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Second Chance
Chapter Two--A New Beginnning

By Deborah A. Hymon

May 31, 2003


Thank you, Gloria for
   editing this chapter.

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George drove the black limousine to the front of the Tampa airport, opened the door and waited. He had observed Dimitri with Natalie closely, and wondered what his intentions were.  He’d seen how Dimitri had looked at the beautiful doctor and wondered if he planned on trying to pursue her.  He worried about his health if he did. He had over heard Knight’s reaction in the condo when he’d seen Natalie with Dimitri and it hadn’t been anything he wanted to witness again.

The tall and handsome vampire, who was his master and oldest friend, gracefully stepped out of the car.  George didn’t hesitate; he was truly concerned for Dimitri.  “We’ve been together a long time and I’ve never seen you like this.  I’m worried about you, my friend.”  He wasn’t sure how to approach the subject, but decided to be direct.   “You’re attracted to the beautiful doctor.”  George waited and watched his master.  He was afraid that Dimitri was falling in love with Natalie Lambert.

Dimitri smiled.  “My friend, she is a unique woman. How could she not affect me? I think that she touched even your cold, dead heart.”

George was surprised at his comment, but realized that he was avoiding the issue.  He had been surprised at the lady.  She had been everything he’d heard she was and she had touched his cold heart. There was something very special about her, but more special was the fact that she’d not been afraid of them and had treated them both as if they were mortals.  The astonishing thing about Natalie was she had fallen in love with a vampire; she’d freely given her loyalty, her heart and soul to one of their kind. This was what worried George.  He hoped Dimitri had enough sense to leave the woman alone and not try to interfere in her and Knight’s relationship.

“What are your plans?”  George waited for an answer, not sure he really wanted to hear them.

“Plans?”

George frowned.  “Dimitri, I’ve never seen you so affected by a woman, any woman.  Natalie has definitely caught your attention; you can’t deny it.  Dimitri, she's mortal, that should be enough to keep you away from her; you've never become entangled with mortals and their lives.  And this mortal already belongs to someone and that someone is a vampire and that vampire is Knight.  You're playing with fire, my friend.  She's his and he will never give her up.  You may be older than him, but you know his reputation about his power and temper.”

“George, I have no plans to interfere in Natalie’s life; my only “plan” is friendship.  Natalie is in love with Knight and I’m afraid nothing will ever change that.  What they have is very special.”  He thought about how beautiful she had looked that night at the restaurant, how he had enjoyed holding her as they had danced.  George was right; no mortal woman had ever affected him like Natalie Lambert had. 

Yes, she had stolen a small part of his heart, a heart that he’d thought long devoid of any feelings.  Natalie was beautiful, intelligent, high spirited, kind and had a wonderful sense of humor.  What man wouldn’t be attracted to her?  There would never be anything more than friendship between them; he had accepted that.  He had seen the love that Knight and she had, nothing could destroy it. He was astonished at their relationship. Her love and faith in Knight had caused her to remain faithful for six years while not knowing why he’d left her or even if he were still alive. 

What would it be like to have a woman love him like Natalie did Knight?  He’d avoided getting involved in any romantic entanglements.  It had been centuries since he’d had a constant companion and never a mortal.  He’d made it his policy a long time ago to avoid as much contact as possible with mortals.  But if it hadn’t been for Knight, he would definitely have pursued a relationship with Natalie.  He wasn't an envious man, but after seeing the love between these two he realized he wanted what they had.  The problem was, after meeting Natalie he also realized it would take a woman like her to satisfy his desire, not just the physical desire but the desire to have the love and relationship that these two lovers had.

George wasn’t sure if Dimitri spoke the truth, but he hoped he did for his sake.  Most of the time he knew Dimitri had been blocking their bond, but once or twice he’d felt the vibrations that Natalie had caused his oldest friend, and those vibrations frightened George.   “Are you sure?”

Dimitri put his hand on George’s back.  “Stop worrying George, motherhood doesn’t suit you. I’m quite sure.  Natalie and I will remain good friends for as long as she wants such a relationship, but I don’t plan on interfering in her and Knight’s lives.”  He chuckled.  “You didn’t see those two together.  If I were to choose to pursue Natalie, I’m afraid it would be a lost cause.  She’s Knight’s; not just his property, she’s his life…his very soul. He’s the same for her. Nothing, my friend, can destroy that. I’m afraid they’re destined to be together forever.  I just hope eventually Knight comes to his senses and makes her his for eternity.”

George relaxed.  “I hope he does too.  It would be a terrible lose for her to not join the Community.”

Dimitri smiled.  “Yes it would.  I’m hoping Knight’s love for her will win out over his thirteenth century religious beliefs and that he’ll bring her across.”  He wasn’t sure he should admit to George his offer, but they had always been honest and shared many secrets over the centuries.  “I did offer my services if she were to choose to join us and Knight wasn’t around or refused. I thought she needed to have that option available just in case Knight doesn’t see the light.”  He realized the pun and laughed.

“I hope it doesn’t come to that, Dimitri.  If Knight should refuse to bring her across and you do, I fear he’ll take his anger out on you, my friend.”

Dimitri slapped his old friend on the back.  “Well, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.  But perhaps if Knight learns of my offer he'll drop those ancient beliefs of his and take Natalie as his eternal bride.  I have a feeling he'll never allow another to bring her across and I do know that she wants to join him for eternity, but only after she tries to give him children.  Natalie is a very intelligent and persuasive woman.  I have faith that she can make Knight realize the mistake it would be to allow her to remain mortal."

“Yeah, let’s hope.”  George reached in the limo to get Dimitri’s briefcase.  He had to give his friend one last warning. He knew Natalie would be returning to Toronto soon and Knight would probably accompany her.  Dimitri was heading back there as well.  He knew that if Dimitri didn’t deny his feelings for Natalie, the large city could get very small very quickly. 

He turned to give Dimitri his briefcase and was about to speak, but Dimitri had sensed what George was about to say.  “I promise you, I have no intentions other than friendship when it comes to Natalie.” He gave George another pat on the shoulder to reassure him then turned and walked into the airport.

George watched his master until he disappeared out of sight.  “I hope you mean that.” He whispered so low that even a vampire would have had a hard time hearing his words.

~~~<~~@

Natalie breathlessly broke from Nick’s passionate kiss.  Her emotions were out of control, tears filled her eyes. 

“What’s wrong, Nat?  Talk to me.”

“Oh Nick.”  She wrapped her arms around his neck.  “I never thought this dream would become a reality.  Please tell me this is all real, that I’m not dreaming.”

“Love, you’re not dreaming, this is real.”  He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, and her chin before he gently kissed her bottom lip and took it into his mouth, caressing it with his tongue.  He covered her mouth with another passionate kiss and released her mouth. 

“Nat, I want you.” He whispered, his voice husky.  “We’ve both waited so long for this; it’s hard to take things slow. I want you my love, but I want to take you slow, to savor every inch of your body.” He gave her another light kiss on the lips.  “I only hope I can do that without loosing control.”

He saw a frown creep across her face.  He couldn’t help but smile.  “Control of passion, my love, not control of the Beast. The Beast will not harm you; it may surface, but trust me when I say it has been tamed.  Nat, we never could kiss with the passion that we just did without the Beast coming forth.  Please trust me, I need you to do that.”

She smiled, and if his heart could have melted it would have.  “I do trust you, not only with my life, but with my heart and soul. I’m yours Nick Knight, all that I am is yours.”  She pulled his head down and covered his mouth with hers. Her tongue asked for acceptance and he opened to her, taking her, feeling her warmth fill him.  She heard him moan and knew that this was further than they’d ever dared to go in expressing their feelings, except for the night he didn’t remember being a vampire and their last night together.

Nick’s hands slid up and down her back, memorizing each curve.  He felt her warm skin and wanted more.  His hand rubbed up her arm, to her shoulder where he slid down the strap of her dress. She pulled her mouth free of his, looked up at him and smiled.  She loved him with everything she was, he was back and he was hers, this time forever.

“Nick?”

He kissed her shoulder.  His response was muffled, but she heard him.  “Hmmm?”

“I know the Beast is in control, but if you want me completely I wouldn’t mind.”

Nick looked at her.  “Nat, what are you saying?”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and couldn’t help giving him a seductive smile.  “I know you don’t need my blood to make love, but I guess what I’m trying to say is if you want it…well, I wouldn’t…I would like that.”

Nick returned her seductive smile.  “You wouldn’t mind?  Nat, it’s not necessary for me to take your blood, to enjoy you.”

“I know, but after experiencing all that is shared during the blood exchange…well…I find it more intimate than just the mortal love making.  Nick, it’s been so long since we’ve shared the blood bond.  If you feel comfortable with sharing then I would love to share with you.  I would love to feel our dreams, desires, to be bonded with a stronger bond.”  She playfully pinched his arm.  “And you could give me your essence again.”  She waited for his response.

“How did you know about that?”

“Dimitri told me. He explained a lot of things to me.”

“Nat, I’m sorry about that. I should have told you, but the moment was a bit heated and I wasn’t thinking about what my bite would do to you.  I wanted you so much that night, all of you.  I just didn’t think about how you might feel if you knew about my bite marking you as mine.  Can you forgive me, Love?”

She gave him a wicked smile.  “I’m asking you to do it again, aren’t I?”

“Yeah, I guess you are.”  He chuckled.  “Are you sure, Nat?”

“Only if you want it too.”

“I do. I loved the intimacy of sharing with you.  Nat, please don't be afraid.  The serum will keep you safe."  His voice was a sensuous whisper.  "I don't have the bloodlust even though I desire your blood; it's two different things.  I desire your blood to know you, to feel you, to have you completely.”  He covered her mouth with his before he picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed where he gently laid her down and lowered himself next to her.  “Nat, it’s been so long.  I never thought we would be together again.  I can tell you this, I will never leave you and no one will ever keep us apart.  We’re together forever this time, and I’ll never give you up.”

“You’re my life, Nick.  When you were gone, I felt so empty, dead inside. I didn’t care if I continued to live because without you there wasn’t a reason to live.  I never want to feel that way again…never, do you hear me?”

“You won’t, I swear.”  He kissed her gently on her lips before letting his kisses trail down the side of her face to the hollow of her neck, to her shoulder.  “Nat, I do want to make love to you both ways, mortal and vampire. I need you both ways.”

“Love me, take from me what you need and give yourself to me in return. I need you, too.”

With her words spoken, Nick knew that was how they would love each other tonight; nothing would be held back, they would give everything to each other, share their very souls.  “I love you, Nat.  I’ve loved you before I ever met you, I just didn’t know it.”

She caressed his face.  “Show me.” She whispered.

Nick lowered his mouth to hers, his tongue gently traced across her lips; she opened her warmth to him and he was there.  His tongue found hers and together they explored and caressed until they possessed each other as one. He broke from the kiss and gently pulled her into a sitting position before unzipping her dress and helping her remove it.  He was surprised to find she wore only panties under her dress.  “Hmmm, did we forget some undergarments when we dressed for dinner?” he teased.

“Nick.” Her tone was a warning tease. “The cut of the dress didn’t allow for a bra.”

“I know, but just the thought of you out to dinner with Dimitri and no…”

Nat touched his lips with her fingers to stop his words.  “Nick, jealousy doesn’t become you, especially when there’s no reason.”

“I know. I trust you, Nat; it’s just that I can’t stand the thought of you being with another man. I’m sorry.”

“You’re the only man I’ve been with since the day I met you and you’re the only man I’ll ever want.” She slowly unbuttoned his shirt, allowing it to fall from his shoulders before helping him free his arms from the garment.  She ran her fingers across the fine blond curls on his chest; her fingers lingered on his nipples and firmly rubbed across them, causing them to become erect.

He stood, unzipped his pants and removed them.  Nat arched an eyebrow at him.  “It looks like someone else forgot their undergarments.”

He grinned. “I never wear undergarments with jeans; didn’t I ever tell you that?”

“No.  It would seem I have a lot of things I need to discover about you.”  She opened her arms for him.  He returned to the bed, covered her body with his and wrapped his arms around her.  “Then discover them, my love. I won’t object.”  He whispered in her ear.

Her hands rubbed up his back, caressing every angle of his shoulders.  Her mouth found the hollow of his throat and she let her tongue trace long, seductive strokes across his artery.  She had discovered the last time they’d made love that he liked her doing this. She heard him moan before he whispered, “You remembered.”

“I never forgot anything about your body.”

“Nor I yours.”  He responded by slowly tracing his tongue down her neck’s artery before gently sucking her soft skin, his teeth slightly grazing her. He licked another longer stroke upward and took her ear lobe in his mouth and gently sucked at it, breathing in to her ear.  He felt her shudder and knew he had ignited the fire burning deep inside of her. He could already smell her arousal and it was an unforgettable ambrosia, one he’d thought never to experience again. Her desire’s scent was unique to her and one he would never forget.

The heat of desire shot through Nat’s body, every fiber of her tingled at his touch.  How could one man and only one man, cause such powerful feelings?  There was no doubt in her mind, no one, man or vampire could ever make her feel what Nick did.  She heard him whisper as his mouth traveled lower toward her breasts. “God, I want you. I want all of you.”

She ran her hands through his golden hair and entwined her fingers through the curls at the nap of his neck.  “Then take me, all of me.”

His tongue licked firmly across her nipple before he sucked it gently into his cool mouth. He felt her arching toward him and heard the quick intake of her breath.  “Oh God, Nick, I’ve missed you.” She whispered.  The pleasure his mouth was bringing her was welcomed, but she wanted more, much more.

He gently held her breast as he suckled it and massaged her other breast to the same rhythm. He alternated his attention between them before tracing his tongue lower; laving her firm, flat stomach with seductive strokes.  He couldn’t help think about how wonderful it would be to fill her flat stomach with his child.  If their dreams came true, then months from now he would be feeling his child growing here in her womb.  He wanted to fill her full of his seed, to let their love grow as a separate part of them, a child that would be born out of their love.  He desperately wanted for them to be able to share their love with a child.  He hoped that they would be lucky and have several. 

Nat smiled down at him, their eyes met and she knew what he was thinking.  “I know my love, I know.”  She pushed a stray, golden lock from his forehead.  “I want your child there, too.  I pray for that.”

He kissed her stomach again and slowly let his kisses ease lower until he was between her thighs.  He pulled her panties down and she raised her buttocks from the bed to allow him to remove them completely.  He smiled up at her and buried his face in her curls; he took a deep breath.  She was here, actually here with him.  This wasn’t a dream, but their reality; they were finally together again and that’s where they both belonged. 

His hand moved across her stomach and downward.  His fingers parted her labia and he saw the beauty of her womanhood.  She was beautiful.  His tongue flicked across her clit.  He felt her body respond by arching toward him; her fingers dug tighter into his hair.

His mouth caressed her nub; his tongue entered her warmth. 

“Oh Nick.  Please…”

He loved her orally until he felt her climax. 

“Please what, my love?” He wanted to hear her ask.

“Take me, I want you now.”

He smiled, slowly raining kisses across her thighs, her stomach, her waist, her breasts and her neck.  He raised his body to cover hers. Their eyes locked and she saw all the love and desire he had for her.  She reached down between them and guided his penis into her warmth.  “Now, my love, take me now.”

Nick obliged.  He penetrated her slowly, pushing deep into her warmth; he was home.  He was inside of Nat, but he wanted more.  He rose up, on his hands, lifting his weight off her and thrust deep inside of her, over and over; he pulled almost entirely out of her before thrusting deep into her body again.  He felt her inner walls contract around him and he knew his own climax was close.

Their eyes met; his look was questioning.  She smiled and nodded and it was then that she saw his eyes turn golden.  “I won’t hurt you, Nat.”

“I know. I trust you. Love me, Nick. Love all of me.”

He reared his head back; she saw his fangs drop.  She caressed his face and held him firmly in her hands.  “I love you, Nick Knight; I always have and always will.”

“Oh God, Nat, I’ll never get enough of you. You’re my love, my life.”  With those words he pushed deep into her warmth again and at the same time lowered his mouth to her neck.  His tongue once again stroked the length of her neck, feeling the pulse of her life flow; it was then that he gently sank his fangs into her neck.  The taste of her hit his senses with a passion he’d never known except the one other time he had taken her blood; at the moment he took her life force into him, he climaxed, pumping his seed deep into her. 

He felt her climax again and their blood bond allowed him to feel her climax as well as his own.  The feelings flowing between them were incredible; the intensity over powering to the point that Nick was unsure if either of them could ever stop; he sensed that she too wanted to hold on to this moment, to never allow it to end.  He felt her relax in his arms and he knew he had to pull free of her; he couldn’t take too much.  So, slowly he removed his fangs and licked her wound.  He listened to the strong beat of her heart and knew she was safe.

Holding her tight, Nick rolled to the side taking her with him; he remained inside of her, reluctant to free himself from her warmth.  His arms wrapped possessively around her and held her against his cool body.  “God, I love you.”

“I know. I saw and felt it all.  It was incredible, the love, the desire, the dreams.”  She held his cheeks in the palms of her hands and watched his eyes turn back to the beautiful shade of blue that she loved.  “Hon, I want all your dreams.  I want a long life with you, to share my life, body, love and soul with you.  I want your children.”

“I want that too, but Nat, if it doesn’t happen, then it wasn’t meant to be.  The most important thing I want is you.  I’m sorry I left you. I’ll never leave you again…I can’t…I won’t.  I’m the same as you; without you in my life, I’m empty and don’t want to go on.”

“Shhh, I know my love.  I forgive you; you thought you were protecting me, but if you’re not here then I don’t care if I’m protected or not because I don’t want to live without you.  Nick, we’re soul mates and neither of us can live without the other.  We’re together again and nothing will ever come between us, not ever.”  She stroked his face and pulled him to her breasts, his cheek resting against her as she held him in her arms. 

He remained half draped across her body, his penis still deep in her warmth. He tried to pull free of her.  “Stay.  I rather like having you inside of me.”  She kissed his temple.

He ran the palm of his hand across her cheek and through the hair at her temple.  “Natalie Lambert, you are a wicked woman.” He gave her a devilish grin.

“I thought you liked me that way.”

“I do. I like it very much.  Don’t ever change, because I’d miss it.”

He gathered her closer into his embrace and pulled the comforter over them both.  Together they fell asleep, their bodies entwined and Nick still inside of her warmth.

~~~<~~@

In her sleep, Nat reached across to the other side of the bed and found it empty.  Panic filled her body and she sat up abruptly in bed, her eyes fully awake.  “Nick! Nick, where are you?  Nick!” She didn’t realize she was screaming his name until she heard glass breaking

“Shit!” There was a pause before he called to her.  “I’m in the kitchen, Nat.”

She heard a few more muffled curses before Nick appeared at the bedroom door.  He held a tray with breakfast for two.  “I’m sorry, Love.  I wanted to surprise you.  You startled me when you screamed and I broke a glass.”  He wore the boyish grin that she so adored.  “Don’t go in the kitchen with your bare feet until I clean up the mess.”

She felt relief wash over her. She had been dreaming that he’d left her again and LaCroix was keeping him from her with threats.  “I’m sorry. I was having a bad dream, then I woke to find you gone; it scared me. I thought you had left me again.”

Nick set the tray on the dresser, went to the bed and took her in his arms.  “Natalie, I’ll never leave you again, I swear this to you. LaCroix, Enforcers, Council, man or vampire will ever keep me from you; I promise you this.  Please try to believe me. I don’t want you living with the fear that I’ll leave you because it’ll never happen again.”  He stroked her hair as he held her firmly in his arms.  “Once is enough; I couldn’t bare it again, either.”

“I’ll try to remember that; it was just a bad dream. LaCroix was threatening my life and you left to keep me safe.” 

“Oh Hon, don’t do this to yourself.  I’m sure he’s aware that most of the Community holds you in high regard and they’re protecting you.  I honestly don’t think he’ll try to come between us again because he doesn’t want to loose me as his son.  He knows now that I won’t return to him and if he harms you I’ll kill him. It’s already going to take a long time before I forgive him from this last deceit.  I may never forgive him; he’s taken six years from us.”

“Yes, he did, but if you hadn’t gone to South America, last night wouldn’t have been possible and our dream of a family would be just that, a dream.  Hon, it may have been his hatred of me that caused him to deceive you, but it backfired.  Because of what he did, we’re together now more than ever.” They were together in a way they’d only dreamed of, but her biggest fear still remained.  “Nick, I can’t live in fear of loosing you again, I just can’t.”

He held her tighter to his chest.  “Nat, what can I do to make you believe that I’m here to stay, that I won’t leave you?  I’m going to marry you and we’re going to be together.  Hon, I told you last night, I can’t and won’t ever give you up again.”  He chuckled.  “Besides, I’d have Dimitri to deal with if I ever hurt you again.”

That brought a smile and warmed her heart. If Nick could tease about Dimitri then she knew he was telling her the truth; he never would leave her again. She looked up and stroked his cheek with the back of her hand.  “I believe you.”

He finally saw the trust in her eyes, but mostly he saw her unconditionally love.  He pushed a loose strand of auburn curls behind her ear before kissing her gently on the lips.  When he broke the kiss he looked at her and smiled.  He turned her neck slightly and lifted her hair.  He saw the wounds that his bite had left; they were healing, but it had left a bruise.  She saw the look of horror in his eyes.  “Oh God, Nat.  I’ve hurt you.”

She took his face in her hands.  “Nick, you didn’t do anything I didn’t want you to do.  I’m fine.”

“Love, it’s bruised. I hurt you. I’m so sorry, I never want to cause you…”

Before he could finish she had covered his mouth with hers; she finally felt him relax in her arms.  She pulled her mouth free of his and took his chin in her palms.  “Nick, stop with the guilt; there’s been enough of that over the years.  Hon, I wanted you to love me like that.  And to answer your question, no I don’t feel a thing so you didn’t hurt me. Nick, I wanted you both ways last night, I needed it all.” 

She felt her face flush, but she had to tell him.  “I like loving you both ways; the vampire way is more intense, more erotic, but mostly I love sharing our emotions and our thoughts.  That’s something that we can’t share if we were to love only the mortal way.  Why should we deny ourselves such an intimate relationship when we can choose to share ourselves this way?”

“Nat, we can’t always make love that way; it’s too much blood lose for you.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and looked at him intensely.  “Nick, I’m the doctor here and I know that.  I never said that was the only way I wanted to make love. I love being with you both ways and now that you can make mortal love to me…well…I’m going to enjoy that too.”  Her smile was seductive.  “Last night I think we both needed to love both ways, we needed to feel everything, know everything, what the other felt and desired.  It was beautiful and a wonderful way to make love and share ourselves again, for the first time in years.”

A mingering doubt filled his mind and he looked at her.  “Are you sure I didn’t cause you pain, that you’re not sore?”  He gently touched the puncture marks that he had caused during their lovemaking.

“Hon, last night, you were very gentle when you bit me.  I loved the way you made me feel.  I enjoyed it so much that I didn’t want you to stop, even when I knew you had to or you would take too much. God, I loved giving myself completely to you and in return feeling all of you; it’s an incredible experience and I love being with you in that way.”

She had to let him know exactly how she felt about all of their lovemaking.  “Hon, I like you making love to me the mortal way, too.   When you enter my body and I feel you deep inside me; I’m overwhelmed by emotions I’ve never felt before; it’s intense, but in a different way.  I love making love with you both ways, but if neither were to ever be possible for us to share again, I would still want to be with you.  If holding you and feeling you in my arms were ever to be all that we could share, that would be enough.  All that truly matters is that I’m with you.”

He kissed her forehead and took her face in his hands.  “Do you really mean it, all of it?”

“Yes.  I’ll be with you any way that I can, even if it’s just as friends and not lovers.  You’re too important to me and I love you too much to not be with you.”

He wrapped her as tight as he dared in his arms.  “God, Nat. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m glad you’re a part of my life. I feel the same. I can’t be without you no matter what type of relationship we have.  I want you as my wife and lover, but if something should keep us from that type of relationship then I too would want you to remain in my life. I don’t want to live one day without you beside me.”

She enjoyed feeling his arms around her.  Finally she was the one to break the intense moment.  “I guess this means that no matter what, we’re stuck with each other.” She laughed.  It wasn’t long before Nick had joined her in the laughter and they were playfully teasing and kissing each other.

“Hey, breakfast is going to get cold and I’ve slaved all morning over the stove.”

She couldn’t resist; she tackled him backwards as he started to stand.  He fell on top of her and she grabbed at his sensitive male parts, teasing him.  “Hey, watch it woman.  Those are very important parts, especially if we want to try again after breakfast for a baby.”

“I thought we had already done a good job of that last night.”

“Nope, I think it’s going to take more than last night.  I figure another hundred times or so and we should have at least perfected the procedure.”

She laughed, released him and threw a pillow at him.  “Men, they always seem to find an excuse.”

“Hey, last night I didn’t see you objecting to practice.”  He walked over to get the breakfast tray.  “I would suggest you eat; you’re going to need your strength once the activities resume.”

She took the tray and took a bite of her omelet.  “Is that a promise?’

“Nat, don’t talk with your mouthful; it’s not lady like.”

“Who ever said I was a lady?  Right now I feel a bit like a wanton woman.’

Nick had been attempting to eat his omelet, but that last comment caused him to laugh and he choked on the food.  “Nat, you haven’t changed and for that I’m thankful.  You are as refreshing as ever; I never know what’s going to come out of your mouth.” He laughed.

She was amazed that he was sitting here, eating an omelet as if food weren’t a problem.  She started to comment on his eating, but didn’t want to ruin the moment.  “Maybe you should wonder what other things this mouth could do.”  She arched her brows and waited for him to comment.

“Eat your breakfast, my love, and then we’ll see what type of activities we can find for the mouth of a wanton woman.”

This time it was Nat’s turn to laugh. She threw her paper napkin at him and was surprised when with his vampire speed he’d actually caught it.  They smiled at each other and both of them silently realized there were other things that they had missed during their long separation; they had missed the fun, the teasing, the laughter, and most of all the trust of true friendship.  They might be lovers and soon be spouses, but first and most important, they were best friends.

~~~<~~@
>>>Two and a half weeks later:

Nick rolled over and propped his head on his hand and looked down at Nat sleeping.  She was as beautiful to him as the day he’d first met her.  There were a few more lines around her eyes, the frown lines on her forehead a bit more defined, but she really hadn’t aged much since the last day he had seen her six years ago; time had been good to her. 

He actually thought she looked better now than she had their last year together; that year had been hard on both of them and thinking back he remembered how tired she’d always looked.  She also looked as if she had lost a bit of weight from the last time he had seen her; she looked more like the young woman he’d first met. Her body was firm and toned; they hadn’t discussed it, but her body looked as if she had been working out at the gym. The one thing noticeable was she looked a little wiser; she no longer had that innocent look in her eyes. 

How could she remain innocent with all that she knew and had experienced in the last twelve years?  That was entirely his fault.  If he hadn’t come into her life then perhaps she would be married and have children of her own.  He knew he was a selfish bastard; he didn’t’ want to think about her with another man or another man’s children.  He loved her and wanted her; he wanted her to be the mother of his children.  If God were willing this would happen because they both wanted it, but if it didn’t, they would remain together; they’d sworn that to each other their first night back together. 

Nat wanted to be with him for eternity, to follow him into the darkness.  He had seen it in her blood; the only reason she didn’t want it now was because she wanted to give him the family that they both desired.  He had also seen Dimitri’s offer to bring her across, to make her his daughter.  At first he’d been outraged with what he had seen, but then he realized Nat would only go to him as a last resort.  Could he bring her across himself if and when she asked?  He wasn’t sure, but he sure the hell didn’t want another vampire touching her, no matter who it was.

Their future was so certain in some respects, but equally uncertain in others.  She would become his mortal wife, but he was unsure about an eternal wife.  Could he condemn her soul to this hell of a life he existed in?  If she threatened to go to another to bring her across, would he allow that to happen and would he go against his religious convictions?  He wasn’t sure; they would cross that road when it was time and he knew it would come sooner or later.

She had agreed to marry him, but how were they going to pull it off?  Was he willing to go back to Toronto, to pick up his old life?  Could he even do it if he wanted to, if she wanted him to?  He also had physically changed.  True, vampires didn’t age, but since taking the serum, he’d noticed some changes in his body and face structure that actually made him appear a bit older.  The professor had explained that the serum changed the body enough to give the appearance of a slight aging, but then it stopped and the vampire no longer continued to age.  The serum made the vampire’s face appear a bit fuller.  This along with the light exposure that had caused a change in the pigments of his skin had made him appear five to eight years older.

Yes, he could go back to Toronto without any one questioning his age, but would they accept him back as a cop?  He doubted Tracy’s dad, Commissioner Vetter, would allow his reinstatement. The man had never liked him and after Tracy’s death, he was sure he blamed him. What type of a career would he choose if he wasn’t reinstated? 

Nat had given up so much of her life to help him find a cure, to be his friend, to love him; he couldn’t ask her to give up her career and her friends and family to move on, not now.  All of that would come soon enough.  No, he owed her that much to let her remain in Toronto as long as possible before they both had to move on.  Perhaps if he were lucky, they might be able to stay another five or so years.  Hopefully, that would be enough time for her to prepare to break her ties with family and friends.

She rolled over and faced him, but she still slept.  He couldn’t resist, he leaned down and kissed her temple.  She smiled and moaned slightly before hugging her pillow. Their time here in Siesta Key had been wonderful, but it was nearing the end of her vacation. 

They needed to have a serious talk about their plans and how they were going to deal with friends and colleagues once they returned home.  Home.  In a weird way Toronto did seem like home.  It had been these last six years because that was where Nat and his heart were.  His decision had been made; he would go home with her, to Toronto.  Aristotle was going to love this!  The man didn’t like it when one of them broke the rules; once they moved on they were never to look back, never contact anyone from their past. Well, Aristotle would just have to deal with it this time.  Nat was his past, his love, his future and he was not leaving her. 

Another thought occurred to him; Joe Reese would be thrilled to see him, but then he might just kill him afterwards.  He’d over heard Nat’s conversation with Joe at the airport and knew the Captain had become a surrogate father to her.  No, this was not something he was looking forward to.  Joe wasn’t going to be happy unless he gave him a damn good excuse, and he’d been thinking of one ever since he’d stepped back in Nat’s life.  They had to discuss what they were going to tell everyone; it had to be something believable, but something that couldn’t be checked out or the story traced.

She stirred, but she didn’t wake. He brushed her hair from her face and traced her jaw line with his finger, but she didn’t seem to notice.  He smiled.  She had to be exhausted after all of their activities.  Their time here had been wonderful. Their mornings consisted of breakfast in bed and making love, then lunch and making love, showering together, watching the sunsets, going to dinner and coming back to the condo and making love again.  Nick wondered if his body was trying to make up for the lack of 800 years of lovemaking; he was sure that was part of it, but every time he looked at Nat or thought about her he wanted her all over again.  He would never get tired of loving her.  She hadn’t objected to any of their activities and had seemed to be enjoying it as well. He had always assumed that she was a passionate woman and these last couple of weeks had proved it. 

Their time hadn’t been filled with just lovemaking; there had been playful times, serious conversations, both of them sharing how they had dealt with the last six years.  They both had admitted how miserable they’d been.  She had confessed that no man compared to him and she hadn’t wanted anyone but him and how colleagues and friends couldn’t understand how devoted she remained to him when she hadn’t heard from him.  He had admitted to thinking more than once about walking into the noon sun, to end it all.  If he didn’t have her in his life, he didn’t want to go on. He had told her the only reason he didn’t do it was his religious beliefs concerning suicide; ironic as it were for a vampire to fear an eternal damnation in hell for committing suicide, but he hadn’t wanted to take the chance.  He’d also admitted that a part of him still had faith they would be together again, somehow somewhere.  He’d realized as long as she lived there would always be hope.

He laid his face down on his pillow and watched her.  They were only inches a part and he could feel her breath on his face.  He would never get tired of watching her.  He couldn’t resist; he traced a finger down the front of her neck, down her cleavage and cupped her breast in his hand.  She opened one eye and smiled at him.  “Checking out your favorite playground?”

“Do you mind?”

“Not at all, but what’s fair for one is fair for the other.”  Her hand slid under the cover and slowly glided down his rib cage, to his waist, to his hips. She reached behind him and massaged his butt cheek.  Her smile turned seductive and she licked her lips.

“Nat, don’t tease unless you’re willing.  You have to be exhausted from all of our extra activity.” He teased, but then he became serious.  “Truthfully, Hon, please don’t feel you have to do anything. I just love touching you.  I think it’s my way of making sure you’re real.”

She traced his nose with her finger and let it fall to his chin before taking his chin in the palm of her hand; her thumb ran across his bottom lip.  “Nick, I can’t stop wanting you, touching you…I need you.”  With those words spoken she covered his mouth with hers and gave him a passionate kiss.  “Make love to me, please…. I need to feel you inside of me.  I want you…”

Before she could say more he had obliged her demands, her wishes.  Once again the lovemaking was passionate, for both of them.  This time they made love the mortal way, but it had been an emotional connection for both of them.  They climaxed together, with him on top of her, his hands holding her face gently.

“God, I love you. I can’t ever get enough of you.”

“And I love you. I love you now and for all eternity.”

He lowered his mouth to hers and crushed her lips with his in a passionate kiss that left them both breathless.   He remained deep inside of her, they both had spent their passion, but he could feel the beginning of another arousal.  She had that effect on him and it didn’t help that she was contracting her inner muscles around his penis.

She felt him inside of her and gave him a wicked grin as if to ask if he was willing to continue.  “Damn, Nat, I’m the one who is suppose to have the vampire strength, but you seem to be surpassing me with your stamina.”

She couldn’t stop the giggle.  “Nick Knight, are you admitting defeat?”

He rolled off of her and pulled himself out of her warmth.  “Never, but I worry about you.  You haven’t slept much and this is your vacation.  What are you going to tell your co-workers and boss when you go back to work exhausted?  They’re going to wonder why you’re not rested. After all this was a three-week vacation for you. You shouldn’t be tired when you return.”

“Nick, are you going home with me, back to Toronto?”

He wondered why she was changing the subject, but he knew this was something they had to discuss.   “If you want me to.”  That had been an honest answer.

Her wicked grin returned.  “Then I think they’ll know why I’m exhausted when they see what I brought home as a souvenir.  I think they’re going to be surprised as hell, but not at why I’m tired.”  She giggled.  She could tell by his reaction that he hadn’t thought about that.

Nick pulled the blanket over his head and moaned.  She couldn’t help it, her laughter was loud and tears were rolling down her cheeks.  Nick had always kept his private life just that, private.  If they went public with their relationship then they were sure to get teased and the gossip mill would be running on overload.

Nick lowered the blanket.  “Nat, that’s not funny.”

“Then I guess I’d better get some sleep during the next 48 hours because we’re heading home after that.”

She didn’t think Nick knew it, but his face had a slight pout.  “Oh come on, Nick, I didn’t say the playground was permanently shut down, but we both need sleep.  I say we both try for afternoon naps and if that means you sleeping on the sofa then so be it. 

“Nat, I can behave, but can you?”

“Point taken.”  She laughed and hit him with a pillow before jumping out of bed and running to the shower.

“Cute butt.” He threw the pillow at her naked backside. 

“I love you, Nick Knight.”  He heard her call from the shower. 

He slid out of bed and joined her.  He stepped into the shower and wrapped his arms around her.  “I love you, Natalie Lambert, soon to be Natalie Knight.  By the way, when do you want to get married?”

She dropped her head and broke their eye contact.  “I always thought if you ever asked me then I wanted to get married on my birthday because that’s when I first met you…” she looked at him.  “But I’ll be damn if I’m waiting a year to marry you. So why don’t you pick a date?”

Suddenly the little boy surfaced and she saw that smile that she couldn’t resist.  “June 28th.”

“Why, June 28th?”

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to his body.  “Because that my love, is the first time I really kissed you.”  He must have read her questioning look because he continued.  “The kiss at the picnic might have seemed innocent, but that was the first time I knew I felt more for you than just a casual friend.  I wasn’t sure exactly what I felt, but it was much more than a friend kissing a friend.   Schanke was right; pictures don’t lie.  I’ve looked at my copy of that picture many times and it’s funny, now I can see what he saw, but I couldn’t back then.”

“I know what you mean.  I’ve looked at it, too and felt the same thing.  Schanke knew before we did.  I think wherever he is, he’s probably beaming that big smile of his and saying, ‘told you so.’

Nick kissed her nose.  “Yeah, I bet he is. Knowing Schanke, he’s probably had a betting pool going for when we would finally come to our senses.”  That thought gave them both a bittersweet laugh; they both missed their dead friend. 

Nat got out of the shower first and wrapped herself in a plush towel.  “Meet you in the kitchen; I’ll start the coffee.”

Nick followed her shortly.  He’d wrapped a towel around his waist and was drying his hair with another one as he walked into the bedroom.  He looked up and that’s when he saw it sitting on the dresser.  He couldn’t stop the smile, but a blood tear filled his eye before sliding down his cheek.  He walked over and picked up the picture of him kissing Nat at the picnic.  She had brought the photo with her from home and had set it on the dresser for him to see.

“Schanke, It’s more than just friends; she’s my soul mate and I love her more than I’ve ever loved anything or anyone and that scares the hell out of me.  I can’t ever loose her, my dear friend, because I would cease to exist if that ever happened again.” He set the picture back down on the dresser.  “I miss you, Schanke.”  He wiped his eyes with the towel and threw it back in the bathroom before joining Nat in the kitchen.

~~~<~~@

>>>>Two days later

Nick and Nat had been out for dinner and dancing at Midnight’s Dream Cove.  Nat had told Nick how she had pretended it was him holding her that night when Dimitri was dancing with her to Unchained Melody.  He hadn’t said anything, but she had seen that her confession had pleased him.  Tonight, when the pianist played their song, Nick had been the one holding her, dancing with her, and kissing her neck, her shoulders, her temple.  He had whispered sweet enduring words in her ear, promises he intended to keep through their years of marriage.

George had been at the restaurant. They had not seen him watching them earlier because their attention had been only for each other. After they’d finished their dinner, he had stopped by their table and talked to both of them. She had witnessed the conversation between George and Nick and had realized they’d known each other for centuries and it appeared that each man admired and genuinely liked the other.  As she watched them, she realized they were acting like two old friends.  George had called her ‘Natalie’, and winked at her.  Once again he had kissed the back of her hand and told her he would miss seeing her and he hoped she would return to Florida soon for another visit.

They were unlocking the condo door when they heard the phone ring.  Natalie entered the condo first.

“I’ll get it, it may be Joe.”

“Hello.”

“Natalie, it’s Dimitri.  How are you?”

Nick’s vampire hearing could hear Dimitri’s voice.  What the hell was he doing calling Nat?   He could feel his anger rising, but he was determined not to allow his emotions to erupt and ruin their last night in Florida.

“Dimitri? What are you doing phoning at this hour?  Is anything wrong?”

“No, nothing is wrong. I just phoned the restaurant to see if things were running smoothly and George told me you two were there for the evening.  I’m pleased you enjoyed the establishment enough to return.”

“Dimitri, I love the Cove; I wanted to share it with Nick.  I think it’s my favorite restaurant in the world, honest.”  She didn’t exactly know what to say, but she wanted to thank him again for being a good friend to her when she needed one.  “Dimitri, I’ll never forget your kindness.  Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome, Natalie.  I’m glad we met and that I could be your friend.”  He paused.  He realized Knight was probably hearing every word of their conversation and it probably wasn’t sitting very well with him.  “Is Knight there?”

Nat couldn’t help the giggle.  “Dimitri, he’s here, but I want to be the one to tell you…we’re getting married, June 28th.  I’d love it if you’d to be a part of our celebration.  Do you think you’ll be free to attend our wedding?” 

“Natalie, I wouldn’t miss it. Nothing could keep me away.  I’m glad Knight finally came to his senses and asked you to be his wife.  Thank you for the invitation.”

“Dimitri?”

“Yes?”  He could hear the hesitation in her voice. 

“I know you’re back in Toronto.  Please don’t mention this to anyone.” She didn’t know how to phrase her words in case someone was listening to the conversation. “Neither side of the family, if you know what I mean, knows of the news.”

Dimitri smiled because he knew she choosing her words carefully.  Natalie was loyal to protecting the Community; her every action proved her sincerity to keep their secret.  “I know exactly what you mean.  Trust me, Natalie; no one will hear it from me.  I’m deeply happy for you and I wish you only the best. I know this is your heart’s desire. “

“Yes, it is and I only have one more wish and my life will be complete.”

“Natalie, I know your dream and I hope it’s fulfilled.  I hope Knight knows he’s one damn lucky man.”

She smiled and looked seductively at Nick.  “Oh, I think he does; if he doesn’t then I’ll just have to make sure he does.  Besides, who other than me is going to love the man?”

Dimitri laughed out loud.  Natalie seemed to enjoy teasing.  Knight would need to stay on his toes with her as his wife.  She sounded happy and full of life.  He hadn’t known her before Knight had left her, but somehow he thought this was the true Natalie.  Before Knight’s return, he’d only seen glimpses of her teasing and playfulness.  He was going to enjoy getting to know the real Natalie. 

Nick was glad Nat was making it clear to Dimitri that she only wanted him.  He couldn’t resist the seductive look Nat was giving him; he walked over to her, took her in his arms and started kissing her shoulder and neck.”

“Natalie, before Knight gets too carried away with his kisses, could you put him on the phone?” 

That got her attention.  Dimitri heard her push Nick away from her, cover the phone and whisper to Nick, “Damn, Nick, the man heard you; he knows what you’re doing.  Stop it…Nick?  Hmmm…oh my…”

Dimitri could only imagine what was happening on the other end of the phone.  He could hear Nat trying to cover the phone with her hand.  Didn’t she know that mortal trick didn’t work with Vampires?  He couldn’t stop laughing.  “Natalie, put Knight on the phone.”

Natalie tried to give the phone to Nick, but he didn’t release her.  He held her against his chest, his arm curled around her waist.  He licked the side of her neck and nibbled her ear lobe.  “Nick, oh my gosh, stop…” She finally managed to break free of his embrace.   Nick chuckled and answered the phone.

“Knight here.”

Dimitri couldn’t help teasing.  “The honeymoon is supposed to be after the wedding, my friend.”  He laughed.

“Well, we have twelve years to make up for.”  He grinned at Nat who was standing across the room out of his reach.  She had her arms crossed below her breasts and was trying to give him her best scowl, but it wasn’t working.  Nat was unaware of how her arms were pushing her breasts up, increasing her cleavage at the neck of her dress. 

She was beautiful and he wanted her again. She was trying so damn hard to make him think she was annoyed at his behavior, but Nick could see the desire in her eyes.  He purposely started to untie his tie and unbutton his shirt while talking to Dimitri.  He wanted to entice her, tease her, but he pretended he was unaware of what he was doing; he avoided eye contact with her.  

“Knight, you’re a lucky man; don’t you ever forget that.  Natalie is very special and she loves you.  I envy you my old friend.  Take care of her.”

“There’s no problem there.” 

“Good.”  Dimitri had no doubt that Knight would treasure and protect her because he loved her as much as Natalie loved him. If he’d been Knight, he wasn’t sure he could have walked away from Natalie even if it were for her protection.  Knight’s doing so showed the depth of his love and how far he would go to keep her safe. What the two of them had was unselfish and unconditional love and that was a rare treasure.

“Was there a reason for your call?”  Nick wanted to get off the phone and be with Natalie, but he was curious why Dimitri was calling.

“Yes, there is.  I was talking to George and I realized that Natalie’s vacation would be ending soon.  When are you two leaving?”

“Tomorrow evening.”

“Good. Will you be returning to Toronto with her?”

“Yes, that’s our plan.”

“Aristotle is going to be hammering at your door.  He doesn’t like it when his rules are broken.”

“He’ll just have to deal with it this time.  I won’t allow anything or anyone to keep me from Nat again.”

“I understand.”  He could hear Knight’s tone; he was getting defensive again.  In all fairness he could understand why.  If Natalie were his lady, he would most likely act the same way.  “The reason I’m calling is to offer my car and driver for the two of you.  The driver will take you to the airport in Tampa.”

“I was going to hire someone.”

“Knight, let me do this for the two of you.  Consider it a pre-wedding present.”

“When you offer it as a gift, how can we refuse?”

“Good.  Congratulations on your engagement.  I hope the two of you will have a long…” he paused before deciding to say what was on his mind.  “Eternal marriage.  She’s a wonderful woman, Knight, and you would be a fool to allow her to die a mortal death if she chooses to follow you into our world.  Natalie is an intelligent woman and very capable of making a decision like that.  She’s known you and our kind for a long time.  She’s educated on how the Community works and what her life would be like.  If she should ever decide to follow you, listen to her, my friend, really listen to her.  She loves you too much to not do so.”  Knight was quiet; he hoped he was listening.  “When the time comes, and I feel it surely will, listen to your heart; it’ll tell you what to do.”

Knight had listened to what Dimitri said.  He sounded sincere.  “Thanks.  I’ll remember that.”

“I hope you do because I don’t want you regretting a decision based on your thirteenth century beliefs.  Natalie lives in a different time with different beliefs.  She feels that both Communities have good and evil and we all have a choice.  I have to agree with her.”  He had said enough; hopefully Knight would remember this conversation when she decided it was time to join him.

“Now, about the car.  Should my driver meet you at the condo or the rental car drop-off?”

“The condo.  We’ll drop the car off earlier and take a taxi back here.  Can your driver be here at five or will that be a problem?”

“No problem there, but it won’t be George.  I’ll send the day shift driver, he doesn’t have restrictions.”

“Understood.   Our flight leaves at eight thirty-five so that should be plenty of time to get there and check in.  Thank you again, for the gift.”

“My pleasure.  Tell Natalie to let me know when and where on the 28th and I’ll be there.”

“Will do.”  He was beginning to believe Dimitri only wanted friendship.  He’d always thought him a trustworthy and honest man.  Perhaps it was his involvement with Natalie that had blinded his judgment.  “We both hope you’ll be there.”

Dimitri smiled.  He could hear Knight’s sincerity in the invitation.  He was glad the man had finally come to his senses.  He was no threat to their relationship. “I will be.  Now, go enjoy your soon to be bride.  Give her a kiss for me and tell her Congratulations and welcome to the family.  She may not be one of us, but marrying one of us makes her family.”

Knight actually chuckled at his remark.  “I will.  Good Night, Dimitri.”  He hung up the phone.  Their phone conversation had distracted him from his sexual striptease.  He looked up and was surprised to see her standing at their bedroom door.  She had changed clothes and was wearing a black, sheer nightgown that left little to the imagination.

He walked over to her; his eyes slowly moved over her body, memorizing every curve.  He couldn’t disguise the desire he felt for her.  He took her in his arms and pulled her body against his.  “God, you’re beautiful.”  He claimed her mouth and was eagerly received; she opened her lips and he was there, inside of her, exploring, caressing.  Her mouth was just as alluring as the rest of her body.  Their hands found each other and their fingers entwined. He heard her moan as he thrust his tongue again into her warmth. 

She broke the kiss.  “Nick, I want you.  I want you completely.  Make love to me.  Take me into you and know me, my love.”  Her words were seductively whispered, but he heard her request.  It had been over two weeks since he had taken her blood; it would be safe for him to do so again. He picked her up in his arms and covered her mouth with his; that was his answer, he would love her completely.  He wanted this too because it was their last night here and he wanted it to be special, something that neither of them would ever forget.

He carried her into the bedroom and laid her gently on the bed before removing his clothes and joining her.  Their foreplay was intense, each teasing the other beyond their endurance.  Both stopped the other when their touches, caresses, and kisses had become too intense; they both wanted to delay their release.  Nick had finally pulled her on top of him and guided her down on to his penis, penetrating her, and filling her warmth with his length.  He smiled, pulled her gown up and over her head and threw it across the room.  His eyes traveled slowly up her body as he gently massaged her breasts with the palm of his hands.  "God, you're beautiful.  Your body fits so perfect with mine." He pulled her face down closer to his.  "Nat, you were made for me to love."  He covered her mouth, his tongue entering her warmth, exploring and caressing.  When he released her mouth, he looked at her with the burning desire his body felt.  “Let me love you, love you completely.”

“I want that.” She smiled and ran her hands through his hair, before kissing each of his temples and then his chin.  She looked at him.  “You’re mine, Nick Knight, and I’m yours…we’re forever.”  She covered his mouth with hers, and that’s when he rolled her off of him and onto her back, but he remained deep inside of her.  He pushed her hair from her face and held her face firmly in his hands.  “Forever, my love.” And with that he thrust into her again.  She arched upward, meeting his thrust with her own.  Her hands were on his buttocks, massaging and kneading; she firmly pulled him toward her and wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him deeper inside of her.  Her hands slid up his back before taking his face in her hands.  She smiled and he knew she was ready for him.

Nick reared his head back, ran his tongue over his canines and felt his eyes change and his fangs descend.  He looked at her and returned the smile.  He was still amazed at how the vampire didn’t scare or disgust her.  She loved him unconditionally and that meant she loved this part of him.  She unwrapped her legs from around him to allow him to get closer to her, to her neck.  He licked across her breast again, and ran his tongue slowly up her chest and across the front of her neck.  He kissed the wet path he had made and licked up the side of her neck, tracing her carotid artery. 

The marks he had left there from their last sharing were gone; his saliva had a healing effect that had made them disappear rapidly. He took her delicate skin in his mouth and gently sucked before his fangs slowly sunk into her neck and he felt her skin slide over his fangs.  The slow entrance of his fangs into her flesh was as erotic as the actual tasting of her blood.

He took a deep breath and sucked the first mouthful of her warm blood, her life force.  That’s when he tasted it; a strange mixture that was no longer distinctively Nat’s.  He quickly pulled free of her flesh; instinct caused his fangs to recede and his eyes to slowly turn back to his natural blue color.  He felt his erect penis go limp.  He looked down at her in disbelief.  She had changed.

Nat felt him loose his erection and pull his fangs from her neck. She turned her head and looked at him; it was scaring her the way he was looking at her.  “Nick?”

He rolled off of her, on to his back, beside her. He covered his face with both hands.  He was almost in shock.

“Nick…what’s wrong?”

He took a deep breath.  Could this be really happening?  How was he going to tell her?

He ran his hands through his hair and let out a deep breath.  He reached for her, wrapping his arms around her as he brought her body on top of his.  His arms wrapped around her waist.  A slow smile started to spread across his face until it burst into a full one that reached his eyes. 

“Nick, what?  You’re scaring me.”

He kissed her gently before releasing her lips.  He was still smiling. 

“Nat, we’re pregnant.”

Her eyes widened and she started to speak.  Her mouth opened, but no words came out.  Nick was waiting; the anticipation of her reaction was nerve wrecking.  Finally she found her voice.

“We’re pregnant?”  The look of shock was still there.  “How?”

Nick started to laugh.  “You’re the doctor, you should know how this happens. I do believe we’ve been giving it a fair chance.” He let out a nervous chuckle.

She shook her head.  “No, I mean how do you know?”

“Your blood.  It doesn’t lie.  First I tasted it and then I saw it in your body’s memories.”

“My body’s memories?”

“Yes, sometimes I not only receive your thoughts and desires, but I also feel what’s happening inside of you.  Nat, there’s no doubt.”  He rolled her off of him on to her back and turned on his side beside her.  His hand gently stroked her abdomen, over her womb.  He lowered his face and rested it on her stomach.  We’re actually going to be parents, Nat.  You’re going to have my babies.”

Babies?  She rubbed her hand over her lower stomach.  She shut her eyes and tears filled them.  ‘God, thank you.’ She said a silent prayer.  Her hand touched his cheek and that’s when she felt his tears on her skin.  “Nick?”  She raised his head by cupping his chin.   “Come here.”  He raised his body up beside her in to her arms.  She smiled at him and wiped the two blood tears from his cheek.  “We actually did it?  Are you positive?”

“Without a doubt, my love.” This alone was a shock for her.  But, he had tasted more than one child in her blood.  He wondered how she would take the additional news.  “Nat?”

She could tell he wanted to tell her something, but was hesitant.  She waited.

“Love, how would you feel about twins?”

This time her mouth did fall open and he felt the quick intake of her breath.  “Twins?  I’m pregnant with twins?  Oh my God!  Are you sure?”  She was smiling more than Nick could ever remember her doing.  “Twins!!! Oh Nick!”  She threw her arms around his neck and held him tight.  “I can’t believe this!!!” She released him and sat up, hugging her stomach.  “Hey, babies.  Can you hear me?  This is your mother.  Do you two know what a miracle you are?” 

Nick sat behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back to his chest.  “Do you know how much your mother and daddy love you?”  Nat covered his hands with hers and looked at him over her shoulder.  “Nick, I’m ecstatic.  This is incredible. You and I are going to be parents.  Imagine!’

“Yeah, imagine.”  His smile was as bright as Nat’s  “So Mother, I guess this is an early Mother’s Day present and a late birthday present.”

She turned in his arms and kissed him.  “This is the best birthday present you’ve ever given me.”

“I guess it's an exceptional gift at that.  I hope you like it, because it’s non-returnable” He teased. 

Nat swatted him and they fell across the bed in each other’s arms.  He gave her quick kisses all over her face, neck and shoulders.  They were gentle, but playful.  Nat started to laugh.

“What?”

“I guess I’m taking home three souvenirs from this vacation.  I wonder what Joe will say to that?”

“He may force us into a shotgun wedding before the week is over.”

“I won’t have it!  June 28th is our wedding and not one day before. I want to get married on the day that you first kissed me.”  She ran her hand seductively down his chest, then lower across his thigh before taking his semi-erect penis in her hand.

“Nat, what are you doing?”

“What does it look like?  I’m trying to seduce you.”

He grabbed her wrist and tried to stop her, but she pulled free and slid her body down his, and took him in her hand again.

“Natalie…” his voice was low, but the warning tone was there. ”…you’re pregnant.  We can’t…”

“Shhh, I’m pregnant, not dead.  And yes we can. I’m a doctor, remember; it’s safe for us to make love.”

She lowered herself and kissed the tip of his penis.  He couldn’t stop his body’s reaction, he responded to her.  She held his erection with one hand as her other hand rubbed across his lower abdomen.  “Nothing has changed since we made love this morning.  Trust me.  Hon, it’s very safe. I would never do anything to jeopardize our little miracles.  Now lay back and enjoy.”  She gave him a wicked grin.  “I feel like being a wanton woman.” She teased.

Nick couldn’t help laughing. “Then by all means proceed.”  He laid back and ran his hands through her hair.  She took him into her warm mouth and she heard his quick intake of breath.  “Oh God, Nat.” She felt his fingers tighten in her hair. She took him deeper into her mouth and ran her tongue up and down the length of his shaft as she gently sucked.  He moaned and that caused her to love him with more passion.

He loved what she was doing to his body, but he knew he couldn’t hold back his release much longer. “Not this way, Love.  I want to be inside of you.”  He pulled her up his body and she lay on top of him and kissed his chest. 

“Nat, are you sure it’s safe?”

“Absolutely.  You won’t hurt me or the babies.” She smiled.

He trusted her.  He rolled her on to her back and covered her body with his.  He gently entered her and slowly thrust deep into her warmth, watching her face for any discomfort.  All he saw was her smile and the desire she had for him.  She locked her hands around his neck. 

“Love me, Nick.”  And he did.  He gave her body everything she demanded. Their lovemaking was slow, gentle and emotional.  Both of them were smiling and had tears in their eyes when their climax receded.  He remained inside of her enjoying her warmth.  He didn’t want to break the closeness that he felt. He loved having her in his arms.  He couldn’t stop thinking about the babies, their babies, created out of the love they shared.   He kissed her temple and inhaled her scent.  Once again he was astonished at the power of the love that she gave him so freely and the trust she’d always had in him.

Dimitri’s words echoed in his thoughts. Could he let her die a mortal death when he had the power to prevent it?  Could he let her go and continue to live his life without her?  He knew by her blood that what Dimitri had said was true, Nat didn’t believe that following him into the darkness would condemn her soul.  Could he let her choose her own path, or would he try to stop her from joining him?  God, he wanted her, he wanted her beside him for an eternity, but he just didn’t know if he could take the light from her soul.  At least now, because of her pregnancy, he didn’t have to make that decision any time soon.

“Natalie, I love you; I’ll always love you.  You’ve given me more joy, love and faith than I ever thought possible.”  He kissed her temple.  “You possess my heart.  I’ve wanted you for my wife for a long time, perhaps subconsciously ever since I met you.  I’ve never in my entire existence wanted another woman as much and as complete as I do you.”

She looked up at him.  Tears filled her eyes.  “Nick, I think I’ve loved you since the night you woke on my exam table.  This is the life I’ve wanted for us.  For a long time I’ve had faith that this would all happen, you, me, babies, but I never thought it would be under these circumstances or take this long.”

He pushed her hair from her cheek.  “Do you regret the wait?”

“Never.  I would wait an eternity for you.  I think you know that.  Nick, someday I do want to join you. I want to be more than your wife in this lifetime. I want to be your eternal wife.”

“Nat…” 

“Shhh, let me finish.  Deep down inside of you, in your heart, you want that too.  But I also know how your mind works.  You think that by bringing me across you’re damning my soul; you know that’s not my belief,” She hated to ruin the moment, but she had to let him know her desire and decision.  “Nick, I guess what I’m trying to say is, not now, but someday, I will want to join you. What I’m about say isn’t a threat, but you need to know my mind is made up.  Either you can bring me across or.,.”

“I know.  Dimitri will.”

She looked up at him.  “How?”

“Your blood tells everything, Nat.  I know he offered and I know you’ll go to him if I won’t do it.”   He stroked her hair, and gently kissed the top of her head.  “I know now isn’t the time for you to be brought across, for obvious reasons.”  Again, he kissed her on the temple.  “I love you too much to let you go, but I don’t know if I want this damnation for you.  How could I profess to love you and then ask you to join me in hell?”

“Oh Nick, we don’t share the same beliefs; how could spending eternity with you be a damnation or hell?  If it is, then I freely choose it and will never regret my decision.  You’re not asking me, but I’m telling you, this is what I want and will have.  My life is incomplete without you.  And my vampire existance won't be as difficult as yours.  I can take the serum.  I'll also have you to help me, to teach me how to control the blood lust.”   She decided to tell him.  She didn’t want him coming to the wrong conclusion about Dimitri.  “Hon, decisions don’t have to be made now; there’s time.  I want you to know, that you’re the one who I want to bring me across, to be my master.  I don’t want anyone else, but if I don’t have a choice…”

“I know and I think I understand.  Natalie, I can’t make promises about this, not tonight, but I know I’ll never let another vampire touch you.”

She wasn’t surprised.  He was possessive of her and she knew it had nothing to do with her being marked as his property, his possession.  No, Nick loved her and that was why he’d never allow another vampire to bring her across.

Enough had been said for now.  She kissed his chest and smiled.  “We can have it all. When we have our family, then we’ll decide when I’ll join you.”

“I hope you’re right, Nat, I hope we can have it all.”

“I know we can, I have faith.  As long as we’re together anything is possible, even miracles, the babies are proof of that.”

He couldn’t help being affected by her optimism.  “Somehow, I believe you.”

He shifted his weight, reluctantly pulling out of her warmth.  He kissed her forehead and covered them both with the blanket.  She was here in his arms, they were getting married and she was pregnant with his babies; life was good. 

He held her tight and laid his hand over her womb.  “Sleep my love.  You need the rest.”  He kissed her lightly on the lips.  He felt more at peace now than he had in all his long existence, mortal or immortal; Nat was his love, she was his calm, his peace.  Maybe she was right. Perhaps this life with her beside him throughout eternity wasn’t damnation or a hell; if it were, then they would be damned, together.
 

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