My dear friends,

I do apologize for not updating sooner. Here's a treat for you. An extra long chapter :D...hope you enjoy and as always feedback is greatly appreciated.

Read, enjoy& review

xoxo

LT

In blood-lust we dace

"Jeanne, what the hell is this?" Tony asked, feeling his anger swell in his chest. He couldn't believe that the woman he had held feelings for in the past, could be the cause of this.

"Kort, explain yourself!" Gibbs demanded, trying to assess the situation and at the same time come up with an escape plan. He knew that Tony wasn't handling the situation well, that he was on the edge and he could only make the situation worst. At the same time, Ziva was still unconscious, causing him tremendous distress. Under normal circumstances the Israeli could hold her own, but right now, she was far from being fine. Gibbs suspected that her injuries were far worst then the ones she was showing. Yet no answer came from Kort, his features immobile, while leaning against a wooden crate, observing the scene. Gibbs pealed his eyes away from Kort's silent and defying form and let his gaze roam around the room. Ziva's unmoving and crucified body came into view and he cringed inside, swiftly averting his gaze from her. He did not dare to glare at his right to see Tony's face, instead he zeroed in on Jeanne.

"Jeanne, why?" He asked softly, hoping to coax an answer out of her, and at the same time buy them some more time. Gibbs was afraid that if he would let Tony speak, she might be tempted to go through with what she had planned. Her features, although strikingly beautiful, were those of a madwoman, a woman ready to take somebodies life instead of saving it.

At first she didn't speak, not even looked at them. When she heard her name the first time, she wanted to turn towards at the man she loved, she wanted it so badly, but the voice inside of her, told her that the moment she would gaze into his deep, rich, green eyes, she would be lost, her determination and decision would crumble. No, for now she had to be strong, she had to go through with what she had planned for the little Mossad bitch. There would be time for love and caresses after Ziva David will be no more.

The pain shot through her body, and she wished the haze in her head would scatter. Her eyelids fluttered briefly and she had to suppress a groan. Her instincts had never failed her; even in the worst conditions she had been through and now was no exception. Her senses, although rattled, screamed at her and she was aware of the danger located in her vicinity, so she did the only thing she could, stay still. Carefully Ziva opened her eyes a bit and let her vision take in the room. Both Tony and Gibbs were strapped to a chair and her peripheral vision could make out the outline of a third figure, most probably a woman and her enemy. For a better look at her opponent she would have to move her head, but that would be her undoing, so she decided against it leaving things to take their course and make her required it.

"Jeanne, tell me, why are you doing this?" Gibbs pressed, his voice still soft and even. He had detected Ziva's soft eye movement and he breathed a sight of relief. "Good, at least she's alive." Gibbs though, focusing on Jeanne's slender form. He needed to keep her occupied, stall some more and maybe the cavalry would arrive and get them out of this damned place. He desperately needed a cup of coffee, or even better a glass of bourbon.

"That is none of your business, special agent Gibbs." The woman bit back, her posture and features changing. No longer soft and breakable like a China doll, now a mad killer, her eyes full of blood lust, her lips twitched into a grim grin. Anger was rolling off of her in pulsating waves, and Gibbs had to restrain himself as much as possible, not to give her a sharp comment. It surprised him to some extent that Tony had not tried to ask Jeanne for more answers. Relief washed over him once more and he dared move his gaze form Jeanne's angered form. Next to him, bound and bruised, Anthony DiNozzo was scanning Ziva's still inert form. Gibbs grew concerned the longer he stared at his agent. Tony's features were stone like and to the average observer he seemed impassive, but Gibbs could see the rage, burning behind his eyes. Tony was a ticking time bomb, and he knew he would ignite at any moment now, only needing an external trigger. He had no doubt that the young doctor would never hurt or worst kill any of them, since he could see the love adorn her features every time she looked at the young Italian. But when it came to Ziva, Gibbs knew that La Grenouille's daughter would show no mercy.

"You don't want to hurt us Jeanne. It would be a mistake, we are federal agents and your friend here could explain to you the consequences of harming us." Gibbs explained cautiously, motioning with his head in Kort's direction.

"My grudge is not with you. I shall not harm you, if don't stand in my way. You two were not supposed to be here. I only wanted her, but it seems I am surrounded by incompetent people" She bit back, only confirming Gibbs's suspicion.

"Make me understand. What on earth has Ziva ever done to you?" he pressed, hoping not to fuel her anger.

One of her fist balled as her other hand squeezed the gun harder. She slowly turned her body towards them and looked him in the eyes for the first time since she had walked into the room.

"She took what was mine. My life, my future is shattered because of her, because she had to worm her way into it, stepping on everybody in the process, not caring that she would destroy something beautiful. Now, I want what is rightfully mine, what was always mine and never hers to have in the first place." She spat out, her whole body trembling with her suppressed anger.

Time was running out on them, he only prayed that Tony would be wise enough to keep his mouth shut. His prayer went unheard and the spoke words made Gibbs want to slap Tony silly. The boy had the tactfulness of crippled ant.

"We were a lie Jeanne. From beginning to end, and we could not build anything on that. I was never yours to have, to cherish and we did not have a future. I wanted one, but you walked out on me, remember? So I gave you what you needed, I gave you closure so you could move on." He yelled, trying to pull himself way from the chair and form the ropes holding him. He had had enough of this nonsense; he was tiered, in pain, worried and beyond pissed off.

"You need to stop this right now, let us go before your make your situation even worst then it is." He trailed away and he could have sworn he heard Gibbs mouth the word "idiot" in his direction. But by now he was not capable of distinguishing between right and wrong anymore and his disgust was obvious to everybody in the room.

Jeanne remained dumbfounded; looking at him like had grown another head over night.

"I will let that slide, Anthony. I know you are just tiered and sore, and I promise I will personally handle the idiots that hurt you. For now, just sit back and let me take care of everything. It's just a matter of time until we can be together again." She explained, her voice soothing, like she would have spoken to a child.

Tony was about to reply, when he was cut short. "Shut un DiNozzo" Gibbs mouthed, never taking his eyes way from Jeanne.

Silence engulfed the room and Jeanne smiled sweetly to them, swiftly turning and walking towards a presumed unconscious Ziva. Stopping about a foot away from her "victim", Jeanne studied the young Israeli attentively. She had to admit, she had been curious to see this woman closer up, since she had only seen her from afar and in pictures. Now, she wanted to study her like a lab rat, so she could determine what made her so appealing to Tony. Cautiously she moved closer, brushing gently the hair from Ziva's face, holding a strand between her fingers, and feeling the texture. The young doctor let get of the strand and put her finger under Ziva's jaw, swiftly tilting it up. The light coming from the mounted spotlight in the roof, hit her face, making the bruising visible. A long cut above her right brow seemed to be still bleeding, while the eye was slightly swollen. The left cheek was spotting an ugly bruise, and dried blood was smeared under her nostrils. The upper lip was swollen, but not bleeding anymore. While examining her features, Tony grew restless, feeling to need to protest. He wanted Jeanne to take her finger away from Ziva's face, while about to protest he moved his head towards Gibbs. The older agents expression silenced him immediately and he slumped back down in his chair. In his corner, Kort was watching the scene in front of him with amusement, although deep down inside he felt uneasy by the whole situation.

Jeanne continued to observe the bound woman, her frustration increasing with every passing second. She could not understand what Tony had seen in Ziva, why he had chosen the Israeli over her. Yes, Ziva's features were exotic; the darker complexion given the agent an aura of mystery and danger, but to her Ziva looked plain, nothing that could compete with her delicate beauty. Disgusted and annoyed she removed her fingers from Ziva's chin and turned to the two bound men.

"I don't understand Tony. What did she do to you?" she asked, her rage simmering.

"What do you mean?" Tony asked tiered.

"What did she tell you? What did she do? You dropped us and ran to her. I just don't understand what you saw in her." She yelled, frustrated with the fact that she could not understand why Tony would be with such a woman.

"I'm better in bed then you are." Ziva replied, causing Jeanne to spin on her heel and glare at Ziva. Her big blue eyes hard as steel, fury surging through them making her ball her fist and spread her legs a bit more apart. Ziva being awake was not something Jeanne had expected, and above all she did not think she would be in such a peppy condition.

"Why, Ziva I see u are awake and feeling better." She said a fake smile plastered on her face.

"Yes, the nap was very refreshing. Now, would you mind taking me down, I really want to stretch a bit, maybe even make you regret for putting me up here in the first place." She replied, smirking, while swiftly observing her surroundings. She had a pretty good idea that her comments were going to upset the crazed woman. Jeanne had death written all over her face, and when the blow came, she was prepared for it.

"You hit like a girl, and you are extremely predictable." Ziva laughed, turning her head slightly.

"Ziva, what the hell are you doing?" Tony asked worried and annoyed, fiddling with his restrains.

"I'm fine Tony, just having a pleasant conversation with your former mission." She replied looking Jeanne in the eye, defying her with every ounce of strength she possessed.

"I was not a mission! I am his future, you worthless piece of…" she spat back.

"Oh, such harsh words, from such a fragile person. Ts, ts, ts! I would try to restrain my outbursts if I were you. Anger does not become you, and you would not want wrinkles on that pretty little face of yours." The Israeli trailed away, her features and voice mocking her opponent.

Pushing her luck was dangerous, but she needed to see when Jeanne would reach the breaking point. It was inevitable that the young doctor would make mistakes that could help get them all out of this situation. Like the first time around, she wasn't all too surprised when the blow came. Although more painful then the first one, Ziva did not even flinch, instead chuckled loudly.

"Yes, clearly a woman raised in fluff and comfort. You have no ounce of strength in that body of yours. Clearly a woman meant to sit next to a stove, one that enjoys staying at home instead of running a mile. I guess this is the reason why you have never been Tony's first choice." She threw at her, knowing full well that it will spark a reaction, probably a bit more determined then the previous one, out of her opponent.

"David! That's enough!" Gibbs barked, concerned and taken aback by the whole situation. He was surprised by Ziva's tactic in approaching Jeanne. Come to think of it, he had expected his agent to play it cool and try to talk the young doctor down. Now, instead, Ziva only increased her chances of getting herself killed. One side of him feared her actions, while the rational side tried to come up with a logical explanation. She must have come up with a plan, the only problem was he couldn't see it for the life of him. His brain was a mess, fogged up, and he had to suppress a curse escaping his lips. "Where the hell is McGee with back-up?" He thought, daring to steal a glance at Tony. What he saw did not make him too happy. His senior field agent was all wound up, watching the two women in front of him, and he could practically see, Tony's mental wheels turn.

Jeanne Benoit wanted to wipe the grin off of Ziva's face; preferably with a 9 mm. Although the Israeli hung in front of her, the chains biting into her wrists, her shoulder joints probably burning, since all her weight was supported by them she still challenged her. Her, the woman holding the gun, the one that will in the end kill her and will take Tony away. Her lips rose, forming a gruesome smile. "No more games" she said to herself, inching closer to Ziva's frame.

Invading her personal space, Jeanne, leaned into her, the gun she had been holding making contact with Ziva's cheek. Carefully she caressed the side of her bruised face with it, making eye contact with the bound agent.

"Mock me all you want, but in the end I am the one who's not restrained. I'm the one holding the gun, the one who will blow your brains and who will take Tony back. You see, the only reason why Tony and I are not on a stranded beach, sipping cocktails and enjoying each other, is the little predicament of you still being among the living. Once I'm done with you, nothing could ever tear me and Tony apart." She explained, turning towards the Italian in question, looking lovingly into his face, completely oblivious of the hate emanating from him.

Ziva snorted, causing Jeanne to swiftly zero in on her. Sneering she grabbed Ziva's tangled hair, pulling wildly, while pointing the gun at her temple.

"I will pull the trigger and end you! Don't you dare disrespect me, you worthless whore!" she yelled, causing Ziva to laugh.

"Then why don't you do it? You keep beating around the bush for a while now, yet nothing, only false promises. Don't tell me you're scared. You had this all so meticulously planned out, and now you step away from your resolution. " She trailed away, aware that the gun was pressed to her head even more.

"I'm not scare, just I wish to savor this. I want to make sure you suffer as much as I suffered, when you took Tony away from me."

"HA! You know the truth Jeanne. You know as well as I do that Tony could never love a murderer. Once you pull that trigger, your little dream will burst into flames. Every time he will look at you he will think about the moment you put a bullet through my brain. Every time he would hold you, he will think of me, think at the way he used to hold me. When he would kiss you, he will picture kissing me instead, and when he would be in bed with you, he would be thinking of the times we made love. Face it Jeanne, if you kill me, you loose him for good." Ziva explained her lips graciously arching, yet her voice hard and grave.

"You lie, you lie, you lie!" she yelled, pushing Ziva away.

"No, she isn't Jeanne." Tony responded, his head held high, face determined and unmoving. There was no doubt that his words were serious, no hint of humor.

"Tony, I…."

"Needless to say, that if you kill Ziva and kidnap Tony, you would have an army of agents looking for you. Wherever you go, whatever you do, you will always have to look behind, see if there is a horde of agents following your every step. Sooner or later they will find you, and you'll get convicted and sent to jail for a very long time. Kidnapping a federal agent and killing one, especially a liaison officer is a serious matter, and trust me Jeanne, you don't have to fear the Americans as much as you should fear the Israelis. Remember, Ziva's Mossad." Gibbs explained, his eyes never leaving Jeanne's form. She still held the gun in her hand, but her determination seemed to waver.

Yet Jeanne quickly regained her composer, gripping the gun tighter.

"Lies! All, lies! Why do you try to keep her alive? Can't you see what she's done to you? How can she call me a murdered and how can you? I know all about her and her past; and yet you call me a murderer. For what's worth, if I dispose of her, the world would be a better place. She killed innocent women and children without even giving it a second though. You, Tony of all people, should know that. You tell me you couldn't love me if I'd kill her, yet you went to bed with this piece of trash countless times. How dare you claim you would not be with me if she dies by my hand? I would be doing all of you a favor." She yelled out, her controlled demeanor slipping, her breathing hectic.

"Bravo, Jeanne. Interesting reasoning, yet I did not kill people over personal matters. I killed criminals, people who threatened my country. Never did I take somebodies life, just because she had taken my significant other." Ziva bit back.

"You shut up! I was not talking to you. You die, and nothing will change my mind; and I shall enjoy every minute of it."

"Then go ahead, do it!"

"No, Ziva! Stop it!" Tony yelled.

"Be quiet Tony. There is nothing that either of us can say to stop her. She has made up her mind, and she should go through with it. The woman wants her perfect American dream; a house, a husband, her 2.5 children, a dog and a minivan. She wants to play soccer mom and she should have it, but mark my words Jeanne, this dream will never be with Tony. You had your chance, and if you claim to love him that much, then you shouldn't have let him go. When he told you it was all a lie, you should have seen the contradicting expression on his face. But you didn't, you let him go and you lost your claim on him that moment." Ziva yelled, moving her aching body, so she could gaze into Jeanne's eye, rattling the chains that held her.

"SHUT UP!" Jeanne yelled back, swiftly moving towards Ziva, punching her stomach violently. As much as she had tried to bite it down, Ziva grunted in pain when Jeanne's fist collided with her abdomen. The doctor had punched her straight into her old wound. For the first time since the nightmare had started, Ziva knew that she was in trouble. Jeanne was drawing deep breaths, her face a mask of pure rage and hatred, studying Ziva's reaction. Quickly the Israeli composed herself and straightened up as much as she could.

"That the best you can do?" she sarcastically said.

The moment the words left her mouth Jeanne lunched towards her, her fists concentrated at Ziva's front. She had seen the way the agent winced when she had hit her the first time. Her attack caused Ziva to groan, biting her lips to suppress a cry.

"Jeanne, stop it! Please!" Tony yelled out, distress written over his handsome features. He now, just as Gibbs, was worried, knowing all to well that Ziva's stitches might tare any minute.

His worst nightmare came true, when Jeanne distanced herself from his lover. Ziva's grey polo was spotting bloodstains, and just like he was looking at them, so was Jeanne.

"Your stitches ruptured." She plainly stated. "This should be interesting."

Feline-like, Jeanne moved away from the Israeli and retrieved a pair of scissors from a box placed next to an empty crate. As swift as her departure from Ziva's form was, so was her re-appearance, box dragged behind her. In one firm movement she shredded the lower part of Ziva's stained garment and exposed her bandages.

"What do we have here? Interesting. Would you mind if I take a look?" she laughed, tearing the fabric before Ziva could replay.

Indeed her sutures had ruptured and blood was oozing from it, the area around it sore and red.

"Oh dear, that doesn't look too good. I think I need to take a closer look." She explained, bending down and retrieving a scalpel from the same box she had taken the scissors from.

"Get away from me, Kalba!" Ziva yelled, a hint of panic gleaming in her brown eyes.

Without listening to a word she said, Jeanne forcefully opened the wound with her scalpel, using her fingers to part the flesh. The red liquid gushes down angrily and Ziva yelped in pain.

"Jeanne, stop this, I'm begging you! Stop hurting her!" Tony pleaded, yet his cries went unheard

Ziva tried to move away from the doctor's invasive and destructive hands, but a blood covered palm shut up and slapping her, causing the Israeli to cease her struggle. In one swift movement, Jeanne cut through the muscle, tearing at Ziva's flesh. No longer being able to hold back, Ziva yelled in pain, causing Tony to try to remove himself from the chair he had been bound to. Gibbs, flinched, his pain and anger obvious. He had never heard Ziva yell like that and it killed him that he couldn't do a damn thing to help her.

With her blood-covered fingers, Jeanne continued her invasion causing Ziva to yell out a second time, Hebrew curses falling like raindrops from her swollen lips.

Extracting her hands from Ziva's abdominal cavity, she looked satisfied at her work. Not a single word was spoken; the only sound coming from Ziva's raged breathing.

"Jeanne, I have never hurt a woman in my life, but I swear on my mother's grave that the moment I am free form this chair I will kill you with my bare hands." Tony said, rage blazing in his green eyes.

Dumbfounded Jeanne glared at him, not able to believe her ears. Here she was, doing them both of a favor, getting rid of the only impediment to their happiness and he was threatening to kill her. She could not understand his outbreak, so she walked towards him, lowering herself so their eyes could meet. When she gazed into the orbs she loved, she only saw hate, anger, not a trace of love. Fury flared once again, and her right blood covered palm collided with his left cheek.

"You ungrateful son of a bitch. I hate you!" She yelled out slowly lifting her body from the semi-crouch.

"Good! You should hate me, because if she dies, I will hunt you down and make your life a living hell." His voice cutting through the silence like a butcher's knife would.

"Tony…" Ziva moaned, causing him to avert his gaze from Jeanne's still and living face.

"I'm here babe. You're going to be fine." He reassured, his voice more confident now.

Without a second though Jeanne launched herself at Ziva, her fists hitting every part of her body, but concentrated on her abdomen.

"Die!Die!Die!" she repeated, adrenaline pumping through her system, making her blows faster.

All this time, leaning against the empty crates, Kort was observing the torture unfolding in front of his eyes. He had been amused while listening to the whole conversation, admired Ziva's spunk and sarcasm, even going so far in feeling sorry for putting her in these circumstances in the first place. His gut told him that the situation could not end well. Jeanne was completely out of control and she would end up killing the deputy director's daughter. He had thought in the beginning that the sweet and fragile doctor would never go through with her plan. Big and empty words would be spoken, threaten the captives a bit and then they could all get the hell out of here, somewhere far away where no one could find them. But, the situation took a turn for the worst and he was second-guessing his decision to help this woman. Although he was aware of the fact that Jeanne would not harm Gibbs or DiNozzo, he never thought the petite woman would go so far in actually killing Ziva. Uneasy by the whole situation he took a look at the guards posted to insure them the much-needed privacy. None of them moved a muscle to stop the raging doctor, but he had met some of their gazes and they all looked appalled and horrified. By now, Ziva's screams had increased, Tony continued to yell and escape from his chair and Gibbs was yelling his name out, asking him to put an end to this madness. He was torn between stopping Jeanne's actions or let her take Ziva out, only to kill Gibbs and DiNozzo himself afterwards. Yet, Gibbs had never been more then civil towards him, sometimes even friendly and he did not have it in him to kill the older agent. He would not have an issue with shooting DiNozzo, but he knew that Gibbs was fond of his team, of his senior field agent. His mind made up, Kort rapidly moved from his place and tackled Jeanne. She screamed and ordered him to let her go, but his grip was like iron.

"Jeanne, stop this for a moment. You will hurt yourself. Let her be for now and you can continue in a while. My dear you're loosing your head. Take a deep breath a come with me. They're not going anywhere and when we return you may resume your activity with more precision." He explained in calm almost bored manned, tightening the grip on her slender wrists. She took a heavy breath, trying to regain her composer.

"You're right. I'm rushing this. We have all the time in the world." She replied dazed. Kort began to walk her out of the room, turning to one of the massive guards, called Butch. Although impassive, Kort knew that the man was deeply traumatized by the happenings. His colleague seemed not as distress as Butch, yet Kort knew that the ordeal left a mark on him to.

"Max, go guard the entrance with the others. Butch keep an eye on them." He said, waiting for Max to depart. Still holding Jeanne in place, her face turned towards Ziva, who by now was trying to remain conscious and struggling to breath. Kort, studied Butch, slightly tilting his head towards Gibbs. No words needed to be spoken; the man understood his task and simply nodded. The CIA agent began dragging Jeanne slowly, keeping her further away from his body. Upon reaching Gibbs's chair he met the older agent's eyes and mouthed "15 minutes"

Gibbs nodded, silently thanking him, while the two standing individuals moved away from them.

Before exiting their view, all hell broke loose. Shoots rang outside the abandoned building; screams and curses accompanied the racked. Next to the entrance, Max lay in a puddle of his own blood, a bullet hole between his eyes; he had not seen it coming, the gun was still tucked away in its holster, next to Max's silent heart.

A/N Kalba=bitch in Hebrew