Well, this story I started a while ago but had left it alone as I've been debating on whether or not to continue it. I've started this story under the basis of and alternate universe where the night when Nick came home from the hospital with his head injury that Natalie and Nick became intimate. Soon after Natalie could not live day in and day out being able to be so near yet so far apart. This takes place 25 years later. Please read, enjoy, and don't forget to leave me a review.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the story line of Forever Knight, I do not take credit for the creation of the characters save for the ones I've added, that one so far being Melanie. I'm just borrowing the characters of Forever Knight for this story I've come up with. So don't sue, okay, I'm poor and you would get absolutely nothing in return.
Inheritance
Chapter One
The drizzle of rain as it splotched against the window of the car seemed fitting for such a day, a day that would forever change a young woman's life. It had been only a month since the funeral but the pain of loosing her mother was the same as it was when she had first known of her mothers demise. It was an accident, a stupid accident, where a drunk driver had ran head first into her mother's car as she was on her way back home from a long day at the clinic.
Pushing back the long curls from her oval face, Melanie attempted in vain to push back the tears that had threatened to escape from her lids. Her mother was the only family that she had and now she was so utterly alone. The street before her blurred as the tears built, finally escaping in a lonely trail down her pale cheeks. A groan of aggravation escaped her lips as she tried once again to concentrate on the road ahead and not on her own internal sorrow. She knew that she needed to get herself together before she arrived at the attorneys office for the reading of her mothers will. Why it was not to be read until now on her twenty-fifth birthday a month after her mother's death was a mystery in itself. Maybe it would be explained to her in the will.
The office building of the attorney's office looked like any other building, plain gray stone stretching upwards into the evening sky. Soft lights pointed towards the building illuminating the building and its shrubbery. Turning the ignition off to her car Melanie closed her eyes for a moment as she took in a soothing deep breath; she had to be strong for there was no one to be strong for her.
After leaving her car and maneuvering up to the fifth floor of the building a skinny lanky man with narrow jaw and pointed nose met her with a solemn look, appropriate for such a meeting. Allowing him to lead her into his small office she sat within a cushiony seat before his large desk, which took up most of the office space within the room.
Clearing his throat the attorney spoke, "Mrs. Lambert I hope that you were able to find the offices without any problem?"
Straitening within the chair Melanie only nodded her head in response before speaking softly, "Mr. Rodenburg if we could get to the point of this meeting and get this over with I would appreciate skipping formalities."
Shuffling a manila folder in front of him he cleared his throat, "Of coarse, I am sorry to have to show you this on your birthday but it was specifically requested by your mother to have waited a month after her passing. The will within basically leaves you with all of her possessions including her savings account, which sums up to the amount of half a million dollars."
A lump formed in her throat, she had no idea that her mother had that much money. There had to be some kind of mistake, her mother was a doctor at a small clinic, "Half a million, are you sure sir?"
"Quite, Mrs. Lambert, she also has enclosed within this folder a letter for your eyes only." Standing he continued, "I will leave you so that you can have privacy to read and then after you sign some forms all will be done."
Accepting the folder handed to her by the attorney Melanie stared at it as he passed by and left her alone within the room. As the door clicked shut she shakily opened the folder removing the envelope within. Slowly she opened it, tears bordering her eyes as she saw her mother's familiar script upon the paper:
Dear Melanie,
If you are reading this it means that I've past on. I am so sorry that I cannot be there for you but there are things in life that are beyond our own control. I know you must be feeling alone with no other family to comfort you or for you to go to. For that I am so desperately sorry. My precious daughter, you are not alone, I will forever be watching over you and be by your side though you may not see me. I love you so much and I wish that I could be there in person to tell you something that I've put off for so long in fears for your own safety and of mine.
I know that I had told you that your father had passed away when you were born but I'm afraid that that was a lie on my part. When I found out that I was pregnant with you I was afraid to tell him, especially since it was after I had already left him. There were certain circumstances surrounding your father that prevented me from sharing my joy with him. It was the hardest thing that I have ever had to do in my entire life.
I know that you are afraid and alone in this and I wish to God that he would give you the strength that you will need to go to your father. As we both know, your different from others, your gifts are from your father as he is not what he seems. I wish I could tell you more but it is too dangerous to even put this to paper. You must seek him out as he is the only one that may be able to protect you from those that would wish to cause you harm. Yes Melanie, there are forces out there that view your existence as a danger to them. He will be able to tell you more. Inside this folder is the information that you will need in order to find him and an envelope for only him to read. It is my letter to him explaining why I did what I did. Please forgive me. Never forget how much I love you; you are the most precious and wonderful thing that had ever happened to me. Know that you were conceived out of the love of two made one and that one is you. My precious and loving daughter, remember that you are special and never let anyone tell you differently.
Love forever,
Natalie
Tears streaming down her cheeks, Melanie quickly opened the folder in search for what her mother had described to her in her letter. Shakily she lifted a picture, the light glistening off of the pictures surface where she saw her mother sitting on a picnic blanket with a man. He was handsome, with pale skin, blond hair and piercing blue eyes. Melanie knew immediately that this was her father. Committing his photograph to memory she quickly went back into the folders contents where she found the envelope address to Nicholas and a paper with the information of who her father is and where she could find him.
Shutting the folder with trembling fingers she signed the papers on the desk and stormed out of the offices as she ran to her car. Still shaking she drove home to pack her bags; she was going to Edinburgh, Canada.
Chapter TwoThe jerk of the plane as it landed and the sound of the stewardess welcoming those on board for flying Canadian Airlines awoke her from her slumber. Blinking away the sleep that fought to clear from her eyes she stood to retrieve her carry on bag and followed the passengers as they slowly made their way from the plane. Her stomach was doing summersaults, her heart racing, as she knew that she was finally here. The fear and excitement of finally meeting her father was almost overwhelming.
Not only was she going to pay her father a surprise visit but also she was in totally foreign surroundings, having never been out of the US. Would her father know her, will he refuse to believe her? Biting the inside of her cheek she made her way to retrieve her bag and to grab a cab to take her to the Hilton.
Flagging down a cab was not difficult and she was quickly on her way, tugging at her black leather jacket she never thought she would ever be this cold. After telling the cab driver where to go, her blue eyes watched as streetlights and buildings passed her by. Mind in turmoil she could not help but to feel a bit uncomfortable with her alien surroundings. From what she had gathered from the information given to her by her mother's lawyer her father is a Professor at the Edinburgh University teaching archeology.
Paying the cab driver and checking in to her room Melanie sighed as she sat on the bed and stared at the wall. Should she wait until tomorrow and settle in or should she get this over with? Plopping back onto the bed she stared at the ceiling knowing that she would not be getting any sleep until she confronted her father. Rolling to her side she came to the decision not to wait any longer and left her room.
Funny how much ones life can change in only a few months. Not long ago the only thing she worried about were paying her bills and not allowing people to find out about her secret. Her mother was the only one who knew. Now she was alone with her secret… but was she? In the letter her mother had left her along with her will she had mentioned that she had gotten some of her abilities from her father. A chill ran down her spine as she thought about her mothers other words mentioning that some would seek to harm her because of them. Like it was her fault that she was different!
The cab ride to the University was too short and she struggled with herself for a moment to leave the safety of the cab to seek out the only one that could answer the endless questions that she had running within her mind. Gathering her strength she exited the cab and made her way into the University towards the class where her supposed father was currently teaching his nightly classes.
With each step that she took her self-confidence faltered as fear of the unknown and unfamiliar assaulted her senses. Would he welcome her with open arms or push her away? But if he loved her mother, truly loved her, then she should have nothing to fear, besides, she had to find out who her father was and why she was the way that she was. The room was in view and all she had to do was take a few more steps forwards and he would be in view but Lord was she nervous! Suddenly she felt light headed, a buzzing tingly sensation at the back of her neck and the back of her head. Needing to balance herself she leaned against the wall and watched as voices drifted from the classroom and the students piled out chatting and talking with each other.
Blinking away the strange and new sensation that had suddenly taken hold of her she waited for the last of the students to exit the room before she took a deep breath and stepped forwards. Heart racing, she stood at the doorway looking down the steep stairs that led downward to where the teacher lectured, but no one was there. Brow furrowing she took a step down and jumped almost out of her skin when a man's voice met her ear.
"May I help you?" Nick asked as he carefully studied the young woman before him, she seemed familiar but there was something different about her. He could vaguely sense the vampire in her and yet he could clearly hear her heart beating of a mortal.
Turning quickly towards the voice her mouth practically dropped open, it was him the man in the picture! But how could it be? He looked the same, not a day older than the photo of him with her mother. Nervously she stuttered, "You're… Uh, Nicholas my um…Well this is…" Not really good at words Melanie quickly pulled the envelope from her mother and handed it to him, "This is from my mother. She wished for me to give this to you."
Looking at the offered envelope he smiled charmingly to her as he accepted the letter, wondering how he could know her mother. Opening the letter he unfolded the paper and almost staggered back at the signature at the bottom of the letter:
Love,
NatalieSitting in the chair closest to him he hurriedly looked to the top of the letter and began to read, Melanie watching him the entire time:
Dear Nick,
I wish that I could be there in person but if you are reading this then I am dead. God Nick, there was so much that I wanted, no, needed to tell you but was so afraid to! I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me for the way I left and for not telling you what I will be revealing to you in this letter. I loved you so much and never stopped loving you but I could not stay knowing how we both felt but not able to pursue our relationship further, though we did have that one night. Oh, if I only knew what would have come from that one night that we were finally able to express our love for one another. I didn't know until after I left or I would have told you. Melanie is what came of that one night. Yes Nick, she is our daughter.
I know this for sure because there was never anyone else after you and since it had been a few years since I had been with any one else, you're the only possible father. She's different Nick, she's mortal but yet she also carries that vampire gene, though dormant. She also has some abilities that I cannot explain accept for that she had received them from you. Don't worry; she doesn't crave blood or anything. Melanie is a bright, loving, and caring woman the best of both you and me. I am so sorry that you could not be there for her childhood. I hope that you can forgive me but you are the only family that she has left and I cannot leave her alone without anyone she can have to rely on. God Nick, I fear for her safety and I think you know why. Please watch out for her, she acts strong but she's more fragile than she allows others to know. I only hope that both you and her can forgive me for keeping you two apart. I will be watching over both of you.
Love,
Natalie
Folding the letter Nick closed his eyes as he fought to not allow the tears to fall. After a few moments of pulling himself together he looked up to his daughter, his eyes searching hers, "She never told me about you. How?"
The tears bordered her eyes as she fought her own grief, it had only been a little over a month since her mother died, "Drunk driver, they said that she died on impact." The tears no longer would stay away as they tumbled out from her eyes.
Standing he quickly took her within his arms for comfort and felt something spark between them, a connection like with those of his blood but… different. Closing his eyes he stroked her dark curly hair, rubbing her back. Chocking back his own tears he shakily spoke soothing words into her ear. After her tears had lightened he pulled slightly away from her and looked down within her face and smiled, "I have a daughter."
Weakly returning his smile Melanie knew that this was indeed her father, "I always wanted to meet you. I… only found out about this two days ago." Tears returning she shakily asked, "Why didn't she tell me? If I knew…"
He pulled her to him once again, "I know." After a moment more of silence he asked, "Where are you staying?"
Sniffling she answered, "The Hilton. I came here right after I got settled there."
Pulling away he smiled to her again, "Would you like to stay with me? I have plenty of room and we can catch up. I want to know everything there is to know about you. I'm sure you have a lot of questions as well."
Whipping at her damp cheeks she nodded in agreement, "Okay, I… I'd like that."
Leaning forward he lightly kissed her forehead, "Let me get my papers together and we can go. I'll send someone to get your things later."
Watching him make his way down to the bottom of the stairs Melanie sighed with relief. So far things were working out all right, for some reason she knew that she could trust this man, that he was indeed her father. Through the years she knew not to question her own instincts, they never let her down.
Gathering the papers his mind raced. How could he be a father? Vampires could not have children… could they? What would happen when LaCroix found out about this? Nick froze at the thought. There was nothing that he could keep from his Sire, he would find out sooner or later. She was family and LaCroix was always strong about his protection of his family.
Looking back up towards his daughter he knew that he would have to go to LaCroix about this. It would go better if the information about her came from him and not someone else but not tonight, tonight he wanted to spend time with his daughter. There was so much that he had missed within her life that he wanted to know. How long could he keep what he was away from her? Something told him that he wouldn't be able to do so and a part of him did not want to keep it from her. 'Oh Natalie, I miss you so much!'
Chapter ThreeThe ride over to her father's place, it was so strange to be able to think of someone as her father, was spent in quiet contemplation. Melanie couldn't believe that she was actually sitting in a car with her father. For so long she had thought that he had been dead… there was so much she needed answers for. There was something different about him, something not like anything she had ever encountered. She could sense something powerful about him, something… words escaped her as to how to describe it.
Eyes moving away from the passing streetlights she watched as they pulled into an underground garage. As the car stopped into it's parking place Melanie wasted no time exiting the car door and waited for her father to show the way.
Nick felt as if someone had ran a stake through his heart and at the same time he felt an overwhelming joy. When Natalie had left Toronto he was devastated but knew not to go after her. At the time he convinced himself that it was the best thing to do, that her being with him would only deprive her of the things that he could not give her. Now… now he finds out that he had a daughter, that Natalie had found no one else to live her life with and to grow old with, and that she was taken harshly from this world before her time.
Raining in the anger and pain that these thoughts brought about he had to concentrate on the now. Right now he had a daughter to get to know and to comfort. Smiling to Melanie he guided her towards the stairs that led to the inside of his home. As they made their way up the stairs he wondered what Nat meant by her having abilities. What did it mean and how would LaCroix react to her? If anything he would kill LaCroix if he tried to harm his daughter in any way.
After climbing the small flight of stairs Melanie waited and watched silently as her father punched in a code and unlocked the door. Her mind wondered at why he would go to such lengths for security. As they walked through the door into darkness Melanie waited as her father turned on the lights.
As the lights illuminated their new surroundings Melanie gaped at what she saw. The living room was huge with a large entertainment center, black leather couch and chairs, paintings and some candles. If anything, her father was well off. Absently she wondered just how much a college professor made!
Nick watched her as her blue eyes widened in open wonder and grinned, "This is the living room and through that hallway is the kitchen. Up the stairs are a couple of bedrooms alone with mine. Would you like something to drink?" he absently hoped that he had something that she would like.
Breaking her gaze from one of the paintings that hung in the living room she smiled shyly to her father as she sat down on the leather couch, "Water would be fine." Sitting down she marveled at the softness of the couch, she could definitely like it here.
Fixing her a glass of water Nick fixed his own glass of nourishment, hoping that she wouldn't want any, knowing that it was anything but wine. Nervous, he handed her the glass of water and sat at the other end of the couch watching her as she sipped her water.
She knew that he was watching her, waiting for her to say something. After all the hours thinking about what to say, what to ask, she had no idea on how or where to begin.
Nick could sense her nervousness as well as hear the pounding of her heart and wished he knew what to say in order to somehow make this encounter easy for her. Finally deciding that he needed to say something he calmly asked, "How long do you plan to be here?"
Taking a deep breath she smiled relieved that he had broken the silence and was starting the conversation out on a safe note, "Honestly I'm not sure. I…" looking down at her hands she took another deep breath before continuing, "I really don't think that I could go back home. To many memories…" Damn it! She was not going to break down and cry anymore! She needed to be strong.
Pushing back the tears she breathed deeply before smiling up to her father, "If its okay with you I'd like to stay here and get to know you. Know about why…" Okay this was the hard part. How to confront him about herself and her abilities, "Why am I different? What is it that mom was so afraid of? I look at you and you look the same as the photo of you and her when she was 20 years younger."
Well, he knew that there would be questions but he was hoping to tackle this after he had time to think of a way to tell her about what he is. As much as he hated to admit it he needed to speak with LaCroix. Downing the rest of his drink he moved closer towards her, taking her hand in his and sighed, "Those are difficult questions to answer. For right now please understand that I can not answer those question as of yet."
Brow furrowing she didn't understand why he wasn't answering her questions. Damn it, she had a right to know! Biting the inside of her cheek she fought back her anger and disappointment. He didn't say that he wouldn't tell her, he just said that he needed more time before explaining. Nodding she softly whispered, "Okay… but you will tell me?"
Thankful that she was accepting his answers for now he grinned, "I promise. And as for staying with me, you can stay with me as long as you like. Though during the day I have to have the shutters closed. I have a severe allergy to the sunlight."
Well that explained one thing, "How severe? I burn easily but nothing that prevents me from going out in daylight."
"It can be fatal to me."
Melanie raised her eyebrows at that, "Oh, I'll remember that then." For hours they continued to converse. Melanie told him about her being an English major and that she was currently an editor though she dabbles in writing her own works. Nick explained to her about his job as a professor and that he would have it arranged for her things to be delivered from the Hilton to here.
A yawn escaping her lips signaled to Nick that it was time to retire, "Come on and I'll show you to one of the guest rooms. I think I have a sweatshirt and pants that you can borrow for nightwear. By the time you wake up your luggage should be here."
Nodding in agreement Melanie fallowed her father up the stairs and into the guest room. It was a good-sized room with a large bed and bathroom. Accepting the sweats he gave her, Melanie changed and crawled into bed, the events of the past few months and her flight and finally meeting her father she had no problems going to sleep as her eyes closed just as her head hit the pillow.
After calling and arranging to have Melanie's bags delivered, Nick lay on his bed looking at the ceiling for a long while before he lifted the receiver to his phone and dialed, "Its Nick I need to speak with LaCroix."
LaCroix's smooth and deep voice soon met his ears, "Ah Nicholas, there is something you wish to speak with me about." It was no question but a statement of fact, something happened to upset and at the same time please his son. Though now as he spoke with Nicholas he could sense a slight nervousness and fear from him.
"Yes, but its not something I can speak with you over the phone." Nick could almost picture LaCroix arching his brow as he waited for his answer.
"I see," was the answer received before the line went dead.
A moment of panic rose within, he had hoped to arrange to see him the next evening but knew that he was on his way over. Placing the receiver in its cradle Nick rose from the bed and made his way downstairs. If he was going to face his 'father' he did not want to risk waking up his daughter. His daughter! It seemed strange to think that he actually had a daughter, a biological daughter and not in the vampire way.
Entering the kitchen he opened the fridge and pulled out his usual bottle but quickly placed it back and reached for another pulling out the house vintage that LaCroix had given him not long ago. Though he had stayed on steer blood he felt the need for something more sustaining, he couldn't exactly call it backsliding since he had long ago given up the belief that abstaining from blood would bring him closer to becoming mortal. He still searched for ways to become mortal once again but lately his drive to do so had diminished. Even if he did become mortal once again it would hardly make up for the actions of his past, nor would it resolve him of all the sins that he had been a part of since his birth into the world of darkness.
Reaching up into the cabinets he pulled out two crystal glasses, as he poured the bloodwine into the glasses the presence of his Sire washed over his senses. LaCroix could never not make an entrance.
Looking up he made his way towards him and handed him the bloodwine, "I was going to arrange a time to see you later."
LaCroix arched his brow in response as he took the crystal in hand, "Ah, but why wait…?" he broke off his speech as he heard the sound of a heartbeat from upstairs, "Interesting turn of events. You have a guest."
"That in part is what I need to speak with you about." Nick sat on the couch and watched LaCroix as his other brow arched his curiosity peeked. Nick waited for him to take a seat before he went on but LaCroix did not look as if he were going to cooperate. As usual he stood towering over him, his power rippling through their blood link as if reminding Nick just who dominated the room.
Shifting a bit uncomfortably within his seat he downed the rest of his bloodwine before placing it on the coffee table before him. He needed to have his hands free just in case LaCroix decided to harm Melanie, "You know that I was only with Natalie once," taking a deep breath he continued, "well I just recently found out that a daughter had been conceived as a result."
"Indeed…" this night was becoming more and more interesting, "You, as well as I, know that a mortal can not conceive a child with a vampire. This is nonsense! So your dear Natalie had decided that she is to black mail you into providing her needs for your daughter. I indeed underestimated the dear Doctor."
Nick stood suddenly from his chair, his eyes blazing red as tears threatened to escape from his lids, "She's dead LaCroix! Never speak of her in that way again!"
LaCroix was stunned by the emotional tidal wave that assaulted his link with his son but did not outwardly show it. He waited for a moment as Nicholas's eyes return to their normal blue, but did not hold back the tears that slid down his pale cheeks. As Nicholas slid down to sit within his chair LaCroix touch his son's cheek, whipping away a blood tear before bringing his fingers up to his lips. In a flash of insight he saw the events of the night and the revelation of just who the mortal upstairs was.
Sitting down beside his son he regarded his son with cool disinterest, "Mortals die. They are here and then they are gone while we are eternal. It is your own folly Nicholas, which has caused you pain with your refusal to bringing the good doctor across and your constant insistence at keeping your mortal lifestyle."
Nick would not allow his words to bate him into an argument, an argument that they have had more times than he cared to count. Eyes closed he took in a deep breath, a mortal habit, as he attempted to calm his inner turmoil. Natalie had meant the world to him. Of coarse she would have eventually died but he had always hoped that it would have been of old age not because of a drunk driver taking her before her time. Of all of this he now had a daughter…? Looking to LaCroix, Nick softly spoke, "I do not wish to discuss your views of my lifestyle and the way I live it. What I do wish to speak about is the safety of my daughter. I want your assurance that you will not harm her."
To Be Continued