Here's the next chapter. Sorry it took so long. I really didn't know how I wanted this chapter to go exactly, so I kept putting off finishing it. Introducing another O/C. An 'old' friend of the family, kind of. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sanctuary or any of its characters.

Chapter 5:

"You seriously expect us to baby sit him, Mother?" Natalija asked.

Helen tried not to smile at her daughter's statement, "I wouldn't call it baby sitting, exactly. He is older than I am."

Vladimyr let out a harsh laugh, "Maybe he should act like it."

"I know the two of you had plans of your own, but I cannot miss this meeting. It took too long to set it up," their mother stated. "It should only be for a day or two, at most. Lexi is on her way, as we speak."

Natalija placed her hands on her hips, "I still do not see why we need to watch him."

"Because just like your father, Alexander MacEnaugh, spends most of his time ignoring the common sense he was born with," Helen replied.

"Like most men," her daughter mumbles. Glancing at her brother she added, "No offense, brother dear."

He grinned at her, "None taken. I'm not likd most men."

"Perhaps we could handcuff him to his bed," Natalija looked at her mother hopefully.

"Or put him in the SHU," Vladimyr interjected.

"Or the two of you can suck it up and deal with him for a couple of days," their mother told them with finality.

"Fine," they answered in harmony.

From where he was seated in one of the armchairs, Alex said, "I'm so glad you are all my friends. I would hate to hear the conversation otherwise."

All four of them laughed.

x x x x x

"While it has been an interesting evening, I must bid you both a good night," Alex said, rising from the table.

"You tired already, old man?" Natalija asked with a smirk.

Alex leaned over, his nose nearly touching hers, "Some of us still need to sleep, you little vampire witch."

The female vampire stood up fast, forcing him to back away quickly, "Mores the pity for you."

Vladimyr shook his head, not really wanting any part of his sister and his friend's game, "Natalija, just show him to his room. I'll clean up here. Good night, Alex."

Natalija turned to glare at her brother, and he stared right back at her. Alex knew they are communicating in the way only they can and remained silent. With a huff, she turned and started out of the room. She stopped and looked over her shoulder, "Come along, Alex, unless you plan on sleeping in here?"

Alex followed her out of the room and down the hall to wait in front of the lift. He remembered Helen telling him that the community center, as it was, was located on the first floor of the main Residential Building. It was logical to assume that his room was on one of the floors above them. When the doors to the lift opened, Natalija took his hand in hers and pulled him inside.

Pushing the button for the top floor, she told him, "The top two floors are for staff and what Mother terms 'our more or less permanent' residents. Your room is on the top floor with ours."

Alex noticed that she had yet to release his hand, but decided not to mention it. He stepped a bit closer to her, just missing the small smile that played across her lips. When the doors reopened, he let her lead him down the hall to the third door on the right. Finally removing her hand from his, she pulled a red access card from her pocket.

"Master security override," she informed him, sliding it into the slot located just under the keypad and above the handle. A green light flashed on the keypad. Turning the handle she opened the door a little ways. "You need to create a pass code. Just press the pound key, enter six digits, press the star key, and finally the pound key again."

She turned her face away from the door, to give him privacy. He smiled at the gesture and followed her instructions. "All set."

"When you need to get in you press the star key, enter your pass code, and hit the enter key. Voila," she said, placing the card back into her pocket. "If you need anything, my room is two doors down on the left side of the hall. Vladimyr's is at the end of the hall on this side. I'll let you get to bed. Good night, Alex," she leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek.

"Good night, Natalija," Alex watched as she strolled down the hall and went into her room. With a sigh, he entered his room, as well, and closed the door. Natalija left the door to her room slightly ajar. Heading towards her bathroom, she dropped a trail of clothing behind her. She shivered as she crossed the threshold and her feet hit the cold ceramic tiles. She traversed the bathroom and opened the shower door. Turning the spray on full blast, she stepped under the hot streaming water with a moan of pure delight.

A couple of minutes later, the shower door opened and she felt a very male body press against her back. Hands wrapped around her waist and pulled her flush against him. She didn't even open her eyes, as she stated, "Took you long enough."

Alex planted a couple of kisses to the crook of her neck and whispered in her ear, "I am so going to make you pay for that 'old man' crack."

"Oh God! I hope so," she groaned, turning to face him.

x x x x x

When he awoke in the early morning hours, Alex found himself alone in the bed. The sheets where Natalija should have been were cold, indicating that she hadn't remained in bed too long after he fell asleep. He knew she didn't normally require sleep, but she usually stayed cuddled with him on the rare occasions he spent the night.

"Natalija," he called softly.

"I'm here, Alex," Natalija replied just as quietly.

He rolled over to see her sitting on the couch in front of the window. She was hugging her knees to her chest and staring out the window. Alex immediately realized that something was wrong. He tried to coax her, "Come back to bed, my sweet. I'll make whatever it is all better."

"No, I really don't think that's such a good idea," she spoke sullenly, trying to swallow a sob.

In an instant, Alex was sitting next to her on the couch. He took hold of her and pulled her into his arms. She began to cry in earnest, her body shaking with the force of her sobs.

"Last ni… night was a mistake. I didn't mean to u… use you. I'm so sorry, Alex," Natalija managed to get out between snuffles.

"Shh," Alex whispered into her hair, "Tell me what's wrong. Maybe I can help."

She raised her head enough to look into his eyes, "It's nothing you can help me with, Alex. Nobody can bloody help me, I'm afraid."

Realization dawned on him, "Oh Dear God! You went and fell in love!"

"Yes," she nodded slowly.

"Natalija, my sweet, I thought you would have learnt your lesson, after your first go round," he stated solemnly.

She glared at him, "Really? You are going to bring that up now?"

He glanced down a bit ashamed, as he tried to explain, "I am truly sorry, but I remember how much you suffered then. Now, I see you suffering, yet again, because of love."

"The pain I suffered then, was no more Fredrick's fault, than it was mine," Natalija informed him.

"I know that, but… in the end, you were in pain, none the less," he pointed out. "And now…"

She smiled a sad smile, "And now I am in love with a man that cannot know I exist. At least not for the next two years or so."

"Ah. I see," Alex said, "It's the whole going back in time and living a second lifetime thing your dear mother has going on."

Natalija gave him a genuine grin, "Yes, Alex, as you so succinctly put it."

"Did anyone ever tell you that sarcasm is unbecoming of a lady?" he questioned.

She tilted her head, as if thinking about it, "As a matter of fact, yes. But as you should know by now, I do not take criticism very well."

Alex gave her a devious little smile and a wink, "So tell me about this man that has captured your little vampire heart."

So? Tell me what you think. I plan on putting Alex and his sister Lexi in the story again later. Hope you liked it. Thanks for reading. Until next time.