***
That's all I wanted Something special, something sacred In your eyes
For just one moment To be bold and naked At your side
Sometimes I think that you'll never Understand me
Maybe this time is forever Say it can be
***
As she fed, her eyes glowed bright in the darkness. Smiling, she turned to her lover, and wrapped her arms around him. "Vachon?"
"Yes, Tracy...you�re one of us now...so much to tell you. Things you need to know. It�s going to take awhile for you to get used to this. I�ll help you through it all, love."
She nodded, her fangs coming forth. She then moved closer to him, smelling his scent. So distinct and so addictive; he smelled like spice. She smiled and kissed his lips. He kissed her back, and then she was biting him in the neck, followed by Vachon biting deep into her throat.
They were one!
***
Nick found his father standing quietly by his window in his private chambers. The Ancient was looking up at the full moon, deep in dark thoughts.
Closing and locking the door for privacy, Nick slowly walked up behind his father.
Then without thought, he wrapped his arms around his father�s waist and leaned his head against his back.
"Father, are you still angry with me for what I did at the arena?"
Unable to speak, LaCroix took his son�s arms that were wrapped around his waist and held them gently in his own hands. Refusing to look at his son, he shook his head no.
"You�re angry because of the baby?"
"Babies, Doctor Lambert his carrying twins."
Nick gasped then smiled and then frowned.
"What is it?" Nick asked LaCroix.
"I do not think the Council will be pleased to learn of this ... The Others."
"I could talk to them." Suggested Nick.
"No...I will. Perhaps I can make an arrangement with them."
Nick finally released his father and taking LaCroix�s shoulders brought him around to face him. LaCroix averted his eyes. He tried to smile and couldn�t. The sadness and grief were too much. It all but screamed. *You don�t want me, and I am alone!*
"There�s more to it than the pregnancy. What is wrong? Won�t you tell me?"
LaCroix shook his head. "It is nothing." He shrugged and tried to move away from his son, but Nicholas wouldn�t let him go.
"It is not nothing. Please, no secrets, no more games. Just tell me what�s wrong? You are in turmoil. I can feel it."
LaCroix only shrugged. Turning away again, LaCroix walked over to his desk and stared at the books and his various collections; all that at one time entertained him and now was nothing but trinkets. There was only one thing that had always brought him joy and pain and had never bored him. His son.
"I understand." Nicholas suddenly realized what the problem was. He took a breath and letting it out slowly, he shoved his hands into his pockets.
"I love you LaCroix, but I am not your possession. I�m not your toy to be played with at your leisure. I would walk through fire for you, but I will not surrender my freedom."
LaCroix finally faced Nicholas.
Moving to him, Nick put his arms around his father, embracing him.
"But you will always be my father." he paused then added. "I will stay with you. I just don�t want to be your slave." Pulling his father�s face up, Nick smiled into the ancient�s blue eyes and drawing in, kissed his father tenderly on the lips. LaCroix returned the kiss, his arms suddenly tightening around his son, holding him tighter and tighter. An embrace that would not be released.
Nick, feeling the control, tried to push away to get a little breathing space, but LaCroix would not be stopped. Before Nick realized what was happening, he was on LaCroix�s bed his cloths being torn from him, his father�s mouth suddenly around him and on him everywhere. Nick felt himself falling and drifting in another plane. He wanted this, but then there was Natalie.
***
That's all you wanted Something special, someone sacred In your life
Just for one moment To be warm and naked At my side
***
Nick tried to rise and push LaCroix away, but his father would not be stopped. Hissing angrily, LaCroix thrust his tongue into his son�s mouth and lay claim to what he felt was rightfully his. Nick could feel the hardening organ thrusting against his own groin. If he didn�t stop this things would escalate out of hand.
Again the younger vampire tried to break away, but suddenly his arms were thrust away and he was on his stomach. He heard the sound of his pants ripping. One of LaCroix�s hands held him down securely, while the other was touching his buttock and nether regions. Nick gasped, and struggled against this invasion of his body; that place which had never been touched.
"LaCroix, no!" He cried desperately. Knowing it was useless. LaCroix would have his way no matter what. A part of Nick wanted this; craved it. But since he'd made his decision to become mortal, he'd forced himself to be celibate. He'd not been intimate with anyone in fifty years or so, except for an occasional encounter with Janette, at her discretion, and Nick could count those times on the fingers of one hand.
Natalie was mortal, and so all he could have with her were a few kisses here and there. Suddenly the thought of finally being able to touch and to be touched was flooding his blood. The need, the craving. But with LaCroix? His Master? His Brother, his Father...Lover? He loved LaCroix, he did love him. Need him, sometimes even desired him, but like this? No. Yes! Nick was suddenly confused and in that confusion he was becoming frightened. What did he want?
"Let go of your mortal thoughts of right and wrong Nicholas. We are not bound by their laws. Let it happen, Mon Fils, let me love you. Let me show you how much I love you. Let me have you...all of you. Every inch!"
LaCroix freed himself from his garments and Nick could feel the naked body pressed against him. Flesh touching flesh. His heart and blood now racing, Nick swallowed. His mind screaming in torment. Yes! No! Perversity! Need! LOVE!
He cried out, Nicholas could feel his fangs coming forth, his eyes now glowing in desire. His mind was still fighting, but his body was surrendering. He could feel LaCroix bringing him up on all fours, his master�s arms now all around him and everywhere. The tongue and lips touching his shoulders and spine and caressing him, possessing. The master�s hands touching his genitals and cupping his sex in a passionate grip.
"Mine, Mine, MINE!" LaCroix growled. His fingers moved and tried to open the tiny pucker of the anus, and that was when Nick became alarmed. All his fears hit home and when he felt the tiny pressure against his ass he bolted.
"NO!" Nick struggled like a wild animal and LaCroix fought equally back to gain access to which had never been touched! It would be his!
The hissing and growling grew and hands and legs were fighting over control and power. One in escape and the other for Domination.
Nick felt something large pressing against his cheeks, trying to rip into him. Now terrified Nick suddenly felt his strength leave him. The loss of blood, the fight in the arena, and the surgery was too much to deal with this on top of it. Closing his eyes as the blood tears spilled forward Nick tried to relax to still his battle. Resolved to his fate, he waited for the dominance.
LaCroix was ready and just as he was about to strike, he stopped. He could feel panic. His son�s very essence hitting him with wave after wave of fear. It brought him to his senses.
He released his child and got to his feet. "Nicholas...I�m sorry." Filled with loathing and misery, LaCroix felt his own blood tears spring into his eyes. He had just about raped his son. Of all the things he had done to Nicholas, this was one violation he had never wanted to do to his precious favorite.
"Forgive me."
Nick opened his eyes. The first realization was that he was free, the second was that his father was on his knees weeping. The fear left him and Nick suddenly felt overcome with sorrow.
He had never pleased his master. In eight hundred years all he had done was cause him anguish and anger. For once his father had just wanted something, a small token of love and how did his child respond? LaCroix's daughter, Divia, was dead; killed by Nick's own hand, and LaCroix was still grieving over her loss.
*He just needed some comfort. Just for once, couldn�t I have just let him have his way. Besides, I did want it. But I've never wanted this before, have I? Not with a man...not with any man. But then LaCroix was not just any man was he? I freaked, I panicked. It was a mistake. I can fix this.*
Rising, he reached for his father. "Lucien."
But suddenly LaCroix was on his feet. He grabbed his clothing and dressed hurriedly. Before Nicholas could utter a word, he had opened the nearby window and flew away.
Running to the window, Nick stared into the darkness. His eyes filled with tears.
"Father...no come back...please!"
But it was too late.
Far too late.
***
Sometimes I think that you'll never Understand me
But something tells me together We'd be happy
***
Natalie had gone home, Janette had retired for the evening, leaving Nick alone at the Raven. Finding that his clothes had been ripped to shreds, Nick had been forced to go into his LaCroix�s closet and borrow some of his clothes. They were slightly too big for him and certainly not his style, but they would do until he got back to the loft.
Sitting down at the counter, Nick glanced at Miklos and without having to ask was handed a drink. The blood wine filled his senses and Nick gulped the drink down. It was human blood and for once Nick didn�t allow his guilt to overtake him. He would need the human blood at least for a few days to recover from his wounds. He could go back to the cow�s blood later. Besides, these days the blood that his kind needed didn�t have to end a mortal�s life, now they received these blood donations from special hospitals.
Guilt free drinks.
The sound of the door opening behind him caused Nick to turn to see Vachon stepping inside with a figure behind him. Upon seeing Nick, Vachon almost paled, becoming even more white then he was. Vachon turned abruptly turned to flee for his life with the stranger in tow, but it was too late. Nick had recognized the woman following Vachon. He realized immediately that she had no heartbeat; she was a newly-made vampire.
"You son of a bitch!"
Dropping his drink, Nick flew at Vachon; his eyes saw only red.
Fortunately Vachon didn�t have to flee or fight, Tracy blocked him.
"Nick! Calm down! Let me explain!" Then she stopped and suddenly she realized that Nick, her partner, her human partner was also a vampire.
"You brought her across! Vachon, I ought to rip you to shreds!"
"You! You�re not going to rip anyone to shreds. I may however!" shouted Tracy. Before Nick could even get a word in, he felt the solid slap of Tracy�s hand across his face.
That brought him under control and to his senses.
"Tracy...I-I-I can explain."
"Explain! You tricked me!" She glanced at Vachon and gave him a glare that made Vachon wince painfully. "Both of you! You never told me, you even tricked me to believe Nick was...was Mortal!"
"Sorry, babe." Was all that Vachon could think of to say.
"Tracy, I�m sorry about keeping you in the dark about what I am, but it was necessary. For your protection."
Tracy only looked at Nick venomously, then finally cooling her anger she wrapped her arms around her waist and shrugged.
"Fine, I�ll forgive you for lying to me, and you leave Vachon alone."
Nick had to think about that.
"It was my decision, Nick! I want to be with Vachon. This was the only way. Besides, it�s cool. You didn�t tell me you guys could fly!"
Smiling now, Tracy took each male by hand and led them onto the floor.
Calming, Nick glanced at Vachon who looked back at him apprehensively.
"I take it, you did try to convince her not to do this?"
"You bet. You know women, once they get their mind�s set."
Nick more than understood. Shaking his head, Nick pulled Tracy off to a corner to speak to her privately. Vachon went to get himself a drink allowing the two to talk quietly.
"Tracy, Did Vachon explain to you that...you will never see sunlight again, that you will never..."
She covered his mouth him her hand. Her eyes glowing gold.
"Nick, I love him. I want to spend the rest of my life...eternity with him. Please, be happy for me."
Nick sighed. "What about your family? What about the job?"
"I called Captain Reese and I�ve taken a few months leave. I need time to learn and adapt to this new...environment. I will make my decision later. Whether to return as a cop, or leave...but where ever I go, what ever I do...Vachon will be with me. As for my dad, well, I�ll cross that bridge when it comes."
Seeing that it was done and could not be undone he nodded.
"I have been a vampire for eight hundred years Tracy, and I�ve came to regret the decision I made. But if I hadn�t, I would never have met the people that I have. Including you and Natalie. For what it�s worth, I want you to be happy."
Smiling, Tracy bent towards him kissing him on the cheek.
"Thank you." said Tracy.
Heading back to the table, Nick handed Tracy back to Vachon. Then getting directly into the Spaniard�s face, Nick growled angrily at him.
"If you ever hurt her, I will hunt you down and rip your head off from your body. Get it?"
Vachon nodded, swallowing. "Got it."
With that Nick turned and left the Raven, heading for home.
***
(Baby) I will be your father figure
(Oh baby) Put your tiny hand in mine
(I'd love to) I will be your preacher teacher
(Be your daddy) Anything you have in mind
(It would make me) I will be your father figure
(Very happy) I have had enough of crime
(Please let me) I will be the one who loves you Until the end of time
***
He watched the dark knight leave the club. With his head bowed, LaCroix returned to the Raven. Ignoring the two vampires talking to Miklos he climbed the stairs to his chambers.
Closing the door behind him, LaCroix looked gravely at his bed. With a heavy heart he fell onto the bed and slipped into a deep dreamless sleep.
***
Nick called Captain Reese the following night. Arriving at the precinct, Nick awaited the final judgment of his abandonment to his job. Nick was surprised that Reese was actually apologetic. It didn�t take long for Nick to figure out why. Apparently, Reese got a phone call from a man who said he was Nick�s uncle and that there had been a death of a family friend. A slap on the hand, a stern word, and Nick was ready to get back on duty.
Arriving at his desk, Nick glanced at his empty partner�s desk, knowing that soon he would be getting a new partner. He had gone through many partners in the past, but somehow Schanke and Tracy stood out as the best he had ever had. Who ever came after them would never be able to fill their shoes. Slightly depressed, Nick filled out several past files and then sat waiting for what was to come. Would his next partner be male? Female? Asian? Black? Nick wasn�t sure he was ready for this yet.
Shaking his head, Nick was about to take a cruise when Reese appeared from one of the offices.
"Knight!"
A new partner already? So soon? Nick clamped his mouth closed and hoped for the best. Rising, he walked over to the office to see Reese sitting at his desk, and a strange figure standing off to the side.
It was female and from the moment that Nick stepped into the room he felt the hairs on the end of his neck start to stand. Something about this woman was putting him on alert.
The woman turned and Nick caught sight of a young and very attractive Asian woman. She had long black hair, and ebony eyes. She also wore a strong scent. Nick thought he was in the middle of a garden of lilacs. The woman came almost to Nick's shoulder, and he glanced surreptitiously at her shoes, to check the heels. She was wearing sensible, low-heeled pumps. Her conservative suit couldn't quite disguise her hour-glass figure. Nick smiled appreciatively; he liked curvy women.
"Detective Myong, this is Detective Knight, one of Toronto's finest. Nick, this is Kia Myong. She just arrived from Hawaii. She's been working with the Honolulu P.D. for the last ten years. Her captain�s an old friend of mine. You two will be working together for the next few weeks. Nick, Kia is only on loan for two months, then we ship her back home to Hawaii."
She smiled warmly at Nick, who instinctively reached out to touch her hand. The woman�s smile faded slightly and for a moment Nick thought he saw something flash in her eyes. A moment of fear, and then the smile was back in it�s place. She refused to take his hand and smiled back at him with a genuine warm and friendly smile.
"I read your profile, Detective Knight. I�m looking forward to working along side you. I will try not to step on your shoes in the process." She paused and looked at Nick for a long moment then she nodded, waiting.
"Ah, yeah, sure. That will be fine. Have you already gotten settled?"
"Yes, I arrived a few days ago and got myself an apartment."
Nick nodded. "Well then, ah, why don�t I show you around the place."
She agreed and headed out the door, making sure Nick noticed she did not come in contact with him. Called over by his boss, Nick paused to look at Reese who was shuffling papers around his desk. The Captain looked on edge.
"Captain?"
"I know, you like working with Tracy, and I also know that if she cannot be here, you�d rather work alone. Detective Myong is only temporary, so I figured I would put her with the best."
Sensing that he was hiding something, Nick waited.
"Okay, Captain what aren�t you telling me? Is she the daughter of some important ambassador, or married to some royal prince?"
The Captain shook his head and smiled. "No, she�s actually an orphan. Her parents died when she was just a kid. Her father was Japanese, her mother was Hawaiian. After their deaths she went to live with her maternal grandmother in Japan. According to her files, when she was about fifteen, she got into a pretty bad accident. She was in a coma for almost a year. When she recovered, she kind of went into seclusion. She left Japan after her grandmother died from a heart attack. Since she had no family, she was sent to Hawaii, to live with a family friend. He's an old army buddy of mine. Now he's a cop in Honolulu. He knew her parents and took it upon himself to raise her."
"And...?" Nick waited for the other shoe to drop.
"And...I guess she was so impressed by him she entered the police academy."
"And?"
"And she�s quite the cop. Her first case she managed to find a missing child." Reese gazed at Nick and smiled nervously.
"But, she's had some problems with her inter-personal relationships. Including her own fellow officers. My friend, Matt, felt some of the hostility rising among his men and sent her here to see if I can..."
"Make her more companionable...got it. What aren�t you telling me?"
Reese shrugged and shook his head. "...She�s also psychic. After the accident, she was prone to seeing things..." Seeing Nick�s disbelieving look, Reese shrugged.
"And feeling things. That�s how she found the child. Anyway, I want you to go easy on her."
Nick smiled shaking his head. "I get it, treat her like breakable glass?"
Reese leaned in and stared at Nick firmly. "Look after her. She is a great kid and a good cop, but she has some problems and she needs to deal with them without everyone poking and teasing her about how different she is. Treat her like an equal, and that�s an order."
"Yes, Captain."
Nick headed out of the room. Nick had known a psychic before; a woman who had worked on a kidnapping case with him and Schanke. Nick had grown very fond of her, but she'd been shot to death by the kidnapper. Nick could still feel how much it had hurt to let her go. Nick was not looking forward to any of this, not with a new female partner with special powers.
"Detective. Knight?" She called as he approached her, he saw her shyly clasp her hands together.
"Nick. You can call me Nick. Kia?"
"Thank you. Ah, Nick I want to apologize to you."
"For what?" asked Nick, as he returned to his desk.
She remained standing beside him.
"For not shaking your hand. I feel like I should explain. I don�t like to be touched."
Nick didn�t blink. "It�s okay. Look, ah, on part of our tour, I want to stop off at the Coroner�s office. I have a special friend to meet. After that, it should end the shift. Can I take you home?"
She smiled and nodded. "That would be nice." With that Nick got to his feet, and collecting his keys and jacket headed out the door. Kia followed along meekly.
***
Natalie looked up from her computer when Nick entered the room with a pretty Asian woman close on his heals.
Before she could even respond with a greeting, Nick came behind her and kissed her on the cheek. Then he pulled out something from his pocket and Natalie gasped.
"Oh Nick?" He nodded and put the oval sapphire-cut diamond on her hand. "Thought I would make it official." Natalie laughed, the tears coming to her eyes. "Nick..."
Then seeing the other woman, Natalie tapped Nick on the shoulder.
"Nat, this is Detective Kia Myong, from Honolulu P.D. Kia, meet Natalie Lambert, our M.E. Kia and I will be partnered for the next few months, while Tracy is on leave."
Natalie nodded offering her hand. Kia smiled at her.
Seeing her confusion Nick whispered into her ear. "She doesn�t like to be touched."
Making a quiet oh, Natalie turned to Nick.
"Okay, big guy, now that you have finally given me the ring, when do we start telling everyone?"
Nick screwed up his face in annoyance. "Now? ah, can we wait a few more days...You know how I hate getting attention."
Natalie looked at Kia who felt very much out of place in this warm circle.
"This is my gallant White Knight. He�s great to work with, and a good friend but he can also be a pain in the ass when he wants to be." Ignoring Nick�s playful innocent expression, Natalie moved to the center of the room and closer to Kia.
"He hates being the center of attention."
"I know the feeling." she replied. Kia�s eyes sadly looking back at the doctor.
"So you�re new to Toronto?"
"Yes, I was originally living and working in Honolulu."
Natalie grinned. "Aloha!"
Laughing, Kia finally melted. The woman doctor was not only pretty, intelligent but friendly. Despite herself, Kia was beginning to lose her nervousness and feelings of insecurity about being shipped to this cold place. She missed her garden.
"Well, I must say this must be quite a change for you coming from such a lovely and sunny place. So, You!" she pointed at Nick. "Be good to her."
Nick pretended to be deeply hurt by her accusation. Then he glanced at his watch.
"Well, we�d better hurry, I have more to show Kia. Then I�m going to drive her home."
"Excuse me Kia, could I talk to Nick privately for a moment?"
Kia was already making her way out the door. Again making sure not to touch a thing.
"Well, she�s cute, but skittish isn�t she?"
"That she is. She�s also psychic and doesn�t like to be touched."
"Great!" She nodded in amusement. Then clasping her arms around Nick she suddenly became serious.
"I went to call the Raven today to talk to LaCroix."
Nick blanched slightly.
"I wanted to ask him if he would be willing to give the bride away. I know we can�t have a church wedding but I would like to have a nice ceremony and I think it would be great to involve him. Seeing how we are all getting along better these days." She then added. "But he wasn�t there?"
"Yeah, Miklos told me he went to New York. Said he would be back in a few weeks."
"He went to talk to the Elders about us, and the baby."
Nick nodded. "Yeah, I don�t know what he is going to be able to offer them, but I�m worried."
"About him, or the situation?"
"Both."
"Something wrong? I thought you and LaCroix were getting along?"
"Ah, well we are..." Nick hadn�t told her about the near rape at the Raven and wasn�t about to tell her now.
"I'll be off shift soon. Why don't you come over to my place, and we'll make plans."
Natalie grinned. "When LaCroix gets back, is it alright if...if I ask him to give me away?"
Nick smiled and kissed her nose. "I�m sure he�ll be eager to give us both away."
Heading out, he spotted Kia standing by the exit. Back in the caddie, Nick saw once again she avoided any touch. Even with the car, keeping her hands in her pockets.
***
After the tour, Nick ended the shift and took Kia home. Arriving at the apartment complex, Nick realized it was only a few blocks from his place.
"I don�t live to far from here, so if you need to I can always give you a lift home or pick you up."
"I don�t want to be a bother." she replied softly. Smiling, she gingerly opened the car�s door and got out. That was when the first vision hit her. She saw a short, balding man stepping out of this car laughing slightly. He was friendly and kind. A cop. The next vision was of a smiling, friendly, blond haired woman. She knew at once they had to be Knight�s past partners. Tracy Vetter, but what was the other one�s name? Don Schanke. Turning to Nick, she saw him shaking his head at her.
"I just told you I live just down the block, so it wouldn�t be a bother."
She finally nodded. "Sure, that would be fine."
"We�re off tomorrow, so you can use the time to get yourself in order. If you need anything, just give the precinct a call, and they�ll give you my number."
She closed the door and waved to him as he headed away. Safe, once again.
Kia turned and headed into her building. A few moments later she entered her small apartment. It was sparse, holding little furniture, not even a TV. But she did have flowers growing by a window sill. She loved flowers, they made her feel peaceful. After making herself a hot cup of tea, she sat down at the counter she stared at the clock. It was almost sun rise. Time to sleep. Getting to her feet, she finished her cup of tea. Kia went into her bedroom, and closed the door behind her.
***
That's all I wanted
But sometimes love can be mistaken For a crime
That's all I wanted
Just to see my baby's Blue eyed shine
This time I think that my lover Understands me
If we have faith in each other Then we can be Strong
***
Nick stared out the window, the sun was coming up. Hitting the switch on his remote, the blinds came down, blocking the light. Getting himself a drink, Nick turned to his answering machine. It was blinking.
"Nick, it�s Natalie...just calling to say...I love you! (Click)."
"Hi, Nick...it�s Natalie...I love you! (Click)."
"Nick it�s you know who...Love you! (Click)."
Nick laughed softly.
"Nick...ahm yeah. You know I love you right? (click)"
He choked on the blood wine as he stifled a bubble of laughter. The next few messages were also from Natalie. Then a different female voice came on.
"La, Nichols! I have been trying to get through to you. Someone has been tying up the line. My decorator will be arriving at the end of the month. I'll arrange a time for you and Natalie to meet him. Call me, Nicholas." (Click.)
He waited to see if there were more messages, but that was it. No message from LaCroix. Again. Damn him. Nick still felt guilty over what happened at the Raven. Not at LaCroix but at himself. He had hurt his father, who had already been hurting. So many unresolved issues. Not to mention Nick�s confusion over his arousal at LaCroix�s attack. Nick could still feel the power in those hands, as they created desires he had never felt before, not with a man that is.
Not knowing what to do or how to resolve this new issue, Nick knew he would have to wait until the Elder returned. Sighing, he fell on to the couch and closed his eyes. He was asleep in moments. With it came strange dreams.
He was in his bed, and Natalie was there, rubbing her breasts against his chest, there was another figure; pale and masculine; thrusting deep into his body.
He felt squashed between his two bedmates, but complete.
Nick awoke later burning with desire. This was not good.
***
If you are the desert
I'll be the sea
If you ever hunger
Hunger for me
Whatever you ask for
That's what I'll be
So when you remember the ones who have lied
Who said that they cared
But then laughed as you cried
Beautiful Darling
Don't think of me
Because all I ever wanted
It's in your eyes baby, baby
And love can't lie, no...
(Greet me with the eyes of a child)
My love is always tell me to...
(Heaven is a kiss and a smile)
Just hold on, hold on
I won't let you go, my baby
End of part six
***