Archived November 2003 ------------------------------------------------ Warning: This story is rated R. If you are under 18 years then please do not read any further ------------------------------------------------ Natalie Lambert cursed softly to herself as her shoulder twinged with pain again. Darn it, she was never going to get this autopsy done if her shoulder kept aching like this. She set her scalpel down and began massaging her sore shoulder. Bending her arm at the elbow, she gently rotated her arm, trying to shake off the pain. What she wouldn't give for a nice, long soak in the tub right now. The past couple of weeks, the pain in her shoulder had been getting worse. She knew she should go and see a doctor, but after that last incident with her knee, she was skeptical about seeking medical attention. Rest was what she needed, especially a vacation. But with the layoffs, an increase in crime, and the lack of capable staff in the morgue, the double shifts she had been working lately had made that nearly impossible. She looked back at the corpse in front of her and hoped this would be the last autopsy she'd have to do tonight. "I can help you with that you know," said a familiar voice in front of her. Nat jumped slightly, "Oh really?" She had almost gotten used to the way Nick could sneak in without her realizing it. She glanced up at him while continuing to rub her shoulder. "The autopsy or the tired shoulder?" He stood across the table from her, wearing his familiar long, dark coat which was unbuttoned, revealing his attire of jeans and a dark blue silk shirt which matched his eyes. His blond hair shimmered in the light of the room. Glancing at the body on the table in front of him, he made a face. Vampire or not, Nat knew he still found autopsies unnerving. "The shoulder. It's still bothering you?" Nat didn't even know he had noticed. She had been so busy over the past weeks, she had barely had time to say more than three words to him. Had he been watching her? "Just a little tired," she lied, purposely taking a renewed interest in the dead body she had been working on. She picked up her clipboard and began making notes, frowning as she found it hard to concentrate. "I mean it, about the shoulder." He nodded towards her shoulder. "I've learned a few things while traveling aboard." His eyes twinkled mysteriously. "And living among mortals in a few other nations." "Uh huh," Nat stared up at him wondering what and exactly where and from whom he had learned these 'few things'. Her mind whirred with thoughts of other women Nick had surely known until she was sure her eyes were turning green. She shook her head. and went back to her note-taking. Of course Nick had known many other women, she was foolish to think otherwise... or to let herself get so riled up about it. The room was silent except for the hum of refrigerators. She looked up and her eyes met Nick's. She realized that he had been staring at her watching her. There was along pause as they became lost in each's others eyes, until Nat looked away, fearful of what emotions her eyes might reveal. "I'm serious, Nat," Nick chimed in, not losing a beat. A second later, he was around the table and beside her. Taking the pen and clipboard from her hands, he laid them on the desk behind her. Nat began to protest, only to be silenced by a cool finger across her lips. "Nat, you need to take a break." He placed his other hand on her good shoulder and pulled her closer as he used his other fingers to lift her chin and make her look up at him. She shook her head and tried to speak. "Yes, you do," Nick leaned back to half-sit on the desk as he reached for the phone and dialed a number. Nat tried to move away, but he dropped his arm to her waist and held her in place. He didn't notice the dirty look she gave him. "Hi, Grace?" Nick said into the receiver. "This is Nick. I'm at the morgue. Nat isn't feeling too well, so I was wondering if you'd mind-" He fell silent for a moment as he listened to the phone. He nodded a few times. "Yes-" he began, "Oh, I agree." He smiled and winked up at Nat who glared at him, wishing she knew what Grace was saying on the other end. "That's what I was planning on-" Nat tried to shoot mental daggers at him with her eyes. "Oh, don't worry, I will." He smiled at Nat. "Bye, Grace. And thanks." A second later, he hung up the phone. "There. All set." "Nick, how dare you!" Nat began. She felt the waves of anger coursing through her. Or was that exhaustion? "Nat," Nick looked down deep into her eyes. She had forgotten how tall he was, and how beautiful his blue eyes were. "You need a break, especially to take care of that shoulder." His eyes averted briefly to glance at her shoulder, which he was now softly massaging with his fingers. "Please?" It felt good, Nat couldn't help but notice and closed her eyes. He somehow knew exactly where to rub, where to touch, his fingers expertly pressing and kneading the sore muscles. No, she couldn't give in to him nor his manipulating ways. Had he been trying to hypnotize her? Her eyes fluttered open and she looked up at him. Nick's face was full of worry. He was worried about her? The weight of the feelings she saw on his face and in his eyes hit her like a ton of bricks. True, their relationship had been pretty much on the rocks for the past couple of months. She figured it was lack of interest on Nick's part, but the concern she now saw in his eyes made her pause. Maybe a little break would be good. For both of them. "Okay, I give up. I'm all yours." She smiled up at him. Nick chuckled, giving her a devlish smile. "Good girl." He leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose. "Now, go home," he finished massaging her shoulders and ran his hands down her arms to catch her hands. "Take a nice hot bath," He continued. "Put on your bathrobe and-" her heart began to plummet. He wasn't coming over? He was just sending her home alone? She felt rejection settling over her tired body and nearly sighed. Nick lifted each hand up to his mouth and kissed the back of each one. "And I'll be along in a few minutes." He whispered, giving her the biggest smile she'd ever seen. Nat's heart skipped a beat. The hot bath had helped tremendously, but her body was still tired and her shoulder still ached. Nat finished towel-drying her hair and used the towel to wipe away some of the steam on her bathroom mirror. In the reflection, she saw her old familiar face, a face that kept looking older, just like her body was feeling. Nat sighed. Her skin was good, but now, without makeup, she could already imagine she saw the beginnings of wrinkles, tiny crow's feet at the corners of her eyes and mouth, the beginnings of dark circles underneath her eyes. Her lips were not full enough, her eyes too large, her nose not quite right. Too many things she found fault with. And thank God there wasn't a full length mirror in the room so she could bemoan the faults of her overworked, underexercised body. No wonder she was still single. A knock at the door interrupted her moment of self-pity. It had to be Nick. He was really here. All during her bath, she had wondered if he would really come. And if he did, what he did he have in mind? And how should she react? Lord knows she had been in love with the man, correction, vampire, for years, and just because he's coming over to visit for the first time in months was no reason for her to be as giddy as a schoolgirl? Another knock. Nat grabbed her bathrobe, wrapping and tying it tight around her, and headed for the door. * * * * * Nick knew she was inside. As he stood patiently outside her apartment door, he could sense her familiar heartbeat, could smell the familiar scent that was her, the combined smell of her warm blood and the alluring scent of her perfume. Since escorting her to her car and watching her drive off towards home, his thoughts had been working overtime, thinking about her, about touching and holding her, thinking about what he would say to her, things he had been wanting to say for a long time. He had said them before, but knew she didn't remember. This time, he wanted to say them again and not have her forget, to tell her how much she meant to him. To hell with LaCroix. To hell with all the fears and anxiety that had been preventing him... preventing *them* from being together. He knew how hard Nat had been working lately, the long days, the numerous cases, how tired she was, and how her shoulder had continued to grow worse. He also knew she was stubborn and would keep going until she dropped, unless someone stopped to remind her that she was only human. It was part of what he loved about her, her fierce determination to face the odds, to never give up no matter how tough it became. When Grace had called him about how tired Nat looked, and that her shoulder was hurting her, he had taken the cue. It was a good excuse to get together and perhaps finally get some things out in the open between the two of them. Plus, he hoped he could figure out what was wrong with her shoulder and perhaps persuade her into going to see the doctor. He lifted his hand to knock again, but then he sensed her drawing near the door. Putting on his most charming smile, he watched as the door slowly opened. Nat stood in the opened doorway, backlighted by the lamplight and glow of the fire burning in the fireplace in the living room. She wore her fluffy pink bathrobe... and little else, he guessed, noticing the bare skin of her legs and the hint of cleavage at the vee where her bathrobe came together in the front. He could smell the dampness on her skin, and the slight scent of soap and and perfume. Her hair was still damp and her face was clean of makeup, her skin looked velvety soft and just asked to be touched. Her lips looked kissably soft and he wondered if they tasted as good as they looked- "Nick? Are you going to come in or stand there staring?" Nat smiled, a bit nervous at the attention. Nick realized he had been staring. Still grinning, he blushed slightly. "Sorry, can I come in?" Nat realized that she too had been standing there silently staring at him looking at her. Embarrassed, not just by her lack of courtesy, but also by the appreciative look she had seen on Nick's face, she welcomed him inside and shut the door. How long had it been since she had been so carefully checked out by a man? And without makeup and in her old bathrobe even. She must have met with his approval, as Nick seemed distracted as he slid past her. This could prove to be an interesting evening, she thought to herself, her heart skipped and began to pound in anticipation. "You like?" Nick whispered in her ear. His hands continued to knead her aching muscles, working their magic. For the past half hour, Nick had kneaded and rubbed her aching shoulder, making most of the pain go away. His first matter of business was to get her relaxed, to help heal her tired body with a nice massage. "Mmmmmmmmm." was all Nat was able to respond with. She sat on the sofa, turned sideways with her back to Nick who sat behind her. Her long chestnut hair was almost dry and had been swept to the side around her neck. Her bathrobe hung partially open to the waist, her left hand holding it closed over her breasts, her right arm out of the sleeve as Nick continued to massage her shoulder's sore muscles. The room was warm, additional heat from the blazing fire in the fireplace which also lit the room, creating shadows on the wall. Usually the one to be treating Nick, it was odd having their roles reversed. But Nick definitely knew how to give a great massage. She made a mental note to ask him later where he learned. Right now, she was enjoying the finer aspects of his talent as his fingers pressed across to her back and neck again. At first, Nick had just massaged her shoulder, but slowly, to her delight, his range had expanded to include her upper back and neck and her side. His hands were cool but refreshing against her warm skin. His touch was light but with just the right amount of pressure to leave her skin tingling where he touched it. Or was that tingling from something else? Nat blushed and hoped Nick didn't notice as she felt her mind straying to thoughts of other places she'd love those fingers to touch. She wondered if Nick noticed the affect their closeness and his touch had on her. Nick let his fingers explore a little farther on each pass across Nat's skin. He marveled at how beautiful she was, how soft and silky her skin was beneath his hands, the gentle curves of her warm body, the heady scent of her blood intermixed with her perfume and own natural scent. It was intoxicating and he found himself utterly lost in sensations. At the back of his mind, he felt the vampire beginning to grow aware of how close they were.... how easy it would be to lean down and slip his fangs into the heated vein at the curve of her neck. His eyes began to tingle with the vampire awakening within him. Shaking his head, he fought it back. No, he was in control, this was his life and his Natalie... he wouldn't do anything to harm her. He was suppose to be keeping things simple, light to start with, right? "I can do the other shoulder too, if you want," Nick's voice was husky as he struggled to speak. He couldn't even remember the last time being so close to a woman had affected him like this. Nat hesitated only for a moment before slipping her other arm out of her bathrobe, pulling it tight against her chest. She didn't want to expose too much... or did she? She blushed when she realized where her thoughts were leading, how wanton she was beginning to feel. This was Nick, her patient, her friend. Her hands brushed against her breasts as she held the bathrobe against them. She nearly moaned as she realized how sensitive they felt right now... and her nipples were taut with arousal, aching to be touched. Damn it, Nat. He's a vampire, she reminded herself. But it's Nick, said another tiny voice inside her head. Not just a vampire, a man, the man she loved. She sighed as she felt Nick's hands begin to work their way across her back to her other shoulder. Torn between desire and common sense, she closed her eyes and let her thoughts drift along as Nick continued to massage her back. Nick gave her other shoulder the same dutiful treatment he had given its partner, but he found his own attention wandering... and wondering what if the rest of her skin was as soft and supple, so warm and silky to the touch. He trailed the backs of his fingers down her back and spine, and smiled as she shivered lightly. For the last little while, he had sensed the deepening of her breathing, heard the slight increase in the beat of her heart, felt the warmth of her skin increasing, her slight reactions to his touch. As he suspected, Nat was not unaffected by this closeness. Now, to continue on with his plan of romance... Nick let his hands roam up her back to where her hair was still pulled to the side. Lifting the thick, soft mass of curls in his hands, he let his fingers run through the still damp tresses, roaming up to lightly massage her head. Nat tilted her head back in response, letting the long silky strands dangle down her back. "I love your hair, Nat," Nick whispered softly, slowly inching towards her so his chest and hip were closer to her back. His lips were so close to kissing her warm skin he realized as Nat arched her back and turned her head to the side, seeming to luxuriate in the feel of his fingers massaging her scalp. Her eyes were closed, her lips slightly parted, it would be so easy to lower his mouth and taste her, to see if she was indeed as good as she smelled and looked... Nat leaned back and found herself easily caught by Nick's arms as they wrapped around her. "Nick?" Nat struggled to speak as she felt his hands slip from her hair and down her arms until they rested on her abdomen, right beneath where her arms were holding her bathrobe shut, his hands just beneath hers. She felt cool kisses against her hot skin. Were those fangs she felt? "Yes?" Nick purred against her skin, as his lips began to trail kisses down her neck. "What's happening?" Nat found herself unconsciously curving her neck invitingly towards him. "Something that should have happened a long time ago," was his only response. Nick's head lowered as his fangs headed down towards her neck. The fire crackled and snapped as a log fell in the fireplace, sending up a shower of sparks and embers. Nick glanced in concern, the momentary distraction was all that was necessary for him to take notice of what was happening. The fire settled down and Nick threw back his head in anger, his eyes closed, his heart heavy with guilt. How could he have let things get so out of hand? His fangs ached, his spirit yearned for the taste of her blood. "Such interesting, " Nat said throatily, "techniques you have." She lowered her hands to his and stroked them gently. Her bathrobe started to fall open, but suddenly she didn't care. Unknown to her, a battle raged on within Nick. Nick pulled her tighter against his chest and nuzzled her hair, letting the goodness of her warmth and closeness seep into his suddenly cold body and heart. He held her like that for several long seconds, his eyes closed, each second full of painful agony as he struggled to vanquish his darker half. At last, he felt the vampire fade away. His eyes stopped burning, his fangs retracted and his bloodthirst was suddenly gone. All that was left was the strong echo of Nat's heartbeat in his ears. The heartbeat that he had almost stopped. He inhaled deeply and cursed the beast within him. He needed to make it up to her... to show her, to prove that he could control the vampire, and to show her how much she meant to him. Even if she didn't know how close he had come to losing control. "Nat," he kissed her temple, "I need you to lie down on the sofa," he said and began to pull away from her. Nat opened her mouth to question him. This was all still part of the massage? Was she just imagining that they were almost getting somewhere? "Please? I need to do your lower back and your legs." Nick pleaded. "It will help you feel better, I promise." His voice sounded mysterious, hinting at romance. "If you say so," Nat tried to keep the disappointment from her voice. As Nick stood up beside the couch, Nat carefully shifted her legs to stretch out on the sofa, gently lying on her stomach while still trying to keep her bathrobe from riding up too far above the backs of her legs. It was not an easy task. She settled back down on the cushions, letting her head rest on her forearms. He began with her feet, taking each into his hands, rubbing and massaging the heel, her instep, the tired toes. He gave each deliberate attention, massaging each toe, each curve, the tops and bottoms of her feet. He gently ran a finger down the length of her foot and noticed the jerk reaction that Nat did her best to hide. She was ticklish, he noted. Something to remember for a later time, Nick smiled to himself. And now, it was time for the fun to begin. Nick let his hands begin working up her legs, massaging her ankles and her calf muscles. Her legs were bent slightly as Nick continued treating them, giving him enough room to sit on the sofa. His hands slipped up to her feet again, where he began placing gentle kisses against the soles of her feet. Nat nearly pulled her feet out of his grasp in surprise, but his hold was tight. "Shhhhh," Nick whispered in between kisses, "let me show you what it's like to be loved, Nat," He gently kissed and nibbled each instep causing Nat to inhale quickly in response. He kissed a circle around each ankle and slowly higher, continuing to massage and stroke each inch along the way, releasing the tight muscles, relaxing them into a different type of tension, he suspected, as he heard the increase in her heartbeat, the quickening of her breathing. Nat hugged the pillow she had been resting on a little tighter. Nick's lips were kissing higher and higher up her legs, almost to the backs of her knees. She tried to hold still. "Remember a few months ago, when I said I adored your knee?" Nick kissed the back of each knee, his tongue and lips nibbling lightly at the tender flesh. His attention to this sensitive area sent shivers up her spine. Nat moaned in response. "You also said something about-" his hands began to stroke the backs of her thighs, interrupting her train of thought for a second, "-liking the entire package-" His lips trailed quickly after his hands. "Just the way it is," he finished the statement for her. "And I'm going to show you how much I love you, every part of you." And he continued to do so, whispering soft words of love against her skin, sometimes slipping into French, or Italian, or some other language that sounded romantic but she couldn't identify. Nat pinched herself to see if she was dreaming. It was sweet torture as he massaged and kissed his way up the backs of her legs to where the hem of her bathrobe covered the beginning curves of her rear. She felt his hands trail over her hips to grab the top of the bathrobe and begin to pull it off. Nat began to protest. "Shhhh," Nick whispered, kissing her shoulder, then giving it and her back a few quick reassuring rubs. "Nat, I want to adore every inch of you," he kissed across her shoulders and down her back. Before Nat realized it, he had tugged the bathrobe off, exposing her bare buttocks to the air and his touch. Nat thought about saying something, but the idea was lost as the sensation of his lips kissing down her spine and his hands softly cupping her rear distracted her. Nick kissed the curve of her back and began nibbling lightly at the firm flesh of her butt, making Nat wriggle her hips in response. He paid deliberate attention to her rear, making Nat feel very self-conscious. His hands continued to knead and massage her back and legs. In between kisses, his smooth, now deep, voice continued to murmur endearments, gentle words of love and adoration, making Nat feel like a worshipped goddess. He started kissing up her side as his hands began to lift her gently at the waist to help turn her over. "Nick!" "Hmmmm?" He noticed she was resisting him. "But I'm not done yet," he smiled wickedly, "We have a whole other half yet to do." His fingers seductively caressed the curve of her waist. He was totally enjoying this, had forgotten how wonderful it could be to make love to a woman so thoroughly. And no one deserved it more than his Natalie. Nat looked up at him, her mouth hanging open. This was a dream, wasn't it? Nick leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips. His lips were cool, his tongue running lightly across her upper lip then expertly darting inside her mouth, stirring the passion within her, nearly taking her breath away. He pulled away only to stare deeply into her eyes, still smiling. "Come on, Nat," Nick whispered, "When I agree to do something, I don't do it in halves." He began to gently turn her over. Nat grabbed for her bathrobe then realized in doing so, she exposed her front. She looked up only to discover that it hadn't escaped Nick's notice. He stopped her from laying back down, helping her turn on her side, exposing the rest of her to his curious eyes. "You're beautiful." Nick murmured, his eyes continuing to roam down her chest, taking in the sight of her full, soft breasts then to the dark triangle of curls at the juncture of her thighs, and onward down to her soft, shapely legs. His glance then swept back up to stare dreamy-eyed, his eyes full of love and passion, into her eyes. Nat must have blushed all of the way to her toes, as she felt her body responding to his adoration. Embarrassed at his scrutiny, she reached for her bathrobe in a last ditch effort to modestly cover herself. "No, don't." Nick's voice was more forceful, deep and rich. He stopped her from grabbing the bathrobe and tentatively touched the soft skin of her hip, gently stroking it as if she were made of porcelain. His hand came to rest on her thigh. "But I'm old, Nick," she whispered, "Could use to lose a few pounds..." her hand caressed the soft curve of her stomach, down to the slight swell of her hip. "Nat, you are perfect," Nick took her hand from her hip and raised it to his lips, kissing it gently. His blond head lowered to kiss her again. It was a long, deep kiss, his tongue powerfully parting her lips to explore her mouth, tasting the warm sweetness within. Her tongue tangled with his and Nat found herself responding as if a floodgate had been opened, passion and love for this man flowing forth. She let Nick roll her onto her back as the kiss continued. Her hands tangled in his blond curls as she felt his hands stroke her sides and stomach, then down to caress and massage the tops of her legs. Nat let her hands drift down to his shoulders, feeling the firm strength of his muscles through the silk of his shirt. Nat sighed contentedly to herself, unsure whether to consider this lovemaking or still just part of the massage she had been promised. Her mind began to wonder where they were heading all this, and she realized it was not just her thoughts, but her body as well, as she felt the warm dampness and a gentle throbbing starting to build between her legs. Her body once again cried out for fulfillment. Nick kissed up her legs, letting his massaging hands lead the way up her body, his lips leaving not an inch of her skin untouched. Occasionally he would nibble, teasing her flesh, making her blush as her body involuntarily responded to his attentions. He kissed the tops of her thighs, then each hip, kissing unbearably close to her thatch of hair, then up to match his hands where they continued to stroke closer to her breasts, making her hold her breath in anticipation... ...and exhale it a moment later as she found herself being scooped up into his arms and carried towards her bedroom. Nat looked up at Nick in surprise as he carried her into her bedroom. His face was dark, unreadable, and he was still fully dressed. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he held her and nestled her head against his shoulder, relishing the feel of his muscles against her bare skin, the feel of his silk shirt against her side and breasts. Nick smiled to himself at the warm bundle he held in his arms. She felt so full of life, her eyes full of love, it was so easy to get lost in loving her. And thus far, he had been successful at keeping the vampire at bay. Laying her gently on top of the white comforter, he paused only for a moment to stoke the fire in the bedroom fireplace before joining her on the bed. Settling next to her, he watched the firelight play across her skin, flickering to reflect the dark passion smoldering in her eyes. His breath caught as he simply stared starry-eyed at her. Nat reached up and laid a hand aside his face, her eyes full of longing as she returned his gaze. Nick smiled in return, lowering his mouth to kiss her, a slow, passionate kiss that increased with intensity the longer it progressed. His tongue delved into her mouth to meet hers, together dancing. She pulled Nick down on top of her, delighting in the feel of his full weight pressing down on hers, his body cool against her heated flesh. His denim-clad thigh parted her legs and pressed against her. Against her hip, she felt the hardness of his arousal, letting her know he was just as affected by this as she was. Any doubts she once had about the direction their lovemaking was heading dissipated from her mind. Her hands roaming down his still silk-covered back, she found her thoughts filled instead with wonderings of what it would be like to feel his bare flesh against her, to feel his hardness plunging deep within her. "Nick, I want you," Nat kissed his lips, her fingers weaving through his golden mane. She wrapped her legs around his still jean-clad hips and pulled him tighter against her, rocking her hips against his. "Oh no, not yet," Nick smiled devilishly down at her, "I haven't finished adoring you all over yet." He trailed kisses down her neck, stroked down her sides, and carefully removed her legs from his hips. Nat looked at him, not sure if she should be disappointed or not. That faded quickly as Nick's hands cupped her breasts, holding their firm roundness in his palms, his thumbs tweaking the raised peaks, shooting electrifying sensations throughout her body. An instant later, his lips replaced his hands, and Nat moaned in response as Nick suckled long and hard at each breast, his tongue running circles around each nipple, his teeth lightly nibbling at each hard nub. Long moments passed as he adoringly worshipped each breast, kneading, kissing, and suckling at each for what seemed like hours. Nick was marvelously delighted to discover Nat tasted and as good as she looked. He always loved to watch her before, wondering what curves had been hidden by those hospital scrubs she often wore, but to find out the reality exceeded his expectations was a double blessing. He continued to murmur in French against her skin, telling her over and over again in his native tongue exactly how beautiful she was, not just her body, but every part of her. He had loved her for so long for her mind and her friendship, but now, he could love the rest of her like he had only fantasized about up until now. He smiled as he heard the slight moans of pleasure his deliberate devotions to her breasts were evoking. Slowly, his mouth and hands began to drift lower, his finger tips dancing down her stomach as his mouth sought and found her belly button, pressing her wet cool tongue into the slight depression and swirling small circles within it. It took a minute for Nat to realize his hands had moved lower and his finger tips were weaving through her soft pubic hair before moving to each inner thigh and caressing slowly inwards. Then he stopped as he looked up above her, his eyes twinkling. Nick grabbed a pillow from behind her. Nat looked at him, curious and yet afraid of where he was heading. Nick winked at her. "Every inch, remember?" Gently raising her hips, he placed the pillow beneath them, then lowered her back down, spreading her legs apart, leaving her totally exposed to his view. Nat blushed and protested, trying to close her legs only to be stopped by him kneeling between her legs as he removed his shirt. She watched entranced as the firelight flickered across the light muscles of his chest. She wanted to touch him, but he remained out of her reach. His mouth lowered to nibble on her inner thigh as his fingers began to stroke through her curls. She tried to object again, only to have Nick hold her hips in place with his hand. His fingers traced around her outer lips, slowly, then started probing and investigating further inward, rubbing gently and lightly across the center of her womanhood. His fingertips quickly moistened with her dampness, Nick smiled at the thought of being able to do that to her. His lips kissed her soft belly and started a trail of nibbling kisses down to the top of her mound of curls. Then his fingers parted her soft folds and discovered the hard nub of her desire. Looking up and watching the waves of passion on her face, he carefully rubbed her there, hearing her cry out, feeling her hips buck in response. His lips returned to her skin, kissing down the top of her thigh as his fingers began to thrust slowly and steadily into her hot core taking Nat to a near peak, her hips rocking to match his strokes, until he gently slowed and withdrew his fingers. Nat murmured a cry of frustration, bunching up the comforter with her hands. She looked down at Nick, panting slightly, her eyes wild with want and desire. Where his fingers once tread, now his mouth and tongue followed. Nick kissed up her inner thigh, nibbling at the delicate skin, licking lightly as he eventually came to her mound of curls. Burying his nose within them, he inhaled the sweet, warm scent of her womanhood, nuzzling her gently, the curls tickling his nose. He nuzzled lower, the nibbling continuing as his lips found the outer folds of her labia and his tongue began to lap lightly at the tender skin, sliding up and down each crevasse, following each fold and skirting around the place he knew she wanted touched the most. Nat curled her pelvis up, thrusting it up towards his mouth as he heard her moan in frustration. Slowly, be began savoring the tasty soft skin of her inner folds, his tongue darting dangerously close to her hot, wet core. She was so soft and sweet, he couldn't hold back much longer. He nuzzled her again as his hands stroked and cupped the sensitive skin of the back of her thighs and buttocks. He heard Nat cry out his name, pleading with him. "Patience, my sweet," he whispered in between a tongue lashing. "Nick, please?" She pleaded, her voice raw with emotion. It was then that he let himself savor her fully. His mouth descended upon the entrance to her hot, slick core, his cool tongue diving into her. There, he suckled long and hard, his mouth filling with her warm juices. His probing tongue sought and found her clitoris and lapped at it lightly, feeling Nat quiver in response, her moans growing louder as his strokes grew more demanding. Nat writhed in agony, her hips continuing to pulse as his tongue lashing became more insistent. In and out, in and out, his tongue expertly stroked her hard nub, his mouth continuing to suckle between strokes, until at last, Nat cried out, her back arching as orgasm washed over her. An objective of his mission accomplished, Nick began kissing up her stomach and laid the side of his head on her abdomen for a long moment listening to her heartbeat and breathing as her orgasm subsided. He lifted his head, gently raised her hips and removed the pillow, then returned to begin kissing up between her breasts, caressing her flushed skin along the way. Nat, coming round to her senses again, looked down at him smiling. She was now able to stroke his bare shoulders as he drew within reach, loving the feel of his smooth, cool skin beneath her heated touch. He had a beautiful chest. Sure, she had seen him without his shirt on occasion, but that had only increased her curiosity about how it would feel to touch him like this, in the middle of lovemaking. Her fingers found his nipples and played with them lightly, feeling them harden at her touch. She continued to stroke down his chest, admiring the light muscles and smooth flesh. She wasn't sure, but she thought she heard and felt a quiet growling coming from Nick, but the thought was forgotten as Nick slowly lowered to rest his full weight on her, his bare chest making contact with hers, making her body all too aware on their intimate closeness and where they were heading. Nick tried to remain focused on continuing to love her from head to foot, but it was growing more difficult with the feel of her warm, soft hands touching him. His jeans were becoming increasingly tighter, and he felt his control waver. He slipped between her arms and began paying generous attention to her collarbone and the front of her shoulders, taking great interest in the delicate curve of her neck. "I want you, Nick," she whispered, "I want all of you, inside me, filling me." She pressed her hips up against him, feeling the rough denim and the hardness of his arousal against her. "Nat," Nick protested, "I can't do that, I can't risk hurting you." It was much easier loving her and bringing her pleasure. He could almost control the vampire that way, but the thought of losing himself entirely within her terrified him. He knew he couldn't stop himself from taking her fully if he did so. "To hell with that, Nick," Nat replied, anger flashing in her eyes. "Besides, you did say 'every inch', did you not?" She wanted him deep inside her, more than anything she ever wanted in the world. She wanted to be part of him, to share in the one way she had only dreamed about up until now. She grabbed his face and made him look her in the eyes, letting him see the desire, longing and love there. Perhaps it would be different with Nat, Nick reasoned as his breath caught at the passion he saw in her eyes. Perhaps it would be possible with the one he really loved, and had loved for years now, longer than any other mortal woman he had known. His world had changed the night she had come into his life, and it had never been the same. With her, he wanted more than anything in the world to become mortal, and for her sake, he would do all within his power to love her fully and keep the vampire from ruining it for them both. "That I did," he answered. Intrigued and strengthened by her fortitude and bravery, Nick kissed her fully on the mouth and lowered himself on top of her again, letting her warmth seep into his cold body and heart. Nat's arms wrapped around him to pull him even tighter, her hands stroking his back and down to his waist. Her knees pressed against his hips, pulling them and his arousal against her. Nick felt the vampire surging within him, but this time, he didn't fight it back, letting it rise up, but not letting it take over. He felt his fangs drop, his eyes burning as they turned to gold, but he didn't let it stop him from continuing to kiss her thoroughly as his hands reached for the snap of his jeans. Nat's hands found his and together, they undid the flap of his jeans and began pulling them down over his hips. Nick kissed her briefly and stood up for a moment, pulling the jeans the rest of the way off, leaving him totally nude, his manhood full and thick as it became free from the binding pants. Nat swallowed hard as her mind began to imagine what it would be like to feel it plunging deep within her. The throbbing between her legs increased. It was then she noticed Nick's face. His eyes were golden, his fangs bared as the vampire remained aroused within him. Her heart trembled in fear for a moment. Nick saw the look of panic cross her face and quickly rejoined her on the bed, laying down beside her. "Shhhh, Nat, " he whispered, showering her face with kisses, being careful not to touch her with his fangs, "Don't be afraid." He ran his hands up her sides, stroking, coaxing her, letting her know and feel that the vampire was not in control. "I'm not afraid," Nat replied, looking up at him with a strength of spirit and love that astounded him, "Not with you." She cupped his face and pulled him down into a warm, sweet kiss. The kiss grew as her tongue met his and then slipped into his mouth where she began to expertly traced each fang, worshiping each with her tongue. Now it was Nick's turn to moan, feeling her delectable tongue in his mouth and stroking his very sensitive fangs was one of the most erotic feelings he had ever felt. His body nearly exploded with ecstasy. Nat had somehow known that his fangs were nearly as sensitive as his other aroused member. She continued to rub each fang with the tip of her tongue, letting the sharp points occasionally prick her tongue, sending waves of pleasure through him. It took him several moments to focus on returning the pleasure. Pressing his bare leg against her dampness, he ran his finger down her belly, through her curls to the center of her, feeling her wet slit with his finger. She was ready. Both of them were ready. Slowly, he guided his tip to her entrance and entered her. Her hips rose up to meet him, and they came together as if sealing a promise made long ago. Nat moaned deeply beneath him, almost losing contact with his mouth. His fangs continued to itch with desire. It took all his concentration to focus on continuing to kiss her, his mouth finding hers again as he felt her body adjust to cradle him in her deep warmth. It was then that he began to slowly withdraw from her only to thrust deep within her again, sending their senses reeling. Nat's body was tingling with sensation, a sense of completeness beyond anything she had ever imagined filled her. Slowly, they began moving together, her hips rising to match his thrusts as they journeyed towards that peak of fulfillment. He continued to kiss her deeply, his fangs grazing her lips and tongue. She heard a hushed growl coming from him, making her realize how close he was to losing control of the beast that raged within him. Her resolve strengthened and she wrapped her arms tightly around his shoulders, pulling his head and mouth harder against hers. Her tongue once again sought out his fangs and caressed them again, making Nick groan in response against her mouth. Their pace quickened, taking them higher and higher, rocking them both with sensations as the pleasure grew. A scant second later, Nick plunged deep within her again and orgasm began to wash over her, her body exploding with light and sensation. Nat cried out, the world around her shattering into shards of brilliant light and colors for what seemed like eternity. Nick felt Nat's body rocking with orgasm beneath him and felt his own body reach the summit right along with her, his body exploding with sensations, his heart thudding quickly, the vampire keening for fulfillment within him. As he felt wave after wave of pleasure wrack his body, his fangs involuntarily found the pulsing vein at Nat's neck and slipped into it, his mouth greedily sucking and filling with her hot, coursing blood, answering the call of the vampire within him. In her blood, he tasted her intense pleasure as the orgasm continued to rock then slowly ebb within her. The beginnings of her thoughts, filled with passion and love, began to assault his mind. The taste of the first human blood he had had in a long time teased his senses, overloading the already overwhelming tidal wave of emotions and thoughts that their lovemaking had wrought. And then he felt and heard Nat gasp with pleasure as her thoughts met his through their unique link. Her love for him awashed over him anew, touching his thoughts, and his heart. His desire for her blood quietly faded, his heart cleansed by her goodness and love. He brought the bite to an end, amazed at how easy it was to stop, and kissed the wound at her neck shut. Her hearbeat continued to pound strongly in his ears, letting him know she was ok. He rolled to the side and swept her into his arms, and listened as her breathing slowed into a more even rate as she fell asleep in his arms. * * * * * "Nat?" Nick stroked down her back, cupping her rear and adjusting her tighter against him as she laid in his arms, both of them still simmering in the afterglow of their lovemaking. He had heard her breathing change as she awoke, smiling at her soft murmurs of contentment as she hugged him back. "Mmmmmmm?" Nat's whole body still tingled with pleasure and she was sure she never felt more comfortable in her life than she was right now in Nick's arms. Her thoughts were filled not only by the memories of their lovemaking, but also by the beautiful thoughts and feelings she had sensed from Nick when he bit her. She would never again doubt the depths of his feelings for her. The bond had revealed more to her then words could ever say. Shifting slightly, she looked up at him and laid a loving hand against his cheek, marveling at the feel of his day's growth of beard against her palm. "Shoulder feel better?" Nick teased, taking her hand and nibbling on her fingertips. "Mmmmm, that was some massage." Nat replied, and kissed his chest. She pulled her hand from his grasp and traced a slow line over his lips and jaw, down his neck to his chest where she watched the play of his muscles reacting to her touch. "Care to demonstrate those techniques again?" Her voice was husky with passion. "I think it could be arranged." Nick nuzzled her hair, "Besides, I think I missed a few parts." His hand squeezed her rear again then slowly began caressing up her waist towards her breast. Of course, he'd have to do a thorough job to make sure he didn't miss a inch this time, a job that could take years to complete. He could handle that. The End