" Lacroix chuckled finishing for him. "Yes Nicholas, I did. And it was quite enjoyable… I may add."

Nick glared at his maker. "I can't believe you just said that. After everything she's been through! And I thought you really did care!"

Lacroix sighed and calmly headed for the door. "Why don't you come outside, Nicholas and let me explain while Dr. Lambert examines her."

"Nat?" Nick softly called. "How is she?"

Natalie smiled at Nick. "It's hard to believe but she's stable Nick. Go ahead. Give me a few minutes to do a more thorough exam and I'll let you know for sure.

Nick nodded and headed out of the room. He gently closed the door behind him then shouted at Lacroix.

"All this time I thought you cared for them and now you do this! You're even more heartless than I first thought Lacroix!" Nick paced across the room raking a hand roughly through his hair. He snorted a cold laugh. "And to think… I actually thought you were changing! I thought you really did care!"

Janette stared at Nick in shock. "Nichola! What has come over you!"

Lacroix stood there and crossed his arms on his bare chest. His wounds were almost healed. He remained quiet tuning Nick out while his mind obsessed about Calleigh. Her warm, soft body and how good her arms felt around him, holding onto him while he made love to her.

"Do you know what he did Janette! Did he tell you yet?!" Nick growled.

"Go ahead Lacroix, tell her. Tell her what you did to Calleigh!"

Lacroix's brow rose at his enraged son and he glared. "Tone Nicholas. I do not wish Horatio to wake and you're being rather loud."

Nick blew out a long breath shaking his head side to side in disbelief.

"I did not harm Calleigh, Nicholas. In fact, I was able to make her forget, and heal her at the same time."

Nick blinked taken aback then smiled coldly. "You're lying! I don't believe one word you say."

Janette stared confused. "How did you heal her Lacroix? You said you could not share blood again."

Nick smirked at Lacroix waiting for him to answer and the moment he opened his mouth to speak, Nick spat. "He raped her!"

Lacroix's eyes tightened with fury and with a whoosh Nick felt himself slammed up against the far wall. Lacroix sneered in his face enraged. "I. Did. No. Such. Thing!" He shoved Nick against the wall harder, furious with him for even suggesting such a thing.

Janette moved beside them with worry. She placed one hand On Lacroix's arm that was choking Nick.

"Please, Lacroix. You're hurting him. He did not mean what he said. Eduardo has us all bickering with one another. He is the true enemy here!"

Lacroix looked at her and after a moment nodded. He slowly lowered Nick to the ground helping him to find his footing. The ancient lowly sneered. "I entranced her and was able to make her forget then… I made love to her. Be assured she is healed and the baby will have a chance."

Janette lit up like a Christmas tree. "Nichola, did you hear what he said. They will live and both be fine!"

Nick slowly nodded holding Lacroix's gaze, feeling something very different from his maker. He lowly responded. "You… made love to her, Lacroix?" He paused holding the ancient's gaze. "In all my years, I never once heard you talk like that. Not once. Not even with Fleur."

Lacroix's eyes tightened on his sons for a moment then the ancient's jaw set.

Janette stared at Lacroix and smiled. She turned toward Nick. "You see, Nichola, he does care for them very much!"

Lacroix turned and with a whoosh was gone.

Janette looked at Nick with confusion. "What just happened? Is he angry?"

Nick slowly nodded. "Oh yeah. I think Lacroix really does care and… I just made him realized that."

Nick straightened his shirt and exhaled. "I didn't believe it but now after seeing his reaction when I said, what I said," Nick frowned as his harsh words, 'Raped her,' resounded in his mind. "I do." He paused and whispered. "I think… Lacroix's in love with Calleigh."

Janette's eyes widened. "Oh dear." She looked over at the sleeping red head. "That could pose a problem."

"Yeah," Nick answered, "A huge problem."

Horatio groaned low and shifted in the bed. "Cal… Calleigh…"

Janette turned towards Nick. "Do you think he remembers?"

Nick sighed. "Let's hope not."

Janette walked over beside the bed and sat in the chair near Horatio who was still asleep.

Natalie walked out of the joining room and gave Nick a nod. "I don't know exactly what Lacroix did but Calleigh's stable Nick and the baby's heartbeat is strong. It would help if I could get a sonogram just to make sure. Maybe when she's a bit better we can get her checked out at the hospital."

Nick nodded and Horatio's eyes snapped opened. "No hospital," he rasped dryly. "I'm fine."

Nick smiled and walked over beside the bed. "Okay Horatio. No hospital. Just rest and stay in bed."

Horatio blinked and nodded letting his eyes close again.

Natalie walked over towards Nick and whispered. "Sorry, I didn't think he would hear me." She paused speaking lower. "I set up an IV for Calleigh and the baby. Horatio also hasn't eaten in a few days. I should do the same for him."

"Sounds good Nat. I owe you." Nick gave her a gorgeous smile.

Nat chuckled. "I'll just add it to your growing list of favors." She pointed a finger at him teasing. "One day mister, you're going to pay me back for all those favors."

Janette raised her brows playfully at Nick who looked away and answered. "Anything, you want Nat. You know I'm good for it."

Lacroix's eyes narrowed, as he responded from the doorway. His voice low, smooth. "Anything but… immortality. The one thing Dr. Lambert has asked you for several times now. Isn't that right Nicholas?"

Nick turned and sighed. He knew his earlier words hurt Lacroix and he could see the anger still in his makers condemning gaze. Nick looked down then slowly walked towards his sire.

"I should have never accused you like I did," Nick lowly explained. "I'm sorry Lacroix. Really."

Lacroix's icy gaze didn't change and Nick had to look away again, feeling his guilt overwhelm him. He looked back up to find Lacroix still staring at him.

Nick's tone rose a bit. He threw his hands up. "I'm sorry. It was completely uncalled for and I was way out of line. I get it."

Lacroix's lip curved just barely and Nick caught it.

"Are you going to say anything?!" Nick all but shouted.

In the softest tone Lacroix replied. "Will you ever truly, trust me, Nicholas?"

Nick could hear the years of anguish in the ancient's tone. Janette felt his pain and Natalie looked away. She had never seen Lacroix in such a vulnerable state. Hell she almost felt bad for him.

Nick frowned and looked down. His guilt devastated him. "I had no idea how much you really cared for Calleigh." Lacroix's brow rose as Nick corrected. "I mean… for them. I do now Lacroix."

Lacroix nodded just as Horatio moaned, shifting in the bed. "Horatio is waking."

"Do you think he'll remember?" Nick whisper to Lacroix.

"Let us hope not Nicholas. Let us hope not."

Janette moved aside as Natalie stood beside the bed. She opened her bag and looked over at Nick.

"I could use a hand."

With a whoosh, Nick was standing beside her. "What can I do?"

"Hold this," Natalie said slapping a bag of saline solution into Nick's hand. "I'm gonna start the IV."

"Maybe you should wait for him to wake." Nick answered.

Natalie gave him a smirk. "If I wait for him to wake I'll never get it started. Knowing Horatio, he'll refuse it."

"I agree," Lacroix answered moving beside the bed directly across from Nick and Natalie.

Horatio moaned as Natalie lifted his arm from under the blankets. "It's all right honey, we're just gonna start an IV."

Horatio groaned low and slowly his eyes fluttered opened.

Nick was focused on the waking red head when Nat elbowed him getting his attention.

She whispered leaning over toward him. "Now would be a good time to hold his arm Nick!"

Nick blinked and put the bag down on the bed. "Oh, right." He gentle put one hand on Horatio's shoulder and one on his forearm. Lacroix already had one hand pressed against the red heads forehead. He gave Natalie a nod.

Horatio moaned low then his blue eyes fixed on Lacroix. The sudden stick of the needle woke him fully and he turned his head to see Natalie pushing the IV in his arm. He immediately began to struggle.

"Horatio, No!" Lacroix urged and grabbed his left flailing arm. "Dr. Lambert is merely putting an IV to help nourish you."

Horatio groaned feeling incredibly weak. He blinked while staring up at Lacroix. "What… happened?" The red head rasped dryly.

Natalie reached for the cup of water on the bedside table while Nick and Lacroix released him.

She looked over at Lacroix. "Can you help lift his head a bit?"

Lacroix nodded and gently slipped one large hand behind Horatio's head.

Horatio gasped. His eyes slammed shut as his jaw clenched.

"Take your time," Natalie softly advised, lifting the cup to his lips.

Horatio's eyes opened again. He took a sip then groaned relaxing his body, knowing Lacroix had him. Slowly the ancient lowered him back down.

Natalie hooked up the IV line and handed the bag to Nick. "Find a place to hang it."

Nick gave her a sideways grin. "Yes doctor." He opened one closet door and hung it on the hook.

"I, can't… I can't remember." Horatio breathed low.

Lacroix nodded. "You're memory will come back in time. You did take a heavy blow to the head Horatio."

"Where's… Calleigh," he weakly asked.

"Resting in the next room. She has been awake for days at your side. She needed to get some sleep herself. You understand?"

Horatio barely nodded pausing between words. "It's good, she gets, some rest."

Lacroix nodded looking at Nick. "Yes Horatio. You must rest as well."

Janette suddenly looked over at the ancient and Nick tensed.

Samuel and two enforcers were back. Watching. Listening.

Horatio lifted his left hand to his forehead. "My head… feels like it's gonna explode."

Lacroix nodded and placed his hand on Horatio's forehead. "Allow me to help your discomfort. Close your eyes and concentrate. The pain will cease and you will rest."

Horatio's eyes closed. He moaned low feeling the pain intensify.

Lacroix closed his eyes in concentration, speaking quietly, entrancing him. "There is no pain. You will sleep without discomfort."

The red head let out a sharp gasp then exhaled slowly relaxing. "No, pain. Sleep," he lowly mumbled as his head collapsed back on the pillow. He was out cold.

Lacroix turned and walked over toward Samuel. "Any word on Eduardo yet?"

Samuel moved his head side to side. "No. Philip and Luis will go in search at sunset. I have no doubt they will find him."

Lacroix gave them both a suspicious once over then nodded his agreement. "If I find him first, I will not hesitate or wait for Marius to approve of his death. He will die by my hands for all he has done to my family!" Lacroix all but growled.

Samuel nodded. "I do believe Marius will accept your terms. Speaking of which," Samuel said then looked at Nick and Janette. "Marius would like for all of you to join him."

Lacroix's brow arched. "I do not wish to leave Calleigh and Horatio at this time. When they are healed we will see Marius."

Samuel moved his head side to side. "Marius wishes to see you now. It is not up for discussion."

Lacroix's eyes narrowed on the head enforcer. He sighed. "Are you pulling rank, Samuel?"

Samuel laughed coldly. "Do I need to, Lucien. I do not wish to use force. It will be only for a short while, please accompany me."

"Very well," Lacroix answered nodding to Nick and Janette. "Dr. Lambert, please stay with Calleigh."

"Philip," Samuel called. "Do not take your eyes off the blonde and the doctor. And you, Luis, Keep your eyes on Horatio. If either wakes you are to let me know immediately. Are we understood?"

"Yes, sire." Philip answered with the nod of his head. Luis moved his head up and down in agreement.

Samuel gave them both a stare. "You will protect the mortals at all costs."

Philip walked over to the joining room door and stood there keeping an eye on Calleigh. Luis watched them head out of the room, listening to Nick whisper.

"I don't have a good feeling about this Lacroix."

Do not fret. Marius does not wish to harm us. I'm sure he has a lot of questions Nicholas. I would too."

Nick exhaled and looked at Janette. "We're walking right into the lions den."

Janette chuckled. "Mon Ami, they haven't killed us yet."

"Yet," Nick muttered and shook his head. He placed one hand at the small of Janette's back murmuring. "That doesn't mean they won't."

III

Horatio shifted in the bed and groaned. His eyes opened wide and he focused on the IV sticking out of his arm.

Luis didn't move. He stood by the door with his arms crossed on his chest.

Philip gave him a look. "I will stay with them while you go and tell Samuel he is awake." Philip walked over toward the bed speaking quietly. "My name is Philip. We're here to protect you and the woman."

Horatio stared at him in a daze. Not only couldn't he remember anything but Philip's eyes were blood red and Horatio felt imminent danger. "Protect us… from what?"

Philip's lips barely curled up. "Rest. Lacroix will be back shortly."

"You're… an enforcer," Horatio rasped already knowing.

Philip nodded. "Yes."

Horatio swallowed the dryness in his throat. Philip lifted the cup of water surprising Horatio, who tried to lift his head.

"Allow me," Philip urged, easily lifting Horatio's head with his left hand, while his right pressed the cup towards his lips. "Drink slow."

Horatio nodded and swallowed. "Thank you," he exhaled a content breath, relaxing as Philip lowered his head against the pillow.

A sound from the door suddenly caught their attention and both Horatio and Philip looked over.

Eduardo stood there with a wicked grin. Luis eyes were blood red as he stood by his side.

Philip growled as his fangs descended. "Traitor! You dare to come here! You will die a slow traitor's death!"

Philip whooshed across the room and unexpectedly slammed the heavy metal door shut, closing off Natalie and Calleigh. He growled as Natalie stared through the small glass window. "Lock it and don't open it no matter what!"

Natalie locked the door as fast as she could not quite knowing what was happening. She stared through the small window feeling her heart beat take off.

Philip turned back to late. Both Luis and Eduardo were on him. They slammed him against the door and Eduardo growled.

"Submit to me and do not fight! Join me and I will let you live."

"Never!" Philip answered harshly. "I'm no traitor to my kind, unlike the both of you! Marius will kill you both for your deceit!"

Eduardo smirked with fangs showing, "I think not brother." He growled and violently sank his teeth into the enforcers throat. Luis did the same and in seconds Philip's body slumped lifelessly to the floor.

Horatio struggled to rise. He groaned and rolled toward the edge of the bed.

Eduardo nodded with his head. "Lock the door, Luis."

Luis stared at him. "But we'll be trapped in here with them. They'll kill us!"

"Do as I say!" Eduardo roared.

Luis closed the heavy metal door made to keep enforcers out, and locked it. He stared back at Eduardo.

Eduardo smiled then headed for Horatio who was almost off the bed. The red head leaned on his side with his bare back showing.

Eduardo chuckled. "Going somewhere." With his right hand he viciously raked his razor like fingernails across Horatio's back, slicing into his skin.

Horatio gasped then groaned in extreme pain. His eyes slammed shut as Eduardo slammed him back down on the bed.

"I have a wonderful surprise for you," Eduardo chuckled.

Luis walked toward the bed wondering what he was going to do.

Horatio gasped trying to breath, trying to bear the pain. His eyes opened and he stared at the angry enforcer rasping. "I don't… don't know you."

Eduardo inhaled deeply, smelling the intoxicating scent of Horatio's blood. "Oh but you do," Eduardo answered and finished, "And you're about to know me a lot better."

Horatio blinked in confusion.

Eduardo suddenly wrapped on large hand around his throat choking him. Horatio instantly grabbed at his arm unable to pry it lose.

"Do you smell the entrancing scent of his blood?" Eduardo calmly asked Luis who licked his lips barely able to contain himself.

Horatio's arms flailed wildly then the red head's brain kicked in and with his free right hand he grabbed and squeezed Eduardo's package.

The enforcer yelled and released the red head. Luis was on him in seconds. Horatio found himself pinned on the bed again.

Eduardo laughed coldly. "Very good mortal. You're every bit as witty as Calleigh's blood has shown me."

Horatio stopped struggling and stared at the enforcer in realization. 'Calleigh's Blood?' He snapped out. "You're lying!"

"Am I," Eduardo grinned. He slowly rolled up his sleeve while keeping his eyes on Horatio. "She was quite opposed at first," Eduardo replied, "But that all changed the moment I threatened your baby."

Horatio's eyes widened and raged filled him. He began to struggle wildly against Luis, causing Eduardo to smile even more.

"You still don't remember, Horatio." Eduardo laughed and sliced open his wrist. "Say, ahh," the enforcer taunted.

Horatio clenched his jaw shut quickly realizing what was happening. Eduardo forced his wrist over Horatio's closed mouth while Luis held him down.

Eduardo continued to taunt. "Don't you want to see what I did to your sweet Calleigh? How I fucked her and killed your baby!"

Horatio's eyes widened and he groaned clenching his teeth even tighter, wanting to kill the bastard.

"Hold him!" Eduardo shouted at Luis. "Do not let his arms go."

Natalie watched in horror through the small glass window as Eduardo fingernails sliced through Horatio's midsection.

Horatio cried out in pain and Eduardo shoved his wrist into his mouth. They held the struggling red head down and watched as Eduardo's blood filled his mouth and caused him to slowly calm.

"Yes, drink it all down and see what I did to your sweet and innocent Calleigh." Eduardo grinned, sitting on the bed, feeling Horatio's life force weaken.

Horatio gasped. His eyes slammed shut as the horrific images began to assault his mind. He saw Eduardo torturing her, slowly tormenting her, ripping her clothes off then brutally raping her and biting her. Horatio's rage coursed throughout his body like never before. His mind screamed for retribution!

In Marius's chambers, Lacroix abruptly rose in awareness.

Nick and Janette stared at the ancient. Samuel questioned as Lacroix raised his hand outward in a stopping motion trying to concentrate.

'Nooooooooooooooooooooo!'

Lacroix's eyes suddenly slammed shut as Horatio's emotional cry and pain overwhelmed his mind.

"Eduardo is here!" Lacroix growled and with a whoosh and was gone.

Samuel, Nick and Janette were right behind him.

III

Lacroix slammed full force into the metal door. Samuel pushed with the ancient while Nick and Janette stood by watching.

"It is no use Lucien." Samuel advised. "It was made to keep our kind out."

Lacroix growled and stared through the small glass window. He saw Natalie staring across at him and in relief let out a breath knowing her and Calleigh must be safe. Philip was clearly drained, on the floor then he saw Eduardo grin… at him.

The ancient kept his composure and calmly spoke. "Open the door Eduardo."

Eduardo laughed.

Samuel yelled. "You will have to come out sooner or later brother."

"Much later," Eduardo licked his lips. "Brother! After I drain Lacroix's new family members. Then I will be ready."

"He's going to kill him!" Nick growled. "We have to do something." Nick pushed on the door and groaned frustrated.

Janette looked through the window as the three of them backed up, discussing plans. She gasped, watching Eduardo rear back his head and viciously sink his teeth into Horatio's throat.

"Mon Ami! He's draining Horatio! We must stop this now!"

"Move away from the door." Lacroix said and with a nod the three of them at once flew full force into the door smashing it down."

Eduardo's head swiftly came up. Horatio's blood dripped from his lips. His blood red eyes widened in fear.

Samuel was on Luis who quickly submitted going to his knees.

Lacroix growled as Nick circled cautiously. "He's mine Nicholas."

Eduardo moved slow and looked at the doorway thinking about a quick escape but the unexpected happened. Marius walked in and Eduardo almost sank to his knees in defeat.

Lacroix was aware of Marius but didn't hesitate, moving so fast he slammed Eduardo against the far wall, sank his fangs into his neck then brutally twisted his head, almost taking it right off his shoulders with a violent growl.

Janette gasped and turned away. Nick frowned and moved towards Horatio. Lacroix stared at Samuel who held Luis.

"Take him to a cell and put two guards on him. I will be there shortly." Marius angrily snapped.

Samuel nodded and pushed Luis. "Move," he sneered directing him out of the room. Two more enforcers lifted Philip's body and carried him out.

Janette helped Natalie open the door. "Is he okay?" Natalie asked with worry."

"I do not know." Janette honestly explained.

Lacroix sat on the bed feeling his rage subside. Nick was across from him trying to comfort the gasping red head.

Horatio lay helpless, barely breathing. His bright blue eyes open but somewhere far away.

Lacroix bit into his wrist and placed it over Horatio's lips. "Drink, Horatio."

Horatio groaned and moved his head aside. "Cal…" he gasped. "He killed… the baby."

"No." Lacroix lowly answered. "The baby lives. Calleigh does not remember, Horatio."

"Your… Lying…" he mumbled.

Lacroix pressed his hand down against Horatio's forehead. "Drink!"

Nick urged. "Drink Horatio… for Calleigh and the baby."

Horatio struggled until finally he couldn't anymore. He swallowed Lacroix's blood… now seeing everything. Calleigh being captured. Eduardo's scheme for his revenge. The trap he set for Lacroix and Nick then finally how he raped Calleigh and killed the baby. Everything, even Lacroix making love to her. Uncontrolled tears streamed down Horatio's face as his world slowly faded away into darkness.

Marius moved beside the bed without a sound. "This was very unfortunate, Lucien. I am sorry. Will you bring him across?"

Lacroix looked at the master enforcer and let out a sigh.

TBC…

Another cliffy for you all! I'm listening!