Background Music:  Enya--For Where I Am


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Second Chance
Chapter Three--Coming Home

By: Deborah A. Hymon

August 25, 2003

Thank you, Gloria for
   editing this chapter.

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Dimitri had sent his driver and limo to the condo to pick up Nick and Nat and take them to the Tampa airport.  The trip had been quiet; the only sound was the soft music coming from the limo’s sound system.  Natalie was in his arms, her head resting on his chest.  He looked down at her and saw she was almost asleep.  He slowly stroked her arm; just touching her usually brought him an inner peace, but not this time.  His thoughts had strayed to Toronto and the obstacles they’d face upon his return after six years.

“Nat?”

“Hmmm?” 

“I think you should call Joe and tell him a friend is picking you up at the airport.  You said he was booked on until morning.  Ask him to stop by to see you on his way home, then you can surprise him with your souvenir.”

She sat up and looked at him.  “Nick, I thought we’d agreed to have him to meet me at the airport.”  She could tell by his expression and body language he was nervous.  “Hon, what’s wrong?”  She ran her hand over his thigh, trying to calm him.

Pulling her onto his lap, he cradled her against his chest.   “I’m not sure Joe is going to be pleased to see me. After all, I left without talking to him.  I never met with IA after Tracey’s death to turn in my badge and gun.  All he had was a piece of paper, my resignation.  I think we need to anticipate Joe’s anger.  Hon, there may be outstanding charges against me; we have to be prepared for the worst. I don’t want to put you through that tonight. You need your rest. I think…”

“Nick, Joe may be upset with you, but you know he’s always respected and trusted you.  I think the excuse that we’ve decided on will satisfy him.  I’ve grown close to him and his family; I know him pretty well.  He’s going to yell at you, interrogate you, but then he’s going to hug you and tell you welcome home.  When he sees how happy you’ve made me and that we’re getting married…well... he’s going to be almost as excited as I am.” 

“Nat, I’m not so sure.  I just don’t think we need a confrontation in the middle of the airport.  Hon, please call him…for me?”

She gave him an intense look.  “Nick, what are you afraid of?”  She rubbed her hand across his chest, waiting for his answer.

He covered her hand with his, brought it to his lips and gently kissed her fingers.  “Nat, six years is a long time.  I’m not expecting him to want me back on the force and even if he did, Commissioner Vetter won’t allow it.  I’m sure he still blames me for Tracy’s death.  The man lost his only child.  He needs to blame someone and that someone is me; it doesn’t matter that Tracy entered the room without any one knowing.”

Natalie now knew what really had Nick worried.  He was concerned that he wouldn’t be received with open arms and reinstated as a detective.  She knew how much he loved his past job and she had no doubt that Nick would want to go back to the precinct.  There had been a lot of changes since Nick left and many of them they hadn’t had time to discuss. 

“Nick?”

He kissed her forehead and looked at her.

“Since you left Toronto, there have been some changes.  First of all, Commissioner Vetter is no longer our Commissioner…he died of a heart attack, two years after you left.  Bill Roberts is the new Commissioner, and if you recall you two got along quite well.  He’s always admired your work and especially your high case closure.  And as far as the Captain goes…well, Joe always did think of you as his number one detective.  I don’t think there’s going to be a problem if you truly want to go back.  You may have to make an appearance before IA, but I bet if the Commissioner wants you back, even that will be smoothed out, and you’ll be cleared if there are any outstanding charges.” 

Natalie decided she had said enough, she wasn’t going to push Nick into committing either way.  This had to be his decision.  He’d lost two partners and that was hard on any cop.  She knew him well enough to know he wanted to go back, but being assigned another partner would be difficult. 

Nick remained quiet; she knew he was thinking over the new information.  She was beginning to think that he wasn’t going to say anything, until she heard him take a deep breath.  “Nat, I’m sorry to hear about the Commissioner.  He was too tough on Tracy, but basically he was a good man.  But you’re right about one thing; Bill Roberts and I always did see things pretty much the same.  Maybe, you’re right.  He probably would give the green light if the Captain puts in a good word.  But you know as well as I do that if IA doesn’t clear me then none of this is going to happen.”  Nick rubbed his hand up and down her arm, as if trying to sooth her, but she knew he was actually trying to calm himself.   “I’m just not sure about Joe.  I left him out in the cold, short a detective and alone to do battle with IA over Tracy’s death.  He may not want me back.”

She reached up and took his face in her hands and made him look at her.  “Nick, Joe’s a good man and a fair one.  You’re the best damn detective that ever hit the streets of Toronto and he knows it. Yes, he may be upset with you, but I can bet you a month’s salary his anger will last all of ten minutes.”  She hoped she was right, her gut instinct told her she was.  He might give Nick a good chewing out for leaving her for six years, but she knew that Joe would also be happy for them, especially her.

“Nat, I hope you’re right, but I still would like you to call him, tell him to come by after his shift in the morning.”  He kissed her on the forehead and pushed a lock of hair from her cheek.  “Love, you need to rest and get some sleep.”  He smiled for the first time since they’d left the condo.  She loved it when his smile reached his eyes like it did now.  “You’re carrying some important cargo here…” He touched her stomach. “and I don’t want you exhausted. Please humor me and do this.  We’ll see Joe when he signs off.  You said he was working until seven in the morning; that will give you about six hours of sleep.”

She smiled, reached around his neck and pulled his face closer.  “Nick Knight, you know…there’s not much I can deny you when you look at me like that.”  She gave him a lingering kiss.  “Okay, I’ll call him. You win this round.”  She slid off his lap and reached across the seat to get her cell phone out of her purse. 

“Nat?  Tell him that you’ve made some decisions and to meet you at the loft.” 

She looked at him; that comment got her attention.  She tried to read his expression, but Nick was good at hiding his emotions.  “The loft?  Why the loft?”

He shrugged and pulled her back onto his lap.  “What better place for me to reappear?”

“Nick, the loft has been empty for six years.  Joe knows that.”  She felt a little awkward at her confession.  “Hon, the loft was sold.  I’ve been by there many times.  The new owner has never done anything with the property even your old security code still works.”  Suddenly Natalie realized why the security code worked.  “Nick!”  You still own the loft!”

“Yeah, I guess I do.”  He gave her a guilty smile.  “I just couldn’t bring myself to sell the place.  Nat…in 800 years, it’s the closest thing I’ve had to a real home…since my mortal days in Brabant.  I thought about selling it several times, but couldn’t.  I had Aristotle to fake papers so it would appear that it was sold.” 

“Hon,” she paused, not sure what to say.  “I’m glad you didn’t sell the loft.” 

“Me, too.”  He squeezed her hand.  “Nat, through the centuries, every time I stayed in one location, LaCroix or Janette was with me, or both. The loft was the first time I was truly alone; it was special for that reason.  Also, it was the first time I’ve put down roots, made friends, had a life that was as close to normal as possible.  I was happy there even with all the setbacks.”  He rubbed her cheek with the back of his hand.  His voice softened.  “You know, you helped to make me happy in Toronto, to make me feel like I finally had a life, a home, a purpose to this hell of a life that I’m locked in.  Nat, you made me feel alive for the first time in centuries.”  He kissed her lightly on the temple, his arms gently tightening his hold on her.

“Oh, Hon.” She leaned into him and hugged him.  “I can understand why the loft is special for you, but why do you want to meet Joe there?  The last time I was by there the place was empty except for a lot of dust and cobwebs.  Why don’t we get him to meet us at my apartment?”

“Nat, that’s where it all ended and that’s where I’d like it to begin, if it’s possible. Will you ask him to meet you there at seven-thirty?

“Nick, that’s after sunrise, how…”

“We’ll go to the loft before Joe books off.  I’ll be fine.  Remember, I’m taking the serum and as long as I’m not in direct sun there won’t be a problem.”

She smiled.  “I forgot.  I’m still getting use to this new freedom of yours.”

“I understand. I’m still trying to adjust to the freedom too.” He chuckled.  “Its hard to break old habits after 800 years.”  They looked at each other and smiled. No words were needed.  They both knew what a miracle they’d been given with the serum.

Nat held his face in her hands,  “I’ll call him.”  After Nick’s explanation, his request was understandable.  She phoned Joe and told him another friend was taking her home from the airport, but requested that he meet her at the loft the next morning.  He was confused, but agreed without asking too many questions. 

“Okay, it’s done. He’s curious about the location of our meeting, but he’ll understand when he sees you.”  She was curious about the loft.  “Nick, what do you want to do with the loft?  I think since we’re getting married in less than two months that we should talk about where we’re going to live.”  She took a deep breath.  “I’m in the same apartment…and if you still have your furniture and especially the piano…well, Hon, it’s not going to fit in my small apartment.”

He pulled her closer to his chest and rested his chin on the top of her head, his hand on her stomach.  “Nat, we’ll discuss our living arrangements later.  As long as we’re together, I could care less where we live.”  His heart warmed and his lips curved in a large smile that Nat didn’t see.

~~~<~~@   

Their connecting flight from Atlanta was uneventful and they landed in Toronto ahead of schedule.  Nick hired a porter to collect their bags, and motioned for the man to follow them.

“This way, Nat.”  Nick took her arm and ushered her out of the airport, toward the black, stretch limousine.  The driver already had the door open, waiting for Nick and Natalie to get in. 

“Nick?”

He gave her a mischievous smile and whispered in her ear.  “Only the best for my special girl.”  He kissed her temple and squeezed her arm.  “Have I told you how much I love you?”

She gave him a wicked smile and briefly kissed his lips.  “Yes, but you can tell me again.”

He helped her into the limo and got in behind her.  Once they were inside, the driver shut the door and Nick immediately put up the security panel.  He pulled Nat into his arms.  “God, I’ve wanted to do this ever since we left the condo.”  His mouth covered hers, she opened her lips and he was there, inside of her mouth.  Their kisses were seductive, each teasing and torturing the other, igniting their desires.  Natalie was the first to pull free of the kiss; she was almost breathless.  “Nick, if you don’t stop, I may become a wanton woman right here in this limo,” she teased.

Nick’s voice was low and seductive.  “Is that a promise, Natalie?”

She gave him a warning look before swatting him on the arm.  “Nick, I may do a lot of things with you,” she laughed,  “but making love to you in a limo with a driver up front…”

Nick gave her another passionate kiss and ran his hand inside the top of her blouse.  His hand slipped under her lacy bra and gently caressed her breast; his thumb rubbed across her nipple causing it to become erect. She leaned into his chest, her moans of frustration escaping into his mouth. Nick chuckled.  He was amused at her refusing to make love in the limo, but her desires and actions were betraying her.

Before she knew what she was doing she had his shirt unbuttoned, her hands rubbing the fine blond hairs on his chest. She never, even for an eternity, would tire of touching him, loving him.  Nick removed her blouse and unhooked the front hook of her bra, releasing her breasts. She slid across his lap, on to her knees and straddled him.  Their lips never parted.  His hands kneaded her warm, firm breasts, pushing them together before kissing the front of her neck, his tongue trailing a cool path to her cleavage.  “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered between kisses.  Natalie pulled his face closer to her breasts, her arms locking around his neck.  Nick moaned and lifted her skirt above her hips.  He reached between them and unzipped his pants and freed himself before sliding her panties down over her buttocks and legs. 

“Nick, what are you doing?” Her words were raspy, her heart racing.

“Making love to my soon to be wife.” He whispered huskily in her ear before licking the rim and nibbling on her ear lobe.

“Nick, we can’t do this here.  What if…”

“Shhh, Love, we can do this here.”  He pulled her to him and nuzzled her neck.  “Let me love you, Nat.” He whispered in her ear.

She leaned her forehead to his and gave him a wicked smile.  “Nick, I do believe you’re corrupting my morals.”

Kissing her lightly he grinned.  “Well, it’s a good thing I plan on marrying you.  I wouldn’t want to corrupt your morals without making it legal.” 

She couldn’t help giving him a small laugh.   “You’re crazy, do you know that?”

“Yes, crazy in love with you.”  He covered her mouth and pulled her down on to him, filling her warmth with his length.  He felt her contract around him; together they rode out their pleasure until they both reached their release. 

“Oh Nick!” 

He covered her mouth again in another passionate kiss before taking her head firmly in his hands and making her look at him.  “Natalie, if I spend an eternity with you, I’ll never get enough of you.  You’ve become my addiction, my Love.”

His words pleased her.  “And you mine.” She whispered and kissed him.  He gently slid out of her warmth, eased her off of him and helped her get dressed before straightening his own clothes.

“I can’t believe what we just did.  Oh my, gosh!  Nick, how could I let you talk me into…” 

He pulled her back into his arms and gently covered her mouth with kisses.  “Because, Nat, you wanted me as much as I wanted you.”

“But in a limo?  Damn! I can’t believe we did that!”

“Believe it because I felt every bit of it, it was very real.” He chuckled.

Nat hid her face in his chest.  She could feel her face burning and knew she was blushing beet red.

The limo was dark inside except for the mood lighting, but with his keen sight Nick could see her blush.  He kissed the top of her head.  “Nat, you always were adorable when you blushed.”  He teased.

Nat groaned and swatted his shoulder; that made him laugh.  “God, I love you.”

She leaned into his chest and felt him hold her a bit tighter.  “And I love you.”  She closed her eyes and enjoyed being in his arms.  She would never get tired of loving him.

Nat was asleep in Nick’s arms, her head resting on his chest, when the limo came to a stop.  The driver opened the door and waited.

“Nat?  Nat, Love?  Hon, wake up.”

“Hmmm?” She rubbed her eyes.  “Where are we?”  She took the driver’s hand and stepped out of the car.  Nick was right behind her.  She quickly turned to him.  “Nick, what are we doing here?”

“We’re suppose to meet Joe here, remember?”

“But, in the morning.”  She looked at him confused. All she wanted to do was eat, shower and sleep.  “Nick, let’s go to my place; we’ll drive over here first thing in the morning.”

Nick took her arm, led her into the garage and to the lift. He motioned for the driver to bring the bags.  “Nat, I’m sure we can find something to rest on, a blanket, something. I just want to spend our first night in Toronto at the loft.”

“Nick, the place is a mess. I told you no one has been in here since you left.”

Nick tipped and dismissed the driver after he put the luggage on the lift.  Nat pulled at his sleeve.  “Nick, please…I want a hot shower and a soft bed.”

Before she could protest further, Nick hit the security code and the lift started up.  Just before the lift stopped, Nick swung Nat up in his arms. He heard her quick intake of breath and knew his actions had surprised her.

“What are you doing?”

He kissed her nose.  “Carrying my bride over the threshold.  I do believe that’s still a marriage custom.”

“I’m not your wife, yet.”

“To me you are.  You are in my heart and that’s what matters.” He kissed her lightly on the lips.  When the lift stopped, he pushed the door open to the loft and heard Nat gasp.

“Oh my!”

He looked at her and grinned.  “Like?”

“Most definitely!  But how…how did you manage this?”

He kissed her cheek.  “Janette.”

“Janette?  She did this?  All of this?”  Somehow Nat couldn’t imagine the petite, sophisticated vampire cleaning and decorating Nick’s loft.

“Well, not personally, but she called a few people and had it done for us.  Knowing Janette, she probably supervised every last detail.”  He chuckled.  “She’s good at that.”

Nat slid out of his arms and turned around in a full circle in the middle of the loft.  Everything was just as it had been six years earlier.  Nick’s piano was in the corner.  A candelabrum sat on the piano and was lit with fresh candles.  His motorcycle was in the corner next to the piano.  The same sofa, chairs, dining furniture, artwork, everything was the same.  The stereo was playing soft classical music and more candles were lit throughout the loft.  A large vase of fresh flowers adorned the middle of the dining table. Nat walked over and smelled the arrangement.  She saw the card propped up against the vase, picked it up and read it aloud.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dearest Nicholas and Natalie,

Welcome home.  I hope your little holiday was fun and you
both found your heart’s desires.  I look forward to seeing
you in the near future.  I wish you happiness.

Affectionately,
Janette

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“Wow, I’m impressed; Janette out did herself. I’m truly surprised.”

Nick walked over and stood behind her. He wrapped his arms around her and gently caressed her stomach, thinking about their babies.  “Hon, Janette really does wish us happiness.  She sees how happy you’ve made me and she knows how much I love you.  She will never be a threat to our relationship.  I want you to know this and believe it.”

“You know, Nick, I do.  I don’t know why, but I do.” 

She thought back to the night six years earlier when Janette had regained her mortality and Nick had brought her to the morgue with a bullet in her arm.  It was then that Janette had revealed how she’d once again become mortal.  Every time that she and Robert, her mortal love, had made love she had taken a small amount of his blood.  Janette thought this act of taking blood from her true love was what had made her mortal.

Nat remembered that night and how jealous she’d been of Janette’s intimate relationship with Robert; it had seemed so unfair that she and Nick couldn’t have a true relationship.  Nick had refused to try Janette’s cure. She had been angry and hurt, but she had accepted his decision.  She’d realized that Nick had been reluctant to try because he was afraid that he would take too much of her blood and kill her.  Now she could understand, but six years ago her emotions had over ruled her clear thinking. 

Time had healed many wounds, including all the animosity she felt toward Janette.  She was surprised, but she was looking forward to seeing Janette again.

Nick kissed her temple, pulled her closer to his chest and rested his chin on her shoulder, his hands gently rubbing her stomach.  “I’m glad you understand; I love Janette, I always will.  But I’m not in love with her, I don’t know if I ever was.  She’s a part of me.  She’s family and nothing more.  I don’t ever want you to feel threatened by her again. I know you were in the past, and that is my fault, but never again, Natalie.  I’ve made many mistakes, but I never meant to hurt you.  You’re my love, my life, my very soul; don’t ever doubt that.”

She leaned back, in to his chest and shut her eyes; enjoying the comfort his embrace gave her.  She knew what he was referring to, even though they’d never discussed his many trips to the Raven to visit Janette. She wasn’t sure she ever wanted to discuss it.  She had a feeling that he’d gone to Janette for comfort and perhaps more, when he was unable to come to her with his needs.  She wasn’t happy, but she understood.  This was the darkness of their past and she wouldn’t live in the past.  They had a bright future ahead of them and that was where she planned on living, here and now.   “Hon, I’ll never doubt your love again.”  She brought his hands up to her lips and kissed them.  “Blood doesn’t lie.”

His arms tightened around her.  “No, it doesn’t.  Nat, I’m glad we have the blood bond.”

“Me too.”  She turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around his waist, her head resting over his heart.  She felt her body melting into his.  A few weeks ago, she’d never have thought any of this would have been possible.  She had everything she’d dreamed of and more.

Natalie’s eyes focused on an item across the room.  She reluctantly eased out of his arms and walked over to the table behind the sofa.  She recognized the box on the table.  She looked at him and smiled before opening the lid to see Joan of Arc’s wooden cross.  “Oh Nick.  We’re really home, aren’t we?”  This had been one of the items missing the night he’d left; that had been how she’d known he had no intentions of returning.

He walked over and took her in his arms.  “We’re all home, my Love. You, me and the babies.”  He ran his hand slowly across her stomach.  “Nat, how about it?  Would you want to live here?  I mean, after we’re married and the babies are born?  We could add a few rooms upstairs, there’s room to turn the space in to a couple of nurseries.  What do you think?”

“Nick, I would love living here!  This always did feel like my second home, but now with you and our family I want this to be our home. I’ve always loved the loft.”

He kissed her, and taking her face in his hands, he said, “Welcome home, Nat.”

She smiled and returned his kiss.  “Welcome home, Nick.”

~~~<~~@

Nick had gone downstairs to feed; he still needed blood to survive even though he could tolerate certain foods. Janette had taken care of everything; the fridge was stocked with his bovine blood wine and food for Nat.  She had been thoughtful of Nat’s needs; she’d put fresh cut flowers not only on the dining table, but also on the bedroom dresser.  Those were definitely a woman’s touch left for a woman.  He’d also noticed the feminine toiletries in the bathroom.  Janette had out done herself in supervising the reopening of the loft; everything was perfect.  She had been so thorough with the placement of the furnishings that it was hard for him to believe he’d been gone for six years. 

The thought of Janette made him smile.  They’d come a long way in their relationship.  He still loved her, but now that love was truly the love he would have for a sister.  Janette knew this and understood.  Since she’d fallen in love with a mortal, she finally understood how he could love Natalie.  A sadness filled Nick’s heart.  If only Robert had lived, Janette wouldn’t be alone. 

There was one good thing that had come from Janette meeting and falling in love with Robert; she had custody of Robert’s son, Patrick.  She seemed to be happy with her role as a step-mother. He was glad that LaCroix’s bargaining power had been upheld with the Council and they’d allowed her to raise Patrick.  Hopefully, someday she would find the happiness that he had with Nat, that perhaps once again, she would find love. 

He was thankful that she had finally understood why he had brought her back across when she was dying a mortal death.  It had taken time, but she’d forgiven him and actually admitted she would have done the same thing if the roles had been reversed.  After her anger had subsided, she’d been grateful because Patrick wouldn’t be alone. She'd also admitted that it had been her choice not to walk into the light, but to return to her present body as a vampire.

Patrick’s aunt was in poor health and couldn’t care for him; if Janette hadn’t taken custody of the young boy then he would’ve ended up with child services.  Janette would never have allowed that to happen.  She’d proved to be very protective of the young man, who was now fifteen.  Janette had told Patrick her secret and that his father knew and still loved her.  Amazingly, Patrick had accepted Janette being a Vampire and had insisted on calling her ‘Mom’.  Nick had been surprised that his beautiful and once vain Janette had allowed it, but she had been pleased that the boy loved her enough to use such an endearment. Patrick adored Janette and was very protective of her. 

A few days after Janette had revealed her secret, Patrick had asked if Nick was a vampire and Janette didn’t lie to him.  Patrick had accepted him as his Uncle Nick, never once mentioning the fact that he was a vampire.  Six years ago, before Nick had left Toronto, they’d started to bond. Nick smiled when he remembered taking the young boy to a baseball game and buying him four hotdogs.  That had been a bittersweet night; his thoughts were on the fact that he’d probably never have children, a son.  This would be the closest thing he’d ever experience to his dream. He wondered if Patrick would forgive him for disappearing from his life and accept him again; he hoped so.  He hoped to see Janette and Patrick soon.  And if Patrick would forgive him, he would make it up to him for missing out on six years of his life.

He finished drinking his blood wine and took his daily serum.  His life was too perfect to have anything happen to cause a set back.  He still couldn’t’ believe how his life had changed.  This was more than he’d ever dreamed his life could be as a vampire.

He’d always thought that Nat would have to find a cure for the vampirism if  they were to be together, especially if they were going to have the family that they’d dreamed of.  If he could get Joe and Bill Roberts to reinstate him on the force, the only other obstacle he and Nat faced was her pregnancy and how the Council was going to react to that news.  He now knew that the Council and Elders held Nat in high regard, he hoped that would be enough to help with their acceptance of her pregnancy.  If they had allowed Janette to take custody of Patrick, would they not allow him to father and raise his own children?  He sighed knowing he’d never relax until the Council approved his marriage and him fathering children. 

And then there was LaCroix.  He couldn’t begin to imagine how he would react to him marrying Nat or to her pregnancy. He did know that LaCroix’s feelings of Natalie had changed when she’d invented the vaccine for the Community; he felt that, if nothing else, LaCroix did respect her.  Hopefully, that would be enough to keep her safe.  He wouldn’t think about that issue now; only time would tell what LaCroix’s actions would be.  At least now, the Community and Elders protected Nat; this gave him some hope of keeping LaCroix from harming her. Also, now that Nat had become friends with Dimitri, he had no doubts that the vampire would help to protect her. 

He’d been jealous of her friendship with the 3000 year-old Vampire, but now he knew how ridiculous his actions had been.  Nat loved him and always would.  No, he was beginning to think that perhaps it was good she’d met Dimitri and they were friends; not only would he help to protect her, but perhaps if needed he could help persuade the Council in their favor.  He took the last sip of his breakfast and rinsed the mug. 

Taking the breakfast tray of food he’d prepared, he headed upstairs.  He set the tray on the dresser.  He loved watching Nat sleep.  She was beautiful.  Her auburn curls were framing her face like a glorious halo.  She was his angel, his savior, his light and his love. She was everything to him and he knew now that he would never let her go, never loose her to her mortality.  God forgive him but he wouldn’t let her die; he would bring her across when the time was right.  She believed they could have it all; he only hoped she was right because he wanted everything with her.

“Nat, Love?”  He whispered in her ear.  “Hon?  Time to wake up.”  He leaned over her and subconsciously rubbed his hand over her abdomen.

She reached up and pulled him down to her.  Nick lost his balance and fell on top of her.  “Nat!”

She locked her arms around his neck and opened her eyes  “Yes?  Did you want something?” she teased.

He gave her a warning look.  “Natalie, you have to be careful. I could have hurt you.”

She laughed.  “Nick, I’m pregnant; that doesn’t make me fragile. You’re not going to hurt me. I’m not a china doll you need to put on a shelf to look at and not touch. I may be pregnant, but I’m still me and you know what a tough gal I am.”  She had a feeling this was going to be a long nine months with him being over protective.  “Nick, stop worrying.”

“Humor me…please.  I’ve never had a pregnant wife before. You have to remember when I was mortal, pregnancy was a high risk for women and so was the birthing.  I know things have changed but sometimes I forget just how much.  I promise I’ll try not to smother you with attention.”

She gave him a wicked grin.  “Oh, you can smother me with your attentions all you want.”  She covered his mouth with hers and pulled him tighter in to her arms.  Nick finally rose up on his hands over her.  “You’re a very wicked woman, Natalie Lambert.” He kissed her on the forehead.  “But for now, I’ve made you breakfast and I think you should eat and shower; Joe will be here soon.”  He kissed her nose as he unwrapped her arms from around his neck.  “We wouldn’t want to start something that we couldn’t finish, would we?”  He heard her mutter her disappointment as he went to the dresser to get the breakfast tray.  He couldn’t help but smile.  Natalie’s desires and stamina were equally matched to his and that pleased him.  Life with her would certainly be entertaining.

Nick placed the tray of food on her lap and sat on the bed.  “How’s the coffee?’

Nat took a sip.  “Hmmm, hot and strong just the way I like it.  You know you’re getting good at cooking and serving me in bed.  I’m growing very accustomed to your services.”  She gave him a seductive look over her coffee cup as she took another sip.  “You’re spoiling me Nick Knight.”

“Get use to it.  I plan on doing it forever.”

She smiled.  “Okay, it’s a deal. You can spoil me as much as you want…forever.”

He reached up and grabbed a lock of her auburn curls and playfully tugged on them.  “That’s a promise.”  He leaned over and kissed her on the nose.

“You know, I realize that we haven’t told Janette about our little souvenirs,” she patted her tummy, “so she bought caffeinated coffee.”  Nat wasn’t sure that if Janette had known she was pregnant that she’d known to buy decaffeinated coffee. “We’ll need to go to the market later to buy a few things, and that includes decaffeinated coffee.  That’s one thing I can’t give up during this pregnancy.” She laughed.

Nick looked at her like she was speaking an unknown language.  “What do you mean?  You can’t eat or drink anything you want now that your pregnant?”

“Nope!  No caffeine or alcohol for starters and that’s just the beginning of the list.” She took another bite of food and watched his reaction, which was priceless.  She was enjoying watching his confusion.

He rubbed his hand through his hair.  She could tell he was concerned.  “I never knew these things before.”

She couldn’t help laughing at his bewilderment.  “Nick, how could you know?  You’re an 800 year-old bachelor.   And unless there’s something you’re not telling me, you’ve never had a pregnant wife before.” She teased.

He looked at her and his confusion turned playful.  “Well…perhaps there was a woman in Chicago in the 60s, during the free love era, that…”

He never finished the sentence before Nat threw both pillows at him.  He took her breakfast tray, sat it on the nightstand and pushed her down on the bed.  He braced himself over her, holding her hands over her head.  “Natalie Lambert, You are the only mortal woman I’ve made love to in 800 years.  And before that, I’m quite sure that I never sired any bastards.”  He kissed her lips, tugging at her lower one.  “You are definitely my first pregnant wife.”  He lightly kissed her lips again, nuzzling her nose with his.  “And you’ll be the only mother of my children, this I can promise.” He covered her mouth with a passionate kiss that quickly ignited both of their desires.

She was the one who broke the kiss. “I want you. Now.” Her voice was low, demanding and seductive.  “God, I want you.”

He leaned his forehead to hers and moaned his frustration.  “My Love, Joe will be here soon.  There’s no time for this now.  But know this, I want you too and I plan on having you as soon as Joe leaves.  He kissed her again lightly on the lips before unwrapping her arms from around his neck.  It took all of his control to walk away; he desperately wanted her again. He’d never get enough of her; never.

He went downstairs and washed the dishes while she showered and dressed.  He’d just finished his shower and was getting dressed when they heard the buzzer to the lift.

“I think Joe’s here.  I’ll go let him in.  Give me a few minutes before you join us.”  She kissed him and left him in the bedroom.

Natalie saw Joe’s face on the security camera; he looked confused and she couldn’t blame him. He probably had been wondering all night why she wanted to meet here.  The last time Joe had been at the the loft, it was empty and covered with dust.  This was going to be a shock to him, especially Nick’s return.

She pushed the security release button.  “Hi, Joe. Come on up.”

She heard the lift stop and the door open.  She was casually sitting on the arm of the sofa waiting for him.  The look on Joe’s face was priceless.

“What the hell?”  He turned a full circle, scanning the loft.  “Damn!” 

Nat couldn’t help the small grin she tried hiding behind her hand.  “Morning, Joe.”  She walked over and gave him a big hug. 

He kissed her forehead.  “Welcome home, Nat.  But do you care to explain what the hell is going on here?  How the hell did you get Nick’s stuff?  And where the hell did you find it?”

Nick took that moment to enter.  “Hi Joe.”

Joe looked up at the top of the stairs; his mouth fell open and his eyes almost popped out of his head.  “Nick?”

Nick started walking down the stairs. Nat walked over to the bottom of the stairs, took his hand and they walked over to Joe.

“Nick?  What the hell?”

Nick laughed.  “Good to see you, too.”

Joe rubbed his hand across his face, the look of shock still clearly in his eyes.  Nick wrapped his arm around Nat’s back and pulled her closer to him; her arm slid around his waist, squeezing him, to give him moral support.

“Nick!  It’s really you.  Damn! I didn’t think we’d ever see you again.”  He walked over and pulled Nick into his large arms and gave him a tight hug.  Nick embraced him and patted him on the back.  Joe pulled away and looked at Nick.  “I don’t know if I should hug or hit you.  Do you have any idea what you’ve done; what you’ve put Nat through all these years?  Where the hell have you been?  I want answers and I want them like yesterday!”  He demanded.

“Joe, take it easy on Nick, he had his reasons.”  Nat tried calming the Captain.  She could see his anger building.  She walked over and took Joe’s broad shoulders in her hands.  “Listen to me, Joe.  Give Nick time and we’ll explain most of it.  He’s back and that’s all that matters to me.  For me, please don’t be mad at him.  Please?”

Joe looked down at Nat and he could see how much she loved Nick.  He also saw the old Nat was back, she had a sparkle in her eyes that he’d missed these last six years.  He squeezed her arms in reassurance.  “Okay, Nat, but I do want answers.”

“And you’ll have them, but let’s sit down, shall we?”  Nick offered.

Joe took the chair.  Nick sat down on the sofa, pulled Nat down next to him and draped his arm around her.  He spoke first.  “Joe, I’m not sure where to start, but maybe the night I disappeared is as good a place as any.  I was distraught over Tracy’s death. Nat came by the loft that night to tell me Trace had died.  I guess I went off the deep end, two partners in less than two years was just too much.  I blamed myself for not knowing Tracy was in the room, standing behind me; I didn’t hear her, Joe.”

“I know Nick, no one blamed you, except her father.  I was there and I know what happened.  She was a good cop, but too eager to prove herself.”  His thoughts trailed off, back to the night of the shooting.

“Joe, on top of what happened to Tracy that night, I had major family issues that had come crashing down on me.  I also had reason to believe my medical conditions were getting worse and that there was no cure for them.”  He looked down at Nat and kissed her on the temple before looking back at Joe.  “I don’t think I have to tell you, I’m in love with Nat and have been for a long time.  I know everyone wondered why she and I didn’t officially become a couple, but I couldn’t…wouldn’t as long as I had these medical conditions.”  He took a deep breath for effect.  “Nat and I want a family and as long as there was a chance that I would pass this condition on to our children, then I wouldn’t take the chance.  I was a fool, Joe. I made the decision without discussing it with Nat.  I decided she would be better off without me in her life and if I left then she could meet someone else and have the family she desired and deserved so much.”

Nat rested her hand on his thigh for reassurance.  Nick covered her hand and continued.  “Joe, all of this happened at once; it was just too much.  I wasn’t thinking clearly so I left without a word.  I had no idea how much it would hurt Nat, you…I just wasn’t thinking.  I had to get away, there had been too much lose, too much pain and I thought my leaving was the best thing for Nat…for the department…for everyone.”  

“I knew unless I put some major distance between us that the temptation to see her would be too great and I wouldn’t be able to break the bond between us.  I wanted to give her the freedom to meet a healthy, normal guy, fall in love, get married and have the children that she wanted.   But because of my emotional condition at the time, I didn’t stop to consider what she wanted…I thought this was the best for her.  She’s told me that none of that mattered unless it was with me.” He smiled at her and kissed her again on the temple.  “I know that now…but then…”_

“Where the hell did you go, Nick?  We searched for you everywhere and it was as if you had dropped off the face of the earth.”

Nick let out a nervous chuckle.  “I guess I did, Joe.  I headed down to South America and lost myself in the rain forest.”

“The rain forest?”

“Joe, Nick’s always had a thing for archeology and lost civilizations.  I had no idea where he was, but now that I know it doesn’t surprise me.”  Nat tried to reassure the Captain that Nick was telling him the truth.

“And what about the family issues crashing down on you?  I didn’t think you had family, Nick.”

“Well, I don’t have family that I like to talk about, but everyone has family, Joe; it’s just that sometimes you like to pretend that you don’t, if you know what I mean.”

Joe thought about his brother, who he liked to forget at times.  “Yes, I do know what you mean.”

“My family is very complicated and demanding.  I guess you could say…dysfunctional.  The night I disappeared, one family member reminded me of family obligations that I didn’t want, but I had to take care of.  And that was something else I didn’t want to put Nat through, all the shit that my family can dish out.  She doesn’t deserve that.”  He took Nat’s chin in his palm, looked down at her and smiled.  “I love her too much to put her through that.”

Nat returned his smile and took his cheek in her hand before letting her hand drop to his chest.  He brought her hand to his lips for a light kiss and held it close to his chest.  Joe could see the obvious love these two still had for each other; they belonged together.

“But six years, Nick?  What the hell took you so long to come to your senses?  Do you have any idea the grief you’ve put Nat through?  She wouldn’t, couldn’t move on with her life.  She kept telling me that if you could, you would be back.  She never gave up on you, Nick.  How could you put her through that if you love her?”

“Because I’m an ass and I honestly thought it was for the best, the best thing for her.  I wasn’t thinking clearly. Can we just leave it at that?”

“Then what changed?  I’m sorry, Nick, but I need answers.  I’ve been here for Nat. I’ve seen her pain.  What’s to say that you won’t just up and take off again?”

“I guess I deserve that.”  Nick looked at Joe.  “I can tell you this much, I was in just as much pain as she was.  Joe, she’s the only woman that I’ve ever loved and I can’t live without her.  I don’t know what more I can say but to tell you I honestly thought my leaving her was for the best. I love her too much to not give her everything her heart desires or to burden her down with my family’s problems.”  His voice became softer.  “She’s the most important thing in my life, and I can’t loose her.  I’ll never leave her again, this I can promise.”

“Joe, I believe everything that Nick is saying.  He’s told me a bit more of the details and I totally forgive him and trust him to never leave me again.  We’ve worked out our problems and now all we want to do is be together and go forward with our lives.  We never want to look back on the darkness that we both have lived through.”

“Okay, Nat. I can respect that, but I still have one question.  What’s changed?  What made you come back now?”

“A friend got in contact with me, told me that Nat was still looking for me, still wanted to be with me, and how unhappy she’s been.  It was then that I started thinking that maybe I’d made a mistake.  At the same time, I had found a medication that has improved my food and sun allergies.  I still can’t eat certain foods and the sun still burns me, but I’m better than I’ve ever been and I also found out that my condition won’t be passed on to my children if I stay on this medication.” 

Nick waited for Joe’s reaction.  This was the limit of explanations; any more details and they could be traced.  He hoped that what they had told Joe was enough to put his mind at ease.

Nat thought it was time to drop the bomb.  She couldn’t wait to see Joe’s reaction.  “Joe, there’s certain things that should remain private between a husband and wife. If a wife is willing to believe her husband and trust him, then it shouldn’t really matter what everyone else thinks or believes.”

Joe had been rubbing his temples with his fingers when Nat spoke.  It took him a few seconds to realize what she had just said.  He looked up at her, then at Nick and back at her, then down at her hand.  That’s when he saw the diamond on her third finger, left hand.  “Nat!  Are you trying to tell me something?”

Nick and Nat looked at each other, smiled and looked at Joe.  “I guess I am.  What are you doing June 28th?  Would you give a certain coroner to a certain detective, as in walk me down the aisle?”

A broad smile slid across Joe’s face.  He stood and walked over to Nat and pulled her up in to his arms.  “Damn right! I would be more than happy to do that.  And I have to say, it’s about time.”  He gave her a big hug.  Nick stood and Joe hugged him and slapped him on the back.  “I guess we have to assume your temporary insanity is gone?”

“Well, I don’t know about that.  With Nat’s temper and humor, I’m not sure how sane a man would be to marry her, but I guess I’m the only one who loves her enough to take her on.” 

Nat swatted Nick’s arm and Joe threw his head back and laughed.  “God, you two deserve each other.  Both of you have a wicked sense of humor.” 

Nick pulled Nat under his arm and wrapped his arms possessively around her.

“Nick, when did you get back?  I mean this place looks like you never left.  Nat and I came by here and the place was filthy.”

“I was back the week before Nat’s trip.  I tried to see her, but there wasn’t a good time. I had learned about her trip and had thought to see her at the airport, but when I saw you with her I decided to wait.”

“Joe, he followed me to Florida.”

“You mean to tell me, you two have been down there together all this time?’

“Yep, he came back with me last night.  How do you like my souvenir?”

“I was wondering why you don’t have a tan after three weeks on the beach, but I guess you didn’t spend much time on the beach with Knight there.”

“Joe!”  Nat’s face flushed.

“Uh, I meant with his sun allergy and all…” Joe stammered.  It was obvious that he was embarrassed at his comment.  “And your souvenir…well, it’s certainly different.”

Nick and Nat started laughing and Joe looked confused. Nat finally stopped laughing long enough to respond.  “Joe, I have another souvenir that isn’t exactly here yet.”

Joe arched a brow at them and still looked confused. 

“How would you like to be an adopted grandpa?”

It took Joe a few minutes to comprehend what Nat was trying to tell him.  “You have to be kidding?  You’re….”

“Yep, we’re pregnant.”  Nick beamed and pulled Nat in front of him, her back to his chest and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Damn, Knight, when you make up your mind, you don’t waste time, do you?”

“I think Nat and I have wasted enough time.”  He kissed the top of her head and pulled her closer to him.  “Twelve years is a long time, Joe.”

Nat reached over her shoulder and touched Nick’s cheek.  “The best birthday present he’s ever given me.”

Joe just shook his head.  “I just don’t believe this.  This is incredible; Denise is going to go ballistic when she hears the news.  A baby.  We’re going to have a little baby.  WOW!  She’s going to love this!”

Nat wished she could tell him there were two babies, but she knew that medically it was too early for her to know that she was pregnant with twins.  That news would have to come later, but the thought made her smile broaden.

“So how about it grandpa?”  Nick teased.

“You know, I think I could get use to this.”  Joe chuckled.  “Imagine, me grandpa to the Knightmare’s kid.  Now that’s a thought that should send the entire precinct running.”  All three of them laughed.  Joe was the first one to get serious.

“Nick, what are your plans?”

“What do you mean?  I plan on marrying Nat and living here,” he motioned around the loft, “with our family.”

“No, I mean about your career, any plans?”

Nick didn’t know how he should answer, but decided on the truth.  “Joe, I love being a detective, solving the puzzle, catching the bad guy.  If it’s possible I would like to do that again.”

Joe rubbed his chin and Nick could tell he was thinking.  “You know, I think I could get you back on the force if you’re willing. I for one would love to have my hotshot detective back.  Of course it would depend on the Commissioner, but I think he might be glad to have you back, too.  What do you say, Nick?  Interested?”

Nat eased out of his arms and watched the two men.  She thought she knew Nick’s answer, but she would wait to hear it.  “I would like that, Joe, but only if you think I can go back to the 96th.”  He grabbed Nat’s hand.  “I want to work with Nat, we made a pretty good team solving the cases.”

“I don’t think that’ll be a problem.  Let me make a few calls and I’ll see what I can do.”  He paused before he continued.  “Nick…I know its not going to be easy, but I’ll need to assign you a partner.  Can you deal with that?”

Nick walked over to the fireplace and put his hands on the mantel.  He didn’t say anything; his thoughts were drifting back to Schanke and Tracey.

Joe looked at Nat.  He wasn’t sure if he should continue, but she nodded encouragement.  “Nick, no one is allowed to work alone any more.  That’s the new policy.  I know this is hard for you, but it’s the rules now.”

Nick turned and smiled.  “Joe, I’ve had two good partners and I miss them both.  I won’t lie to you; it’s going to be hard to get use to another one.  I’ve learned a few things with all that’s happened.  When I was forced to team up with Schanke, I couldn’t stand the guy.”  He chuckled.  “A lot of people thought he was the screwball he pretended to be, but he wasn’t.  That was all an act.  Eventually, I discovered what a damn good detective he was and I really respected him.” He smiled.  “Schanke was more than my partner, he was my friend.  I really loved the guy and I miss him every day.”

“I never knew him that well, but I’ve heard all the stories about you two.  I’m sorry, Nick.”

“Thanks, Joe.”  He looked at Nat and smiled.  He took a deep breath.  “Trace, well…what can I say?  The Commissioner’s daughter, but she never acted like it. Everyone always assumed she was daddy’s spoiled little girl and got what she wanted.  The first night out she made a simple demand, no special treatment.  She wanted to be recognized for her own merits.  I admired her for that because she meant it.”  He chuckled again.  “She sure as hell never let me forget that either.  Joe, I tried to protect her, not because she was the Commissioner’s daughter but because she was my partner.  She was young and eager, but I could see the makings of a damn good detective.  Unfortunately, her eagerness is what caused her untimely death.”

Joe walked toward Nick, closing some of the distance between them.  “What are you trying to say, Nick?”

“I’m a loner, Joe.  You know that.  But I’ve learned that alone isn’t always for the best.”  He looked at Nat and smiled before looking back at Joe.  “What I’m trying to say is I’ve learned that having a partner is important, both professionally and personally.  I know why I’ll be assigned a new partner and I accept it.  I’ll try to get along with whomever you partner me with.  I’ve learned not to judge a person before I get to know them.  So, do you have any ideas who this partner might be?  Anybody I know?”

Joe knew exactly who he was going to assign to Nick but he wasn’t about to tell him.  He knew Knight too well.  The man would do a thorough investigation of the person before they ever met.  Knight might have learned not to judge people before he knew them but he wasn’t taking any chances.  He wanted Knight back on the force.  Once he had the detective back then he would drop the bombshell.  The person he had in mind would do well with Nick; they would keep each other on their toes and the person could use Nick’s guidance.  He always trusted his gut feeling and this time it was telling him that Nick and his new partner were going to be a dynamite team once they got over butting heads.

“Nick, your return was unexpected.   I’ll need to look over the roster and see who is available.  I promise to do my best to assign you a partner that I think you can work with.”  He chuckled.  “I’m assuming the Knightmare is still alive and well?”

Nat walked over and put her arms around Nick’s waist.  “Joe, I can tell you that he’s very much alive and well.  I’ve already seen Nick’s temper since we’ve been back together.  Some things don’t change.”  She laughed.

Joe gave Nick a questioning look.

Nick threw his hands up.  “Okay, okay, so I over react when I get jealous of Nat.  Can you blame me?”

Nat was trying to contain her smile but Joe laughed.  “No, I can’t.  She’s a beautiful woman, but you don’t have a reason to be jealous.  The woman loves you and she’s definitely committed to you.  These last six years were proof of that.”

Nick wrapped his arm tighter around Nat.  “I know I don’t have a reason to be jealous, but I love her so damn much.  That’s my only excuse.”

Nat laughed.  Nick would probably kill her for this but she couldn’t resist.  “Joe, you know when the Knightmare appears, he’s such a beast. But over the years I’ve come to love that part of Nick.  He’s actually kind of cute when he’s that way.”

Nat felt Nick’s fingers dig into her shoulder as a warning but she nudged him in the ribs to warn him to back off.

Joe laughed.  “Nat, I hope you know what you’re doing marrying this man.”

“I do.  Like I said I’ve come to love Nick and his Knightmare.  Nick’s temper is more growl than bite.”  Again, she felt Nick’s fingers tighten on her shoulder.  “But we don’t want anyone to know that of course.  It would ruin his reputation.”

“No one will ever hear it from me.  I kind of like having Nick the Knightmare around; it keeps both the rookies and the perps in line.”

Joe and Nat laughed and even though Nick hadn’t exactly appreciated Nat’s teasing he couldn’t help but laugh with them.  “I’ll remember that the next time you tell me to calm down,” Nick teased.

“I’m sure you will, and you’ll no doubt remind me of it too.”  Joe was glad Nick was back for many reasons, but the main reason was because Nick had brought Nat back to life.  Once again she was full of laughter, and for this he would be forever grateful to Nick.  These two were meant to be together, they were good for each other.  Nick put the spark back in Nat and she certainly had changed the man; he seemed more relaxed, not as reserved. 

There were still enough of the old crew around that had known Nick personally, but the others had definitely heard about Nick the Knightmare who could also be Nick the Knight, the cop who always did the right thing.  He remembered one rookie’s mistake thinking that the stories were about two different people.  The shock on the guy’s face had been priceless when he discovered they were the same person.  He was looking forward to the reaction at the precinct on Nick’s return. 

“If the Commissioner gives the okay, when can you start?”

“Monday.  Nat’s off until then and I’d really like to have that time for us to settle in at the loft.  There are a lot of plans and decisions to make.  We need to take care of moving Nat in here, make a few wedding decisions and January will be here before we know it and the baby is going to need a nursery. I need to get things rolling on that.”

Joe couldn’t help laughing.  “Nick, this is a side of you that I’ve never seen.  I have to say, I like what I’m seeing.  I think married life is going to agree with you just fine.  You’re going to make a terrific father.”

“I hope so.”  He pulled Nat back into his arms.  “We’ve wanted children for a long time, longer than you can imagine.  I just never thought it would be possible.  Natalie will be a terrific mother, with her caring nature and humor how could she not be?”

“I agree with you there.  I’m really happy for the two of you. I’m just glad that you finally worked out your problems and got back together before it was too late for you to have the family that you both want.”

“So are we.” Nat agreed.  “So are we.”

“Hey, I’m out of here. You two must be exhausted after the late night flight.  I’ll go and make some phone calls and let you know as soon as I hear back from the Commissioner.” He walked over and pulled Nat into his large arms.  “Congratulations, little mother.”  He kissed her temple.  “On both of your souvenirs.”  He chuckled.

“Thanks, Joe.  And thanks for not being too hard on Nick.”

“Anything for you, Nat.”

Joe shook Nick’s hand and then pulled him in for a quick hug.  “Congratulations, Nick and welcome home.”

“Thanks, Joe, and thanks for everything, but mostly for taking care of Nat all these years. I owe you.”

“Nick, just love her and take care of her and that baby; that’s payment enough.”

“Don’t worry about that, I plan to.” Nick smiled.

Joe turned toward the lift and Nick stopped him.  “Joe?  Just one more thing?”

“Yeah?”

“When you talk to the Commissioner could you ask him to keep it quiet that I’m back in town and returning to the force?  There are people we need to see and family to contact.  I want to be the one to tell them before the news hits the grapevine.  Also, the news about our marriage and the pregnancy stays strictly with you and Denise for now.  Okay?”

“Sure, Nick.  I can manage that.  I guess after all you two have been through this is your news to announce.  Actually, I can’t wait to see the faces of some of the guys at the precinct when you walk in.”  He grinned.

Nick couldn’t help but to smile at that thought.  “Thanks, Joe.”

“No problem; anything for you and Nat.  And welcome home, Knight.  I’ll call you later with the news, but if I were you I would clean my gun and polish my badge.”

“Get some rest, little mother.  For someone who just returned from a three week vacation you look tired and I can just imagine why.”  He chuckled.

Nat’s face flamed red.  “Joe!”

Joe laughed at Nat’s embarrassment and left the loft feeling better than he had in a long time. 

~~~<~~@

“Well, what did I tell you?”  Nat crossed her arms across her chest and grinned.  “He hugged you, yelled at you, questioned you, and then hugged you again. He also wants you back on the force.”

Nick smiled and took her in his arms.  “You think you’re so smart.  Don’t you ever get tired of being right?”  He teased. 

“Nope!  And you would be wise to remember I’m always right, especially when it comes to you, detective.”  She emphasized each word by pointing her finger to his chest.  I knew if it were possible, he’d want you back.  You’re too special a man to loose.”

“You think?” He scattered kisses across her face and neck.

“Oh yeah.”  She whispered before pulling his face to hers.  “A very special man, and one I don’t ever plan on loosing.”  She covered his mouth with hers and before she knew it, Nick swept her into his arms, took her upstairs and was laying her gently on their bed. 

“Damn, Nat, I can’t get enough of you.  Are you sure it’s safe for us to make love this often with you pregnant?”

“Nick, I’m sure.  Yes, I’m a bit older for a first time mother, but I’m very healthy. I’m still young enough that this pregnancy should be a normal one.  But I’ll make a doctor’s appointment very soon.  Please stop worrying about me.  You’re not going to hurt the babies or me.  Trust me, enjoy this while you can because I can assure you that later it’s going to be difficult with my tummy filled with two babies.”  She laughed.

He gave her a wicked grin.  “Then we’ll just have to be creative and explore other ways to satisfy our lusty appetites, won’t we?”

“Now who’s being wicked, my knight?”

“I think Joe was right, we do deserve each other and it’s not just because of our wicked sense of humor.” He started to unbutton her blouse and kiss her neck as he slowly slid her blouse off of her shoulders and helped her to remove the rest of her clothes.  He kissed the top of her breasts.  “You satisfy my lusty appetite just fine.”    He smiled at her and quickly shed his own clothes before lying down beside her.   His mouth covered hers with a passionate kiss.  As he buried his face against the side of her neck, his tongue began a long, slow exploration before finding her ear lobe and gently sucking it into his mouth.  “Your very delicious, Nat, did I ever tell you that?”

“No, I don’t think so.”   Her hands were busy fondling and caressing.  She loved hearing him moan from all of the delicious things she was doing to his body.

“Your skin tastes sweet with a touch of saltiness.  Sweet with a bit of a bite, just like you.”  He continued to kiss and lick her neck, trailing his kisses lower to her breast.

“Hmmm, and you like that?”

“Oh yes, very much.”  He took her breasts into his mouth and gently suckled her.

She ran her hands through his hair and locked them behind his head, cradling his head in her hands.  “Am I delicious enough to eat?”  She asked in a husky voice.

He stopped his kisses and looked up at her.  A twinkle appeared in his eyes before an undeniable desire took it’s place, and they flashed sparks of gold.  “Nat, you’re very tempting to this big bad wolf, and yes, my Love, you’re definitely good enough to eat.”  He reared his head back, his fangs dropped and he smiled.  He licked his canines and gave her a wicked grin.  “I want to share, but I promise only to take a sip; I won’t harm you or our babies.”

She ran her hands through his hair and pulled his face closer.  “I trust my wolf.”  She smiled and he saw that she desired him as much as he did her.  “Love me, Nick.  Take your sip.”   He slid his length into her warmth and thrust deep.  The entire time she was watching him and smiling.  He thrust into her over and over until she turned and bared her neck to him and pulled him to her.  

“Now, Nick; love me completely.”

He slowly lowered his body on top of hers.  His mouth found her carotid artery and gently sucked her delicate skin before slowly letting his fangs pierce her flesh.  The friction of her flesh sliding over his fangs caused his body to begin his climax.  As promised he only took a sip before pulling free of her neck and licking the wound.  He thrust once more deep into her and felt the contraction of her climax as his was released.  He rolled onto his back bringing her on top of him; his arms tightened around her before he pulled the bedcovers over them. 

“Are you okay, Nat?”

“I’m fine, you didn’t hurt me.  I’m more than fine; that was incredible.”

He pushed the hair from her face, held her head and made her look at him.  “Nat, your memories were talking again.”  He waited to see if she knew what he was talking about.

It took her a second, but then it hit her.  Nick had taken her blood and by the way he was looking at her, she knew he had seen something in their sharing.

“Nick, what’s wrong?  The babies…”

“Nat, relax.  The babies are fine.”  His lips curled into a smile.  “I saw our babies this time.  Nat, they’re mortal and healthy.”

“Nick?”  She knew him too well; there was something he wasn’t telling her. She could tell he was trying to decide what to say to her.  “Nick, what?  What are you not telling me?  You said the babies were healthy so what is it?”

“Love, do you want to know the sex of the babies?”

That got her full attention.  She didn’t say anything.  Did she want to know?  “I don’t know.  Do you know?”

He slowly licked his lower lip and nodded, but remained silent.

Her decision was made.  “Yes, I want us to share everything.  If you know the sex of our babies, then I want to know.”

“Are you sure, Nat?”

She nodded and waited.

“Natalie,” his smile broadened.  “We’ve hit the lottery.”

“What do you mean?”

“First pregnancy and we have a son and a daughter.”  He smiled so broadly that his mouth looked as if it would split in two.

She gasped.  “Nick, are you sure?”

“No doubt, my love.”

“Oh Nick!  This is incredible.  A son and a daughter!  You’re right, we did hit the lottery.”  She giggled.  “Nick Knight, when you make up your mind to do something you don’t fool around do you?”

“Never.” He lovingly rubbed his hand across her stomach.  “Hon, you’ve given me so much and now you’re giving me a son and daughter.  This is more than I ever dreamed was possible.”

She could hear the emotion behind his words.  “Oh, Nick…”

He kissed her temple.  “I’ve loved you for so long but couldn’t show you because of what I am.  When I returned, I wanted to find you and tell you how much I love you and to show you.  The serum made that possible.  I knew there was a chance for a family, but I didn’t dare hope.  I didn’t know if you would still want me; want our dream.  Nat, you’ve given me more than I ever hoped for or deserved.  I just hope you know how much I love you.”

She held his face in her hands and ran her thumbs over his chin.  “I know, Hon. I can see it in your eyes.”

He took her hand from his face and kissed her fingertips.  “I hope so.  You’ve made me happier than I ever thought possible and given me a life that I never thought I would have as a vampire.  You’re a part of me in ways I can’t express in words, but I think you’ve seen it when we share.”

“I have and I understand what you’re trying to say.  Hon, it’s the same for me.  You’ve filled my heart and soul with so much love that…”

He lowered his face closer to hers and smiled.  “It’s hard to put into words, isn’t it?  I know what you feel Nat.  I’ve seen it too.  I know that you know my thoughts, my feelings, when we share, but I needed to tell you too.  I love you Natalie.  I love you very much.”  Before she could say anything he covered her mouth with a gentle kiss.  “Now, my love you need rest. I agree with Joe, for someone who has returned from a three week vacation, you look very tired.”

She laughed.  “And whose fault would that be?”

He laughed.  “I have no idea.” 

She tried to playfully pinch his nose but he caught her hand and kissed her palm.  He raised an eyebrow.  “If you’re a good girl and sleep now, I’ll consider letting you play later.”

She giggled.  “Oh you will, will you?  Well, who says I’ll want to play?”

This caused him to laugh.  “Nat, I know you, you’ll want to play.”

“Don’t count on it,” she said smugly before turning away from him.  However, she did snuggle her back to his chest, her buttocks rubbing against his lower body.

He grinned.  “Anything you say dear.”  He put his arm around her and pulled her closer.  His hand lowered to rest on her stomach.  She was such a tease, but then so was he.

“Wow, a son and daughter.” He heard her whisper as she drifted off to sleep.  ‘WOW!’ was exactly the way he felt, too.  His hand subconsciously rubbed her abdomen as he fell asleep.

~~~<~~@

Dimitri was glad to be back in Toronto because he preferred life in a big city. Sarasota was small and that made it harder for him to remain obscure.  Also, owning a popular restaurant in Sarasota had made him more public than he liked.  It was easier to remain unnoticed in Toronto and that meant fewer chances of mortals discovering what he was.  Also, Toronto had a bigger Community and that provided for more conveniences to meet his special needs. 

He had actually enjoyed his latest trip to Florida.  The trip had been interesting; interesting because he had become friends with Natalie Lambert.  Natalie’s acquaintance and friendship had been delightful.  She had awakened something in his heart, something that he’d thought long dead.  She had made him feel, to feel his emotions, to laugh; he hadn’t done that since his early days as a Vampire.  Through the centuries it had become harder and harder to cling to his mortal emotions, so he’d simply chosen to let them go. His heart had become cold, nothing touching it.  He hadn’t realized how lonely he was until he’d met Natalie.  She had awakened him from his solitude.  There were people in his life, but no one he could really call a friend, except George, but George was his child.

Natalie had kept him entertained that was for sure, especially when Knight had shown up.  ‘Damn, to have a woman like that to love you…don’t go there, Dimitri.’ He warned himself. ‘She belongs to Knight.  She’s your friend and will never be anything more…and don’t you forget it.’ He chided himself.  He realized George had been right, if Natalie hadn’t still been in love with Knight, then he would have pursued a romance with her.  It bothered him that he was so attracted to her, even knowing she was in love with Knight. No!  He was her friend and nothing more…but…if Knight ever left her again…well…  His thoughts drifted for a second in that direction, before he realized Knight would never leave her again.  If her life were ever in danger again, Knight would take her with him.

He needed to get out, clear his head, rid his mind of these thoughts, of what it might have been like to fall in love with Natalie and to have her fall in love with him.  He was angry at himself for allowing his thoughts to run in that direction, it was hopeless, and it also felt like a betrayal of Natalie’s trust in his friendship.  She was his friend, a good friend that he treasured, nothing more.  And as much as he hated to admit it, he respected Knight too much to betray him.

He grabbed his long, black leather trench coat and went out into the cool April night.  He refused to let these feelings grow.  He deliberately pushed all of his emotions back down into that secret place where they’d lain dormant for centuries and, with an almost audible sigh of resignation, he closed down his freshly opened heart.  Once the emotions were deeply buried, he allowed feelings of his new friendship with Natalie to surface.  Yes, this was definitely more comfortable.  This is the way it should be.  But he did have to admit, that even as a friend, she was intriguing, entertaining and unique.  He smiled. Yes, for these reasons he could content himself with just a friendship with her.  Natalie was full of light.  She would bring a lot of joy into his dark life and for that he would be forever grateful.

The brisk wind caught at his coat, fanning it out behind him.  He pulled it shut and buttoned it.  He’d missed the nights here and decided to take a walk.  He had headed down a street that he’d often walked, but then turned onto an unfamiliar street to see what was there.  His senses were keen and he could hear the normal everyday activity around him, the same sounds that mortals could hear.  Suddenly his vampire sensitive hearing homed in on sounds he heard coming from an alley. 

“Damn you, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” 

Dimitri stopped. The woman’s voice had his attention.

“Shut up, you bitch, or you’ll be sorry.”

He heard the man’s voice reply.  His instinct kicked in, the woman was in trouble.  He looked around and seeing no one, he took flight.  That’s when he saw the punk holding the woman against the brick wall, at the end of the alley. 

The one thing Dimitri would never tolerate was a man hurting a woman.  He might be a 3000 year-old vampire, but he still remembered his mortal father abusing his mother.  As a small boy, he hadn’t been able to defend her, but he’d sworn that when he was old enough he’d stop the abuse.  His father had been killed in a fight before Dimitri was old enough to take action, but he’d never forgotten how helpless he’d felt and pledged to never to allow another woman to be abused.  As a result of his childhood experiences, he’d never preyed on the blood of women.

“Buster, you have no idea who you’re dealing…” The woman’s words were cut off.

The punk grabbed her around the throat and pushed her head back to the wall. “Oh, I’m supposed to be scared of you?”  Dimitri felt his fangs drop and at the same time his eyes turned golden.  Before he had time to think of the consequences he dropped from the sky, into the darkly lit alley.  He grabbed the punk and shoved him up against the wall.  His eyes changed from a golden green to blood red.  The punk looked at him, terror clearly showed in his eyes.  “How does it feel to be stalked and captured?  Do you think the lady felt the way you do now?”  Dimitri’s voice was a menacing growl as his face came closer to the man’s.

“What the hell?”  The woman asked.

Dimitri turned and looked over his shoulder at her.  Their eyes locked and it was then that she knew what her would be savior was, a Vampire.  Their eyes remained fixed on each other, not a word was said, time seemed to stand still.

Dimitri turned back to the punk. 

“What the hell do you think you’re doing? Stop!  Don’t hurt him.” The woman demanded.

His eyes had started to change again to a golden green.  He turned and looked at her again.  “Why?”  He growled.

“I can take care of myself.  I don’t need a big bad Vampire to do it.”

“I thought you…”

“You thought wrong.  I don’t need anyone taking care of me; I’m quite capable of doing that myself, thank you very much. Now let the poor kid go.  Now!”

“Are you crazy?  He should be punished for what he was about to do.” He shouted at her.  His frustration was growing.

“Can’t you see he’s a street kid?  I think he only meant to rob me.  If he’d tried to really hurt me, I can assure you that I could have taken care of him.”  She couldn’t believe she was having an argument with a vampire.  “I said, let him go.  I’m fine.”

He couldn’t believe this woman’s behavior.  She was concerned about the punk.  She had actually said the word, “Vampire” so she knew what he was and what he was capable of.  This disturbed Dimitri and he wanted answers.  How did she know what he was?

“Just do it! Let the kid go.” She yelled.

Dimitri turned back to the punk; that’s when he noticed he was just a kid, no more than fifteen or sixteen at the most..  Kid or no kid, he still could have hurt her.

He thought again about letting the kid go, but then decided on a different solution.  He zoned in on the kid’s heartbeat and stared into his eyes.  “You will leave this alley. You will never stalk or harm another woman. You will forget everything you’ve seen here tonight.”

The entranced kid stared at Dimitri.  “I will forget what I’ve seen, never harm another woman…leave this alley.” 

Dimitri released him and the kid turned and walked away repeating Dimitri’s commands.  Dimitri turned his attention back to the woman and clamped his hands on her shoulders intending to make her forget this incident.  He had seen her, but her face had been in the shadows.  Now that he was standing in front of her, his perfect vision actually saw her for the first time.  She was beautiful; her skin was ivory like delicate porcelain, her eyes were greener than the most precious emerald and her hair was a beautiful crimson mane of tight curls that fell below her shoulders.

She stared at him, neither one of them spoke.  Finally she broke the moment, shrugging his hands off of her shoulders.

“I know what you are and I know how things work. You’re either supposed to make me forget or kill me.  Well, you can’t hypnotize me because I’m a resistor and I know you won’t kill me.”

“Why aren’t you afraid?”  Dimitri was astonished that a mortal woman could stand here in a dark alley with a vampire and carry on a normal conversation with no fear.

She crossed her arms in front of her and laughed.  “Should I be?  Didn’t you  just save me from the bad guy?  What did you do that for if now you intend to kill me?”

Dimitri shook his head, in an attempt to clear his thoughts.  Was this woman fearless or crazy?  How did she know about vampires?  He wanted answers and he wanted them now. He wasn’t going to let her leave until his curiosity was satisfied.

“If you know what I am, then you also know I could kill you.”

“Yes, you could, but you won’t.”

His eyes changed back to their normal color and he felt his fangs receding. He too crossed his arms and trying to suppress all evidence of his emotions, he looked at her.  This fiery woman amused him, but he still wanted answers to his questions.   “How can you be so sure?”

She remained silent, looking at him. She could sense his power. “Because I’m a good judge of character; I see it in your eyes, you won’t harm me. I suspect you have a high regard for women.  You think we need to be protected and that’s why the kid made you angry enough to expose your secret.  Also, you’re no fledgling.  Otherwise, you couldn’t vamp out one minute and then calm your Beast the next.  You have control and that only comes with age.”

“You consider yourself very clever, don’t you?”

“Not clever, just intelligent.”  She picked up her purse from the ground.  “I guess I should thank you for attempting to rescue me, but I can assure you that I’ll never be a damsel in distress; it’s not my style.”  She started to walk around him.

Dimitri, caught her arm and turned her to face him.  She looked down at his hand and then up at him.  “What?”

He continued to hold her.  His other hand caressed her chin, making her look at him. “How do you know about my kind?”  His voice was calm, low, almost a caress.  He couldn’t stop looking into her beautiful green eyes, they were mesmerizing and a distraction from the task at hand, eliciting information from her.  He absently rubbed his thumb across her bottom lip.

She couldn’t stop looking into his dark, hypnotizing eyes.  Was that the power of the Vampire or was that the man?  He wouldn’t hurt her, but he was certainly making her nervous.  She was a resister, he couldn’t hypnotize her no matter how old he was,  or how much power he had.  But his nearness was unsettling.  He was absolutely gorgeous; everything about him was appealing.  No!  She wouldn’t give in, not to any man and certainly not a Vampire.  She had to get away as quickly as possible.  She pulled out of his grasp and, with a certain satisfaction, she sensed his reluctance to let her go. 

Finally, with a clearer head and a nervous laugh, she answered him.  “Oh please!  Fangs, golden eyes turning blood red, the growl;  I’d say they’re all symptoms of vampirism.” Her voice rose as she answered him, trying to contain her laughter.

He was bewildered.  “I don’t understand. You seem to already know that we exist and you act as if that was just an ordinary fact of life.”

She couldn’t help smiling at his confusion; her smile once again turned to laughter.  “My godfather is a vampire.”  Her statement shocked him into inaction.  Before he knew it she’d gotten into her black Jaguar and driven off.  Dimitri stood at the alley’s entrance.  Who was this woman?  He didn’t even know her name.

~~~<~~@

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debh@erinet.com