A/N: A little plot and a little citrus. We find out that the necklace has a purpose as Nikki comes into contact with someone who could be exceedingly dangerous to her. Alcide makes another appearance, also.

Chapter 5

Kingly Interest

Nikki was in her office getting ready to leave for the evening. She whirled around and that jostled the necklace around her neck. Eric's necklace. She reached up a hand and caressed it. Was it wrong to keep it? It had been given to her on false pretenses, after all. Yet, it reminded her of him and she liked the sensation of it touching her skin. She pursed her lips and thought what a dysfunctional relationship they had. But, then she smirked and thought that it certainly kept things interesting.

It was then that a tall, lanky man came into her office. Nikki passed her eyes over him and corrected herself; a tall, lanky vampire. He had dark curly hair and stared at her as he sized her up.

"Good evening," he said.

"Hello, can I help you?" asked Nikki.

"My employer would like to meet you," he said.

"I'm closing up, tonight, but he can make an appointment for some other time," said Nikki.

Nikki began piling things into her satchel in preparation for leaving. The vampire gave no indication of leaving her office.

"My employer does not make appointments," he said.

"Well, I don't make house calls," replied Nikki.

"Can't you just make an exception to that rule," said the vampire. "For me?"

"Why should that sway me?" asked Nikki.

"We are being so friendly and I would hate for things to change since I'm just beginning to like you," he said.

Nikki stared back and threw her satchel over her shoulder. She would gain nothing by being difficult and being cooperative wouldn't hurt. She walked to the vampire and slipped her arm around his.

"You're a silver-tongued devil, Mister?" she said.

The vampire actually dropped his eyes and replied, "Franklin Mott."

"Well, Franklin, you're a smooth operator," she said.

"I am?" he said, raising his eyebrows.

"How can a girl argue with your logic?" she said. Nikki smirked and added, "Of course, your looks don't hurt either."

Franklin beamed at her praise. With a tight grip on her hand, he escorted her outside.

Franklin guided her through some heavy security into a grand old mansion on a large estate. Coming through the front door, she saw an elaborate grand staircase and a formal foyer. He drew her into a formally decorated study. Nikki saw a fire blazing in a fireplace with an elaborate mantle. Two Greek statues held the mantle in place over their heads. Sitting on a settee near the fire was a smallish male vampire. But, Nikki could sense the power coming off him in waves. He was old, very old. She tried to keep a tremble from escaping, lest Franklin detect it. He had brown hair and intelligent eyes that studied her without caring about the 'it's not polite to stare rule'. He was wearing a casual khaki suit with a light purple undershirt.

"Nikki Jordan," said Franklin, introducing her to his boss.

The vampire rose and made his way over to her. He surprised her by taking her hand in his.

"It's very kind of you to agree to seeing me on such short notice," he said.

Nikki pulled out her hand and smiled, "What can I say, Franklin has such a way with words."

Russell noted with surprise that Franklin actually blushed. Franklin was many things, he thought, but charming wasn't usually one of them.

"Leave us," said Russell.

Franklin walked to the door, but he looked back and gave a parting wink to Nikki. Russell raised an eyebrow.

"I dare say that he's one step from eating out of your hand, Miss Jordan," said Russell.

"Better watch yourself, you just might suffer the same fate," replied Nikki with a smile.

Russell smiled and said, "I admire confidence."

His eyes focused on the necklace around her neck and his stare intensified with a little frown. "I also admire fine, antique jewelry. May I?"

Without waiting for a reply, he touched the necklace and trailed his finger over the stone and it's setting.

"This is absolutely beautiful," he said. "It's quite old and valuable. You must have a devoted admirer."

"I guess that you could say that," replied Nikki.

He waved at seating area before the fireplace and Nikki took a seat. Russell retook his spot on the settee across from her. He wondered who had put his claim over the girl. That necklace, at least the setting, was not just old, but ancient. The writing that graced the setting was a forgotten form of lettering that had been used by vampires for millennia to keep humans from their secrets. It's message was loud and clear. Little Miss Jordan was the prized possession of a jealous vampire and not just any vampire, either. It was not just anyone who would have something so unique as that necklace in his possession. Of course, it was doubtful that the vampire in question was his equal, but not many were. Still, he wouldn't be a pushover. It would be wise to tread delicately, he thought.

"Would you care for a drink of brandy?" asked Russell.

"No, thank you," replied Nikki. "Not to be rude, Your Majesty, but why am I here?"

"You know who I am," replied Russell.

"It wasn't that hard to deduce," said Nikki.

Russell brushed a hand down the front of his jacket and said, "I'm in the habit of keeping an eye on those people of interest in my kingdom. You came to my attention."

"That sounds ominous," replied Nikki. "Should I be frightened?"

"On the contrary," replied Russell. "Can you blame me for wanting to meet with you?"

"You didn't give me much a choice," said Nikki.

"Heavy-handedness is an unavoidable symptom of being King, I'm afraid," replied Russell.

"You should remember that a lady prefers a more gentle means of persuasion," said Nikki.

Evidently, that has worked for her vampire suitor, thought Russell. He smiled and said, "I have been shamed by my lack of manners, my dear. Perhaps, you will accept that drink and my humble apologies."

"How can I refuse such a heartfelt apology?" replied Nikki.

Russell smiled and got up to fix her drink from an antique armoire that had been converted into duty as a wet bar. Nikki watched his back with misgivings. This country gentleman act complete with genteel manners was just a façade. What lay beneath was something that she didn't want to make an acquaintance of. She graciously accepted the glass and he once again took a seat opposite her.

"Forgive me for being so bold, but just who is Nikki Jordan?" he asked.

"I'm just a young woman trying to make her way in the world," replied Nikki.

Russell smiled and said, "As elusive as ever, Miss Jordan. But, perhaps you can explain to me why you didn't even exist before a few weeks ago."

"Maybe, I sprang into this world full formed like Aphrodite being born from the sea foam," replied Nikki.

"That would explain many things," chuckled Russell. He passed his eyes over her. She was charming, pretty and deceitful. All of which were admirable qualities. Yet, there was something about her that kept setting off a little warning alarm. He just wasn't sure why.

"Surely, someone as old as you understands the need to reinvent oneself ever so often," said Nikki.

Nikki sipped her drink and added, "A girl needs to know what a gentleman's intentions are, Your Majesty."

"It's come to my ear that you have some unique talents. I simply would like to ensure that if I should ever have a need for your services that you would look upon me most favorably," he said.

"I can assure that I see you for what you are," replied Nikki.

"Then, we have an understanding," asked Russell. "My only wish is forming a friendship with you, Miss Jordan."

Right, thought Nikki, Eric was looking more appealing all the time.

Mr. Bad Boyfriend

I

At home, Nikki prepared for bed. Just as she was about to call it an evening, there was a knock on her door. Wearing a robe and slippers, she found Alcide Herveaux on her doorstep. He held a small bouquet of flowers and ran his fingers through his unruly hair.

"I'm sorry that I'm so late, but I got held up at a construction site," he said. "These are for you."

He passed them to Nikki and she took them. She glanced up at him and saw him seem to struggle to find the right words.

"I wanted to apologize for Debbie," he said. "I had no right bringing our argument to your doorstep."

"It's not like you sent her a formal invitation," said Nikki with a smile. She shrugged and said, "Come in."

Alcide walked inside and Nikki moved to put the flowers in a vase, which she sat on the breakfast bar.

"You shouldn't apologize for someone else's actions," said Nikki. "I don't think that you can control Debbie, even if you might want to."

Nikki flashed a small smile to Alcide. He smiled back and said, "You are entirely too nice."

Nikki felt a little stab of pain and replied, "I'm not. You don't know me very well, Alcide."

He stepped closer to her and she could feel the heat coming off his body. It was a fact that werewolves and other weres were hotter than other beings. She looked up into his dark eyes and thought what a contrast to Eric he was. Except for both of them being tall, they were complete opposites. While Eric was blonde, fair and cold, Alcide was hot-blooded and dark. And he had a pulse, she thought with a smile.

"Debbie and I are over," said Alcide. "There is nothing standing in the way of me getting to know you better."

Nikki bit her lips and said, "I….I'm sort of seeing someone."

"Who?" asked Alcide. "I've never seen anyone around here."

"It's complicated," replied Nikki. "He's not exactly good boyfriend material if you know what I mean."

"Then, why are you seeing him?" asked Alcide.

"Maybe, I'm not good girlfriend material, either," said Nikki.

Alcide brushed a lock of her blonde hair off her face, "I find that hard to believe."

"I like you too much to hurt you, Alcide," said Nikki. "You should thank Debbie because she kept you from falling under my spell that night."

"I'm not so sure that she prevented anything," said Alcide.

He looked longingly into her eyes and succeeding in tempting her to not be so noble. But, then, he stepped back from her and smiled.

"We can still be friends," he said. "And if you decide to dump Mr. Bad Boyfriend, I'll be waiting in the wings."

"Sounds like a deal," replied Nikki with a smile. "Would you like a cup of hot chocolate?"

As Alcide stood and wavered, Nikki said with a grin, "I've got those tiny marshmallows to sprinkle on top."

"I see that you've discovered my weakness," replied Alcide, with a smile.

Nikki winked and said, "A femme fatale always knows what a man's weaknesses are."

II

Nikki awoke to the faint sound of tapping. She sat up and saw Eric Northman hovering outside the large bedroom windows. He stared at her and she felt a chill. He was dressed in black pants and a sleek, black leather jacket. His bad boy uniform, she thought. He clasped his arms in front of himself and gave her a little smile. His blonde hair still managed to shine in the darkness and, even though he scared her, she couldn't stop the automatic response to him that he invariable caused whenever he was in close proximity to her. Admit it, she told herself, he makes you literally melt. Nikki moved to the window and opened it.

"Hello, Number One," he said.

"How are you here," asked Nikki.

"It's really quite simple," said Eric with a little grin. "You fell asleep and now you're dreaming of me."

Nikki had been sleeping and the other dream that she had of him had occurred the same way. It was bad enough that he always seemed to invade her thoughts during the day, but did she have to deal with him in her dreams as well?

"This dream can't move on to a more satisfying conclusion unless you invite me in," he said.

"Why can't you just come in? After all, it is a dream," said Nikki.

"Don't ask me," replied Eric. "It's your dream, you make all the rules."

As Nikki hesitated, Eric rolled his eyes and said, "Invite me in, you know that you want to. The fact that I'm here is proof of that."

Nikki sighed and said, "Come in."

Eric flashed a triumphant smile and moved through the open window in the blink of an eye. Nikki closed the window and, as she turned back around, Eric stepped close and kissed her with one of those famous kisses that made her knees go weak. Damn him, she thought, he was much too good at that. He pulled back and looked into her eyes.

"Did you miss me?" he asked.

"No," said Nikki.

"You kissed me back like you missed me," said Eric.

"And how was that?" asked Nikki.

"Let me show you," replied Eric.

He drew her into another kiss and she felt his hands move into her hair. His lips were so sweet that Nikki couldn't keep from tasting them with her tongue. Eric pulled back again and stared down into her eyes.

"Tell me the truth, Number One," he said. "Tell me that I'm the only one who kisses you like that."

"Only you," sighed Nikki.

Eric whipped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, but he dropped her and let her bounce. Nikki giggled and saw a genuine smile from Eric. He shrugged out of his jacket and moved in a flash over her.

"Showoff," said Nikki.

"That was nothing," said Eric with a grin. "I haven't even gotten to the good stuff."

"Shouldn't I be calling all the shots, since it is my dream," replied Nikki.

"Good point," said Eric. "I'm yours to command."

"I like the sound of that," replied Nikki.

Eric lowered himself onto the bed and made little circles on her abdomen. His hand snaked under her short nightgown and the touch of his fingers tickled. Nikki giggled and shoved his hand away. He rose up and kissed her. Leaning into her ear, he softly spoke.

"You have to tell me what to do, Number One," he said.

His eyes looked so intent in the darkness of her room. Nikki stared into them and felt as if she was falling inside them.

"I want you to go down on me," said Nikki.

Eric leaned in and kissed her and whispered again, "I like a girl who knows what she wants."

He then kissed his way down her neck, pausing to suck at her soft flesh. He caressed her breasts as he pulled her nightgown up and over her head. He then turned his attention to her breasts and sucked at one and then the other. Nikki moaned and her hands gripped his shoulders.

"Lower," she sighed.

She arched her body as Eric's lips trailed downward. As he slipped between her legs, she couldn't stop the tremble of anticipation that passed over her. As his lips trailed up the inside of her thigh, her breath caught.

"Tease," she said.

"Anything worth doing is worth taking your time and doing it right," replied Eric.

As his tongue touched her between her legs, Nikki grabbed his shoulders. She knew that he would find her drenched. As he tasted the tangible proof of his effect on her, Nikki found that she couldn't stop those little noises of excitement from escaping her lips. She then found that she didn't care. Weren't they the signs of a job well done? His tongue moved between her folds and explored that little rose bud of nerves that was necessary in sending a girl into ecstasy, if done properly, of course. And Eric didn't give her any reason to doubt that his skills. Alternating light and gentle strokes with a more demanding touch, Eric caused Nikki to writh in pleasure. The sound of her soft moans was the best praise he could receive for his efforts. Her fingers dug into his shoulders as she arched herself against him. She began to try to pull him up, but he grabbed her hands and interlaced his fingers with hers. She gripped him tightly as she began to reach the point of no return. He kissed that little rose bud and she shuddered with a soft cry. He, then, dropped his fangs and sank them into her thigh. She groaned as the fangs pierced her flesh and, as he drew forth a mouthful of her blood, she came again. She exhaled a long and shuddering moan as he drank her honey sweet blood.

He moved up and Nikki moved her delightfully warm body next to him. She encircled him with her arms and he could feel the beating of her heart next to his cold, silent one. He kissed her lips and his fingers trailed down and touched the necklace.

"Why did you give this to me?" she asked.

"Maybe, you earned it," replied Eric.

"Because of the way I touch you?" asked Nikki, reaching her hand down. She took him into her hand and slowly moved it along his length. Eric closed his eyes a moment.

"Be careful, you might start something that you'll have to finish," he said.

Nikki smiled and gripped him tightly in her hand. "Does that mean that you want me to stop?" she asked.

"No," he said. "I didn't say that."

She softly kissed Eric and said, "We are both liars, you and I. But, in my dreams, I always know that you are telling me the truth."

"My lips speak the truth, here in this place," said Eric.

He moved over her and slipped between her legs. He looked intently down at her as Nikki reached for him.

"Let me show you the depth of my affection for you," he said.

As he pushed himself inside, Nikki softly whispered into his ear, "Fuck me like you mean it."

He kissed her and said, "You know that vulgar tongue gets me all excited."

"That's what I was hoping for," replied Nikki.

She pulled him close and thought that these dreams were getting better every time.

A/N: They are so cute with their little games. But, was this a dream or not?

I like Alcide trying to stay friends with Nikki. She probably needs one. He might be waiting in the wings awhile since Nikki appears to be smitten with her bad boyfriend.