Background Music: Frozen
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Second Chance
Chapter Six--Tortured Hearts
By: Deborah A. Hymon
October 30, 2005
Thank you, Donna for
editing this chapter.
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Nick sighed heavily, his eyes focused on the entrance to the Recovery Room. He didn’t know what he would say to Nat, or how she would react to seeing him. He needed to prepare himself for what he knew he would feel radiating from her; Dimitri’s essence.
Nat now carried Dimitri’s mark. True, Dimitri’s blood would be diluted with Nat’s, and in time fade completely from her body, but his vampire mark would forever be a part of her. He didn’t know how he could possible deal with sensing Dimitri in Nat, but somehow he would, he had no choice. A nurse who walked out of the recovery room interrupted Nick’s thoughts.
“Are you Nick Knight?”
“Yes.” He felt his stomach muscles tighten in anticipation.
“Your fiancé is no longer in recovery…”
Nick firmly grabbed her upper arm. “Where is she?” Nick demanded.
The nurse gently covered his hand with hers. “Relax, Mr. Knight. She’s improved, and they’ve moved her to the fourteenth floor, room 1420. She’s requested a private room, so you’ll be able to stay with her if you’d like.”
Nick smiled and hugged the nurse unexpectedly, startling her. “Thank you, nurse. Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.” She relaxed, and gave him a wide grin.
Nick turned, and headed quickly down the hall toward the elevator. He passed the waiting area, and came face to face with Dimitri. The two vampires stopped and stared at each other.
“Nichola, I thought you were going to see Natalie.” Janette wedged her body between Dimitri and Nick. She firmly
laid her hand on Nick’s shoulder, forcing his attention to shift to her.
Nick suddenly realized Janette had spoken to him. He laid his hand over hers and gently squeezed. His face lit up with a brilliant smile. “Janette, she’s been moved to a private room. Do you know what this means? I think she’s going to be okay.”
“Oh, Nichola!” Janette wrapped her arms around him, and gave him a reassuring hug. “I told you Natalie would be fine. She’s a fighter, and now she has a lot to live for.”
Nick returned her hug, but looked over her shoulder at Dimitri.
“Knight, I’m glad Natalie’s going to be okay.” Dimitri smiled. “You’re a very lucky man, my friend.”
Nick continued to hug Janette. He didn’t know how to react to Dimitri. He wondered if he truly was a friend or would he become his worse enemy.
Dimitri sensed Nick’s hesitation. He lowered his voice and responded. “Knight, I swear to you, I’ve told the truth. Go to Natalie. She needs you now more than ever. She’s frightened, frightened of the bond, but mostly afraid of your reaction. Please tell her I’m sorry, but not sorry for saving her life. I’ll never regret my decision to do so. I hope with time, both of you will understand, and we can be friends.” Dimitri continued, his voice barely a whisper. “If you doubt me, blood doesn’t lie. I’m more than willing to allow you to see the truth for yourself.”
Nick released Janette, gently pushing her aside. A heavy silence hung in the air, both men staring at the other as if they could read the other’s soul. Nick finally stepped forward, never breaking eye contact. “I may take you up on that offer.”
Dimitri responded quickly. “Any time, Knight, any time.”
Nick tenderly kissed Janette on the temple before walking away without saying anything.
“Will he ever believe me?” Dimitri asked.
“Perhaps, and then again, perhaps not. He’s very possessive when it comes to Natalie. He loves her with such passion, and now that they’re finally together, he will do anything to keep her beside him.”
“Janette, I totally understand how he feels. She’s a very unique woman, and he’s very lucky to have her love. If I were he, I would be the same. I only hope he’ll eventually believe I mean them no harm.” He pulled out a card from his inner coat pocket, and wrote his cell phone number on the back. “Janette, I know this may go against your loyalty to Nicholas, but I would appreciate if you would call me if there’s a change in Natalie’s condition.”
Janette took his card. “I will not promise you anything, Dimitri. You’re right, my first loyalty is to Nicholas…and Natalie.”
“Please, Janette.” His eyes pleaded with her.
She paused, searching for a sign of deceit, but found none. Janette finally nodded, and walked away, leaving him standing alone in the hall.
~~<~~~@
Nick waited impatiently as the elevator light slowly clicked off each floor. The bell rang as the doors opened to the fourteenth floor. Nick felt as if he were moving in slow motion, his chest constricting with each step. Finally, he stood outside her room. He took a deep breath, and quietly opened the door.
Nick’s breath caught at the site of Nat. She had an intravenous tube, oxygen mask, and a heart monitor hooked up to her pale body. She looked very frail, and if not for the beeping of the monitor, and his sensitive ears hearing her strong heartbeat he would have feared for her life.
Nat opened her eyes, and saw Nick standing at the door, watching her. “Nick.” Her voice was barely a whisper, muffled by the oxygen mask. She reached up and pulled the mask down. “Oh, Nick…I’m…I’m so scared.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. Her eyes pleaded with him to understand.
“Nat…I thought I had lost you.”
“Oh, Nick, don’t leave me…I love you…” She raised her good arm toward him, hoping he would come to her.
He rushed to her bed, and careful of the tubes, embraced her. “I love…” Dimitri’s essence bombarded his senses, filling him with rage. His vampire broke free, and surfaced before he knew what was happening. A low ferocious growl escaped from deep within Nick’s throat. He quickly released her when he felt the blood lust craving to claim her as his. He stood and tried to hide his flaming red eyes.
“Nick?” Nat couldn’t believe the vampire had surfaced. The serum he’d been taking should have prevented this. “Nick? What’s wrong?”
“Nat, I’m sorry. I have to go.” He practically flew from the room before she could respond.
Natalie, stomach clenched, and she fought wave after wave of neausea. The fear she’d experienced earlier was nothing compared to what she now felt. She couldn’t contain the tears once they released. Alone and despondent, Natalie began to openly sob. “Oh, Nick…what are we going to do?” She cried until her throat tightened, and her nasal passages felt dry, making it difficult to breath. She replaced the oxygen mask, and closed her eyes.
She felt helpless, and abandoned. Why had Nick left her? Her body and soul ached for him. She tried to push into the slight bond they had, pleading with him to return to her. Somehow she knew he didn’t feel their connection. Was he deliberately ignoring it or too angry to feel her? She had seen the vampire’s red eyes, and knew Nick’s anger had flared out of control, releasing his beast. Could she possibly have lost him, lost his love because of what Dimitri had done?
The babies. She rubbed her uninjured hand across her abdomen. No matter what happened between them, she needed to think about the babies. She forced herself to relax, knowing her anguish could cause her to miscarry the twins. Even if Nick no longer wanted her, she wanted these babies to live. They were a part of Nick, the only man she would ever love. She wondered if Nick’s reaction was directed at her or Dimitri. She hoped Nick would deal with his anger, and once again they could be together, to love each other…forever. She brushed a stray tear from her cheek with the back of her hand. She couldn’t begin to imagine her life without Nick. She knew she could never go back to the hell she’d lived the last six years. She prayed a silent prayer that everything would work out, but most of all, the twins would survive and be born healthy.
~~<~~~@
Janette, felt a fierce bloodlust rush through her body, and instantly knew Nick had lost control. She hadn’t felt this type of demonic lust from him for centuries, and the thought of what he might do frightened her more than she could ever remember.
“Patrick.” She placed some cash firmly in his hands. “Take a taxi, and go home.”
“Mom? What’s wrong?” His youthful face creased with concern, causing him to look older.
Janette smiled at her adopted son. He frequently forgot she’d lived more than a thousand years before he’d come into her life, but his protectiveness warmed her cold heart. From the moment he’d discovered her secret he’d never been afraid of her or her beast. He loved her as if she was his maternal mom, and she returned the feelings with all her heart. She felt very thankful for the opportunity to raise Patrick, but saddened at the cost the joyful experience brought; Robert’s death.
Janette hugged Patrick tightly, and kissed him on the cheek. “I need to go to your Uncle Nichola. He needs me.” She whispered. Janette knew Patrick would understand. He knew all about the blood bond she shared with his uncle.
“Okay, but promise to call me when you can.” He gently demanded.
Janette pushed a lock of light brown hair from his forehead. “Of course.” She smiled and gently caressed his cheek. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.” She turned and walked away before Patrick could insist on coming with her.
Janette could only imagine what had caused Nick’s emotions to spin out of control. She knew she had to find him, if his bloodlust forced him to take a mortal’s life, he would never survive the emotional and spiritual damage. She couldn’t stop thinking about how he’d leashed his vampire enough to have an intimate relationship with Natalie, and for Natalie to remain mortal. When they’d returned from Florida, she’s expected to meet her new sister, not an expectant mortal mother. How Nick had fathered the babies intrigued her. She certainly would demand answers, but she had to find him first, and find him quick.
Janette discreetly slipped into the hospital stairwell and headed to the roof. She stood in the shadows and allowed her senses to feel for Nick. The connection she shared with Nick vibrated strongly within her, and she knew instantly his vampire remained unleashed. With a quick glance around to make sure no one would see her, she took to the night sky, flying quickly to the loft. She felt relief that Nick had gone there instead of going out where any human heart beat would tempt him to hunt.
Janette landed on the rooftop, and looked down through the skylight. She didn’t see him. A loud crashing sound vibrated throughout the quiet night. She flew down, and landed in the parking lot. The garage side entrance door stood ajar. She entered, not sure what she would find.
Nick picked up another wooden crate and threw it across the storage room. The crate landed against a stack of cardboard boxes, knocking them over. The entire storage room lay in shambles making it obvious Nick had been here for some time.
“Nichola! Stop it!’
Nick turned, his red eyes glared at Janette. He threw back his head, his deadly fangs exposed as a deep animalistic growl filled the room. “Get out, Janette! Leave me alone!”
“No.” Janette started toward him. “Nichola, you…”
“Janette, I’m warning you!”
Janette had never seen him this out of control, but she still didn’t fear him. This was her Nichola, her knight, and no matter how much his beast clawed at his soul, he would never allow it to hurt her.
“Nichola, I know you won’t hurt me.” She continued to walk toward him, stopping only when she stood directly in front of him.
Nick grabbed her shoulders firmly. “How can you be sure?” He shouted. His face contorted into an evil and deadly look.
“Because I know your heart.” She placed her hand on his chest, and felt one of his rare heartbeats. She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist, drawing him closer to her. She embraced him tightly, and rested her head on his chest. “Nichola, I’m here, mon amour. Let me comfort you.”
Nick’s hand slid up into Janette’s black silky hair. His fingers entwined a handful of her curls, pulling her face from his chest. Without thinking, he struck her slim pale throat with his fangs, sinking them deep into her flesh. Her blood filled his mouth, and he began to vigorously suck, pulling her essence forth. The taste of her blood flowed down his throat, filling him with a warm calm.
Janette held onto him, allowing him to take his fill. “Yes, mon amour, take me.” She whispered in ecstasy.
Janette’s words were like cold water thrown in his face. His fangs instantly retracted and he distanced himself from her, turning his back toward her.
“Nichola?” She placed her hand on his shoulder.
“What have I done, Janette?”
“You have done nothing that you shouldn’t have.” She tried to console him.
He shrugged her hand from his shoulder, and turned to her. “How can you say that, Janette? How?” He shouted. “What just happened was wrong.” He wiped his hand across his forehead, his fingers combing through his hair. “How could I have done it? How?”
“Nichola, we have shared blood before. You needed me. My blood calmed your beast as it always has.”
Nick looked at her through tortured eyes. “I used you. I swore I would never again share blood. I couldn’t control it. I didn’t plan for this to happen.” A vision of Natalie flashed through his head. What would she say about this? She’d always felt threatened by Janette, and this would certainly confirm her fears. “Natalie.”
“Oh, Nichola. Why do you try to walk in the middle of the road? You know to do so is dangerous; it’s a situation waiting to explode. I don’t understand why you continue to torture yourself. If you could only accept what you are…”
“Never! To do so would destroy my dreams, and any life I’ve recently began to live.”
“Yes, let’s talk about this new life of yours. When I heard you had found Natalie again, I thought for sure I would soon have a new sister, but instead I find I’m to become an aunt. Explain this to me, Nichola. I don’t understand at all.”
“It’s a long story, Janette. Perhaps we should go upstairs where it’s more comfortable.”
“Yes. Come.” She took his hand and led him to the elevator. Once they were in the loft she settled on one end of the sofa, casually pulling her feet under her. “Okay, I’m listening.” She waited to hear how his life had nearly spun out of control.
For the next hour Nick explained about meeting Professor Ralph Finley, the serum, following Nat to Florida, Dimitri meeting Nat, and how he’d discovered Nat was pregnant, and later the discovery of the twins. He told her about the Captain reinstating him as homicide detective, Flame, his new partner, how Flame had met Dimitri. He left nothing out, including plans for his wedding to Nat, and the remodeling of the loft.
“Janette, Nat and I were just beginning to have the life we’ve dreamed of for years.” He dropped his head to avoid looking at her. “How could I have betrayed Nat?”
Janette gently touched his arm. “How did you betray her?”
Nick’s head shot up, and he looked at her with disbelief. “Janette, I drank your blood. How do you think she’s going to feel about that when she finds out? She’s always felt threatened by my relationship with you. This will reinforce those feelings. I can’t let her know what happened here tonight. She would never understand.”
“Are you so sure, Nichola? Natalie seems like a very smart woman. She might surprise you. Tell her the truth.”
“What?”
“Nichola, for an 800-year old man, you certainly haven’t learned much about women.”
“I don’t understand.”
Janette stood, and walked across the room to the fireplace. She ran her fingertips over the mantel, tracing the ornately carved wood. “That is because you’re a man.” She turned and smiled at him. “I assume you want to continue your relationship with her?”
“Of course! I love her, Janette. I don’t know what happened when I felt Dimitri’s essence in Nat, but somehow I’ll learn to deal with it. I’ll never allow anything to come between us again.”
“Then tell her exactly that, all of it. From what you told me, she saw your vampire emerge. She already knows it probably had something to do with the bond she shares with Dimitri. Tell her how it affected you, how I found you out of control, ready to hunt, to possess, perhaps even to kill. Tell her before you knew what you were doing, you took my blood. Tell her how my blood calmed you.”
Nick looked at her with disbelief. “I can’t tell her any of this. She would be upset, hurt…”
“Damn it, Nichola! Do you not think she’ll eventually know all of this? She already knows half of it or will figure it out soon. Do you not think she’ll be more hurt if she finds out some other way than from you? If you do not talk to her, your biggest fear may come true.” She could see the questioning look on his face. “You will lose her.”
Janette waited for his response. She could see the sudden fear in his eyes at the thought of losing Natalie.
Nick stood and began to pace the loft. “I can’t lose Nat, she’s my life. I know what it’s like to not have her in my life, and I can’t ever go back to that.”
Janette approached him. “Then go to her, talk to her, tell her everything. If she truly loves you unconditionally, which I’m sure she does, she will understand.”
Nick pulled Janette into his arms, and held her as if she were his anchor. “Can you ever forgive me?”
“For what?” Janette murmured into his chest.
“No matter what you say, Janette, I did use you. I took your blood without thought, without your consent. I’m sorry, but I can’t return the favor. We can no longer have that type of relationship.”
“Oh, Nichola.” Janette sighed. “I love you. I’ll always love you, but I’m not delusional. I felt the depth of your love for Natalie as you took my blood. I felt your passion to possess her and that love. I finally understand how you can love a mortal. Robert taught me that.” She tightened her arms around him, gently stroking his back. “Nichola, you needed my blood to calm you. Bottled wouldn’t have helped your hunger this time. You truly frightened me, something you’ve never done in all our centuries together.”
He slightly pulled her from his chest, and looked at her. “I thought you told me you weren’t frightened of me.”
“I was never frightened for myself, but only for you. You were out of control, and it terrified me what you might do.”
“You thought I would hunt…kill?”
“I thought it was a possibility.” Janette admitted.
Nick continued to look at her. “You were right to be frightened, Janette.” He pulled her closer to his chest, tightening his arms around her slender body. “Thank you. I can’t remember ever feeling that out of control.”
“You’re welcome, Nichola. Just don’t make a habit of losing control. I don’t want to be that frightened again, and I don’t think Natalie would understand if this became a repeated incident, do you?” She looked up at him and grinned.
Nick kissed her lightly on the lips. “No, I don’t think she would. I only hope she can forgive me this time.”
“You’ll never know until you talk to her. Go to her, don’t delay what you must do.” Janette insisted.
Nick released her, and walked into the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator and grabbed a green bottle. Janette’s presence made him choose to uncork the blood wine with a corkscrew. Janette and Nat had one thing in common, they both hated to see him use his teeth to pop the cork. He opened the cabinet to get a wine glass and poured the red liquid.
“I’m glad you’ve become more civilized with your drinking habits. Perhaps Natalie is a good influence on you.” Janette teased. “You used to prefer a ‘fang’ opener, and took your nourishment like an infant, straight from the bottle.”
Nick shot her a crooked grin, and lifted his glass in a toast toward her. “To civilized drinking.” He took a sip. “I would offer you a drink, but I’m afraid all I have to offer is the bovine.” He watched as she shuttered at the thought of drinking his poison of choice.
“No, thank you. I need to go. Patrick will worry. Before I leave, I want to know what you plan to do about your reaction to Natalie. How do you plan on controlling the overwhelming desire to take her, to possess her, to reclaim her from Dimitri’s bond? You must control it, Nichola, otherwise you’ll drain her before you even know what you’ve done.”
“I know, Janette. I need to call the professor. Perhaps he’ll know why my beast reared its ugly head.” Nick hesitated, nervously glancing away. He remained quiet until he once again looked at her. “Janette. What happened here tonight…your blood…”
“I know.” Her voice was barely a whisper, but his sensitive ears heard the sadness.
“Janette, I’m sorry for so many things. I’m sorry about us. We never really had a chance, did we?” He needed her to confirm what he thought he’d seen in her blood.
She shook her head. “We stayed together for so many wrong reasons. No matter how many times we’ve come together again, it never lasts. I don’t think we were ever meant to be together for an eternity, no matter how much I wish it were so.”
“I’m sorry about Robert. I’m glad you’ve known such a love, and I hope someday you’ll find it again with a happier ending.”
“So do I, but like you and your Natalie, perhaps that kind of love only happens once no matter how long you live.”
Nick didn’t know what to say to comfort her. There were so many unspoken things between them that needed to be said, but now wasn’t the time. “Janette, I’ll always love you. Please know, no matter what, I’ll always be your friend. Don’t ever forget that we’re of the same blood, family. I’ll always be here if you need me. You and Patrick are a part of my family…forever.”
“I know, Nichola. You do not need to tell me this.” She picked up her cape. “I must go.”
Before she could turn away he grasped her hand. He took the cloak from her and draped it around her shoulders, fastening the hook at her neck. His hands slowly slid down to rest on her shoulders. “Janette, thank you for coming to me tonight. You’re right, I did need you. Your blood always did calm me. I hate to think what would have happened if you had not come.”
Janette’s hand caressed his cheek and slowly lowered to cup his chin. “I too will always be here for you, mon amour. Now go to your Natalie. Talk to her, explain everything, and that includes what happened here tonight between us. Total truth, Nichola, that is the only way.”
He turned his face and placed a light kiss in her palm. His eyes met hers, and he gave her a brilliant smile. “You know, you and Natalie have more in common than you think. She always believes in honesty, and told me many times that love nor friendship can survive without total truth. Dimitri told me tonight, she’s taught him that too.”
“Hmmm, perhaps Natalie and I will become friends. I truly hope so. I have a small confession to make.” She toyed with the button on the front of his shirt.
Nick arched a brow, wondering what she would admit.
“I’ve always admired Natalie. Yes, at one time, before Robert, I was jealous of her. Jealous of how she seemed to have captivated your attention and eventually your heart. But now, after so many years, the things that have come to pass, I no longer feel the jealousy. I’m glad she loves you and you her. I wish only happiness for you two…and the babies.”
Nick kissed her forehead. “Thank you, Janette. Perhaps some time in the near future, you can tell Natalie this.”
She looked at him with disbelief.
He smiled, causing his eyes to twinkle with mischief. “Truth and honesty even in friendship.”
Janette returned his smile, and turned to leave. She chose to exit using the elevator instead of the skylight. She stepped into the elevator and pushed the down button. “Good night, my dear friend.”
The door shut, leaving Nick standing in the middle of the loft. He took a deep breath, and let the evenings events fill his thoughts. Janette was right. He did need to talk to Natalie. He couldn’t imagine what she must be thinking about his behavior earlier at the hospital. She must feel frightened, abandoned, and worried about him.
Nick pulled out his cell phone and flipped it open. He hit the speed dial for Flame’s phone. They’d exchanged cell phone numbers earlier in the evening. The phone rang three times before he heard her answer.
“Hello”
“Flame, it’s Nick.”
“Knight, where the hell are you? Natalie’s been asking for you, and no one knew where the hell you were. Grace is here, and the nurses finally let her in to see Nat, since they couldn’t find the absentee fiancé.”
Nick cringed at the anger in Flame’s voice. He may have just met her tonight, but he was sure Flame and Nat had met before his return to Toronto, and perhaps were friendly with one another. He knew her anger was justified, but he didn’t have time for this now. “Listen to me, Flame. I can’t explain exactly what happened, but another family emergency came up. I’m calling to check on Nat’s condition.” He hoped she’d calm down and tell him what he needed to know.
“She’s fine, no thanks to you. How could you leave her? They won’t let me see her, but from what the doctor said, she’s very upset. They’re worried about the pregnancy. I don’t know what the hell is going on, but if you love her, you better get your ass over here, and that means now.”
“Flame.”
“Nick, I thought you were different. You seemed to care about her so much when I drove you to the hospital. How could…”
“Flame! Shut up, would you?” He hadn’t meant to be so harsh. He couldn’t believe when she didn’t continue her tirade. “Do me a favor. Please get word to Natalie for me. Tell her I’m fine, and I’m sorry about leaving so abruptly. Tell her I’m on my way back to the hospital, and I have a lot of explaining to do.”
“Okay, I’ll make sure she gets your message. I only hope it calms her.”
Nick could still hear the anger in his new partner’s voice even though she’d reined it in enough to listen to him. “Flame, one more thing?”
“It better be a good one, Knight. You’re running out of favors with me.”
“Flame, the most important thing, make sure Nat gets this message. Tell her I love her with everything I am, and I can’t ever live without her again. Tell her everything will be okay. Can you do this for me, Flame?”
“Yeah, Knight, I can do that for you. I’ll be more than happy to give her the message. You just get your sorry ass over here as soon as possible and tell her yourself. Okay?”
Nick smiled. “You got it, partner.” He clicked off the phone before she had a chance to respond.
He glanced at his watch, making sure the professor would still be awake. During the years he’d lived with the older vampire he’d noticed the professor turned off the phones when he retired for the day.
“This better be good.”
Nick heard the less than pleasant answer through the static of the shaky phone connection. Calls to this part of the world never were very good. “Professor, it’s Nicholas.”
“Nicholas! How good to hear from you. I wondered how long before I heard from you. Tell me, did you find your Natalie? Did you two work out your problems?”
“Yes, we did. Things are wonderful between us. We’re getting married!” Just saying the words warmed Nick’s heart.
“Married? This is wonderful! I do hope I’ll be invited to the glorious occasion.”
“Yes, of course. Professor, we’ve had a bit of a set back. To make a long story short, Nat is pregnant with twins. She was shot during a robbery. Fortunately, a friend of ours was with her. He’s one of us. Nat’s heart was slowing; she was losing too much blood. Dimitri gave her a few drops of his blood after he’d tasted hers and found out she’s pregnant.”
“Oh my. So now they have a full circle blood bond. I take it you don’t have such with her?”
“No, I’ve wanted it, but I was afraid because of what it might do to Nat or the babies.”
“Nicholas, listen to me.” The professor yelled over the static that threatened to cut them off. “A few drops won’t harm the babies, if anything it’ll make them stronger. Multiple birth babies are smaller, and sometimes weaker. The vampire blood will not cause them to become vampire. I can assure you of this.”
Nick immediately relaxed. That had been his biggest fear for his children. “What about my reaction to the bond. I’ve been religiously taking the serum, but the first time I saw Nat after her surgery, I sensed Dimitri’s essence. Professor, I vamped out, big time. I can’t ever remember experiencing such a desire for blood, but I wanted Nat’s blood. To take her and possess her, to reclaim her as mine. I’m frightened to be around her, but my heart can’t stay away. What can I do?” Nick’s voice also got louder trying to make sure his friend heard him even though their phone connection was threatening to disconnect at any minute.
“My friend, I know how much you love your Natalie, and for that reason, she’s safe, no matter how much you vamp out.” The professor chuckled at Nick’s description of his beast. “The serum didn’t work because you didn’t allow your emotions to control you. You allowed the instinct of the vampire to dictate your actions. How do you feel now?”
The phone crackled louder causing Nick to fear their conversation would end quicker than he wanted. He was ashamed to admit it, but he had to be honest if the professor was to help him. “When I vamped out, I left the hospital. My sister…my child, felt my turmoil, and followed me. I drank from her, and her blood calmed me. I once again feel in control.”
“This is a good thing. Take an extra dose of the serum before going to see Natalie. When you’re with her, push into your link with her, ignoring Dimitri’s essence. I know it’ll be difficult, but I have faith that you can do it. I know what this woman and her love means to you, and know you’ll do anything to be with her.”
The phone crackled again, and for a moment Nick thought they had lost their connection, but he heard the professor continue to tell him what could be done to help his situation.
“Professor!” Nick yelled, trying to make himself heard. “Did I hear you correctly?” He heard the professor again scream what he thought he’d heard the first time. “Would you repeat that?” After hearing it for the third time, Nick knew he’d heard right. “Thank you, my friend. I’ll call you again in a few days. Take care.” He heard the phone click off just as he’d said his goodbyes.
Nick quickly took a double dose of the serum as the professor had prescribed. He drank a full bottle of bovine blood before grabbing his over coat and flying through the skylight. He needed to get to the hospital without any delay.
Nick hoped Janette was right about telling Natalie everything. He felt more frightened than he could ever remember in his entire long existence, but deep in his heart he knew telling Nat everything was the right thing to do. They’d been through so much to be together. He had no choice but to believe that somehow they would work through this latest problem. He felt a new determination fill him deep down into his very soul. Nat would always be his because no one could ever love her as much as he did, and he intended to prove it to her. He hoped she still believed in him, and could trust him. He didn’t know what he would do if her faith in him or their relationship had been destroyed.
~~~<~~
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