Chapter Twenty Four:

The Lamb Becomes the Lioness

Grissom rolled down his sleeve as Doc looked at the report.

"I'm better," announced Grissom.

"Not according to the numbers," stated Doc.

"I feel better."

"Well, there's no improvement but…you're not worse."

Doc looked at him. "Following orders?"

"I rode in with Sara. Brass is going to give me a lift home."

"I've been a bit concerned about Sara," stated Doc.

Grissom froze. "Why? Is her numbers…"

Doc waved him to silence. "It's not her health. She's…been quiet. The others have noticed…David caught her during a melt down at a crime scene. She pretended she wasn't crying but David knew better."

"Gracen's death…was hard on her."

"Just make sure she takes care of herself. We don't need both of you sick."

He slipped out the back and into Jim's car.

Brass glanced at him.

Most of the drive consisted of several calls for Brass.

Just as they neared the townhouse, Brass finally said, "I heard…that Heather and Sara came to visit you."

"Yes."

"So…no body lying around…I mean I can't imagine Sara and Heather…in your house…"

"Heather is just a friend. Sara understands that."

"She must be some friend….looks like she's still here," snickered Brass.

Grissom frowned when he recognized the vehicle in his driveway.

"I don't see her anywhere so she must have a key to the place," accused Brass.

"She knows where I keep the spare," explained Grissom.

"I hope Sara knows where it is."

Grissom frowned.

Of course in her haste to run out before being late for work, he'd forgotten to give her a key to his house or to even mention the spare key he kept hidden.

Grissom stepped inside the house and stopped dead in his tracks.

The aroma coming from the kitchen smelled wonderful.

Heather appeared around the corner.

"I was hoping you would be home soon. I expected you to be in bed."

"Heather…this is very thoughtful…but you shouldn't have."

"Grissom, you're in no condition to cook and I know how you like a home cooked meal."

"I like food," he countered.

"You like…rich delectable food."

Dinner was served by candlelight.

He smiled when she held up her glass of wine.

"We used to do this…a lot," she purred.

"I remember. I gained weight," he frowned.

She took a sip of her wine. "How do you feel?"

"I'm good. Sara and…"

"You've been spending a lot of time with her."

"I didn't think anyone noticed."

"I'm sure I'm not the only person who's noticed."

Grissom took a drink of the wine. "It's no one's business."

"You've changed," she observed.

"Yes, I have."

"Grissom…the other morning…you acted as though…Is there something between you and Sara?"

"That's personal," he countered.

"We used to talk about…such things."

He sighed. "Heather…"

Her hand landed on his and it made him uncomfortable.

Her fingers rubbed against his.

"You seem…distressed," she whispered.

"I am…by your actions."

"I just want to comfort you. Will you let me?"

He withdrew his hand, wiping his mouth on the napkin. "I think you've had a little too much wine."

"I think you're afraid to see where this could go…let me show you, Grissom."

He stood suddenly, feeling a bit ill.

A strange feeling seeped through him and he glanced at the clock nervously.

She's in the middle of shift…

I can't call her and tell her to come home so we can…

She must be feeling the same…

But this is different…

Heather watched as he stood there waiting for the sensation to ease.

"Is there a problem?"

"No….I just… need to…."

He didn't finish.

Heather locked her arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight embrace while she attempted to kiss him but he turned his head.

"Heather, stop."

"Grissom…just relax."

He felt a burning sensation in the pit of his stomach and he gritted from the pain.

He quickly stepped back reaching for the table for support but already Heather was supporting his weight.

"Let's get you to bed," she soothed.

Maybe if I lie down, I'll feel better…

The feeling worsened as they made their way to the bedroom.

He slumped down on the edge of the bed.

Heather's fingers removed his shirt in lightning speed. She reached for his belt but he refused.

She stepped back.

"I'll let you finish," she whispered and disappeared into the bathroom.

He stripped down to his boxers, easing himself onto the bed, not sure what to make of the latest illness.

It was similar to the sensation he got when his urge for Sara became overbearing but was different.

It's not time…

We've gone longer than this…

Besides she's working…

I'm just tired…

If I rest…

He closed his eyes, and sighed when the pain began to ease.

Heather slipped off her clothing replacing it with the transparent gown.

She smiled as she opened the bathroom door.

Now, to rid you Grissom of her…

Sara picked up her kit, relieved they were finished.

She had meant to call and check on Grissom but the hours had gotten away from her and she feared he was already asleep.

She froze when she felt the first jolt, grabbing the railing, not sure what to make of it.

Brass noticed her immediately.

He hurried around the police officer, grabbing her arm. "You okay, kiddo?"

"I'm not sure. Something is off…not right."

She held up her hand, feeling a tingling sensation near the scar.

She swiped her forehead, not sure what to make of the sudden apprehension she felt.

There was a strange need to get to Grissom.

Her eyes widened. "I need to see Grissom."

She started for her vehicle but Brass caught her arm, leaning in to whisper, "Under the statue there's a spare key."

She hurried to her vehicle, taking out the evidence and handing it to Warrick.

Without another word, she sped off.

"Is something wrong with Grissom?" asked Warrick.

She had no idea what she would do when she arrived, trying to calm her nerves but the sensation was overwhelming.

Something is definitely wrong…

He'd never given her a key to his house.

I'll knock…

What if he can't come to the door?

Brass told me where to find a spare key…

Why didn't Grissom tell me?

She dialed his number, holding her breath as she prayed he would answer.

Grissom's eyes shot open when his phone went off.

He reached for it.

"Grissom"

"Griss?"

"Sara?"

"Are you alright?" she gasped, relieved that he answered the phone.

"I'm…." he didn't finish as he gawked at Heather.

He disconnected the call, not wanting Sara to hear what was going on.

"Grissom!" she yelled, fearing something had happened to him.

She zipped through a red light intent to get there in record time.

"Heather, what are you doing?"

"I'm seducing you," she announced.

He swallowed. "I want you to dress….now!"

His breathing sped up.

He glanced at his attire and then Heather's.

"Heather…please," he said as his stomach churned. "Sara…is on her way. I don't want her to see us…like this."

"Then send her away. Simply call her and…"

"No!"

"I take it Sara is still throwing herself at you."

He reached for his pants but she tossed them across the room.

He struggled to get out of bed but Heather straddled him.

"You care for her?"

"I love her," he clarified.

"I recall you've avoided her…for years."

He refused to look at her, trying to wait until the pain subsided.

He grew alarmed when he felt the covers being pulled back.

"Heather I said stop!"

She halted but leaned down until they were a mere inch apart.

"I know I affect you, Grissom. The pain you're feeling…will go away. I promise. Just respond…let me…"

"I don't want you," he bit out.

"The only reason you want Sara is because you're bound to her."

He looked shocked.

"You didn't think I would figure this out? There is very little that I don't know about…matters of a sexual nature. The bond…can be broken. You don't have to be tied…restricted to her."

"How do you…"

"I've had my share of fallen angels…even the ones that think they are special…above…carnal pleasure. They created the blood bonding to entrap their mate."

"I wasn't trapped. I wanted to be bound with Sara."

"Forever Grissom? To never have the pleasure of another's body? To be stuck with…her…Sara?"

"Yes…God, yes."

There was a slight misting of her eyes as she shifted on the bed.

There was the sound of the click of the front door.

He turned his head. "Heather, please. I don't want her to see us…like this."

Heather shifted her weight and he struggled to move her but it made things much worse.

His hands were now on Heather as if he was pulling her on top of him.

Heather smiled as Sara stood in the doorway.

Accusing eyes looked at the two.

Grissom practically shoved Heather over as he struggled to go after her.

"Sara…Sara wait!" he called as she turned on her heel.

Grissom chased after her, managing to catch her in the hallway.

"Let go of me, Grissom."

"I know this looks bad but…"

"You're right, it does."

He glanced down at his attire, rolling his eyes at the awkwardness.

"I didn't know…we had dinner," he began. "We have dinner once a month…just friends…getting together. I got…sick and…I had no idea Sara. I came to lie down and the next thing I know…Heather is…"

He knew it sounded pathetic.

"I didn't plan this. I don't want her…I want you," he got out.

His trembling hand cupped her face. "Please, Sara. I wouldn't…we're bound. I couldn't…"

It wasn't coming out the way he wanted it and he felt quite retched.

She'd made it halfway to the door when he caught her once more.

"Sara…please don't. I'll talk with Heather...this won't happen…again."

Already the urge was returning.

Neither liked the timing.

He grabbed onto her hand, fearful she would only try to run again and for the life of him he just didn't have it in him to go after her.

The moment Grissom touched her she felt the tingling sensations in the pit of her stomach.

Grissom felt it as well.

"Stay…please."

"Do I have a choice?" Sara threw out.

"Of course you do," sighed Heather.

Both looked at her.

She grabbed her purse from the chair and turned, caressing Grissom's cheek as she leaned in to whisper in his ear. "When you're ready to break…the urge…let me know. You don't have to be bound to her."

Sara's eyes locked with Grissom's.

You said you didn't tell anyone else...

She felt a bit of betrayal at the sight of Heather so close to Grissom.

Heather intentionally caressed Grissom's cheek once more before turning to look at Sara.

She sneered at her as she passed but was surprised when Sara's hand connected with her face.

Heather was startled by the strike as well as Grissom who grabbed Sara's arm when it swung back to strike her again.

"My my, the jealous one….but then he never really wanted you before," Heather spat.

Despite Grissom's efforts, Sara's hand connected hard with Heather's face once more sending her hard into the wall.

"In case you're confused, that was not foreplay," Sara seethed. "Get out of my sight or I'll shove my shoe up your…"

"Sara!" Grissom reprimanded.

Sara forced herself free from his grasp as she stepped away from both of them.

Heather rubbed the side of her face and merely smiled at Sara as she left.

Grissom was still shocked that Heather knew about fallen angels.

She may be able to give us answers that we need...

He couldn't think about that at the moment, needing to clear the air with Sara.

His hand went out to touch her but she smacked it away.

"Don't," she warned.

She glanced toward the door but knew it would be futile to leave; the urge would just force her to return within an hour.

"Would you come to the kitchen…so we can talk?" he pleaded.

He hesitated as he moved toward the kitchen, not sure she would follow but she did, feeling trapped by their need to join soon.

She slid onto a bar stool at the counter.

He quickly grabbed two glasses setting them on the counter while he reached into the fridge for some orange juice.

Sara glanced around taking note of the table with the white tablecloth and candles.

There were two wine glasses sitting on the table.

Grissom handed her a glass.

He quickly caught sight of the unspoken accusations.

"Heather…insists on…formal…dining. It never bothered me," he explained.

"I guess her attire didn't bother you either," she retorted, snatching the glass from his hand.

"I had no idea….she's never acted like that before. Sara, if I had known…"

"You didn't notice the way she was looking at you? The way she touches you?" Sara spat as she took a gulp of orange juice.

"Sara…"

She set the glass down with a thud, coming around the counter and began searching the cabinets.

"What…are you doing?"

"I need…a drink."

"Sara…"

She opened the fridge and found the almost empty wine bottle. "Quite a bit of wine…you drank."

"I like wine with dinner…yes, this looks bad but…"

Sara yanked on the cork and reached for the wine glass pouring the remaining contents into the glass.

"Cheers," she mumbled as she turned up the glass but sputtered, never liking the taste of wine.

She poured the contents into the sink and began searching the cabinets once more.

"Would you…stop so we can…"

She pulled the bottle of vodka up from underneath the sink.

"Just what I need," she announced as she poured some into the orange juice, using her finger to stir the contents.

She reached for the glass but his hand caught hers.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say."

"Why are you sorry? Sorry that you got caught? Sorry that you couldn't…finish it? Sorry you're bound to me? Sorry…"

He forcefully pulled her into his arms. "Don't fight…before we…make love," he begged.

"Is it really love Grissom? Do you have any idea how much I would have wanted to spend an evening with you…like this? You easily spent it with her…not just tonight…but several times in the past while I couldn't even get you to have breakfast at Frank's with me. Why?" she cried in frustration.

"Because I'm a damn fool, Sara," he growled as his lips devoured hers.

Her mind screamed to push him away but she couldn't for the life of her.

She needed to feel connected to him.

He pawed through her clothing, pulling off layers as he tried to coax her toward the bedroom.

"I'm not going near that bed…not after…" she choked, feeling the sense of betrayal all over again.

"Sssh Sara. I couldn't do it. The moment she touched me I felt ill." She tried to push him away but he held onto to her. "I became ill…that it wasn't you. I desire only you…need only you. Sara…let me inside you."

She gave him access and he sank deeply into her core.

The couch was put to use as he tried to show her how much she meant to him but for her it was simply a means of avoiding the pain and she pointed that out the moment they climaxed.

It hurt him but he knew he deserved it.

She reached for her clothes but he grabbed them.

"Grissom, give them to me," she demanded.

"You're angry…you have a right to be," he said. "Sara, I won't do this again. I won't compromise…our relationship."

"I didn't know we had one," she spat.

"Don't say that," he said quietly as he let her take the clothes from his hand, sensing she was too angry to listen to reason.

She flew out of the house slamming the door in the process.

Grissom's head landed in his hands.

She opened her car door and then fumed when she realized she had left her keys inside the house.

She leaned against the car, trying to calm down.

Just go and get them, Sara…

The sooner the better.

She didn't bother knocking but hoped that he would be in another part of the house.

Quietly she picked up the keys from the counter.

She gasped when she turned around finding Grissom on the floor, his body in an awkward position as if he'd tried to get up but failed.

She gathered him into her arms. "Grissom!"

"You…came back," he gasped through the pain.

"I'm calling Doc," she urged as she tried to pull out her cell phone.

"Help…me…get back on the couch."

He grunted as he fell back onto the couch with Sara's arms still wrapped around his waist.

She reached for her cell but he stopped her.

"Dizzy…spell…my fault. I got up too quickly…trying to come after you."

She started to get up but he grabbed her hand.

"Please…don't leave… me," he gasped.

His condition worried her.

She caressed his cheek. "I'm not. I'll be right back."

She ran to the bathroom, wetting a wash cloth and then returned, wiping the cool cloth across his face.

"Thanks," he sighed.

"I think I should call Doc."

"There's nothing he can do."

She sat with him, her fingers on his pulse.

"I'm sorry, Sara….so very sorry," he murmured.

Something rattled within her heart and she drew in a deep breath.

"Just sleep," she urged.

"I don't want to be…alone."

"You're just tired," she whispered. "You'll feel better in a few hours."

His hand clamped down on hers as if he was afraid she would leave the minute he fell asleep.

"I won't leave…just rest," she soothed. "I'll be here when you wake. I promise."

Note from author:

That a girl, Sara. Of course this fight isn't over...

Take care!