From: Rosebud <rosebud@g...>

Date: Tue Mar 16, 1999 10:43 am

Subject: Three Parts Dead Part

WARNINGS: This is an adult N&N story. It contains a brutual rape and homosexual activity. If such things disturb you, please do not read this.

DISCLAIMERS: Nick, Natalie and the gang and Forever Knight were created by James D. Parriott and Barney Cohen and are owned by Columbia/TriStar. No copyright infringement is intended. This story is copyrighted by me. Erina, Josh, Stephen and Roy are my creations and may not be used without my express written permission.

ARCHIVING: I give permission for this story to be archived at the N&NPack Adult Fiction Website and my website only.

NOTES: The name "Stephen" is pronounced "Stefan", not "Steven".

All comments welcome at: Rosebud@g...

THREE PARTS DEAD PART

By: Jeri E. Friedman Copyright (c) March 1999

"To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead." - MARRIAGE AND MORALS (1929) Chapter 5 By: Bertrand Russell

A new coroner had joined the staff. Dr. Roy Noland had moved from Winnipeg to take the higher-paying job in Toronto. He found his new colleagues to be friendly and helpful. In particular, he liked Dr. Natalie Lambert with whom he shared the night shift. She was teaching him the ins and outs of the department.

It was a fairly slow Monday night. They had just finished an autopsy. "Now for the fun part, Roy. Paper work." She smiled and he chuckled. "This is the form you use for sending samples to the lab."

He took the form she pulled from the second drawer down in the filing cabinet. Looking it over, he said, "I'll go ahead and fill this out."

"Okay. If you get stuck on anything, just ask."

"Sure will." He smiled and sat down at the extra desk that had been brought in for him while he trained.

Natalie loved the way Roy took the initiative. He was bright, charming, and a quick study. <He's incredibly handsome, too,> she thought as she watched him out of the corner of her eye.

Noland was 6' 2", 200 lbs., with a well-toned body, straight reddish-brown hair and mustache, and emerald-green eyes. In addition, he was 35 years old and single. She couldn't believe some woman hadn't already snapped him up.

"I've finished this, Natalie. I'll just run it and the samples down to the lab. Uh, third floor, right?"

She nodded. "You got it! Thanks."

"No problem. I'll be back soon."

Natalie watched as he walked out. Yes, she was definitely attracted to him. A smile tugged at her lips. He seemed interested in her, too. She went back to working on her report.

After a couple of minutes, her thoughts drifted to Nick. She knew he loved her, but he refused to commit to her or make love due to the vampire. Several times she had tried to seduce him, but he always panicked and ran. Frankly, she was sick of it and thoroughly frustrated. She wanted someone who would love her back. She wanted it to be Nick ...

Suddenly, the door swung open interrupting her thoughts.

"Hi, Nat."

"Hi, Natalie."

"Hi, Nick. Tracy. What can I do for you?"

"We need the report on the Wilson case," Tracy said.

"I have it right here." She shuffled through a few folders, then handed her one.

"Thanks."

"Uh, Nick ... are you up for some videos tonight? We're both off." Natalie was hopeful. The last video night had been a disaster. She had come on to him. He had gotten so aroused, he had vamped out and nearly bitten her. Upon realizing what he'd been about to do, Nick had panicked, rushed to the refrigerator, downed three bottles of blood and threw her out. She had called him later that night, but he was still badly shaken and didn't say much other than he was sorry. They hadn't spoken since.

"Well, uh ... all right, I guess. Come over at sunset."

Tracy noticed how nervous and uncomfortable they both were. She felt like an intruder. "I'm going to go wait in the car and read over the report."

With his partner gone, Natalie felt free to speak. "Nick, I'm sorry I frightened you so badly last time, but I'm tired of the way things are going. I've told you over and over that I don't care if you bite me." She threw up her hands in frustration.

"Natalie, I'm afraid ... afraid of killing you. Can't you understand that?"

"Nick, I do not for one minute believe that you would kill me. I believe you can control yourself. And if it came down to it, and the only alternative was death, then I'd want you to bring me across." Her expression was hard.

His eyes grew sad. In a soft voice, he told her, "You know how I feel about that."

"And you know how I feel! You have to decide, Nick. I can't stand being in limbo like this. Either we go forward or we go our separate ways. It's up to you." Natalie crossed her arms in firm resolve. Maybe the ultimatum would force him to give up his stance.

"Can we talk about this tonight? Tracy's waiting for me, and I know you have a lot of work."

"Sure," Natalie relented, "I'll see you tonight."

Nick walked around her desk, leaned down, kissed her on the cheek and left.

She sighed. "This can't go on much longer." She turned back to her report just as Roy returned. "Find it okay?"

"Yes. Sorry I took so long. I was introducing myself to everyone."

"Oh, no problem. I'm glad you got the chance. They're a great bunch down there."

"Yeah, they are." He looked at his watch. "It's half an hour before break. Uh, if it's not too presumptuous of me, may I take you to dinner? I noticed an all-night diner not far from here on my way in."

Natalie grinned. "I'd love that. Thank you."

***

At the restaurant, Roy and Natalie ordered their meals and began to talk.

"So, what brought you to Toronto?"

"My wife died five years ago of cancer. We never had any children, so there was nothing to keep me there. I figured a change of scenery would be nice, and the salary was more than I was making in Winnipeg."

"I'm sorry about your wife."

"Thank you. So, what about you? Umm, I'm surprised you're not married." He smiled at her appreciatively.

Natalie blushed. "Well, while in school, I really didn't have much time to date."

"Yeah. Tell me about it!" He chuckled.

"Exactly. And now the night shift isn't exactly conducive to an active social life. I also find that most men are intimidated by an intelligent woman plus being a coroner doesn't exactly make for exciting dinner conversation." She looked down at her plate.

"Natalie ... I'm not intimidated. In fact, I find you quite fascinating - and beautiful," he said shyly.

She blushed deeply. "Thank you."

"Please ... don't be embarrassed. I didn't mean to embarrass you." He took her hand and she looked into his eyes.

"Roy, to be perfectly honest, I find you quite fascinating, too." She squeezed his hand. He smiled.

They continued talking as they ate and discovered they had many common interests. When they walked out to the car, Roy paused before opening Natalie's door. He took her in his arms and kissed her on the lips. It was totally unexpected but her body responded quickly.

She put her arms around him and kissed him back, lingering there, tracing his lips with her tongue. He parted them and their kiss deepened.

Roy pulled back. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" Her brow creased.

"For being so forward. I ... I'm not normally like this, but you ... you're just so wonderful."

"Thank you. I had a really great time talking with you. I'm not usually this forward either, but I'm really enjoying your company."

"Would you like to go out with me sometime for dinner and dancing?" He held his breath.

Natalie beamed. "I'd love to. Let's check our schedules when we get back."

"Great." He grinned broadly.

***

The rest of the night was unremarkable. They had checked their schedules and found they both had off Thursday night. Roy let Natalie suggest the restaurant since he wasn't familiar enough with them to know which to choose. He told her he'd make a six o'clock reservation. Before they knew it, their shift was over.

***

Natalie awoke around four o'clock. She showered, dressed and made herself some dinner. As she sat eating, she began to talk to Sydney who looked up at her. "You know, Syd, I really like Roy. He's handsome. He likes me. And he's not afraid to show it. Syd, why can't Nick be like Roy?"

The big grey and white cat swished his tail and meowed plaintively.

"I feel funny making a date with Roy. I feel like I'm cheating on Nick. I don't know why. He's never made any commitment to me. We've never made love. Heck, he's never even said 'I love you.' Why shouldn't I go out with Roy? Maybe I'll have a chance for a real life with him. I could wind up waiting the rest of my life for Nick and wind up with nothing." She rose, washed her dish, then sat on the couch.

Sydney jumped up onto her lap, rubbed his head against her arm and began to purr. "I know I can count on you, Loverboy," she chuckled. The cat meowed loudly.

"Syd, I'm going to talk to Nick and tell him how I feel. I just can't go on like this any more."

***

Nick knew Natalie was upset with him. He was so afraid of killing her, he refrained from expressing his love. He was upset by the ultimatum she had given him that morning. It seemed the chances of losing her were great. He couldn't bear the thought of that.

With her arrival imminent, he was nearly finished with his preparations. He'd bought her favorite ice cream and soda, microwave popcorn, a dozen long-stemmed red roses, and rented several romantic videos. He'd also fed heavily.

Nick was pouring the freshly popped corn into a bowl when he heard the lift motor engage. He recognized Natalie's heartbeat. Grabbing the roses, he stood by the door.

Natalie entered to find a grinning Nick holding a gorgeous bouquet. He held them out. "For you."

"Thank you!" She smiled, took them and inhaled deeply. Their scent was heavenly.

"Please. Come in. Let me take your coat." After hanging it up, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the lips.

<Maybe what I said got through to him,> she thought.

They sat on the couch. On the coffee table was a huge bowl of popcorn, a glass of soda with ice, and a glass and bottle of cow's blood.

Nick, I really think we should talk." Her expression was serious.

"All right. There's something I want to tell you."

"Go ahead."

"Natalie, I love you very much. I want to make that very clear to you. But I also want you to understand how afraid I am of hurting you. Remember when we all saw those ghosts or whatever they were?"

"Yes." She was stunned he admitted his feelings.

"Remember I told you the ghost I saw was my wife Alyssa?" His expression turned sad.

"Yes, I remember."

"What I didn't tell you, Nat, was that on our wedding night, I wanted to bring her across but wound up killing her. I loved her deeply, Nat. You can't imagine how I felt - knowing what I'd done. Now do you understand why I'm so afraid?" Tears welled up in his eyes.

"Oh God Nick! I'm so sorry." She threw her arms around him and stroked his hair. She couldn't begin to imagine the grief he must have felt and obviously still did.

After a moment, he pulled away just enough to look into her eyes. "Nat, Alyssa was the first person I had ever tried to bring across. I drained her. I wasn't able to stop in time. Lacroix said it took practice. Eventually, I did learn." He paused and took a deep breath as a single blood tear coursed down his cheek. She wiped it away.

"You were fine with Richie, so you do have control. Nick, you can do it!" She smiled.

He took her hand. "Nat, there's a big difference between stopping before completely draining someone and only taking a few mouthfuls of blood.

"When I bring someone across, my belly is full. The vampire is satisfied. But when it's only partially fed, it wants more ... and it will take what it wants." His eyes drifted to gold for emphasis.

"So, you're telling me there's no way we can ever be together unless you bring me across. And you've made it extremely clear that you will never do that. So where does that leave us, Nick? You say you love me. I believe you. I love you, too, but I want a relationship." She stood, walked to the window and stared out.

Nick went to her, encircled her waist with his arms and laid his chin on her shoulder. "Natalie, I've been talking to Lacroix. It may be possible for me to gain more control if I go back to drinking human blood - but that's the only way. I know how you feel about that."

She turned in his arms. "There has to be another way, Nick."

"I -" The phone interrupted him. "Damn! Excuse me. This may be the call I'm waiting for on one of my cases. I'm sorry."

Natalie nodded and he went to answer it. "Hello?"

"Hi, Nick. It's Captain Reese. I'm sorry to bother you on your day off but I just got word from Vancouver P.D. They need you out there."

"Hi, Cap. That's okay. So I leave tomorrow?"

"No. I'm afraid you'll have to leave tonight. I've got you booked on a red-eye that leaves at midnight. That'll give you six hours to get ready and get to the airport. Your ticket will be at the ticket counter. It's Air Canada Flight 716."

"But Cap, I'm, uh, busy tonight. Can't the flight be changed?"

"Sorry, Nick. No can do. You'll be there for two weeks, so be sure to pack enough clothes. Check into a hotel and bill it to the department. Vancouver P.D. will pick you up and provide a car."

"Okay, Cap. I'll be there." He returned to Natalie's side.

"I'm sorry, but I have to leave for Vancouver tonight on a midnight flight. This is the break we've been waiting for, Nat. I'll be gone for two weeks. We'll try to figure something out when I get back, okay?"

She saw despair in his eyes. Having to leave wasn't his fault. She put her arms around him. "Okay. I'll drive you to the airport."

"Thanks. Come up while I pack?"

"Sure."

They went upstairs to the bedroom. Natalie watched as Nick pulled a large suitcase from his closet, set it on the bed and opened it. He then went to his dresser and pulled out the underclothes and pajamas he would need. From his closet, he chose shirts, slacks, and an extra pair of shoes. He packed them all into the suitcase, closed it and set it on the floor. Neither had spoken a word.

Sitting on the bed, he patted the spot next to him. Natalie sat down. "I'm going to miss you, Nat."

"I'll miss you, too."

"I'll call." He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the lips. She kept her mouth closed, so Nick ran his tongue across them. Pulling back, she stared questioningly.

"Please?" he pleaded.

Without a word, she leaned in and gave him an open-mouthed kiss. He caressed her tongue with his own and explored every inch of her mouth.

His hands caressed her back as he continued kissing her. Gently, he pushed her down on the bed. She broke the kiss. "Nick, I don't think this is a very good ..."

"Shhhhh ..." he interrupted, kissed her again and moved on top of her. "I love you."

He kissed her mouth again, then lightly kissed his way across her cheek to her ear. He nibbled, licked and sucked on her earlobe. He heard her sharp intake of breath.

Nick sat up, straddling her. He lightly ran his hands down her chest, lifted the bottom of her sweater and slid his hands underneath.

Natalie gasped when he kneaded her breasts. It felt so good. She couldn't believe this was happening and wondered how far it would go.

"Sit up," he whispered. When she did, he pulled her sweater off and removed her bra. "You are gorgeous!" He smiled appreciatively at her firm, well-rounded breasts. Her pink nipples slowly hardened in the cool air as he watched in fascination.

Gently, he pushed her back down onto the bed. Sliding down a bit, he kissed and nibbled around each breast as Natalie moaned and squirmed beneath him, then cried out when he drew her left nipple into his mouth. He swirled his tongue around her areola, gently bit it and began suckling.

The sensations raced through Natalie's body from her breast to her clitoris. He really knew how to arouse her.

She wrapped her arms around him and rubbed his back. As he shifted his position to reach her other breast, she discovered that he had become erect. His penis was pressing into her leg. She moved against him. He gasped and moaned loudly.

"Nat ... no. Please ... don't."

She cupped his head in her hands and lifted his face to hers. His eyes had gone gold. "Why?"

"I want to please you, Nat, but if you do that, I'll lose what little control I have."

She stroked his cheek. "But I need to touch you. I need to make love to you, too. I want you."

"I know, Nat. I know." Blood tears welled up in his eyes. "I'm sorry, but I just can't."

She sighed deeply and ran her fingers through his silky hair. "I think we better stop."

"Are you sure? I don't want to stop. I'm still in control." His eyes were pleading.

"Yes, but for how long? And what happens if I forget myself and fondle you? A repeat of the other night? I'm sorry, Nick, but I don't want to risk that." There was a sadness in her eyes.

"You're right. I'm sorry for trying." He got up, went into the bathroom and closed the door. She heard the click of the lock. Nick had never done that before.

Natalie was about to call out to him when she heard the shower. She decided to wait for him to come out. As she was putting her clothes back on, she heard a deep growl then a brief roar over the sound of the water. She felt bad that Nick had had to resort to masturbation, but she knew he would never have allowed her to touch him.

A few minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. "Umm ... sorry." He gestured at the towel. "I need to get some clothes."

"It's okay." She watched as he rummaged through his dresser. "Nick, I'm sorry."

He turned. "For what?"

"For ruining what you were doing for me - and for what you just had to do in there." She cocked her head toward the bathroom.

He looked down. "You heard that? I didn't mean for you to hear me."

"Don't be embarrassed ... please. I know you were extremely aroused. I only wish I could have done it for you." She gave him a half-smile.

"Yeah, I know. Look, why don't you go downstairs and pop in a video. Let me get dressed, and I'll be down in just a minute."

"Okay."

Nick came downstairs to find Natalie watching "Titanic." He went over and picked up the phone. Sitting down near her, he dialed and listened as the phone rang. It was picked up on the third ring.

"Hello?"

"Stephen. Hi, it's Nick. How are you?"

"Why Nicholas, you old son of a gun! It's been a long time. I'm fine. How are you?"

Doing well. Listen, I'm flying into Vancouver tonight on police business. I'll be in town for two weeks. You up for company?"

"Why sure! I'd love to see you. I have a large guest room. You'll be quite comfortable. What time does your flight arrive?"

"I'll be in at two, your time. Vancouver P.D. is providing my transportation from the airport. Do you mind?"

"No, not at all. That's fine. Have them bring you right to the door."

"All right, then. I'll see you soon. Bye."

"I look forward to it. Goodbye."

He saw Natalie glance at him as he hung up. "Stephen is an old friend of mine. I'll be staying with him. We'll get a chance to catch up, and the department will save a lot of money. Call my cell phone if you need to reach me."

"Okay. I take it Stephen is a vampire?"

"Yes. He's a lot like me. We used to commiserate about our masters until his was staked and burned by some villagers who learned what he was." He smiled, remembering. "We traveled together after that for about fifty years."

Nick settled into watching the movie with Natalie. When he first saw the interior of the ship, he remarked, "James Cameron did an incredible job with the sets. It looks just as I remember it."

She was puzzled for a second. "Oh, that's right. You were on board."

A few minutes later, he hesitantly moved a little closer to her and waited for a reaction. She looked over and saw fear mixed with hope in his eyes. <Oh what the hell?> she thought. <He's going to be gone for two weeks.> "It's okay, Nick. You can sit next to me." She smiled.

He smiled back with great warmth, then carefully, tentatively cuddled up to her. <This is where you belong, Nat - in my arms. I swear I will find some way to be with you.> He kissed her cheek.

When Leonardo DiCaprio's character "Jack" died, Natalie began crying. She clung to Nick, sobbing loudly. He wrapped his arms around her, stroking her hair and kissing her. Eventually, his lips found hers, and he kissed her with all the love in his soul.

She pulled back, surprised. "I'm sorry," he said quickly.

"Don't be." She kissed him again. As she slid her tongue into his mouth, she reached down and fondled his crotch. Instantly, Nick became erect. He pulled back from her kiss, eyes wide but still blue. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist." She tried to stifle a giggle.

"It's okay. I know exactly what you mean." He reached up and fondled her breast, then kissed her again. "Nat, I promise you ... when I get back, one way or another, we're going to be together. I *am* going to make love to you."

She gazed into determined blue eyes. Her only reply was a smile.

***

At the airport, Nick and Natalie walked up to the Air Canada counter. He got his ticket and checked his bag. They walked over to the gate. It was already time for him to board. With his police I.D., he hadn't had to arrive early.

They embraced and kissed, said their goodbyes, and he boarded the plane. Nick missed her already.

***

Thursday night, Natalie put on a stylish dress, low heels, and a bit of jewelry. She and Roy were going to dinner at a nice, moderately-priced restaurant and then dancing at one of the local clubs. She was eagerly looking forward to it.

He picked her up at 5:35, and they arrived right on time for their six o'clock reservation. After they were seated, the waiter asked if they would care for a drink. They decided on a bottle of wine.

Taking a sip from her glass, she watched Roy sip his. <It's so nice to go out to dinner with someone who can actually eat!> She smiled broadly.

He noticed. "What is it?"

"Oh, nothing really. I was just thinking how nice this is and how rarely I do it." She smiled again.

"That makes two of us. After, Cindy, my wife died, I didn't feel much like going out. Our friends drifted away since they were all married, and I was single." His eyes showed a brief sadness.

"I'm sorry. Did you date at all?" Natalie found that the more she learned about Roy, the more attractive she found him.

"Yeah, I dated a few women but there just wasn't any spark. Besides, they were rather squeamish when they found out what I did for a living." They both laughed.

"Yes, that can be a real problem as I know only too well."

They finished their meal and went dancing at a local club. Roy was quite accomplished. It was one in the morning when he walked her to the door.

"I had a wonderful time tonight, Roy. Thank you for asking me out." She unlocked her door then turned back to him.

"So did I, Natalie. I especially enjoyed the company." He leaned in and kissed her on the lips. As he pulled back, she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him. Roy reciprocated and their kiss became passionate.

When they parted, she pointed to the door. "Uh, would you like to come in for some coffee?"

"I'd love to."

They walked in and she turned on the light. A flash of grey and white flew across the living room and wound itself around Roy's legs with a loud meow.

He looked down. "Well, hello there. What's your name?" He bent down to scratch the cat behind the ears.

"That ball of fur is Sydney."

"Hello, Sydney."

"Mee-ow," he replied.

"Please," Natalie said, "make yourself comfortable while I get the coffee going. And Syd, behave yourself. Don't be scaring away the company."

Roy laughed as he sat on the couch. "Don't worry. I'm not going anyplace. Besides, I love cats." Sydney hopped onto his lap and made himself comfortable. "It would appear he's already figured that out." He chuckled.

When the coffee was ready, she brought two mugs into the living room. "Okay, Syd. Time to clear out." The big cat flicked his tail and took off for the kitchen.

Roy laughed. "So, you have him trained?"

"Here you go." She handed him a mug. "No, not really. He pretty much does as he pleases. Just once in a while he does as I ask. I guess so I won't feel like I'm not loved." He smiled. Natalie sat next to him.

They talked more as they drank their coffee. He put his empty mug down and turned. "Natalie, I really like you. You're beautiful, intelligent and an awful lot of fun."

She blushed. "I really like you, too." Reaching out, she stroked his cheek.

He pulled her toward him in a strong embrace and they kissed. Natalie ran her fingers through his hair as he caressed her back. Roy explored every inch of her mouth with his tongue as she explored his. They both were becoming aroused.

He put his hand on her thigh and slid it under her dress. "Mmmmmm ..." she purred.

Natalie ran her hand over his chest. Finding his nipples through the fabric, she rubbed them until they hardened. "Ohhhh, Nat ..."

He slid his hand around to the front of her dress and gently squeezed her breast. She gasped and pulled away. "Natalie, I'm sorry! I shouldn't have."

"Don't apologize, Silly." Laughing, she ruffled his hair. "You didn't do anything wrong. You just surprised me. It felt wonderful."

"I ... I don't want you to get the wrong idea. I don't want to ... to offend you." He looked down.

"Everything's fine. Why don't you spend the night? I'd really like it if you did. If you're comfortable with that, of course." She held her hand out to him.

"I'd really like that." Roy smiled as she pulled him to his feet and led him into the bedroom.

They stood facing each other, somewhat nervous. Natalie made the first move. She began unbuttoning his shirt.

When it fluttered to the floor, she placed her palms on his shoulders and slowly ran them down his chest. She observed that he was well-built but not overly muscular. Short reddish hair surrounded his nipples, covered the center of his chest and ran in a thin line down his belly, disappearing into his pants.

Roy's nipples hardened when her hands passed over them and he moaned softly with pleasure.

Her hands stopped at his waistband but her eyes continued downward to discover a growing bulge in his pants. <Not as large as Nick,> she noted. <Damn! Where did that come from?>

Hesitantly, she reached out and gently ran the tips of her fingers over it. Roy shuddered visibly. "Ohhhh, Natalie ... I really want you," he breathed.

"I want you, too." She moved closer and twined her arms around his neck. As she kissed him, he reached behind her and unzipped her dress. Both kicked off their shoes.

Natalie pulled away slowly, allowing him to push her dress off her shoulders and down over her hips. It slid to the floor and she stepped out of it. After removing her stockings, she stood before him wearing only a bra and underwear.

He took her hands in his, brought them to his lips and kissed them, then placed them on the waistband of his pants. "Please?"

Natalie smiled. "Yes." She unbuttoned his pants and slowly lowered the zipper, exposing white briefs. She pushed the pants down and Roy stepped out of them.

He was fully erect now, the white cotton clinging tightly to his penis, boldly outlining the glans.

Smiling her approval, she gently grasped his erection and fondled him. "You feel good," she murmured.

His knees buckled slightly and he groaned loudly. He grabbed her shoulders, then pushed her bra straps down. Reaching behind her, he undid the hook. The bra dropped to the floor.

"God, you're beautiful!"

Natalie blushed but smiled. "Thank you."

Anxious to see him nude, she hooked her fingers in the waistband of his briefs and carefully pulled them down. She wasn't disappointed.

Roy's erect penis stood out from his body with a slight downward curve. The circumcised head was large, smooth and deep purple in color. Coarse, curly reddish-brown hair surrounded the base of his penis and lightly covered his scrotum.

"You are extremely handsome," she whispered.

He kissed her quickly on the lips, then pulled her underwear down. Without a word, he smiled then pulled her close. His penis was trapped between them. He kissed her with immense passion and she rubbed her belly against his erection.

Roy backed her toward the bed. They sat. He quickly grabbed his pants and pulled a condom out of his pocket. He put it on and gently pushed her down on the bed. Eagerly, they caressed each other's body.

Moaning and writhing in a wash of sensation, Natalie felt him lick and suck on her breasts. She found his erection and began stroking him.

Their passion rapidly building, he slid his hand between her legs and gently penetrated her vagina with a finger. She was dripping wet.

Gasping at the penetration, she began thrusting against his hand and groaned in disappointment when he withdrew.

"Shhh," he soothed as he moved on top of her. They kissed. Roy's erection slipped between her legs and rubbed against her clitoris. She jumped at the shock generated by the contact. It was exquisitely pleasurable.

Natalie tried to shift her position beneath him in an effort to achieve penetration. Understanding, he shifted his own body until the head of his penis rested just outside her vagina. She felt its presence and thrust at it.

Roy pushed forward until he was deep within, filling her completely. She had cried out at the first probing of his glans and sighed in contentment once he stopped moving.

He attacked her mouth with a raw, fierce passion which she met kiss for kiss. Grasping Roy's buttocks, she pulled him closer. He shivered and began thrusting.

Pants, groans, grunts and moans rose from the bed as Roy's actions became more frantic. Suddenly, Natalie's body tensed and she let out a deep-throated cry as her orgasm exploded through all her senses.

At the moment her vaginal muscles contracted around him, Roy felt his penis twitch. He thrust hard and deep as he began to ejaculate. He let loose a loud groan ending in a cry. Three more fast, hard thrusts, then he collapsed on her.

Natalie wrapped her arms and legs around him, not wanting him to move. Drowsy, she idly rubbed his back while murmuring how good he felt inside her. She felt him kissing her shoulder and neck.

After a couple minutes, he raised his head. "Am I crushing you?"

"No. I like you right where you are."

"All right. Whatever you wish." Roy nuzzled her cheek and tenderly kissed her lips. "Natalie, that was incredible. I hope I pleased you. I really want to see you again."

"Oh, you most definitely did! This entire night has been fantastic."

He lay on top a few more minutes until his penis softened. Pulling out, he removed the condom and wrapped it in some tissues he found on the night table, then moved over to cuddle by her side.

They were dozing off in each other's arms when the phone rang. Natalie gazed at the bedside clock. It was two-thirty in the morning. "Hello?" she said, in a sleepy voice.

"Hi, Nat. It's Nick."

"Hi, Nick. What are you doing calling at this hour?"

"Huh? Oh, damn! I forgot about the time difference. I woke you, didn't I? I'm sorry, Nat."

"Oh, it's okay. Don't worry."

"You really sound tired. Well, I missed you and just wanted to call to say hello and tell you I love you."

"Mmmm ... me, too."

"Look, why don't I let you get back to sleep and I'll call again when you're at work."

"Okay. G'bye."

"Bye, Nat. I love you."

"Uh ... me, too."

She hung up and cuddled close to Roy. He pulled back. "Natalie, who's Nick?"

"He's a detective friend of mine. Remember you met him last week? The blond?"

"Oh, yeah. Why did he call so late?"

"He's in Vancouver on special assignment and forgot about the three hour time difference."

"Is there something going on between you two?

"At one time I thought there was, but he's not able to commit. I'm tired of that. I want more. Roy, let's not talk about him now, okay?"

"Okay."

They cuddled up and fell asleep in each other's arms.

***

Nick stood staring at the receiver in his hand.

"What is it, Nicholas?" Stephen asked.

"I don't know. She sounded odd to me and she didn't tell me she loves me. It was almost as if she wasn't alone. I thought I detected a second heartbeat - in the background." He shook his head. "It must have been Sydney, her cat." He hung up the phone. "I'm just imagining things. After all, I did wake her up. I forgot about the time difference."

"I'm sure that's all it is, Dear Brother." Stephen smiled. "So, you're really in love with this mortal woman?"

"Oh, yes!" Nick's eyes sparkled and danced with excitement. "I love her more than any woman I've ever known - even Alyssa."

Stephen's eyebrows rose. He remembered Alyssa well and how Nick had courted her despite all the warnings from Lacroix. He had been a man obsessed ... a man desperately in love.

Having met ten years prior to that in France, Stephen and Nick had become fast friends. They had traveled together for the next fifty years. Lacroix had liked him and allowed him to join them. Stephen knew all about Nick's quest to regain his mortality. In fact, he was the only other vampire who supported his decision and had tried to help him whenever he could.

Having been a homosexual in his mortal life, Stephen carried this preference over into unlife. He had fallen in love with Nick when they had first met, but Nick had not been inclined to return his affections. However, he did one time share a bed and blood with Stephen - an act that bonded them as eternal friends and brothers.

"And how did you meet Natalie?"

"Well, it's a rather amazing story. I had gone into a variety store and a man with a pipe bomb entered to rob the place ..." He proceeded to tell the entire story and showed him the photo of her that he carried in his wallet. Stephen remarked on her beauty.

As Nick began to describe Natalie ... her utter lack of fear of him, his attraction to her and how he eventually fell in love with her ... he became uncomfortably erect.

"That's quite a story, Nicholas. And yes, I can see just how very much you do love your precious Natalie." He lightly patted the straining bulge.

"Stephen!" His legs buckled slightly.

"Come. Sit down." He led Nick to the couch. "So, now I understand your dilemma. You won't make love to her because you're afraid you'll kill her."

"Yes. Please, Stephen, help me. There must be a way. I'm desperately in love with her and I desperately want her."

"I can see that." Smiling, he lightly caressed Nick's erection, causing him to inhale sharply.

Nick allowed the contact but would have killed anyone else who dared touch him in this manner. Stephen was like a brother to him, defending him from Lacroix at times, and he dearly loved him for that. So, he was willing to accept his show of affection, even when it became sexual in nature. However, he knew there were limits and never crossed them.

"Please, Stephen. Can you help me? There is no one else I can turn to." Nick took his hand.

"You must stop drinking that disgusting bovine swill! The only way you can gain adequate control is to drink human blood. You must feed whenever you are hungry and feed until you are full and satisfied. You've been starving yourself. That is the only way you will achieve the control you desire."

"But Natalie is totally against that! She believes it's the blood that keeps me from crossing over again. She'll never go for this." He shook his head.

"Well then, my dear brother, you must convince her by showing her." He grinned slyly. "You're here for two weeks. Start feeding like you were meant to feed then go home and make love to her. Believe me, Nicholas, that will more than convince her." He winked and caressed his erection again. "Now, please, let me take care of you. It's been such a long time. I've missed you terribly. Phone calls just aren't the same."

"You know I can do that for myself, Dear One." Nick was unconsciously moving his hips as Stephen continued to lightly fondle him.

"Yes, I know. But you know it will be much more pleasurable for you if I do it."

Nick grinned and kissed him on the cheek. "All right. I know you love me, but no --"

"I know! No blood exchange." Stephen tenderly kissed him on the lips.

Nick rested back on the couch and closed his eyes. He felt a gentle hand fondle him more firmly for a moment, felt his erection being kissed, then nothing.

Next a hand undid his belt and pants button. His zipper was lowered. He felt his brother reach into the fly of his boxers, tenderly caress his penis, and gently remove it from within its silk confines. Nick's breathing became ragged as he felt his eyes drift to gold and his fangs descend.

Stephen gazed at the large erection. It was still the most beautiful, most perfect penis he'd ever seen and he dearly loved the man to which it was attached. Carefully and with enormous tenderness, he fully retracted the foreskin and gently sucked on the head.

Nick jumped and growled deep in his throat as waves of pleasure washed over him. He felt Stephen's tongue playing across his glans and squirmed in response, thrusting involuntarily.

Sucking on his penis enthusiastically, he reached into Nick's shorts and lovingly caressed his scrotum.

Nick was enjoying the erotic sensations as his thoughts drifted to Natalie. Now it was her mouth and hand on him, bringing him pleasure. The fantasy fueled his desire and he began thrusting frantically, letting the need for release build to an unbearable level. He snarled and a deep, rumbling growl emanated from his chest. Bringing his wrist up to his mouth, he struck it viciously, sinking his fangs deeply into his own flesh.

The blood burst upon his tongue and he withdrew his fangs with an enormous roar as he exploded in orgasm, slamming his huge erection hard and deep into Stephen's throat.

He ejaculated with such violent force, it startled Stephen, nearly choking him. From the blood in his semen, Stephen knew that he had been fantasizing about Natalie. It made him smile. His brother truly was deeply in love and he was happy for him.

With the final spurt of semen, Nick collapsed back on the couch, gasping for air. He felt feather-light licks cleaning off his slowly softening shaft. A lick to his glans caused his whole body to spasm and tremor. He then felt strong arms around him, cuddling him, and a hand brushing his sweaty hair from his forehead, lips kissing his, as he drifted off to sleep.

Stephen lovingly scooped the sleeping Nick into his arms and carried him to the guest bedroom where he carefully removed his clothing and dressed him in his favorite black silk pajamas. <Some things never change.> He smiled.

 Tucking him in, he kissed him on the lips. Although he was nearly 300 years younger, Stephen had always been like an older brother to him. "Sweet dreams my dear one. I love you." He closed the door behind him as he left.

***

When Nick awoke, it was nearly sunset. He couldn't believe he'd slept so long. Sitting up in bed, he noticed a goblet and a wine bottle tied with a red ribbon on the night stand. He smiled.

Uncorking it, he took a sniff. It was human. He filled the goblet and was staring at it when there came a knock at the door. "Come in."

"Ah, Nicholas, you're awake!" Stephen entered and sat on the bed. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, very well. Uh ... thank you for last night." He grinned crookedly. "I did enjoy it."

"You're welcome, Dear Brother." He hugged and kissed him. "Now feed ... and no excuses! You want to be able to make love to your beautiful Natalie when you get home, don't you?"

"Yes." Nick swirled the blood in the glass, staring at it, trying to get up the courage to drink it.

Stephen moved closer and put his arm around his shoulder. "Go ahead," he said. "I'm here."

Smiling, Nick took a sip. Images and feelings burst into his mind as the blood burned its way through his veins. He shivered.

"Quite a jolt compared to that placid bovine swill, isn't it?"

"Yeah." He downed the rest, poured another glassful and quickly drained it.

"Hell, Nicholas ... just drink from the bottle. You're starving!"

Halfway through the bottle, Nick's eyes had gone gold and his fangs had dropped. He was trembling but kept drinking.

Stephen took the empty bottle and held him in his arms until he stopped shaking. "You're going to be fine. Your body just needs to adapt to eating properly again."

***

Five days later, Nick was doing well on a diet of human blood. He felt more in control than he ever had. The case was going well and he had spoken to Natalie twice more. Everything seemed great.

He and Stephen were sitting and talking one night when he suddenly said, "I've made up my mind."

"About what?"

"Natalie. Do you know a jeweler who's open late?"

"I know a good one who can come here. Why?"

"When I go home, I'm going to make love to Nat and ask her to be my wife. I need a ring." Nick's eyes were twinkling with joy.

"Nicholas! That's wonderful!" Stephen jumped up and gave him a big hug and kiss. "I'm so happy for you! I could call the jeweler tonight if you'd like."

"Sure."

***

Things had been going well between Roy and Natalie. She'd been having such a good time with him. He'd taken her to the movies, a concert, dinner and more dancing. They had even made love again.

Sitting on her couch with Sydney, she was relaxing before going into work. "You know, Syd, I'm having such a wonderful time with Roy. I felt guilty at first, but I don't anymore." She scratched the big cat's head. "Nick had six years to do something about our relationship and he didn't. Am I supposed to wait forever?"

Sydney flicked his tail and meowed. "Yeah, Syd. That's what I say. He called me and said he still wants to talk. That's fine but still no talk of commitment. Roy and I are serious, but it's too soon for anything."

***

The jeweler arrived at Stephen's house an hour after he called him. He showed Nick a number of rings. He chose a two carat heart-shaped diamond solitaire set in an antiqued yellow gold band.

The two vampires sat on the couch admiring the ring. "It's beautiful, Nicholas. Just perfect. I'm sure she will love it, but how are you going to explain this on your salary? I don't know any honest cop who can afford a $35,000 engagement ring."

"No problem. Anyone asks, it's a family heirloom. That would never be questioned, especially with the antique setting. That's why I paid cash for it out of the de Brabant Foundation's money. No paper trail."

"You always were quite clever. So, how is your case going?"

"Quite well. It actually appears that the whole thing will be wrapped up in another couple days. I can go home early and surprise Nat. I can't wait to see the look on her face."

Stephen moved closer to Nick and put his arm around him. "I'm going to miss you, Dear Brother."

"I'll miss you, too. I really enjoyed staying here and I appreciate your help. Thank you." Nick patted his arm and kissed him tenderly on the lips.

"You're quite welcome. After all, someone has to look out for you." He grinned.

***

Nick arrived in Toronto at four in the morning, three days early. He hailed a cab and arrived at the loft around four-thirty. He took a shower, put on a fresh silk shirt and dress slacks then went downstairs to feed. He had called Lacroix from Vancouver and asked him to deliver a case of donated human blood, much to the master vampire's delight. He found the bottles in the refrigerator.

Sitting at the table drinking his meal, he imagined how stunned Natalie would be. "This is going to be a wonderful day!" he said out loud.

Knowing her routine as well as his own, he drove over to her place arriving right at five. With him he had the ring and a dozen red roses. He knew she would still be awake, watching the early news before heading off to bed. She had given him a key to her apartment a long time ago.

Nick approached her apartment and was so preoccupied thinking about what he wanted to say that he didn't even notice her heartbeat. When he opened the door and stepped into the dimly lit room he was stunned by what he saw.

Before him on the couch, was Natalie, nude, with a nude man he didn't recognize on top of her. Nick could see him thrusting his penis into her, both of them moaning loudly in pleasure.

"NATALIE! What the hell are you doing?" He ran toward the couch dropping the roses.

Neither one had heard him enter, but both yelped in surprise when they heard him yell.

Grabbing the man by the shoulders, Nick ripped him off of Natalie, who screamed and grabbed clothing from the floor in an effort to cover herself.

Roy was spun around. He found himself facing a snarling monster with red-rimmed gold eyes and fangs. He lost his erection instantly.

"YOU!" Nick growled when he recognized the man. "I'm going to kill you," he hissed.

"NICK! NO! Leave him alone." Natalie trembled in fear. She'd never seen him so angry.

He shoved Roy to the floor as he turned to her. "I love you! How could you do this to me? I came here to ask you to marry me!" He picked up a vase and hurled it past her head. It smashed against the wall.

"I didn't know you were coming home early," she sobbed, frightened by his violent behavior.

"Obviously not!" he snarled. "Now I know why you were acting so strangely on the phone. You didn't even have the decency to tell me you were seeing someone else!"

"I'm sorry, Nick."

"Sorry? You're sorry? You've just destroyed me - ripped my heart out - and you're sorry?"

Nick grabbed Roy again and attempted to whammy him into forgetting seeing the vampire. It didn't work. He snarled. "You speak one word of what you've seen here this morning and I will kill you as you sleep! Now get out of here!"

Roy threw his clothes on and fled. Nick slammed the door behind him, then turned back to Natalie. She'd managed to put on her blouse and underwear.

"How could you do this to me? You know I love you! I told you we'd work things out! Why didn't believe me? You let HIM touch you? Do you know how that makes me feel?" He was screaming uncontrollably, still vamped out.

Natalie cowered before him. For the first time, she feared the vampire. "Nick ... I -"

"SHUT UP! You have destroyed me! I have nothing to live for. You were everything to me. I may as well just walk into the sun!" There was a whoosh and he was gone.

She stood, stunned, staring at the roses on the floor, then began to weep. A moment later, panic set in as she realized it wasn't long before sunrise. She ran into her bedroom to dress.

Nick blew into the Raven. The crowd was thin due to the late hour. He stalked across the dance floor shoving people out of the way, snarling at the few vampires who dared to protest.

Lacroix stood at the bar observing, knowing what had happened earlier. He'd felt it all through their bond.

"Give me two bottles of the best house special," Nick ordered the bartender. He complied immediately when seeing he was in no mood to discuss it.

Grabbing the blood wine, he moved to a secluded corner table and downed the first bottle in one long gulp. He was starting on the second one when Lacroix came over and sat across from him. "Nicholas, what is troubling you so, mon fils?"

"Leave me alone, Lacroix. I'm in no mood," he growled, red-rimmed gold eyes and deadly fangs flashing in the dim light.

"Do not start a scene here, Nicholas. I am warning you."

"Leave me be. NOW!"

"Do not make me punish you, Nicholas." Lacroix rose and left.

Nick downed the second bottle and looked out across the dance floor. He could feel the blood and alcohol going to his head. As he watched the few dancers, a young female vampire caught his eye. He rose and went to her.

"Let's dance."

"Sure." She smiled.

The song was a slow number. Nick wrapped himself around her, moving sensuously against her body in time to the music. She was flattered by his attention, knowing he was an "old one". They rarely bothered with fledglings.

As she danced, she became aware that he had become fully erect and rubbed against him, eliciting a moan. "I'm Erina. What's your name?"

"Nicholas. Come with me." He took her hand and led her into the back room.

"What is this place?"

"A room for private 'parties'." He forced her up against the padded central post. "So ... you like this." He rubbed his erection against her belly and began roughly kissing her. He let his eyes drift to blazing red and extended his fangs as he kissed his way down to the exposed tops of her breasts, leaving bloody scratches wherever his fang tips touched her.

Snarling, he slashed one of her breasts with a fang, lapped up the blood and shoved his hand up her dress between her legs. "No underwear." He leered. "You were looking for someone like me." He rammed his fingers into her vagina. She cried out in pain.

Erina became frightened by his roughness. "Look, Nicholas, take it easy. You've had too much to drink."

"Don't tell me what I've had." He snarled, baring his fangs. "I'm going to have you. You wanted me. You rubbed against me." He shoved her toward the couch and unzipped his fly, pulling his erection free.

Seeing his large penis, Erina started to scream. Nick strong-armed her down onto the couch. She struggled to get away, but he clamped his hand over her mouth. "One sound from you and I'll kill you," he hissed. She nodded frantically.

Removing his hand, he violently rammed his penis into her mouth, nearly choking her. "Suck on me!" She complied as he roughly fondled her breasts, squeezing so hard, she winced in pain.

Involuntarily, he moaned and started thrusting. After a couple of minutes, he pulled away and pushed her down on her back. Shoving her dress up over her hips, he pulled one breast free from her bodice, then mounted her.

Erina wasn't ready for him. She was terrified. Nick didn't care. Ramming his rock-hard erection into her dry vagina created tremendous friction on his glans. He snarled at the incredible sensations. She cried out in agony as her delicate flesh tore. That didn't phase him. He began thrusting like a wild man and bit down on her breast. He sucked hard on her nipple, bruising her severely.

When her blood hit his tongue, the taste of her fear spurred him on. Thrusting frantically, he began to ejaculate violently with a loud roar.

Out in the club, Lacroix heard his son's release and flew into the back room. He grabbed Nick by his jacket and ripped him off Erina while he was still thrusting into her. The last spurt of his semen splattered onto the floor.

"Get out of here NOW!" Lacroix shouted at the fledgling. She ran for her life.

Lacroix slammed Nick up against the wall with one hand. He was still erect and bloody semen dripped from the tip of his penis, as he trembled in fear. "Look at you!" He snarled in disgust. "What the hell has gotten into you, Nicholas? RAPING women in MY club! I won't have it!" He backhanded him, breaking his nose, then slammed him to the floor, breaking several ribs. Nick lay there, sobbing.

"Get yourself cleaned up and don't you move from here until you come to your senses!" Lacroix stormed out.

***

Natalie drove up to Nick's building. Punching in the security code, she pulled the door open, flew up the stairs and burst into the loft. "NICK? Nick, are you here?" No response.

She ran up to his bedroom. It was empty. "Where the hell are you?" She stood there for a second. "The Raven!" She dashed to her car and took off.

***

Walking into the club, Natalie looked around. She didn't see him. Remembering there was a back room, she headed for it. Pushing the heavy velvet drape aside, she entered. The sight that greeted her stopped her dead in her tracks.

Lying on the floor in a heap, near the couch on the back wall, was Nick's battered body. He appeared unconscious.

Kneeling down, she looked him over. His face was bruised and blood had run down from his obviously broken nose and dripped on his shirt. His sports jacket had small tears and pulled threads as if he'd struggled with someone.

Gazing further down his body, she was shocked to find his fly open, his limp penis exposed. It was smeared with bloody semen and there were several small semen stains on his slacks and one larger stain on the floor. "Nick ... what the hell have you done?" she softly asked the unconscious figure.

"He raped one of my customers and I punished him for it. Does that answer your question, Doctor Lambert?"

She spun around to see Lacroix standing in the doorway. "He raped someone?"

"Yes. A young fledgling. He was quite angry, out of control, and had had too much to drink. I caught him in the act."

"Why is healing so slowly?"

"The sun has risen. One does not heal as quickly then. He will be fine after he awakens and feeds this evening."

"You're just going to leave him lying there like that?"

"Yes. I have no intention of cleaning up after my foolish son, Doctor. Be my guest, if you wish. There are linens in the cabinet in the bathroom." He pointed to a door, then left.

Natalie found a washcloth, towel, and small basin. She filled it with hot, soapy water and returned to Nick's side. He was lying on his back.

Gently, she brushed the stray locks of hair off his forehead. He didn't respond. "I'm so sorry, Nick. It's all my fault you were driven to do this." She kissed his forehead, then began to wash the blood off his face.

After changing the water and rinsing out the cloth, she returned to finish cleaning him up.

Nick's blood-smeared, flaccid penis was lying on his thigh. She had never seen it before and wished this first time had been under different circumstances.

He was large, and she noted, uncircumcised. Carefully, she lifted it off his pant leg and gently washed him. She could see the blood smears extended up under his foreskin and tried to retract it. She was having trouble until he began to stiffen from her touch.

Once pushed back, she washed his glans. He stirred and moaned weakly. "It's okay, Nick. Rest. Shhh ..." Finished, she replaced his partially erect penis and zipped up his fly.

She sat talking to him softly, stroking his hair, when a man she recognized as the bartender poked his head in. "I thought I heard someone in here."

"Hi. Uh ... could you help me get him on the couch, please?"

"Sure." He carefully scooped Nick up. Natalie removed his jacket and shoes, then the bartender gently placed him on the couch. "He was so angry and upset when he came in here. Lacroix was really rough on him." He stared at her. "You're a mortal. You a friend of Nick's?"

"Yeah and I'm the reason for his behavior."

"Well, I hope you two work everything out. I really like him. I take it you're staying here?"

She nodded.

"I'll bring some blankets."

"Thanks."

Natalie covered Nick, then picked up his jacket. As she folded it, she felt a lump in the pocket. She reached in and pulled out a ring box.

Swallowing hard, she opened it to find a magnificent, heart-shaped diamond solitaire engagement ring. "Oh my God! He really had come over to propose." Closing the box, she placed it back in his pocket, then lay down on the other couch and cried herself to sleep.

***

It was an hour before sunset when Natalie awoke. Nick was still asleep. She wandered out into the club to find the same bartender preparing for the night crowd.

He looked up as she approached. "How is he?"

"Still asleep. By the way, my name is Natalie Lambert. Thanks for your help last night." She held out her hand.

He shook it. "Oh, yeah! Doctor Lambert. I'm so glad to meet you. I'm Josh Wingate. Nick's talked about you a lot. He loves you." He grinned broadly.

Natalie hung her head. "I don't know how much he loves me after last night. I really hurt him. I didn't mean to."

"Don't worry. Nick's got a big heart. He's very forgiving."

"I sure hope you're right."

Josh handed her a cold, wrapped sandwich and two bottles of blood." I thought you might be hungry and these are for Nick. He'll need them to heal."

"Thank you. I appreciate it. I'm going to check on him."

"Just holler if you need anything."

Natalie walked into the back room to find Nick stirring. She heard him whimper when he tried to sit up and rushed to his side. Uncorking a bottle, she put it to his lips. "Here, drink this."

He downed the blood quickly and asked for more. She gave him the second bottle.

He lay back after consuming the contents, holding on to the empty. As she watched, he quickly healed. Soon he sat up, glaring. "What are you doing here?" he growled in a low voice.

"I came looking for you and found you passed out on the floor. Lacroix had beaten you. I cleaned you up and stayed here with you." She looked down. "Nick, I hurt you terribly. I'm so sorry. Please ... we need to talk about what happened."

Tears welled up in his eyes. In a barely audible voice he said, "I told you that I love you. I told you that when I got back we'd work it all out. I trusted you with my heart and soul and you cheated on me. How could you do that to me, Natalie?"

"To be honest, Nick, it's been six years and in all that time we've never made love and you never made a commitment to me. I felt life passing me by. Unlike you, I don't have forever." She took a deep, shuddering breath. "I wanted something more. I wanted a real relationship with someone I love that can love me back. I found some of that with Roy. I never meant to hurt you."

Tears ran down his face. "Why didn't you tell me when I called you? Do ... do you love him?"

"I couldn't tell you like that ... over the phone. I wanted to talk to you in person." She sighed and reached up to wipe his blood tears away. He pulled back, not letting her touch him. "I don't know if I love him. I know I like him a lot. We have a lot in common and we have fun together."

Nick scowled. "And the sex was good, right?"

Natalie glared back. "As a matter of fact, yes, it was!"

"Damn you!" He threw the empty wine bottle past her head. She screamed in fear as it shattered on the wall behind her.

Nick flopped down on the couch and cried. "You have no idea how it made me feel to walk in and see that man inside of you ... thrusting inside you ..." His voice trailed off into sobs.

"Nick, I'm sorry. I know I hurt you terribly but I'd like for us to try again. I saw the ring, Nick. I do love you." She sat next to him and he moved away.

"How can I ever trust you again?"

"I suppose that's something that will have to work both ways."

"What do you mean?"

"I cleaned you up this morning - all of you. Lacroix told me you raped a young vampire. There was plenty evidence that he was telling me the truth."

"I was angry and upset!"

"You were drunk. You forced yourself on someone. You raped a woman!"

"And you raped my heart when you fucked Roy like some cheap whore!"

That remark cut Natalie to the bone and she couldn't hold it in any longer. She burst into tears and wept loudly.

"Oh God Nat! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean that. Please forgive me. Please ... don't cry!" He threw his arms around her. "I love you more than you can ever imagine, Nat. That's why it hurt so much to see you with him. That's why I did what I did." He, too, wept.

A long time passed before they both stopped crying. Natalie pulled away in order to sit up and blow her nose. Nick released her. "Nat?"

"Yeah?"

"When I was in Vancouver, I had a lot of time to think. I spent a lot of time talking with Stephen. He and I go back 500 years. I consider him my brother." He knew this would be difficult to say and difficult for her to hear. "Well, our relationship is unique."

She eyed him suspiciously.

"Uh ... Stephen, when he was mortal, was a homosexual. He retained that as a vampire. He knew Alyssa and was there for me after I ... I killed her." He swallowed hard. Natalie listened in silence. "I was extremely depressed and had tried to walk into the rising sun. He stopped me and refused to let me out of his sight that day. He made me sleep with him so I wouldn't try that again."

Natalie's eyebrows rose, but she remained silent.

"Well, uh, he was holding me, comforting me as I cried ... and then he kissed me. I was too upset to protest. He told me he loved me and that I was special. He told me it wasn't my fault. It was just inexperience." He paused then blurted out, "Stephen and I made love. We had oral sex and exchanged blood." He let this sink in.

She was shocked but put her arms around him, kissing him. Nick pulled back. "There's more, Nat."

"Okay. Tell me." She stroked his hair.

"We were extremely close after that. On rare occasions over the centuries, I would allow Stephen to ... uh ... to express his love for me in a sexual way. "Umm ... he would perform oral sex on me or we'd engage in mutual masturbation. We never exchanged blood. And I never allowed any other man to touch me in that way ... except Lacroix ... but only in the first decade after he brought me across."

"I'm stunned. I don't know what else to say."

Nick took her hand. "I know. When I was out there this time, I told him about my frustration, my fears about being with you. I told him how we met. I told him how much I love you ..." He trailed off.

Natalie suspected what was coming next. "Go on. I'm listening."

"Well ... ummm, I, uh, got aroused talking about you ... uncomfortably so. Stephen, of course, noticed. Well, uh, I gave in and let him relieve me. We didn't exchange blood. I bit my own wrist. I didn't touch him." He looked down.

For reasons she didn't understand, she wasn't upset. Natalie leaned over and kissed him on the lips. His eyes widened in surprise. "You ... you're not angry with me?"

"No. I don't know why."

"Well, when I tell you the rest, you will be." He cringed.

She cocked an eyebrow at him. He took her hand. "Well, I asked Stephen to help me gain control because I had made up my mind to return to you, make love to you, and ask you to marry me. I didn't want to lose you."

"Oh Nick! I'm so sorry." She started to cry.

"It's okay. Shhhh ..." He stroked her hair. "But I must tell you the rest."

"Okay," she sniffed.

"Stephen put me on a diet of donated human blood."

Natalie started to protest.

"I know, I know. Hear me out, please. He said it's the only way I can have control. Nat, it's working. I have never felt so in control as I do now. I only did it so I could be with you. I forgive you. Please ... forgive me?"

She gazed deeply into his eyes and saw nothing but love. "Let's go home."

Before they'd left the Raven, Nick had apologized to Lacroix and he agreed to visit Roy to make him forget what he saw. Lacroix had ways of working around resisters.

Natalie drove them to her place where she fed Sydney and packed an overnight bag, then they left for Nick's.

Arriving at the loft, they went upstairs.

"I really need a shower, Nick."

"Um ... yeah. Me, too. Why don't we go up? Bring your bag. You can shower first, okay?"

"Sure. Sounds great."

In the bedroom, he set her bag on his dresser and opened it. "There you go."

"Thanks." She gathered the things she needed, kicked off her shoes and went into the bathroom, closing the door.

Nick pulled the ring box from his pocket and set it on his night table, then undressed.

Seeing the semen stains on his pants brought tears to his eyes. Tears for what he'd done and for what Natalie had done. <What a fool I've been! I drive Natalie into another man's arms, I blame her and take it out on an innocent girl. I raped her! And then Natalie cleans up my mess. A real fool. Well, no more!> Nick mentally berated himself.

He heard the water start in the shower, took a deep breath and quietly walked into the bathroom. Without a word, he opened the shower door and stepped inside.

Natalie spun around. "Nick! You startled me."

"Sorry," he said quietly. He stood admiring the nude form before him.

She blushed as she watched his penis grow erect right before her eyes. She was in awe. "I have never seen a more handsome man than you." She smiled her approval.

He moved forward a step, holding out his arms. "You ... are gorgeous and I love you more than anything or anyone on this Earth. Please ... forgive me?"

"I'll forgive you only if you'll forgive me for hurting you so. I have never loved anyone but you and I never will." She took his hands.

"I do, Nat." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her tentatively on the lips, never allowing his erection to touch her. She didn't pull away. He lightly ran his tongue over her lips until they parted. Tenderly, he nibbled on the upper one and sucked gently on the lower.

Natalie shivered as the erotic sensations washed over her. Reaching out with her tongue, she caressed his. Nick responded by covering her mouth with his and deepening the kiss.

When she finally pulled back to catch her breath he asked, "May I wash you?"

"I'd love that." She gave him a peck on the nose and smiled.

Carefully, he backed her under the spray. "I'm going to wash your hair first." He poured shampoo in his hand, then gently rubbed it into her scalp. After working up a huge lather, he backed her under the spray to rinse.

"Let me wash yours."

"Okay." He wet his hair, then stepped forward.

Natalie noticed he remained fully erect. She was fascinated by his body. She saw a large, jagged scar on his left flank when he turned. Reaching out, she lightly ran her fingers over it. "How did you get this?"

"A broadsword ... in the Crusades. I almost died."

"I'm glad you didn't."

He grinned broadly.

After his hair was rinsed, Nick picked up the soap and worked up a lather. He kissed her on the lips then turned her around. He began by lathering her shoulders and arms, then slowly worked his way down her back, stopping just above her buttocks. Slowly, he slid his hands around to her belly and worked his way up until his hands were under her breasts.

Taking a deep breath, he pulled Natalie against him as he slid his hands up over them. She gasped loudly and jumped. The shaft of his penis slid between her buttocks and rubbed against her anus. She'd never felt such incredibly erotic sensations before. It surprised and pleased her.

Pushing her rear end back against him, she wriggled her hips while he kneaded her breasts and fingered her nipples. "Feel good, Love?"

"Oh, yes," she breathed.

Nick made gentle thrusting movements, causing Natalie to moan. He nibbled and licked her neck. Slowly, he slid his hands down her chest and belly, soaping her as he went. His hands stopped just above her pubic hair.

He brought his hands back up to her shoulders. "Turn around, Love."

As she did, he kissed her quickly on the lips and dropped to his knees. Soaping her feet, he worked his way up her legs doing both front and back.

Lovingly, he kissed her upper thighs and continued soaping her until he reached her crotch. He reached around and soaped her buttocks and the crevice between, paying special attention to her anal opening. His finger circled round it a few times, then gently rubbed it without penetrating. Natalie shivered with arousal.

Nick smiled at her reaction and remembered how much he had enjoyed the sensations when Stephen had done this to him. He had balked when it was first suggested, finding the idea disgusting, but Stephen had persisted until he had given in. He'd been amazed at how erotic it was.

Sliding his hands around to the front, he began to soap her pubic hair. Natalie spread her legs, knowing where he was headed. She put her hands on his shoulders to brace herself. "Don't worry, Love. I won't let you fall." She smiled.

Ever so gently, his fingers worked their way through her soapy curls to the folds of her labia, where he soaped her with a light touch. She gasped when a finger touched the hood of her clitoris.

He looked up to find her staring down and smiled. Blindly, he slid his finger around until he touched her clitoris again, drawing another gasp. Their eyes remained locked.

Delicately, Nick stroked her with a single finger. A loud moan erupted from her and her legs buckled. He grabbed her waist to support her. When she'd recovered, he stood and moved her under the water to rinse off.

"My turn," Natalie told him. She looked at his penis with concern. "Uh ... are you okay?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Ummm ... you're not uncomfortable or in pain?"

"No, Nat. Why do you ask?"

"Well, you've ... uh ... been fully erect for so long. I ... I, uh, thought you would be uncomfortable at least, by now." She was clearly feeling foolish and embarrassed.

Extremely touched, Nick cupped her face in his hands. "I love you for your concern, Nat, but I assure you that I'm fine." He released her and grasped his penis. "This is what you do to me. This is how you affect me. Not being human, I can stay erect longer and not experience the problems that mortal men do. But I do have my limits ... and I'm slowly approaching them." He winked.

She chuckled then remarked, "You're not circumcised. I've never known anyone who wasn't." She stared curiously.

"Does that repulse you?"

"No. It's just different. In fact, I like the way it looks."

"I'm glad." He smiled. "I certainly don't want to be repulsive to you."

"Oh you're not! I assure you."

"I'm sure you know that a foreskin can be retracted. You just grip the shaft right behind the head and gently pull back. Like this." His glans, highly swollen and deep red, was now fully exposed.

Natalie watched, then looked up. "You're beautiful. Please, let me wash you."

Nick released his penis and the foreskin slid back into place. "Of course."

Working up a huge lather, she moved behind him and soaped his arms, shoulders and back. She hesitated a moment, then ran her soapy hand through the crevice of his rear end. Her finger brushed his anus and he moaned loudly as his penis twitched.

Enjoying his reaction, she ran her index finger between his cheeks again, stopping when she reached his anal opening. Natalie rubbed it gently and pressed against it with light pressure.

A deep, rumbling growl arose from within Nick's chest. She turned him around to find gold eyes and descended fangs. She gasped.

He grabbed her shoulders. "It's okay, Nat! It's okay. Don't be afraid." He pulled her against him for a moment to comfort her.

"I'm all right. Can I finish washing you?"

He grinned broadly, baring his fangs. "Sure, Love, but just don't take too long."

She chuckled. "Okay."

Natalie worked up some more lather and started soaping his chest. Lingering over his nipples elicited some soft growls of pleasure. Her hands moved down over his belly, hips and to his thighs while avoiding his genitals.

He spread his legs apart. She knelt down to wash his feet and up his legs as he had done with her. When she reached his upper thighs, she hesitated.

"You're not going to stop now, are you?" he carefully enunciated around his fangs, eyes wide.

"Not if you don't want me to."

He shook his head. "I don't want you to."

Natalie cupped his scrotum and soaped it, being careful not to squeeze too hard. He loved her gentle touch. Feeling her hand move to the shaft of his penis, he leaned back against the wall.

Tenderly, she soaped his erection, moving her hand toward its tip. He began moaning and slowly thrusting his hips. Upon reaching the head, she gripped the shaft behind it and fully retracted his foreskin. It had already been partially retracted due to his erection.

The glans was hugely swollen and purple in color, signaling his extremely high state of arousal. With a feather-light touch, she soaped it, causing him to jump and cry out in a wild howl that ended in a snarl. It didn't frighten her this time.

She moved him under the spray to rinse off and washed the soap from her hands. When finished, Nick turned off the water. They both stepped out. He picked up a large, fluffy towel and wrapped it around her.

As she was drying off, she asked, "What's it like ... being bitten?"

The question took him by surprise. "Well, there's a sharp pain at penetration, but it quickly goes away. Then you'll see images in your mind of my memories and you'll feel my emotions and what I'm experiencing. Once I stop feeding, you'll lose all that within five to ten minutes. For me, since I'll have your blood in me, it'll last about two hours." He watched her reaction to his words. She was listening intently.

"Nat, when I bite you, I will know everything about you. You'll have no secrets from me. Um, I'll know everything about you and Roy. I want you to know that."

She blushed. "It's okay. You'll know who I really love." She smiled and stroked his cheek.

Taking her hand, Nick led her to the side of the bed. "Please - sit down." He reached for the ring box on the night table and got down on one knee. Opening it, he removed the ring, holding it out to her.

"Nat, in all my 800 years I have never loved anyone the way I love you. And due to my fear and stupidity, I nearly lost you. I am never going to risk that again. Natalie, will you do me the great honor of consenting to be my wife?" His eyes shone with deep love and hope.

She studied this man/vampire who knelt before her, nude, with red-rimmed gold eyes, long deadly fangs and an enormous erection. He was quite a sight. She smiled. "Yes, I'll be your wife."

Nick slid the ring onto her finger. "I promise you I will love, cherish, protect and treasure you always." He kissed her hand.

Slowly, he rose and gently pushed her back onto the bed, then swung her feet around. He lay down beside her. Immediately, she reached out to pull him on top of her.

Moving over her, he kissed her lips, nibbling and licking gently. She spread her legs and he lay between them, his erection pressed against her crotch.

Natalie could feel it twitch when she caressed his buttocks. She was more than ready for him and it was obvious by his now blazing red eyes that he was more than ready, too. "Nick ... make love to me." Her voice was deep and breathless.

He responded by growling softly, licking her neck and rubbing his fangs gently over the tender skin. Raising himself, he moved down a slight bit until he felt the head of his penis contact her vaginal opening.

Nick looked deeply into Natalie's eyes, kissed her on the lips and said hoarsely, "I love you." He then gave a short, sharp thrust, penetrating her with just his glans. She gasped loudly and they both shuddered at the intense sensations. He remained motionless within her until the feelings subsided.

Able to reach his ear with her mouth, she nibbled and sucked on his earlobe as she grasped his buttocks and pulled him tighter against her. Understanding, Nick gently slid his penis all the way in, paused, then began thrusting.

Natalie moaned and kissed his ear. "Yes," she whispered. She thrust back at him.

The fragrance of her blood was intoxicating and called to him. Nick thrust faster and more powerfully. The vampire wanted to feed. He desperately wanted to bite and ejaculate but fought the strong urge. Waiting until Natalie reached orgasm would result in less pain for her, not to mention more pleasure for him.

She was so aroused by the time he penetrated her that within two minutes, she began to scream as her orgasm exploded within her.

Nick felt the first contraction squeeze his swollen penis and he snarled loudly. Quickly, he turned her head to the side and gently pierced her carotid artery with his fangs.

When her blood hit his tongue, her orgasm exploded in his mind, and along with the stimulation of his fangs from biting her, triggered his own.

His thrusts became frantic and he ejaculated deep within her as he fed. Natalie's enormous love washed over him and comforted him as images of her time with Roy flooded his mind. He understood now that while she did have sex with Roy, it was really him that she had wanted and fantasized about during the act.

Images of her childhood flashed through his mind. His heart ached as he witnessed the abuse she had suffered at the hands of her grandmother.

Through the sensations of her orgasm, Natalie felt a small jolt of pain. She knew Nick had bitten her. Suddenly, she felt the ecstacy of another orgasm and realized it was his. It mingled and mixed with hers. Then the images and emotions flooded her mind.

She felt his hurt, anger and deep love he had for her as she experienced his brutual act of rape. She saw his memories of being wounded in the Crusades, being seduced by Janette and brought across by Lacroix, the empty and lonely times of his long existence and his joy at finding her.

As Nick's powerful orgasm subsided, he withdrew his fangs from her neck and wrapped himself around her protectively. He felt her embrace him, holding him tightly.

Tenderly, he nuzzled her neck and gently lapped at the wounds until they sealed, then softly kissed her shoulder.

Natalie lightly caressed his rear end and back while rhythmically contracting her vaginal muscles around his still erect penis. She loved the little moans and growls her actions elicited and she could feel him twitch within her. It aroused her and she began slowly moving her hips even though she was somewhat drowsy.

Wanting to please her and assure her of his love, he whispered in her ear, "My beautiful Natalie ... do you wish for me to make love to you again? I would love to do nothing more than that, if that's what you want." He nuzzled, licked and kissed her neck.

"Mmmmm ... yes, my love. Please." She kissed his cheek and he lifted his head to kiss her on the lips.

Tenderly, he slid his tongue into her mouth and lazily explored as he slowly thrust with long, easy strokes. Nick made sure that with each forward push he rubbed against her clitoris. He was still filled with the warmth and desire she had for him as her blood circulated through his body. He'd do anything to please her.

Natalie felt herself start to come awake; the drowsiness fading as she became more aroused. He pulled away from her lips and ducked his head to suckle at her breast. The sensations were electric, causing her to shiver and moan. She could feel his penis become firmer with each stroke.

Becoming more aroused himself, Nick thrust faster and with more force as he sensed her nearing orgasm. He felt her hands caress his buttocks and knew she was pleased with his lovemaking. That made him extremely happy.

With each inward thrust, Natalie grunted and pushed hard against him with her hips.

Suddenly, he heard a low moan that built into a loud wail and felt her muscles clamp down on him as she erupted in a powerful climax. He kept thrusting until she relaxed in satisfaction.

Slowing down, about to stop, he heard her say, "Please, Nick, come in me," then felt her fingers slide between his buttocks and tease his anus. His whole body spasmed at her touch.

He lifted his head from her nipple and tore into his forearm with his fangs. When his and Natalie's mixed blood spurted into his mouth, he roared and buried himself deep within her doing just as she'd asked.

His glans was extremely sensitive now and he made a few quick, short thrusts thoroughly enjoying the feeling. Bloody semen leaked out all around his penis creating quite a mess but neither one cared because it was a sign of their love for one another.

Natalie held him tightly against her and ran her fingers through his blood-sweat dampened hair. Both their bodies were covered in perspiration which blended into a light pink sheen where they contacted one another.

She loved the way she felt - safe, protected, cherished - having him lying on top of her, his slowly softening penis buried within. Natalie could feel his tongue gently caressing her neck while he made little noises of contentment. "I love you," she whispered in his ear.

Nick was awash in a sea of joyous emotions, his heart beating twice in row when he heard her words. He felt her arms wrap tightly around him, her hand tenderly stroking his hair and rubbing his back. There was no place on Earth or in time that he'd rather be. He belonged with her - his soulmate.

A short while later, his penis slipped out and he carefully moved off of her. She had fallen asleep. He cuddled up close and kissed her on the nose. Murmuring, she put her arm across his waist, never waking.

With a deep sigh of utter pleasure, Nick fell asleep.

~~~THE END~~~

Rosebud@g... Lover of the Knight Dedicated N&NPacker