Another Reality 

by Olivia Jean Ecklund 
Chapter 7 


When Nick got back to the lab, he found Natalie waiting for him. He glanced 
at her and proceeded to unload the samples and prepare the room to receive
the body. 

"You're angry with me," she finally said. 

He was silent. Finally he said, "No not angry. I guess revolted, awed,
amazed, all of that." 

She nodded, "I guess I understand. I've never been afraid to use the powers I
have." 

He leaned against the table and studied her. "Why do you want to be human,
Natalie? You have powers beyond my understanding. You never age, you never
get sick. You'll be young and beautiful after my bones turn to dust." 

Her answer surprised him. "Children," she said. "A vampire cannot have
children. It's been one of my biggest regrets." 

"Any others?" he asked. 

"Yes, Nick." She stepped close to him. "I want to love a man. Be loved back.
Someone who is gentle and kind. Some one who can love me with all his heart.
I don't want someone who will control and manipulate me for their own
purpose." Her face showed centuries of pain. 

He reached out and gathered her close to comfort her. She laid her head
against his chest to hear his heart pounding in her ears. She wanted to feel
a heart beating in her chest. 

After a few minutes she pulled away and stepped back. She could hear the
gurney coming down the hall. Nick's arms had felt so good, so right. 

Nick stepped further back as the gurney burst through the door and into the
morgue. Grace was pushing it. She was quick to pick up the electricity in the
room and looked from Nick to the strange woman who stood near him. This must
be the new detective her husband Joe had told her about. 

Nick smiled. "Grace, come meet Natalie Knight, Toronto's newest detective."
Grace came forward, extending her hand. 

Natalie briefly grasped her hand. "Sorry, I have poor circulation," she said
trying to explain her cold hand. 

"That's okay. You know what they say, cold hands..." 

"...warm heart." Natalie smiled. She glanced at Nick, wondering if he was
going to laugh. 

He smiled at her, a touch of sadness in the look. 

Grace said, "Welcome to Toronto. Nick could use some different scenery around
here." 

Nick protested, "Grace!" 

Natalie smiled a wonderful smile at him, full of teasing promises. "I find
the scenery around here pretty good myself, Grace." 

Grace glanced at Nick and raised an eye brow. 

Nick just shrugged, that innocent look on his face that made girls swoon.
Grace had watched him for years and he never seemed to notice the looks women
gave him. But this new woman, there was no mistake... Nick was looking back. 

She turned to study the woman. 

The detective said, "Call me, Natalie, Grace. I think we will be seeing a lot
of each other. Maybe you can direct me to the women's clothing shops and
other places I may need. Since you're on the night shift, you must know of
the places that are open after dark. I have an allergy to the sun and can't
go out during the day." 

"Really," Grace said, peering closer at the new detective curiously. She was
as pale as a ghost. "Just ask." She gave the woman a friendly smile. "If I
know, whatever it is, I'll be happy to share it. Joe and I are simple
people." She eyed Natalie's very expensive tailored suit. 

Natalie smiled again. "Thanks. I'm sure you'll be able to give me some
pointers." 

Grace asked, "Do you have any family here?" "An elder uncle. I have no one
else." 

That peaked Nick's interest. He would have to ask about this uncle the first
chance he got. 

Grace said, "I'm sorry, my family's very small now, too. Well I'd best get
going. Got another run to make and Joe will be off in an hour. We like to
spend as much time as we can together. Nice to meet you, Natalie." 

"Nice to meet you, Grace." she said sincerely. She found this woman to be
genuine and down to earth." 

After she left, Nick turned to Natalie. "Uncle? who's this uncle?" 

Natalie's face grimaced. "My master." 

"Master?" Nick felt his interest peaked and a bit of jealousy tugged at his
mind. 

"The one who brought me over," she tried to explain. 

"Brought you over?" Nick was curious. 

"Made me a vampire," she whispered. "He's very possessive. He thinks he loves
me. He wants us to be together again." 

"Again!" Nick thought. 

Natalie looked into Nick's face and was rewarded by a bit of jealousy
flashing through his eyes. "He's very dangerous, Nick. He can be tender one
moment and then horribly abusive the next. He's an ancient and very powerful
- over two thousand years old." 

"Two thousand!" Nick gasped, unable to imagine living that long. 

Natalie glanced around, seeming uncomfortable with the discussion. "Nick,
maybe you could come over to my place. We could talk, maybe watch a movie.
Bring some sweatpants and t-shirt and you can spend the day on the couch. By
the time I get off, it's so close to sunrise I don't get out much." 

Nick studied her face. She really looked like she wanted him to come. She
must be very lonely, he thought sadly. One would never know by looking at her
that she was so different, not human. "I'd like that. Can I bring Beast?
He hardly sees me as it is." 

She nodded, "I don't think he likes me much." 

"Let him get to know you in your own place," he said. He thought, "Boy I hope
you will accept her." 

"Well, okay. Bring him, but do him and me a favor until I do get to know him.
Hang a small crucifix on his collar. It will help me keep my distance if I
happen to lose it when he barks." 

"Should I get one for myself?" he grinned. 

She studied him a moment, "Might not be a bad idea for awhile anyway. Get a
short chain and wear it under your shirt." 

"Those thing really work?" he asked, surprised. 

"Oh, yes." Then she said, "Oh, bring some food. I don't have anything you'd
be interested in." 

Again Nick's attention was peaked, "How do you...you know," he asked. 

"Bottled... I'll explain later." She moved closer, reached out a hand and
touched his chest. "I'm looking forward to the company, Nick. See you later?"
She took his hand, raised it and pressed the back of it to her cheek. Then
she gave him a wonderful smile and left. 

end chapter 7

By Jeannie Ecklund Gersknightlady@cs.com