Background Music:  Legends of the Fall


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Second Chance
Chapter Four--Twist of Fate

By: Deborah A. Hymon

May 27, 2004

Thank you, Donna for
   editing this chapter.

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“Natalie!”  Grace rushed across the room, and hugged her.  Grace released the grip on Nat enough to look at her.  “Is it true?  Is it really true that Nick is back, and you guys are getting married?”

Natalie returned her friend’s hug, stepped back and removed her coat.  She put her coat on the hook, and laid her purse on her desk before turning around.  Nat crossed her arms and leaned against her desk, a big smile slid across her face.  “Yes, Grace, it’s true, all of it’s true.  Boy, news sure travels fast.”  She arched a brow, and waited for Grace to explain how she’d received the news so quickly.

“Donna, the M.E. tech, saw Nick’s car in the parking lot. She said she walked right by you, and you didn’t notice because you were lip locked.”  Grace chuckled.  “But Donna sure noticed something.  I believe she called it a ‘huge piece of ice’ on your finger.”

Natalie shook her head in disbelief.  She should have known that Nick’s turquoise, land boat would be spotted the minute he drove into Toronto.  Her arms still crossed, she wiggled her fingers, causing the light to reflect on her engagement ring.

“Whoa!  That is big!”  Grace grabbed her hand to get a better look at the ring.  “Nat, I want details! Wait a minute!  You’ve been in Florida.  Is this why you called in and arranged another week of vacation?  Where were you this past week, and when did Nick get back?  Is he coming back to his old job?”

Natalie couldn’t hold back her laughter any longer.  Grace was usually a calm person, but her reaction didn’t reflect that.  She found it amusing to see her friend excited about her love life, but it didn’t surprise her because she’d always been Nick’s biggest fan.  “Grace, Nick is back, and actually…he was back before I left for Florida, but I didn’t know it. He followed me to Siesta Key, and came back with me a week ago.  I took an extra week of vacation after returning to Toronto, because we had a lot of personal things to take care of.”

“Just how personal?”  She smirked.

Nat chuckled.  “Grace!”  She took a deep breath before giving Grace the details. She knew she might as well tell all, Grace wouldn’t give it a rest until she did.  “Nick has been as miserable as I’ve been these last six years.  He’s been in South America, taking care of some family business.  He thought he was doing what was best for me by leaving me behind, so I could move on with my life. When he found out through a friend that I hadn’t moved on, he realized he’d made a big mistake.  He took a chance coming back to Toronto and following me to Siesta Key. He still loved me, but he needed to know if I still felt the same about him, and if so what we were going to do about it.  To keep it short, we’re getting married.

Grace hugged her again, tighter. “Thank God, the man came to his senses.  Whew…six years?  It took him six years to decide he’d made the biggest mistake of his life?”

“Yep!”

“And you forgave him, just like that?”  She snapped her fingers.

“Oh no!  Nick had a lot of explaining to do, but eventually I did forgive him.  Grace, I never stopped loving him.”

“Girl, I know that.  Hell, I’ve seen your sad face every day since he left.  Gees…what the hell was he thinking to leave you?”

“Grace, Nick did what he thought was best for me. But there won’t be any mistakes in the future, because he knows without a doubt that he is my future.”  She and Nick had decided not to hide their relationship from the Community and the Enforcers.  What better way to make Nick appear mortal than for him to marry Nat?

“Grace…there’s something else that I want to share with you.”  Her doctor had confirmed her pregnancy, and she was almost certain the baby had been conceived the first night they’d made love. Her eyes took on a far away look.  Thoughts of that night, Nick’s jealousy, and their burning desire to consummate their love, had made it the most sensual and memorable night of her life.

Grace waited quietly, but she saw the gleam in Nat’s eyes, her smile broadened. 

“I’m pregnant.”

Grace’s eyes were huge; her mouth fell open.  “Pregnant?”

“Yes, pregnant, with Nick’s baby…we’re going to have a baby.”

“Natalie Lambert!!!  You sure don’t waste time, do you?”

“I think Nick and I have wasted enough time, don’t you?”

Grace hugged her again, kissing her cheek.  “God, Nat, this is wonderful!  So fill me in, details, girlfriend, I want them all.”

Nat sat down on the top of her desk, crossed her feet and leaned back.  “Oh Grace, the weeks in Florida were incredible.  Nick was there, with me, the entire time.”  She blushed.  “I think we’ve already had our honeymoon.”  She giggled.  “Since returning home, we’ve made wedding plans, moved me into the loft, and Nick is having the loft remodeled—a nursery and a couple of guest rooms are being added upstairs.  He’s also had an office built for me, so that I can work at home when the babie...”  She’d almost said ‘babies’.  “when the baby is born.”  She was too early in the pregnancy for the doctor to determine she was pregnant with twins.  She smiled at the memory of Nick discovering two babies.
 
“So does this mean that he’s coming back to the precinct?”

“Yep, he dropped me off, and headed over there.  Tonight’s his first night back.”

“This is just too incredible.  Nat, I’m happy for you.  You know, Nick is good for you. I haven’t seen you look this good since before he left.  Wow!  I just thought of something…Nick a daddy! Nick just never seemed the type. He’s such a loner. I always figured he’d be the eternal bachelor…of course I always hoped you two would get together.”

“Grace, Nick’s always wanted a family, but he never wanted to take the chance that his medical conditions would be passed to his kids.  Now, his condition has improved, and he discovered his children wouldn’t be affected.”  She figured the more information offered, the fewer questions.  “That’s one of the main reasons he left, that and his family troubles.  He thought I’d be better off with a man who could give me a family, and one who didn’t bring a lot of family garbage to a marriage.  He never considered the possibility that the only man I loved and wanted was him, and the only children I ever wanted was his—so he left, to let me move on with my life.”

“Which you didn’t.  You really love him, don’t you?”

“With everything I am, Grace.  Nick is my life.  What we have is very special…he’s my soul mate. I could never love another man like I love Nick.  He’s my heart…forever.”

“Nat, I’m glad he’s back.”

“So am I, Grace, so am I.  Now, come on, we have work to do.”

The phone rang.  Nat noticed it was her private line.  “Nat’s Bed and Breakfast.  We offer free tuck in service.”  She winked at Grace and smiled.  It had been a long time since she’d let her humor surface.

“How’s the little mother doing?”

“Hi, Nick!  I’m great, but you know that, because it’s been less than an hour since you dropped me off at work.”  Nat’s hand gently rubbed circles across her abdomen, her smile broadened.  “What’s the real reason for the call?”

Grace grinned, rolled her eyes, and left the morgue, shaking her head.

There was a slight pause on the phone.  “Nat, I know I promised to take you to a late dinner, but I need to cancel.  The Captain scheduled an orientation for me, and I’m suppose to meet my new partner.”

“Okay, Nick, I understand.  Who is your new partner?”

“The Captain said a new detective by the name of Lamarque.”

“When do you meet Lamarque?”  Natalie bit her lower lip, and tried not to laugh.  She wouldn’t say anything, but it would be interesting to see how Nick reacted to the Captain’s choice.

“Should be here in half hour, at shift change.  I came in after I dropped you off. I’m surprised to see many of the old faces.”  He lowered his voice. “Nat…so far, it seems like everyone is happy to see me.  I think this is going to work out.”

She could hear the excitement in his voice.  His fear of rejection was proving to be unfounded.  “Nick, you’re a good cop.  Your case closure record speaks for itself.  I never doubted that they’d welcome you back with open arms.”

There was another pause before she heard him let out a deep sigh.  “You've always had faith in me…just one of the many reasons I love you.  Nat?”

“Yeah?”

“I got to go, Joe is calling me. I’m sorry about dinner. I’ll make it up to you by cooking breakfast.”

She laughed.  “You’ve got a deal, 'detective'.  And I love you too.  Now go catch some bad guys, make Toronto’s streets safer.”

“Will do, see you soon.  I love you, Nat.” 

She heard the phone click, the connection broken. She hung up the phone, a wicked grin slid across her face.  Now she knew why Joe hadn’t mentioned a name when Nick had asked about his new partner.  Joe had good insight.  If Nick and his new partner didn’t kill each other, they’d be the best damn team that Toronto had. 

Nat slid off her desk, grabbed a pair of scrubs, and headed to the bathroom to change.  She couldn’t stop thinking about Nick.  They’d been back together for weeks, but just the thought of him made her feel like a giddy schoolgirl.  She had serious doubts that would ever change.  That thought made her smile.

~~~<~~@

Nat had finished her last case for the night. The rest of the night would be spent doing the dreaded paperwork, unless they received new arrivals. 

Grace walked out of the cold storage room to see a tall, gorgeous man quietly enter the Morgue.  He smiled, and placed his finger over his lips, warning Grace not to say anything.   He silently stepped behind Nat who was engrossed in filing patient’s charts.  Grace froze, and watched. 

The man placed his hands on Nat’s arms, and rested his chin on her shoulder.   “How’s the most beautiful coroner I’ve ever met?”

Nat whirled around, wrapped her arms around the man’s neck and kissed his cheek.  “Dimitri!  What are you doing here, how did you get past security. No wait…don’t answer that, I’m not sure I want to know.”  She hugged him again, a big smile slid across her face.  “I can’t believe you came to see me.”

“I told you I would.  I thought it would be nice if some of Toronto’s population welcomed you back on your first night.”

“How did you know this was my first night?  I was supposed to be back a week ago, I booked off another week.”

“Well, I’ve called several times.  When I told them I was an old friend, they finally told me you would be back tonight.”

“Why didn’t you call me on my cell or at home?”

He dropped his eyes, suddenly becoming interested in the toe of his shoe.  “After what happened in Florida, I wasn’t sure Knight would appreciate that.”

Nat didn’t respond, she just arched a brow, and waited for him to tell her the real reason for his visit.

“Natalie, we need to talk…I have questions.  I need to talk about you and Knight…me.  Can I buy you a cup of coffee?”

Nat gave him a questionable look.  She could see the pleading look in his eyes. Something was troubling him.  She looked at her watch.  She had been working for almost five hours on the last case, and the babies needed food. “Well…Nick was supposed to take me to dinner, but he had to cancel.”  She looked at Grace, and saw the puzzled, worried look on her friends face. 

“I’m sorry, Grace, this is my friend, Dimitri.”  Before Nat could finish the introductions, Dimitri took Grace’s hand, and gave it a courtly kiss.  Grace was speechless. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Natalie has mentioned you.”

“She has?”  Grace couldn’t stop looking at the gorgeous, sexy man.  God, he could be a Yanni clone.  His black shoulder length hair and piercing dark eyes screamed sex appeal.  He didn’t have a mustache, and his body was more muscular than the popular musician. The fabric of his suit jacket formed to his broad shoulders and bicep muscles, enough to show his body was hard and toned.

This guy was as handsome as Nick, if that was possible, and he seemed to be interested in Nat.  It was obvious that there was something going on with what she’d over heard, and it seemed like Nat and this man had some type of history.   Where did this guy come from, and what did he mean about what happened in Florida?  She couldn’t recall Nat ever mentioning his name, and she sure the hell would have remembered meeting Yanni’s twin.  Who was this guy, and why did he want to talk to Nat, and about what?  She wasn’t sure she liked what she’d heard.  What about Nick?  Did Nick know about this guy?  She couldn’t wait to get Nat alone; she certainly had some explaining to do.

“Grace?  I’m going to take my dinner break.  I should be back in an hour or so.  Can you take care of the shop until I return?  I’ll be on beeper if you need me.”

“Sure, Nat.” Grace couldn’t stop gawking at the man.

Nat turned her attention back to Dimitri.  “How about taking me to dinner?”

His smile was sexy and playful.   “I would be honored.  Where would the beautiful lady wish to dine?  I’m at your command.”  He playfully bowed, and did a grand sweep with his arm.

“Well, my fine, sir, how about Charlie’s Deli three blocks over?”

He playfully tapped her on the nose.  “My carriage awaits.”

Nat swatted his arm, and rolled her eyes.  “Don’t get carried away with the historical reenactment.”

Dimitri’s laughter filled the room, and Grace couldn’t help notice what a beautiful and bright smile the man had.  Damn, they didn’t get more gorgeous than this.  Yes, Nat definitely has some explaining to do when she returns.  She watched as Dimitri held Nat’s coat, then wrapped the scarf around her neck.

He took Nat’s hand, and tucked it through his arm.  “Shall we go?”

“Absolutely.”  He held the door for Nat, and they left the morgue.

Grace blinked twice, and shook her head in disbelief.  “Damn, I wonder what Knight will say about this?” 

~~~<~~@

Detective Lamarque entered the precinct.  A frown creased her forehead. She immediately scanned the room for an unfamiliar face.  She’d heard all the rumors about the Knightmare, and now he had returned. The Captain had informed her last night that he was making Knight her partner.  Great, just what I need, a hotshot, take charge, always right, type of guy for a partner.

This bit of news came on top of what she considered a bad week.  Some idiot had keyed the door of her car, the heat had gone out in her condo just as the spring weather had been gifted with a late snowstorm, she’d had a nasty confrontation with a gorgeous vampire, and Daniel had called with his usual fatherly inquiry.  Ever since the breakup with her boyfriend, Daniel had called regularly, inquiring whether she was seeing anyone, and if she ever went out and had fun.  How could she when she worked the night shift? Her nights off she spent doing errands, and catching up with her sleep. She wasn’t complaining, she loved her job, but the hours left little time for socializing.

Her love life or lack of one was really beginning to grate on her nerves.  But to be honest, she wasn’t sure she was ready for another relationship.  Her ex-boyfriend had avoided moving their relationship forward to a more permanent commitment.  Now she knew why. The jerk had been screwing around behind her back, and had gotten another woman pregnant. She was nervous about starting another relationship—trust wouldn’t come easy this time.  But she still desired a loving relationship, sharing her life with a good guy, and starting a family.  God, why couldn’t she find a man like Daniel?  He was trustworthy, loyal, and loving.  It didn’t matter that he was a vampire, he was more man than any mortal she’d known.  He might be her godfather, but he’d been a true father to her since she was born.

Her thoughts drifted to the vampire who had rescued her in the alley. Her lips curved into a slight grin.  He hadn’t actually rescued her—she hadn’t needed rescuing.  But she’d discovered more than his secret that night.  He was one of the good guys or he wouldn’t have come to her defense, and revealed his true nature.  His eyes—they were hypnotizing, and it wasn’t the vampire.  It was as if she could see his soul. The man wore a steel mask, but she was used to seeing that, Daniel exhibited it often.  It had only been a second, but she’d seen a glimpse of the man, before he hid behind the cold glare of the vampire.  Power.  The vampire was old, she would bet a weeks salary on that.  He had the same presence or whatever it was that Daniel held. Stop it!  The last thing you need is a gorgeous vampire in your life.  You don’t even know his name, and its highly unlikely you’ll ever see him again.

She walked through the bullpen, and noticed several of the officers glanced in her direction, but no one said anything.  She turned toward her desk, and froze.  A tall, blonde, handsome man approached her.  Her heart jumped, when he looked at her.  Blue eyes. Incredible, blue eyes twinkled.  His smile was warm.  Somehow she had a feeling he could use it as a lethal weapon to get what he wanted, especially from women. 

“Hi, can I help you?”  He deep sensuous voice asked.

She felt his words wash over her.  All thoughts stopped. “Uh…oh…no, I mean I work here.”  She quickly slid back into the professional mode. What is it with running into gorgeous men?  First no one appeals to you, and now two men in less than twenty-four hours.  Stop it!  Get a grip!  She scolded her heart. 

“Why would you think you could help me?”  Dumb, Flame, real dumb. Couldn’t you have thought of something else to say? She chastised herself.  Snap out of it girl.  You don’t need a man, and especially another gorgeous hunk.  Remember, they can’t be trusted!

“Well…you looked a bit lost.  I thought you might be looking for someone, or need help.”  The guy offered.

The irritation of her private life caused her to lash out.  “Trust me, I don’t need any help, especially from a man.”  She brushed past him, and entered the Captain’s office.

“Hi, Captain, so where is this hotshot, Knightmare?  Is he late on his first night back to work?  Are you sure you won’t change your mind about this, Captain?  From all I’ve heard, he’s like a loose cannon, and I don’t think that’s going to work for me.”

Joe looked up at his young detective and grinned.  “Flame, I would like to introduce your new partner, Detective Nick Knight.” 

Flame glanced over her shoulder to see the handsome blonde had followed her into the Captain’s office, and was leaning against the door, his arms folded across his chest.  He arched a brow, and gave her a smile that could only be described as a smirk.  He tilted his head to acknowledge her, but didn’t say anything.

She could feel her face flush with embarrassment.  She looked back at the Captain.  “You’ve got to be kidding me?”

Joe grinned.  Very little affected Flame, but when it did, she lived up to her name.  “Afraid not.  This is Detective Knight, a.k.a. the Knightmare.”  He leaned forward, rested his elbows on his desk, and braced his chin on his hands, fingers locked.  His eyes narrowed. “Flame, there will be no discussion. Nick is your new partner, and I expect you to play nice. If you want to be the best damn detective you can be, pay attention, and learn what you can from the man; he’s the best.”

Flame dropped into the chair.  “Damn!  How much more can a girl take?  This is not my week!”

Nick watched the woman. He now understood why the Captain hadn’t told him who his new partner would be.  More than likely, Flame had a hotshot reputation, and he knew he would have insisted that Joe change the partnership.

“I know it’s been a rough week with your car vandalised, the furnace going out, and the attempted mugging, but I honestly don’t think this is a bad thing, Flame.  You and Nick have the potential to be the best damn detectives that Toronto has ever had.”  He looked at Nick.  “No disrespect for you and Schanke, and Tracy.”

“None taken, Captain.”  He shoved off the door with his shoulder and walked over to Flame. “Hey, I promise not to let the Knightmare loose, at least on our first night together.”  He flashed her his innocent, boyish smile, and stuck out his hand. “Partners?”

She couldn’t help being affected by his charming, impish expression.  She hesitated, before accepting his hand in a firm shake.  “Partners.  And I apologize for the comments earlier, but as you heard, this hasn’t been a good week.  Don’t take it personally.  As far as my actions earlier, I apologize for that too.”

“Apology accepted.  Now, lets go take a look at our pending cases, and see how many bad guys we can round up after our orientation, shall we?”

She smiled, all trace of embarrassment gone.  Nick seemed like a good guy, and it sure didn’t hurt having a gorgeous partner to look at, even though getting involved with a partner was definitely a no-go in her book of professional conduct.  She looked at the Captain. “I’ll take your advice, but the detective here might learn a few things from me too.”

The Captain laughed.  “I’m sure I can.” Nick chuckled, and walked out of the office.  Flame rolled her eyes at the Captain, and blew out a breath.  She was still unsure how this partnership was going to work out, but gut instinct told her she could always trust Nick, and that was the most important thing. 

Flame followed him out of the Captains office, and couldn’t help but notice his easy, sure stride of confidence, and the man did have a cute butt. She sucked in her lips, holding back a giggle.  Yep, she definitely needed a love life, but not with her new partner!  For all she knew, he could be married. She hadn’t seen a ring on his finger, but that didn’t mean anything.  Maybe he was married, and didn’t wear a ring so he could fool around like her ex.  Flame!  Stop it!  Not all men are shits!

~~~<~~@

Dimitri glanced at Natalie, shifted the Jaguar’s gears, and looked at the road. Ever since he’d met Natalie, he couldn’t stop thinking about her.  In all his centuries of life, no woman had ever intrigued him like Natalie Lambert, except…the woman he’d rescued from the mugger. The turmoil he was feeling was unnerving, and that had brought about his visit tonight. He’d always avoided any contact with mortal women, and now all he could think about were the two that he’d recently met. He didn’t know how to begin his conversation, but he needed answers.

Natalie grew uncomfortable with the silence.  “Okay, so spill.  What’s up?”

He stopped the car at a red light, and looked at her.  “What?”

“Oh, come on, Dimitri.  You said you wanted to talk about us…Nick and me…you.  What’s going on in that ancient head of yours?”  She grinned and bit her bottom lip.

Dimitri let out a deep breath.  “Natalie…”

Nat touched his arm, and gave it a light squeeze for reassurance.  “Dimitri, we’re friends.  Remember, honesty when sharing, and trust; that’s what friends do.”

He grabbed her hand, and gently tightened his grip.  “Natalie, I don’t know how to admit this, but after I left you and Knight at the condo…I heard what Knight said about going to South America…the serum.”

Natalie pulled her hand free of his grasp. Anger shot through her.  “How dare you!  You listened to our conversation?  Damn it, Dimitri, I trusted you!”

He grabbed her hand, and glanced at her.  “Natalie, please calm down, let me explain.”

“Explain?  There’s nothing to explain, you invaded our privacy, listened to our conversation.  I can’t believe…”

Dimitri pulled her hand to his chest.  “Shhh, Natalie, it’s not what you think.  I didn’t mean to listen, but you know it’s hard for our kind not to hear what’s going on around them.  I only meant to listen long enough to know everything was okay between you and Knight. I don’t think he would ever harm you, but I needed to make sure.”

Nat looked at him, her brow furrowed.  “You honestly think Nick would harm me?  Dimitri, he’d rather walk into the morning sun than hurt me or…”  She wasn’t ready to reveal her pregnancy, especially to Dimitri.  “Nick loves me, Dimitri, more than his own life.”

He held her hand tighter to his chest, and continued to drive.  He glanced at her again. “Natalie, I know that now…I envy him.”

His comment silenced Nat, and made her a bit uncomfortable. He reluctantly released her hand when she tried to pull free.  “Dimitri, I don’t know what to say.  I don’t think…”

“Natalie, please let me finish.” He pulled the car into the parking lot across the street from the deli, and looked at her.  “You have no idea how hard it is for me to be honest with you.  But, if we’re going to be friends, I agree with you, honesty and trust.  Natalie, I’ve never allowed myself to become entangled with mortals and their lives, it was safer that way.”

“I understand, Nick used to be the same way.”

Dimitri smiled.  He couldn’t resist touching her. He pushed a stray curl behind her ear, considered touching her face, but knew it wasn’t a good idea.  “What I’m about to say, is difficult, and I don’t want you to get the wrong idea.  I know you’re in love with Knight, and I know that the two of you are meant to be together, hopefully for an eternity.  But, I have to tell you, that from the moment I met you, I found you very attractive.”

Nat dropped her eyes; she couldn’t look at him.  “Dimitri, I don’t know what to say.  I’m flattered, but you know…”

“Don’t be uncomfortable with what I’m saying.  I know where your heart and loyalty is.  Natalie, I’ve never known a woman who fought so passionately for what she wanted, without any fear.  You’re an amazing woman…and you would be an incredible vampire.  You’re loyal, trustworthy, and have a kind heart. You’re able to see the goodness even in God’s darkest children, and love them.  I’m in awe of you, and honored to call you my friend.”

Nat looked at him.  She could tell by his expression that this was difficult for him to admit.  She gently touched his arm.  “Dimitri, why are you telling me this?”

He covered her hand, and gently squeezed it.  “Because until I met you, this cold heart of mine was dead.  You’ve touched me in so many ways in the short time I’ve known you, and for that I’m eternally grateful.  Yes, I envy Knight.  He has such a treasure in you, and I know for a fact, the man knows it.”  His eyes locked with hers, and for a few seconds neither spoke.  “Natalie, until I met you, saw what type of relationship and love you and Knight have, I didn’t realize that vampires could experience love.  Do you have any idea what a revelation that was for this 3000 year old soul?”

“I can’t imagine.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

“Natalie, you’ve awakened something deep in me, deep in my soul.  I want what you and Knight have.”

“Oh Dimitri.”  Nat couldn’t hold back the tears that threatened to invade her eyes.  She couldn’t believe this ancient creature had opened his heart to her, and wanted love.

Dimitri saw the emotions play across Natalie’s face, the tears in her eyes, for him.  He felt his heart thump an extra beat. He was amazed that she could feel such deep emotions for him.  He couldn’t resist caressing her face.  “Natalie, you’ve made me realize just how lonely I’ve been.”  He gently stroked her cheek.  “I’m a ruined man since meeting you.”  He chuckled.

She bit her lower lip.  Her eyes questioned his comment.

“I want to find my other half, a woman who will love me unconditionally and as passionately as you do Knight.  After seeing your relationship, I’m afraid that I can’t settle for anything less.  I’ve never allowed myself to be open to mortal women…but now, I don’t care if she’s mortal or immortal, I want the other half of me.  Do you think it’s possible for me to find her?”  He stopped stroking her cheek, but gently held her chin in his hand, and waited for her answer.

She covered his hand with hers, and smiled.  “Oh Dimitri, I think it’s more than possible. If you open your mind and heart, you’ll find her. I truly believe there’s someone out there for everyone. It doesn’t matter if she’s mortal or immortal. Now you know that such a relationship is possible, especially with the serum. I honestly believe you can have it all, even children if that’s what you desire. I don’t think I’m the only mortal capable of loving a vampire.”  She laughed, but then turned serious.  “Dimitri?  Is there someone you have in mind?”

He smiled.  “Well, I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say that I would have liked it to be you.”  He dropped his hand, leaned his head back against the seat, and shut his eyes. “Natalie, please don’t let that admission embarrass or make you feel uncomfortable about our friendship. I think you’re aware that I’m attracted to you, but I’ll never do anything to destroy your or Knight’s trust in me.”  He looked at her. “I did meet someone.”

“Dimitri!  That’s wonderful, tell me about her.” She was curious, but also eager to change direction of the conversation.

He nervously combed his fingers through his hair, and rubbed the back of his neck.  “That’s just it, I don’t know much about her.  I played knight to the damsel in distress, when a punk tried to rob her.  She saw my vampire, and already knew our kind existed.  Afterwards, she told me her godfather is a vampire. I’ve never heard of a vampire being a mortal’s godfather. But it was obvious she knew about us, the code, Community, and that I wouldn’t harm her.”

“Wow, this is incredible. Well, I would say you’ve definitely reached first base. She knows what you are, and isn’t frightened.  Dimitri, this is wonderful!”

“Natalie, I don’t even know her name.  I can’t stop thinking about her, but I don’t know how to find her.  Even if I do find her, I’m not sure she’ll want to see me. She didn’t exactly welcome our meeting.  She had some crazy idea she could protect herself, and didn’t need my help.”  The memory of the woman, and the fire he’d seen in her eyes, flamed by her temper, caused him to smile.  “She reminds me of you.” He grinned.

“I hope you’re not going to compare this other half that you’re searching for to me.  Dimitri…”

He touched her shoulder.  “Natalie, I won’t do that, but…” he grinned, “if I’m attracted to you, then wouldn’t it be a safe assumption for me to be attracted to women with similar personalities or character traits?”

Nat nodded her head and laughed.  “Yeah, I guess so.”  She bit her lower lip, and could feel her face turning red.  “Hey, if my heart wasn’t already taken, I would be attracted to you.  You and Nick are so much alike, so that proves your point.”

“Exactly!”  Dimitri was eager to change the awkward conversation, but at the same time he’d felt it necessary to discuss his feelings with her. For the first time since meeting Natalie, he was a bit uncomfortable.  He knew she would never betray Knight, her heart wouldn’t allow it, but in the right situation…he wasn’t sure he could trust himself.  His earlier, reoccurring dream of passionately kissing her, and drinking her soul into his cold body still haunted him.  He’d had the dream several times since the night he’d met her.   Don’t even think it!  He scolded himself. But that dream had changed into a different one.  Since last night, there was another woman who haunted his dreams, and every waking moment. 

Natalie’s stomach growled.  “Hey, someone is hungry.”  He quickly opened his car door.  “Now, let’s get you something to eat.  My sensitive hearing just heard that tummy of yours growl, and it sounded angrier than any pissed off vampire I’ve ever heard.”  They both laughed at his comment.

Dimitri got out of the car, opened her door, and offered his hand to assist her.  He loosely wrapped his arm around her shoulder, leaned down and whispered in her ear.  “Natalie, is there something you want to share with me?”  He could smell the difference in her blood, and if he weren’t mistaken, she was pregnant.

She didn’t answer him, but after they crossed the street she stopped and looked at him.  “You tell me everything you know about this mystery woman, and don’t leave out any details, and maybe I’ll share some classified information with you.” Her lips curved into a grin, her eyes sparkled with mischief.

“Deal.  Are we okay with our friendship after true confessions?”

She gave him a big smile.  “Absolutely, remember trust and honesty.”

“Always.” He gently rested his hands on her shoulders, and kissed her forehead.  “Forever friends.”

Natalie no longer felt uncomfortable with what had been revealed between them. She actually felt better after their discussion.  She gave him a big smile.  “Forever friends.  Now, how about feeding this friend before she passes out from starvation.”

“We can’t have that happening.  Knight would stake me for sure if I let any harm come to you.”  He took her arm, and led her inside of the deli.

~~~<~~@

Nick looked at his new partner.  She looked more like a model or movie star than a detective. He reminded himself of his prejudgment of his last partners, and decided he would give her a chance to prove herself before he decided her competence as a detective. He held the door open, and stepped back to allow her to leave the building before him.

“Gee, thanks.  But you know, I’m not a helpless little woman. I can open doors for myself.  I don’t need a man taking care of me.” 

Nick followed her out the door before speaking.  “Okay, let’s get one thing straight.  I don’t know what your problem is with men, but I’m an old-fashioned guy, who was taught to respect women.  I enjoy opening doors, pulling out chairs for ladies.  This doesn’t mean I think you can’t do your job or respect you as a detective.  Have you ever stopped to think that perhaps a man might enjoy doing these things?”  He practically bit his tongue to stop from saying more.

She glared at him, but had the sense to remain quiet. Daniel.  Daniel was a gentleman, and it had never bothered her when he opened doors for her.  She had to get her emotions in check. This wasn’t the way to start a new partnership, and it sure wasn’t fair to Knight.

She took a deep breath, letting it out slow, and tried to mentally calm herself.  “Listen, Knight, it’s not you, and again, I apologize.  My behavior tonight is unacceptable.  It’s no excuse, but I really have had the week from hell, and I don’t mean to be bitchy.  I don’t have a problem with men, but I’ve recently had a reason not to blindly trust them.  Actually, I like men…some of my best friends are men.”  She knew it sounded lame, but she was honestly trying to break the ice between them.  

“Alright, you’re forgiven, again, but if you’re having problems at home, leave it at home.  This is a dangerous job, and one split second of distraction could be the cause of your death, or mine.”  He didn’t mean to sound harsh, but he was determined that he wouldn’t lose another partner.  “I don’t plan on either one of us dying on the job.  If there is a problem, then take care of it, and move on.”

She smiled at him.  She actually liked this man.  He was straight forward, and to the point, no gray areas.  “I agree, and for the record, the problem has been taken care of, permanently.  What you’re witnessing is the after shocks.  Again, sorry, and it won’t happen again.”

They’d stopped in front of Nick’s Caddy.  “Get in, I always drive, and that is non negotiable.”  He arched his brow, waiting for her objection.

“This is your car?”

“Yeah, anything wrong with it?”

“Not at all!  I love classic cars.  This is awesome!”

Nick couldn’t help but laugh.  “You’re the first one who ever thought so.  Even Nat doesn’t understand my love for this…”  Nick doubled over, and grabbed his arm. His hand caught the car door.  He tried to brace himself.  His knees almost buckled from the sudden and intense pain shooting through his shoulder.  Nat.

Flame was beside him in an instant.  “Nick!  Are you alright?”

He took a deep breath, stood straight and tried to ignore the pain.  “Get in!”

“Nick, you’re in no condition to drive.  Let me get you inside.  You need to lay down.”  She grabbed his arm, but he pulled free.

“No! Get in!  I have to get to the morgue.”

“Nick, you can’t drive, look at you!”  He took another deep breath, and willed the pain to stop.  “I’m fine. Get in or I’m leaving without you.”  He got into the car, and started the engine.  There was no time to think or hesitate. She immediately opened her door, and sat down.  Before she barely shut the door, the car peeled out of the parking lot.  Flame struggled to get her seat belt buckled.  “Knight!  What the hell is wrong with you?  You’re going to get us killed driving like this.”

Nick didn’t say anything, but reached under the seat, pulled out the police light, and put it on top of the car. The blue light flashed, warning other cars to get out of the way. Before Flame knew it, Nick had them in front of the morgue. He jumped out, leaving his car door open, the car’s engine still on.  He pushed through the front doors like a bat out of hell.

Flame didn’t know what to do.  She turned off the ignition, took the keys, and ran into the building, following him.

He burst through the door, scanning the morgue for Nat.  “Grace!  Where’s Nat?”

“Welcome back, detective.”

“Grace!  Where is she?”

At first, Grace hadn’t noticed his expression. Once she really looked at him, the man looked anxious and scared. If it were possible, Nick Knight looked pale, paler than usual.  “Natalie…”

Nick cut off her words.  “Yes, where is she?”  He yelled at Grace. 

Detective Lamarque entered the morgue, and waited to see what was happening. 

“Grace, if you know where Nat is, tell me. Something is wrong!  Please, Grace, where is she?”

Grace furrowed her brows..  “Nick, she went to dinner.  A guy came by here, a tall, dark handsome guy…Dimitri was his name.”

“Dimitri?  She left with him?  How long ago, and do you know where they went?”

“Nick, calm down.  Nat seemed to know the guy.  They were friendly toward one another.  He took her to Charlie’s Deli for a late dinner.  Nick, what’s wrong?  Is this guy trouble?  How does Nat know him?”

“Grace, I’ll call you later!”  He turned and ran out of the morgue. 

“Nick, you better let me know when you find her.”  Grace yelled.

Flame looked at Grace.  “Who is Nat, and what the hell is wrong with him?”

“Nat is Knight’s fiancé.  You’ve met her, Dr. Natalie Lambert, Toronto’s Chief Coroner.”

“Knight and Dr. Lambert?  I didn’t know.”

“He’s been gone for six years, but recently returned, and they’re together again, the way it should be. They’ve been in love for years. They’re getting married in a few weeks.  I don’t know what’s wrong, but he seems to think something is wrong with Natalie.  Oh God!”

“What, what’s wrong?”  Flame was getting more confused by the minute.

“Nat’s pregnant! She left here with what I assumed was a friend, Dimitri.  Oh my gosh! If something has happened to her, Knight will go berserk.  Flame, you have to find him!  I don’t know what’s going on, but he loves Nat more than life itself, and now that she’s pregnant…go after your partner, detective. He’s going to need you, especially if anything has happened to Nat.”

“Don’t worry, Grace.”  Flame laid her hand on Grace’s shoulder.  “I’ll find him.”  She turned to leave.  “I’ll call you.  I won’t forget.”  She ran after her partner, only to find him gone.  The Caddie was still parked in front of the morgue, but no sign of  Nick. 

“Knight!  Where are you?  Knight!”  She called, but he didn’t answer. She knew the location of Charlie’s Deli.  She jumped into the Caddie, and headed in that direction.  She hoped he’d be there.  Damn, what a way to start a partnership, and Knight was the one who told her to leave her problems at home.  It seemed her partner had problems of his own.  She also wondered what had triggered that pain he’d experienced?

Flame pulled the Caddie into the parking lot across from the deli. Flashing lights and police cars were everywhere.  She scanned the crowd, but didn’t see Knight.  She ran across the street, and flashed her badge at the first officer she saw.  “Have you seen Detective Knight?”

The female officer nodded.  Flame noticed the grieved look on the woman’s face. “He’s in there.”  She motioned over her shoulder.  “He’s in bad shape.”

Flame brushed past the woman, and ran into the deli. “Knight!”  She froze.  He paced the floor; his eyes were a glassy glare.  He stared at the blood on his hand. 

An officer passed Flame.  She grabbed his sleeve.  “What happened?”

The sad look on the man’s face almost caused her heart to stop.  “Knight’s girlfriend, Dr. Lambert, was shot.  A kid came into the deli, shot the owner, and when the friend who was with the doctor tried to get the kid to give up his gun, he aimed it at Dr. Lambert and shot her.  She’s on the way to the hospital, but it doesn’t look good. The owner was wounded, but he managed to shoot the kid before he could shoot the doctor again.”

“Thanks, I’m Knight’s new partner. I’ll take care of him.”

“If the kid wasn’t already dead, Knight would kill him. The doctor and him have something special.  I’ve never seen love and devotion like they have for one another.  It’s really sad, because they’re finally starting a life together…this is their first night back…welcome to Toronto!”  The last comment had a sarcastic tone.

Flame didn’t know what to do, but she could see Nick was on he verge of losing it.  She had to get him to the hospital.  “Guys, if you’re not finished with the detective, it can wait.  He needs to get to the hospital.  Does anyone know which hospital they took Dr. Lambert?”

Another officer gave her a piece of paper.  “All the info is on there.”  He lowered his voice. “You need to get him there fast.  I was here before the ambulance. She’s in bad shape. The kid hit an artery, and she’s lost a lot of blood.  Her friend went with her in the ambulance.”  He motioned to the blood, covered floor.  “I’m not sure she’s going to make it.”

“Don’t say that! Nat’s not going to die!  Do you hear me?”  Nick shoved the officer up against the wall, his clean hand going around the man’s throat. 

Flame was beside him in an instant, and tried to pull him away from the officer.  “Nick!  Nick!  Stop this! He didn’t mean any harm. Come on, we’ve got to get you to the hospital. Natalie needs you.”

To her relief, the mention of Natalie seemed to snap him back in control. He abruptly released the officer, and turned to her. “What?  Where is she?”

“Come on, I’ve got all the info, I’ll take you to her.”  She noticed the officer rubbing his neck.  “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, don’t worry about me, just get your partner to the hospital.  Knight, I hope she’ll be okay.  Go to her.”

Nick looked at the man, as if seeing him for the first time.  “I’m sorry.”  He turned and rushed out of the deli, with Flame close on his heels. 

“Get in, I’m driving,” Flame demanded.

To her surprise, her partner didn’t object, he got into the car.  “Get me there.”  He turned to her, a pleading look in his eyes. “Flame, please…I can’t lose her.”

“I’ll get you there, Knight, and try not to worry.  I’m sure she’ll be okay.”

“God, I hope so.”  He looked at his hand, stained with Nat’s blood. His fingers and thumb rubbed together.  He felt a strong temptation to taste Nat’s soul, to feel his babies, but restrained.  He’d smelled her essence the moment he’d entered the deli, his instincts directed him to her blood on the floor.  He’d touched the red pool where Nat’s life force had drained from her body.

His thoughts drifted to earlier, before work.  They’d made love, and afterwards he’d laid his head on her stomach, stroking her, talking to the babies.  He’d told her how much he loved her and their babies.  She’d once again confessed her desires to join him for an eternity when the time was right.  They were finally living their long denied desires. He couldn’t lose her now.  “She’s pregnant, Flame.”

“I know, Nick, I know.”

He turned his face toward the window, to avoid her seeing a blood tear that escaped, and made a path down his cheek. He quickly brushed it away.  “Natalie’s my life, I can’t live without her.  We’ve waited so long to be together…start a family.  I can’t lose her.”  His voice was low, gentle, but full of determination.  “I won’t lose her. God wouldn’t do this to us, not after giving us a second chance.”  He removed a linen handkerchief from his coat pocket, and wiped his hand clean.  “There was so much blood…”

Flame dared to glance at him.  She was driving fast, the police light flashing on top of the car, clearing traffic.  She saw fear, but the love he felt for Natalie was obvious. She quickly turned the Caddie onto another street, and could see the hospital.  “Nick, she’ll make it.  She has too much to live for.  I’ve meet Dr. Lambert; she’s a strong woman, a fighter.  She’ll fight to stay with you, and she has the baby to fight for.”

He covered his face with his hands and leaned his head back against the seat.  “God, please don’t take her. Please give her the strength to fight.”  He hadn’t realized he’d spoken his heart’s prayer aloud.

Flame pulled the car in front of the emergency room.  The Caddie had barely stopped, before her partner bolted into the hospital.  She pulled the car into the nearest parking slot, and tried to follow him.  She’d learned a lot about the man, in the last half hour.  Nick Knight might be called The Knightmare, but he was a man deeply in love, and devoted to Natalie.  He also believed in God, and seemed to be a religious man.  He was nothing like what she’d expected.

Nick ran to the nurse’s station.  “I’m Detective Nick Knight, Natalie Lambert’s fiancé.  I was told that she was brought here, a gunshot wound.  Where is she?”

The nurse checked her computer.  “She’s in surgery. Go to the 9th floor, someone there can help you.”

Nick rushed to the surgery waiting area, stopped at the desk, and flashed his badge.  “I’m Detective Knight.  My fiancé, Natalie Lambert, is in surgery.  I need to know her condition.”

“I’ll let the nurses know that you’re here.  Someone will be out shortly to talk with you.  There’s a waiting room around the corner.”  She pointed the way.

Nick slowly walked down the hall, his nose flared. There were no doubt; Natalie had been brought down this hall.  He could still smell the lingering traces of her blood. He turned the corner, and almost ran into Dimitri who paced the room.  He’d been too distracted to sense another vampire in the area.

“What the hell are you doing here?”  Nick demanded, his eyes burnished traces of gold.

Dimitri’s eyes locked with Nick’s.  “Knight…calm down.”

“They told me you were with her when it happened. Why? What the hell happened?”

“I came by the morgue…I needed to talk.  I had some questions that needed answers.”  Dimitri brushed his fingers through his dark mane. His hand stopped and rubbed the back of his neck.  “The kid, who tried to rob the deli, was crazy.  The way he was acting…I think he was high.”

“High?”

“Drugs.  Knight, I tried to talk the kid into giving up his weapon.  The combination of his racing heart, glassy eyes, and avoiding eye contact made it impossible to hypnotize him; all the symptoms of drug abuse.  You know as well as I do, someone on drugs can resist even the strongest hypnotic suggestion.”

“I know, but what were you doing with Nat?” He waited and watched the other vampire’s reactions.

“I needed to talk to her about…never mind, it’s not important now.”  He took a not needed deep breath, and slowly exhaled.  “Knight…there’s something you need to know…Natalie…and I…”

“What about Nat?”  Nick had an uneasy feeling that his world was about to change, that Dimitri was about to reveal some unwanted truth.  He wasn’t sure what caused the sensation, perhaps 800 years of experience—years of observing people.

“Natalie’s heart…”

“What?  Tell me!”  His fear began to stir his vampire, something that shouldn’t be happening with the serum.

“Her heart was slowing…I knew she was pregnant.  I know how long she’s waited to have a family with you.  Knight, I couldn’t let her die.”  Dimitri’s eyes locked with Nick’s.  “I gave her…”

“What?”  Nick stepped closer to Dimitri. “What did you give her?”

“My blood.”  Dimitri’s voice was barely a whisper.

Nick shoved Dimitri up against the wall.  “I’ll kill you!”  Nick’s eyes changed to gold.  His vampire had surfaced, and it wanted to attack, to kill.  “You want her, and this was your chance to claim her as yours.  You’ll never have her!  She’s mine…for eternity!”  Nick shoved Dimitri’s head against the wall several times, but Dimitri didn’t resist.

“Knight, she was dying!  She’d lost too much blood. If I hadn’t done it, she’d have died before the ambulance got there. I had no choice!”

“Are you so sure?”  Nick growled, his voice full of doubt.

Dimitri glared at him.  “Get control, Knight.  This is not about you or your male ego or the bonding for that matter.  Damn it!  You say you love her, prove it. Think of Natalie!  Don’t be an ass.  She’s going to need you.  I don’t know why, but the woman loves you with all she is.  This had nothing to do with me wanting her.  She’s a treasure, and any man, mortal or immortal, would want her, but she wants you…blood doesn’t lie.  You’re a damn lucky man, and I envy that.”

“Not even I have given her vampire blood.  How could you?  You have no idea what it’ll do to her or the babies.”

“Babies?”

“Nat’s pregnant with twins.  Didn’t she tell you?”

“She didn’t tell me anything. I saw the pregnancy in her blood when I joined with her.”  Dimitri still didn’t try to break from Nick’s hold.  “Tell me, what would you have done if you’d been there?  Would you have done anything to save her, to save your children?  I think so.  I promised Natalie that I would protect her, and that means keeping her alive at all cost.  I’ll also admit that if she had been closer to death, I would have brought her across.  I believe you would have done the same.  You’ve tasted her blood, you know that’s what she wants, to spend an eternity with you.”

Nick glared at Dimitri and tightened his hold around the other vampire’s neck.  “I don’t know what I would have done in that situation.  I’ll not repeat this, stay away from Nat.”  Nick’s tone echoed the lethal threat.  “Your bond with her is invalid. She is not ever going to belong to you.  She’ll always be mine in every sense of the word.”

Flame rushed to the surgery floor, entered the waiting area and froze.  Her partner had rammed a man against the wall, his temper out of control. She hoped her eyes deceived her, because her partner was tangling with a vampire, and not just any vampire, but the one who had rescued her from the mugger.

Dimitri’s senses picked up a human heartbeat.  He looked over Nick’s shoulder, his eyes locked with emerald green ones. 

“Nick!”  Flame was immediately beside the two men.  She pulled at Nick’s coat sleeve, trying to get her partner to release his grip.  “Stop it, Knight!  What the hell are you doing?  Do you know this man?”  Her eyes drifted to Dimitri.  Her hold on Nick tightened.  She tugged harder at his sleeve.  “Nick, get a grip.”

Nick’s back remained toward Flame.  He took a deep breath, and forced his vampire into submission. His eyes turned back to the clear blue, and he released Dimitri.

Flame stepped between the two men, her attention directed at Dimitri.  “Do you want to tell me what’s going on here?”  She watched the two men stare at each other.  Her hand never let go of her partner. 

“Nothing.”  Dimitri answered.  Her partner remained silent.

“Do you two know each other? And don’t tell me nothing happened here, because my partner just about tore your head off.” Her eyes never left the handsome vampire. She carefully dissected his facial features, including the slight scar just under his chin.  She wondered how any man could be this gorgeous, like a Greek statue.

Dimitri, arched a brow. “Your partner?”

She seemed to have lost her voice.  She couldn’t stop her eyes from repeatedly caressing his face.  Her chest tightened.  She was sure his keen hearing would detect her racing heart. She’d thought never to see him again, but now that he was here, she had no idea what to say to the man.  Did Nick know him or what he was?  That thought made her look at her new partner.

“This is your partner?”  Dimitri asked again.

Flame nodded, her eyes never left Nick.  “Nick, how’s Natalie? Is she in surgery?”

A nurse entered the waiting area.  “Is there a Detective Knight here?”

“I’m Knight.”

She looked at Flame and Dimitri.  “Would you like to go somewhere private to discuss Dr. Lambert’s condition?”

Nick glanced at Dimitri who had moved closer to Flame.  He turned his attention back at the nurse.  “That won’t be necessary.  How is she?”

“She lost a lot of blood, but seems to be stable for the moment.”

“Did you know she’s pregnant?” Nick asked.

“Yes, she was unconscious when she arrived, her friend here told us about the pregnancy.”  She motioned to Dimitri.  “How far along is she?”

“Four weeks.  Nurse, we’ve wanted a baby for a long time.  Please…”

The nurse smiled.  “She’ll be in surgery for approximately two hours.  An obstetrician will check on the baby when she comes out of surgery. We’ll do everything we can for her and the baby.  I’ll keep you informed if there’s any change.”

“Thank you.” 

After the nurse left, Nick walked to the window.  He stared out into the night, and remained silent.  Dimitri and Flame looked at each other, neither knew what to say to Nick.  “Give me a few minutes.  I’ll talk to him.”  Dimitri touched her arm, and tried to reassure her. 

Flame nodded an agreement.  “I’ll go see if I can get some coffee for him.  Try to keep the testosterone where it belongs, and keep it civil.”  She gave him a warning look.

Dimitri gave her an encouraging smile, but there was a hint of something more.  She was unsure exactly what else she’d witnessed, but it seemed seductive.  Her heart did a flip, and a warm feeling spread throughout her body. She shook her head and rolled her eyes.  “Men.”   She turned and left the room without looking back.

Dimitri watched her briskly walk out of the room.  His eyes remained on her until after she’d disappeared around the corner.  He turned and joined Nick at the window.  He lightly touched Nick’s shoulder.  “Knight?  Talk to me.”

Nick shrugged Dimitri’s hand off.  “What is there to say?  What is done is done.”

“Listen to me.  I know you’re upset with me giving Natalie my blood, bonding with her.  I’m sorry that it came to that, but I swear to you, it was necessary.  I couldn’t let her die, and Knight, she would have if I hadn’t been there to give her a few drops of my blood. I knew it was a risk to her and the baby…babies, but they would be dead…”

Nick finally looked at him.  He searched Dimitri’s face for the truth.  “Dimitri, you may fool Nat, but not me. You’re attracted to her, and I know you offered to bring her across.”

“Damn it, listen to me. I won’t lie to you, I am attracted to Natalie, and I told her so, but we’re fine with it.  I told her I would never do anything to threaten your relationship or destroy your trust. I swear this, Knight.”

Nick glared at him.

“Don’t look at me like that.  You know Natalie; she wasn’t interested.  She is totally devoted and faithful to you. Her love for you is all consuming, full of a possessive passion that most men dream of.  I told her my feelings because she’s a smart woman, and I knew she was aware of my attraction to her, from the beginning, before Florida. I didn’t want secrets.  She’s taught me a lot in the short time since I’ve met her.  Trust and honesty are important in any relationship, even friendship.”  He paused and waited for Nick to comprehend what he’d confessed.

Dimitri’s words rung true, and eased some of Nick’s anger and tension.  “Nat always insists on trust and honesty.  She taught me that too, especially to be honest with myself.”  Nick turned and looked back out the window.  “You’re right, Dimitri, I would have given Nat my blood or brought her across if that was the only choice to save her.”

“I know, my friend.  Knight, there’s much to be discussed, and I’m not sure how Natalie is going to feel about all of this when she finds out what I’ve done.”

Nick didn’t say anything—his thoughts drifted.  He tried connecting with Nat without success.  “Dimitri, I can’t feel her.”  His voice was barely a whisper, but Dimitri heard.

“Knight, she’s sedated. I can feel her.  Push out, if you really try you can feel her. She’s not responsive, but I can feel that she lives.”

Nick’s chest tightened at Dimitri’s words. Because Natalie and Dimitri had shared blood, their bond was stronger than the bond Nick shared with her. Nat had never taken Nick’s blood.  The only time she could read his desires, thoughts, and dreams were when he took her blood, during lovemaking.  But now that Dimitri had Nat’s blood and she his, they both could feel one another.  Nick had desired this type of bond with her, but had been afraid to initiate it due to fear of the unknown, of what harm it could cause Nat.

Nick turned back to the window, shut his eyes and again tried to focus on Nat, to feel her.  A small tickling sensation vibrated at the base of his skull, sending slight tremors throughout his body. Dimitri was right, Natalie was alive—he could feel her. A warm sensation filled his heart, and a small smile crossed his lips.  This would have to be enough for now, but she was alive and that was all that mattered.  “I feel her, Dimitri.”

“Good.  Knight, she’s going to make it.  She’s a strong woman and she loves you with everything she is. Natalie’s a fighter.  She never gave up on you during the six years you were apart…she’s not going to let a gun shot wound keep her from you or the life you two want.”

“I hope you’re right, Dimitri.  I hope you’re right.”

“I’m positive of this, but right now we have bigger problems.  Your partner knows me, and what I am.  I rescued her a few nights ago from a mugger.  She’s been aware of vampires all her life…her godfather is one of us.”

Nick ran his hands through her hair.  “Great!  How are we going to handle this one?  Tonight’s our first night together as partners, she doesn’t know about me, and I would like to keep it that way.”

“Simple.  I’m Natalie’s friend.  We met some time ago.  You and I know each other, through Natalie.”

“Don’t you think she’s going to figure it out soon, especially since she knows our kind isn’t a myth, and knows what to look for?”

Dimitri smiled. “Is the serum still a secret from the Community.”

“Yes. I’ll be notified before the professor goes to the Council.”

“Then for now, your secret is safe.  The last I heard, vampires couldn’t play house with mortals, and certainly not sire children.”

Nick took a few minutes to think.  “I guess for now, she won’t discover the truth.”

“Discover what truth?”  Flame entered the waiting room.  She noticed the look that passed between the two men.  “Who?  Discovering what truth?”

“Nat.  I don’t want her knowing I blamed Dimitri for her getting shot.  He had no way of preventing what happened.” Nick looked at Dimitri.  “I’m sorry, about that. I’m glad you were there or Nat would surely be dead.  I was too upset to realize how lucky we are that you were with her.”

Dimitri placed his hand on Knight’s shoulder.  “Knight, I’m glad I was there too.  Natalie’s a very unique woman…and…she’s going to survive this, because who else is going to put up with the Knightmare?”

Nick raised a brow.

Dimitri chuckled.  “Yes, Natalie told me about your nickname.”  His grin widened.  “She told me she always thought it was cute, and found you adorable when you unleash your beast.”

“Cute?  She said that?” Nick ignored the last comment about unleashing his beast.

“Several times.”

Nick smiled for the first time since the horrible events started to unfold.  “She always did see the better side of me.”

“Be thankful she does.”

Flame’s curiosity was stirred. She didn’t know what was going on, but she was beginning to wonder if perhaps Nick and Natalie knew that Dimitri was a vampire.  She remembered the coffee and sandwich that she’d purchased for her partner.  If her hunch were right, Nick would refuse her offer of food, but if he did, would that prove he was a vampire?  Nat was pregnant, and vampires couldn’t sire children.

“Nick, here…I brought you some coffee and an egg sandwich. Sorry, but its all that was left in the vending machine.”  She bit her lip, and waited for his response.

“Thanks, Flame, but I don’t think I can eat anything.”

“Nick, you need to eat something. You’re not going to do Natalie any good if you’re collapsing from fatigue and hunger.”

Nick smiled.  He could feel her intense look, searching, waiting for his reaction.  If she suspected his true nature, this would be an excellent way to delay the inevitable—temporarily to prove her suspicions wrong. “Thanks, Flame.”  Nick took the food and glanced at Dimitri.  “I know introductions are a bit late.  Flame, this is Dimitri Drivakis, a friend of Nat’s. Dimitri, my partner Flame Lamarque.”

Dimitri extended his hand and waited. 

Flame didn’t hesitate—she accepted his hand.  “We’ve met.”

Dimitri placed a courtly kiss on the back of her hand.  “Indeed we have.”

Nick watched Flame and Dimitri, their eyes locked.  He could almost feel the electricity flowing between them.  “Care to share?” Nick asked.

“I believe it is Flame’s story to share.”  Dimitri held her hand longer than was necessary, until she slowly pulled free.  His eyes never left Flame’s. 

Nick watched his new partner, and could see the beginnings of a blush flood her face.

Flame looked away, breaking the intense moment.   “It seems that Dimitri thought I needed some assistance last night when a street kid tried to get my money.”

“I recall that the street kid was rather aggressive with his demands.”  Dimitri gently reminded her.

“And I told you that I didn’t need your help. I’m very capable of taking care of myself.”  Her words were harsher than she’d intended.

“Now that I’ve met you, I believe you’re correct.  However, last night there was no way that I could know that.”  He arched a brow and waited for her protest.

Flame looked at him, a small smirk crossed her lips. He had made his point, but gave her no room to disagree with him.  “Touché.”

Dimitri grinned and slightly bowed his head in acceptance to her. 

Flame turned to Nick and noticed he’d eaten half the sandwich and was drinking the coffee.  She wasn’t aware of the deep sigh she’d released.  At least Nick’s not a Vampire. One gorgeous vamp is enough.  She bit her lower lip to stifle a nervous giggle.

“Nicholas!”

Nick turned to see Janette rushing toward him. 

“I came as soon as I could. Tell me, mon amour, what’s happening?” Janette grasped his face between her hands, and kissed him lightly on the lips.

Nick wrapped his arms around Janette, and buried his face into her silky, midnight curls.  “Janette, it’s Nat…” He pulled her tighter to his chest, holding his only lifeline.  “She’s been shot.”  He whispered in her ear.  “Oh, Janette, I can’t lose her.  She’s pregnant.”

Janette pushed away, enough to look into his eyes, questioning his comment.  “Pregnant?  But we can’t…”

“Janette, it’s a miracle.  She’s pregnant.  I’m going to be a father.  And before you ask, yes, I am the father.  I’ll explain later.”  His eyes willed her to not question him further. 

Nick’s arms were still around her waist.  “Oh, Janette, I’m so glad you’re here.” He kissed both her cheeks and the tip of her nose.  He looked over her shoulder to see a teenage boy, quietly standing by the door.  He released her and walked over to the young adult.  “Patrick?”

“Hi, Uncle Nick.”

“Patrick!!!”  Nick hugged the boy, and held his shoulders.  “My, you’ve grown.  You’re turning into quite a young man.  How old are you now?”

“Fifteen.”

“Fifteen?” 

Patrick grinned at Nick.  “It’s been six years, Uncle Nick.”

“So it has.”  He wrapped his arm around Patrick’s shoulders, and slapped him on the back.  “I want to hear all about your life, what you’re doing, school.”

“Sure, we can talk later.  Have you heard anything about Dr. Lambert?”

“Not yet. She’s in surgery; it could be awhile before they tell us anything.”

“Uncle Nick, she’s going to be alright.”

Nick smiled at his nephew, but his attention was focused across the room.

Janette had been watching Dimitri who remained quiet.   She approached him.  “Dimitri?  What are you doing here?”

Nick knew he had to intercept before too much was said. He quickly crossed the room, caught Janette’s arm, and gave it a firm squeeze.  “Janette, you remember Nat’s friend, Dimitri. He was with her when she was shot.”  He turned her to face Flame.  “This is my new partner, Flame Lamarque.  She met Dimitri last night, it seems he stopped her from being mugged.”

“Well, that’s a matter of opinion.” Flame said.

Nick didn’t miss a breath—he continued the introductions.  “Flame, this is my sister, Janette du Charme, and her son, Patrick.”

Janette seemed to understand Nick’s silent plea, warning her not say more than necessary.  “Flame, nice to meet you.”  She turned back to Nick.  “Patrick and I would have visited you and Natalie before now, but I was unexpectedly called to Paris. We just returned last night.”

Nick quickly reacted to her comment.  He knew the reason that Janette came was because she’d sensed his fear through their bond, but he had to make an excuse for her sudden appearance. “I’m glad you had your cell phone on when I phoned you.  Thank you for coming.”  Nick again pulled her into a tight embrace, and buried his face into her hair.  “Janette, Flame knows about vampires and Dimitri, but not about me—let’s keep it that way.” He whispered.

Flame couldn’t stop staring at everyone. Her eyes traveled from one to the other.  Nick and his sister didn’t look anything alike, except both were pale. She was convinced that Nick wasn’t a vampire, he’d eaten, and Nat was pregnant with his baby.  She looked at Janette and her son, then to Patrick and Dimitri.  Janette was beautiful, her skin flawless, but too pale to be normal…unless…and she knew Dimitri.  Flame looked at Patrick. He was Janette’s son.  His skin was tanned and his cheeks had flushed when Nick had commented about his age.  Damn, Flame; get a grip. Dimitri is the only vampire here, and you need to stop seeing vamps in everyone you meet. 

“Detective Knight?” 

The group turned to the nurse who had entered the waiting room. 

“I’m Detective Knight.”  Nick rushed forward.  “How’s Natalie?”

The nurse smiled.  “She’s doing well, considering the circumstances. She’s not out of danger yet, but things are looking good.  We’re taking her to recover.  You should be able to see her in about an hour.  If there’s a change, we’ll let you know.”

“Nurse…the pregnancy?

“So far everything is fine. The obstetrician is with her now.  I’ll have him come talk to you when he’s finished with the exam.”

“Thank you.”  Nick shut his eyes and said a silent prayer.  Thank you, God. Please keep watch over Nat and the babies. I ask you to keep them safe… please our Lord, father in Heaven…Amen.  It had been centuries since Nick had prayed.  He didn’t know if God heard him, but he had to believe.  Faith.  Nat had faith, and so did he.  Calmness washed over Nick, something he hadn’t felt in a very long time.  An inner peace of warmth filled him, down to his very soul. Somehow, in that moment, he knew that God had heard him.  God, I place them in your hands.



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debh@erinet.com