Subject: [NNFic] And a child shall lead 01/28
Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 22:54:09 EST
From: KaAG@aol.com
To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu
CC: DarkNN@yahoogroups.com, NNFic@yahoogroups.com

And a child shall lead

February 2001
Karen Gunther

Authors notes: this story is inspired by the television program "Forever
Knight" and is set in the third season, directly after 'Night in Question'.

Rating: PG-13; there are some innuendo of mature activity but nothing more
explicit than a daytime drama.

Special thanks to my very special beta reader, Stephane. Thanks for the
constructive comments and fixing my typos!

Permission to archive granted for this story to be archived on fkfanfic.com;
the fk ftp archive and the ravenawards site.

It will be in my story archive at:  www.crosswinds.net/~kannegun

Prologue:

Reveling in her sigh of contentment, Nick pulled back slightly. "Natalie, I
may not know who I am or where I come from, my past or my present, but I
know
you. I remember you. I know how I feel about you. How I long for your
touch."
He gazed into her eyes, kissing her forehead gently. "I know we do have a
relationship. A very good relationship." Touching her lips gently, he kissed
her. "Natalie, I love you. Let me show you my love." He ran his hand into
the
waistband of her slacks, his intent clear.

Natalie tightened her hold on him, her eyes sparkling. "You're right. We do
have a relationship." She paused, searching his eyes for signs of the
vampire. Whenever he had demonstrated even the slightest desire for her, the
amber eyes and elongated fangs would appear. She knew in her heart that this
might be her one chance to be with Nick as a mortal man. It was worth the
risk.

"I love you, Nick." She hesitated as he took her hand and moved closer to
the
stairs. "You just got home from the hospital. Are you sure that you are up
to
this?" She did not mention her true fear, that the vampire would re-surface.
The vampire who would take her life before the man was even aware. To tell
him now would only push him away, as if she didn't want to be with him. That
is, if he believed her.

"I'm sure," he smiled, kissing her hands as he guided her up the stairs.

**to be continued**

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Subject: [NNFic] And a child shall lead 02/28
Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 22:58:18 EST
From: KaAG@aol.com
To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu
CC: NNFic@yahoogroups.com, DarkNN@yahoogroups.com

Chapter One

The sun streamed through the glass door of the patio, unhindered by the
usual
heavy curtains,  hiding the chill of the late October afternoon. Natalie sat
silently on the couch, seeing nothing. Remembering everything.

In the eight years she'd worked as a Medical Examiner, she'd seen a lot, had
lost much, if not all of her squeamishness. Six years of friendship with a
vampire had pretty much taken care of the rest. She'd seen more than she
thought possible. Her scientific mind had always thrived in the challenge of
the unknown and all the possibilities. She had thought that nothing could
surprise or shock her, much less frighten her. She had discounted the
metaphysical whenever approaching Nick's vampirism.

Then she'd walked into an exorcism. Not a particularly religious person, she
viewed the entire concept of exorcism with a degree of skepticism. But that
was before she'd witnessed one. Perhaps it was different when it was the
exorcism of a vampire. To see it happening to Nick shocked her beyond
anything she'd ever imagined. She'd never seen him so out of control. So
close to the edge. So close to taking her.

She'd nearly been killed. She knew it. Even now, her neck ached where Nick
had grabbed her. She should have been terrified to ever see him again. But
she wasn't. All that she could think about was when she would see him, touch
him again.

This was not the first time that she'd been in Nick's vampiric hold, her
neck
tilted tightly against his shoulder in preparation for the razor-sharp fangs
to find their goal. It was the first time that he'd let her remember it. It
was the first time that she knew that the man did not control the vampire.
At
least the first time that he'd let her see it, remember it. He hadn't been
able to think or do otherwise. He'd had LaCroix drive him home, saying that
he needed some time. Time to think. Reflect.

She did as well.

Valentines Day, almost two years ago. The first night that she thought a
vampire would kill her. It was first LaCroix that had brushed fangs against
her neck,  and then it was Nick. Would he have brought her across? She'd
never asked. Never wanted to know. She was almost afraid to know. As long as
she'd known Nick, she knew of his dislike of his lifestyle. Even under
duress, she could not imagine him going through with it.

 Indeed, she never told him that she remembered that night. The memories
were, initially, shadows. Undefined images that haunted her sleeping hours.
At first, she thought it was a dream. Then she made love with Nick. Somehow
the dream crystallized in that moment and became clear. The memory of the
first time that they'd made love came back to her. A magical 24 hour period
in which Nick professed his love, and they thought they'd actually be able
to
have the relationship that they both desired. The confrontation with LaCroix
had ended that hope and with it, changed their relationship in ways that
Natalie had not understood until now.

She had not been able to savor their moment of passion when he'd come back
to
the loft, burned, fearful, demanding answers. The vampire was back in
control.

So she let him continue to believe that the hypnotism had worked. She
understood what he feared. Why he hesitated to be public with his feelings
toward her. Everything made sense now.

****
Music filled the loft. Soft, sad songs that reflected the pain that filled
his heart. Yes, he'd survived the exorcism. He'd beaten the Devil. When the
demon had threatened Natalie, he'd fought back. He allowed his love to
strengthen him.

In calling up those feelings, allowing his perfect memory to relive their
lovemaking, allowing the passion to surface, his desire grew. His desire to
take her, to taste her love as only a vampire could.

To take her blood. He craved her blood.

The conflict between his conscious thoughts and his unconscious desires was
becoming increasingly difficult to fight, much less to hide from her. It was
a betrayal of all that he'd worked and dreamed of that he now wanted her in
that way.

****
The buzzing of the alarm roused Natalie from her reverie. She'd never quite
made it to bed, but it was time to get ready for another night in the
morgue.

She sighed and stood stiffly, moving to the kitchen to prepare a meal.
Something. Anything. She'd been too nauseated to eat much the past few days.
Staring at the cupboards, and into the refrigerator, a wave of nausea hit
her
with sudden ferocity. She barely made it to the bathroom in time.

Wiping the sweat off her brow, she stared at her pale reflection. <No fever,
no chills. What is wrong with me?> She went back to the kitchen and put on
the kettle. <Looks like tea and crackers again.>

It was with trepidation that she dressed for work. She was still tired,
still
somewhat nauseated but her desire to see Nick was overwhelming. She had to
know if he was all right.

If he had forgiven himself.

****
The look in Nick's eyes when he sent her off to work was haunting. Those
intense, green-gold eyes. The fear that he projected. Fear for her.
Obviously
he was more severely affected by the exorcism than either of them had
admitted earlier. That frightened her more than anything.

How many more setbacks could he take? Moving on was a vampire's ultimate
solution for a life that was spinning out of control. Natalie was not sure
what she'd do when he did move on. He'd hinted about it often enough.

She was not ready to give up yet. Not by a long shot. Whatever it took, she
wanted to be with him. She would even consider joining him in the darkness
of
eternal night.

****
Her scent lingered in the air for some time after she'd left. He saw the
sadness in her eyes, but knew that one more minute together and he would
give
in to his urges.

His urge to take her was growing stronger. He wanted to consummate his love
both as a man, and as a vampire. The man might have expressed his love, but
the vampire had not. At least, not yet.

Better that he satisfy part of his desire before attempting to go back to
work. With a sigh, he dialed the Raven and ordered a shipment. The human
blood would satisfy his hunger but it would not ease his desire for her.

To know her. To share of her soul. To share his soul with hers.

**to be continued**

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Subject: [NNFic] And a child shall lead 03/28
Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 23:06:47 EST
From: KaAG@aol.com
To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu
CC: NNFic@yahoogroups.com, DarkNN@yahoogroups.com

Chapter Two

Another case, another setback. It seemed that every case lately pushed Nick
farther away. He'd finally admitted her desires for her. That his craving
was
not simply any blood, but it was her blood.

Then he got sick, really sick.

Was this a step forward? Or was it a step back? Sometimes she wondered. At
least it forced him to confront the issue of what he wanted in their
relationship and admit it to her. Facing his own death in a very real sense
made him more introspective. No longer did he have eternity. He had achieved
mortality in a way, although not in the way that either of them wanted.

The virus that plagued the vampire community crystallized the issue as
nothing else could. He was finally talking to her. Telling her of his
desires, his longings. He opened up to her as he never had before. While the
fever brought them closer, it threatened to tear them apart. Forever.

Finding a cure for the virus would reveal her knowledge to the other
vampires
outside Nick's family. They had been successful in concealing her
involvement
for a long time. She would not allow a virus to tear them apart. She would
rather the Enforcers find out about her. It was worth the risk. She wasn't
sure if the favors she'd done would protect her. Nick had eluded to 'zero
tolerance' whenever he'd mentioned them, which wasn't often. Her hope was
that the price of her knowledge was to be crossed over... and not killed.

 As it turned out, the cure was simpler than it seemed. LaCroix's words made
it so simple. "So the killer is the cure. How ironic," he said smoothly,
with
a slight menacing tone.

"It seems so clear," Natalie murmured, mostly to herself. Shrugging off her
coat, she began pulling bags out of the cooler. All were marked with large
red and black stickers reading 'HIV positive'. She grabbed a handful of
syringes, a few vials and the thick yellow gloves that she wore when working
on known biohazards off the shelf. Drawing small quantities out of the large
bag, she lined up the vials.

"Nick, come here. Let me draw a sample," she instructed. "I need to
calculate
a dose. It's not exactly practical to do it the way LaCroix did." She
referred to the way LaCroix had drained Calvin. She was sure that a smaller
quantity of the live HIV virus would counteract the fever. She was just not
sure how much it would take.

With LaCroix watching intently, she drew Nick's blood with ease. For a few
minutes, nothing was said as she mixed small amounts of Nick's blood with
the
donor blood and studied it under the microscope, making notations as she
worked. LaCroix could see how comfortable she was with the entire situation.
Well, Nick had said that she was working on a cure. He'd underestimated the
skill of the young pathologist. She was a far cry from the alchemists and
quacks that Nick had consulted over past centuries. The only sound was the
centrifuge spinning the blood down.

"What are you doing doctor?" LaCroix finally asked. She seemed too casual.
Too practiced.

"Figuring out how much will neutralize the infection. Finding a cure. A
practical cure," she replied, not looking up. "One that you or Nick can give
easily to the others." She glanced up, seeing the surprise cross his face.
"I
assume that you and Nick were not the only ones affected."  She gazed at him
calmly. Never before had she been so bold. Never before had she made it so
clear to LaCroix that she knew of the others. That she knew of the
community.
Sure, she'd been pretty open with Janette. She could assume that the older
vampire was fully aware of her knowledge, but for her to confess it directly
took more guts than she thought possible.

"Why? Why not let us die?" he asked sarcastically. He was baiting her and he
knew it. What better time to get her to admit what she really felt about
vampires. If she was, as some feared, a danger to them, she would have an
expressed dislike for vampires. She would be seeking to do harm, not cure
them of a fatal illness. It was not the attitude that he thought probable,
but it didn't hurt to ask.

She shrugged, turning away from the bench. "Who am I to decide that? I am a
physician. I am sworn to help treat illness. I have the knowledge and means
to treat you. So I will." She paused and looked at him straight in the eyes.
For some reason she did not fear him. "Just remember this. I mean you, and
the community no harm. I will use my knowledge of your physiology to assist
whenever I can."

Nick looked at her, concern radiating. "Nat," he warned. It was not wise to
reveal so much to LaCroix. Part of the reason that Natalie had been safe was
that she'd not openly admitted her knowledge to anyone except Nick or
Janette.

"What?" she replied sharply. "You don't think that he doesn't know about
me?"

"Your friend is more perceptive than I'd given her credit," LaCroix
remarked,
thinking how well she would fit into the family. Yes, he needed to pay more
attention to the young doctor. She would be an asset to the community. It
was
high time that she step deeper into the darkness that she flirted
ever-so-closely with for the past six years. Perhaps if he removed the
threat
of prior agreements, Nicholas would formalize the relationship. Eventually
that would serve as a catalyst for certain events to happen.

"So what will you do?" Nick asked softly. He was sure now that LaCroix would
take his retribution.

"If what you fear is our agreement, do not concern yourself." Their eyes met
silently. "I know what you are thinking. She is worthy of our attention. At
the present time, I will merely observe. We will talk again."

Nick stared, questioning but unwilling to ask exactly the meaning of
LaCroix's words. He wanted to hear it, but yet, didn't. Would this mean
Enforcers?

Natalie stood between the two men, catching the non-verbal signals as well
as
the words. She would never understand the vibes that passed between the two
vampires, their long past with a mix of love and hate, conflict and passion.
Now was not the time to reveal her memories. That she knew what the
agreement
was. If either of them noticed her seeming lack of curiosity, nothing was
said. That was a conversation she'd have with Nick alone.

"Nick, give me your arm," she said softly. Swabbing his elbow, she injected
a
small syringe of blood. The effects were immediate. He hung onto the steel
table, feeling the coolness return, his energy soaring.

"Feel better?"

"Much," he smiled, his face lightening into the little boy exuberance the
she
loved.

Natalie stepped back, pulling a box off the shelf and began to fill the
syringes from the centrifuged blood. Without looking up, she spoke clearly.
"I concentrated the blood so that the viral load is heavier. It should take
only one dose, but if they don't feel better quickly, give a second one. If
you need to give more than that, I should probably have a direct sample of
that person's blood so that I can titrate the dose properly. Unless you want
to simply bring the person here." She handed the box to LaCroix, "Let me
know
if you need more."

"You will be well compensated for your services, doctor," he said solemnly.

"That is not necessary," she commented, her eyes meeting LaCroix's for a
moment. LaCroix's steady gaze confirmed to her that her safety was assured.
"I am only doing my job. But thank you." She watched as LaCroix left in a
blur.

"Nat, I'm not sure that you should have let him know," Nick said softly.
He'd
gradually  moved closer until he now stood directly behind her.

"He knew already," she murmured, turning to face him, her arms wrapped
around
his waist. "He was not fooled at Azure."

Nick pulled back, and looked at her in shock, "How? How do you know?"

"The memories came back slowly," she admitted. "Yes, I remember what he
said.
What you said. What you fear." She picked up his hand and held it tightly.
"What your agreement is." She kissed his hand, twining her fingers with his.
"I don't fear you. I never have. I don't fear him. He won't kill me. Not
now."

"I hope you're right," Nick said softly. "I sincerely hope you're right."

"I know I'm right," she replied confidently. "Harming me would only serve to
drive you farther away. It seems to me that you are his favorite obsession.
Why would he want to alienate you?"

Nick pulled her tighter against him, marveling at how perceptive she was.
"We
need to talk. Can you book off?"

She nodded, staying within his embrace. There was nothing she'd *rather* do
than to talk to him.

*****
Matching green glass bottles were set on the table behind the couch. His
containing steer's blood, and hers was a vintage merlot. Nick had lit the
fireplace and numerous candles.

Perhaps it reminded him of simpler times, but Natalie had noticed that Nick
was much more talkative in the subdued light of candles. This was definitely
a time that she wanted to keep him talking. From what LaCroix had said, her
interpretation was that he was endorsing her relationship with Nick. At
least
he was no longer going to interfere.

"So," Nick began, sliding an arm around her shoulders.

"Yes?" she prompted, leaning against him.

"When I had amnesia, what I said was the truth, the absolute truth."

"I know," she commented. "I knew it then. I guess, what I want to know, is
what you intend to do now?"

"What I intend to do?"

"Yes. If LaCroix is not going to interfere, what do you want?"

"He only said that he wouldn't interfere at this time," Nick pointed out. "I
wouldn't count on that being a permanent arrangement."

"Then we need to make the most of the present, wouldn't you say?" she pulled
his face closer to hers and kissed him gently. "I for one, am not going to
look a gift horse in the face."

"I agree, absolutely." He rested his hand on her thigh, his voice husky.
"For
starters, no one will doubt that I love you," he sighed heavily. "I just
wish
I could show you."

"You did once," Natalie added.

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" he asked bitterly. They'd made
love only twice. The first time, he'd been so conscious of her safety that
he'd deliberately held back. While making sure she'd enjoyed the experience,
it had been less than fulfilling for him. Not that he'd *ever* tell her
that.
The second time, when he had amnesia, was far more satisfying for him as a
man. The vampire was still not satisfied and he knew he couldn't risk it
again.

"I didn't mean it that way," she said apologetically. "I'm not complaining,
or pushing you. I just want you to know that I don't think that is the most
important part of a relationship."

"What is important to you, then?"

"Companionship, romance," she said quickly. "We can show our love in other
ways."

"It isn't the same. It isn't enough." He said vehemently.

"For you, or for me?" she questioned.

"For me," he admitted. "You are sacrificing so much for me. I don't want you
to regret it later."

"That's my choice," she reminded him gently. "I don't tell you how to live
your life. I don't want you to make decisions for me either."

"If you could?"

"Could what?"

"Tell me how to live my life," he prompted.  "What would you tell me?"

"Hmmm. That's a hard one, Nick," she said thoughtfully. She was silent for a
moment, sipping her wine."Are you saying of life in general? Do you want me
to think global or practical?"

"Let's start with practical. I know that's easier for you. We'll talk
philosophy later."

"OK," she agreed. "I've studied your physiology extensively and I do have
one
suggestion."

"Which is?"

"Your diet," she began. She'd rehearsed this discussion in her mind many
times, but had never known exactly how to bring it up.

"What about my diet?" he asked. "Do you have a new drink for me? The last
one
was actually drinkable, but it didn't do much for satisfying my hunger."

"I wouldn't figure that it would, Nick. I know you aren't going to believe
that I'm saying this, but the protein drinks won't do much to nourish you.
Neither will cow's blood. Basically, your diet isn't adequate," she
explained. "You live in a constant state of starvation."

"So what are you saying? No more shakes?"

"For starters," she hesitated. "I was wrong when I said that the blood was
what kept you from crossing over. So very wrong and I apologize. You need to
drink human blood."

"Nat, I vowed never to kill," he replied firmly.

"You don't have to," she pointed out. "Blood banks are all voluntary
donations. Some are contaminated, or expired. It would not be hard for me to
get some for you. I'm sure that most of the Raven's stock is voluntary as
well."

"I don't know, Nat. It would be such a drastic change for me. I've been
drinking cow's blood for almost a century."

"Think about this, perhaps your control would be better if you weren't
hungry. Maybe we could have that physical relationship that we both want."

"Strikes me as a pretty selfish reason," he commented.

"Think about it?"

"Yes, I'll think about it. So now that I've heard your practical suggestion,
let's hear your philosophical one," he snuggled against her. "Ask me
anything."

 "I suppose the one thing I'd ask is why do you want to be mortal?"

"So I can live and love like a normal man," he said firmly.

"You can do that now," she commented.

"Not without killing you," he added, tightening his grip on her shoulders.

"Nick," she sighed. She was beginning to think he had a one-track mind. She
only wanted him to publicly declare their relationship as a 'couple'. What
did, or didn't happen in the bedroom was no one's business. "Other than sex,
you *can* love like a normal man. Is that the only reason?"

"I want to atone for my sins."

"You do that every day, Nick," she pointed out patiently. "You do more good
works than most mortal men. That's not even including your foundation."

"It isn't enough," he replied. "I was not always the man you know now."

"I *know* that Nick," she reassured him. "I know you once enjoyed all there
is to being a vampire. That doesn't make me think any less of you as a man.
The man I love is the sum of all those experiences. You've learned, grown
and
changed. Didn't you tell me once that forgiveness is earned here, among the
living? Well, you're doing that." She reached over and kissed him lightly.
"Is that all? Are those all the reasons that you want to be mortal?"

"One more. I want children." His voice was firm, determined.

"Children?" she asked hesitantly. This was the first time that he'd
mentioned
that desire.

"Yes, I want to be a father. I want to have a part in guiding future
generations."

"Nick, we don't *know* if that's not already possible," she said calmly.

"Oh?" he asked quickly.

"Have you ever had a fertility workup?"

"Nat," he groaned. He'd avoided discussing the more explicit facets of
vampire sexuality with her. It was so tied to the blood that to even discuss
it was difficult around her.

"I'm serious. I know I've never tested you. Has anyone else?"

"No," he said emphatically. That was one body specimen he'd been careful not
to give *anyone* in all the years he'd been seeking mortality.

"Then we don't know that you can't father a child. Right now," her voice was
matter-of-fact, as if she was merely pondering the latest case, and not
discussing something so close to his heart.

"So it is possible?"

"I can give you an educated maybe. Do you want me to investigate further?"

"What would that entail?" he asked. He was afraid to even raise his hopes.

"For starters, you'd have to give me a specimen. A fresh one. If your counts
are good, then you decide if you want the umm, natural approach to fathering
a child, or the technology assisted one." Her voice had taken on the
professional, matter-of-fact tone that seemed so natural. It helped to hide
the fact that her research regarding Nick's 'condition' was anything but the
impartial science it had been when they started.

Draining his glass, Nick grasped her hand tightly. "Natalie, would you do it
for me?"

She puzzled at his tone. "Of course. I just said that I'd look into it."

"Yes, yes, you did. That isn't what I'm asking," he sighed. Gathering both
of
her hands in his, he spoke again. "Would you be the mother of my child?" he
asked quietly. "I know it's a lot to ask. We don't know the risks...."

She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I'd be honored to bear your children.
I can think of no greater gift that I could give you."

He drew her tighter into his embrace and met her kiss. Words alone would not
express his feelings right now.


**to be continued**

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Subject: [NNFic] And a child shall lead 04/28
Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 16:33:10 EST
From: KaAG@aol.com
To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu
CC: NNFic@yahoogroups.com, DarkNN@yahoogroups.com

Chapter Three

The arrival of the Elders came as no surprise as word of the cure circulated
through Toronto's vampire community. No one would say where the cure came
from, merely that LaCroix had it at the Raven and that it worked. The fact
that it came in a blood base made it more palatable than most thought any
medicine could be. He claimed that it was his invention, his creation, but
those who doubted him said nothing.

Aaron and Joseph, the eldest of the elders arrived first. Both were well
over
four millennia and were seldom seen in public. Their attention was never
good
news and their arrival in Toronto caused many to seek other places to meet.
No one wanted to know why they came, but were sure that the General's son
had
something to do with it.

Especially since they were quickly greeted by LaCroix and escorted to the
private quarters. No one went into the General's private domain without an
invitation.

"Lucien, so good to see you," Aaron said first, taking the offered goblet.
"Ah, a very fine vintage. When did we last meet? London, perhaps? At the
theater?"

LaCroix sat opposite him, his calm, smooth gaze between both men. "Greetings
for you both. What brings you to my fair city? I thought you were in Paris."

"We've heard there was a strange illness taking lives of community members,"
Joseph explained casually. It was almost too casual. It was clear that they
were here for a reason.

"Yes, indeed," LaCroix agreed. "A virus engineered by a mortal. It was
intended to combat AIDS but had unforeseen effects when it got loose in the
form of a lab rat."

"Hmmm, and where is this individual responsible for initiating this
research?" Aaron asked carefully. He was certain that LaCroix would not
tolerate this research continuing.

"I believe she is a resident of Mount Hope Cemetery, if I remember
correctly." His cold, shark-like smile met their approving gaze. It was as
they'd hoped.

"No longer among the living, I assume," Joseph stated in a questioning tone.

"Of course not," LaCroix replied indignantly. "Not our doing, I might add.
Her assistant pushed her down the stairs. This same assistant met with an
unfortunate accident at the hands of one of the research subjects, whom I
then took care of. His demise was recorded as a consequence of advanced
AIDS." He paused to swallow the contents of his crystal goblet. "It's good
to
have a friend in the coroner's office."

"Good, very good, Lucien," Joseph nodded. "A friend in the coroner's office,
you say. How convenient."

"It is," LaCroix nodded. "The illness has been dealt with as well. I have in
my possession an agent to counteract the virus."

 "Indeed. We had heard as much. Where did this cure come from?"

"It was developed by an ally. You could, I suppose, call her the community's
physician."

"A mortal?" Joseph asked swiftly.

"For now," he said with a shrug. "She has been working with my son for
several years. A remarkable woman."

" Do you have you any doubts about her loyalty?" Aaron questioned.

"Absolutely no doubts. She has assisted us willingly on more than one
occasion. She would be a fine member of the community," LaCroix declared.

"Then why is she not?" Joseph responded. He had never known the general to
hesitate when selecting progeny. If this woman met with his approval, it
stood to reason that she'd have already been converted.

"Nicholas," he said with a resigned tone. While some of Nick's more recent
emotional outbursts led him to think it possible that his son was returning
to the fold, this was not assured. Nor did it mean that he'd bring his
friend
across.

"Does not want to do it," Aaron commented. This came as no surprise to
either
of them. They knew only too well of deBrabant's foolish quest. Everyone in
the community knew of it.

"That doesn't explain why you have not converted her," Joseph questioned.

"I have thought about it," LaCroix responded thoughtfully, sipping his
blood-wine. "It has been a more serious thought of late and I wonder if
Nicholas is reconsidering the possibility. I am merely giving him the
opportunity to take care of it. If he moves on without her, I have every
intention of taking her for my own. She is a very strong woman."

"We don't think it should wait," Joseph commented

Aaron nodded in agreement. "We would like to meet her. We had heard that a
mortal woman was involved with the Toronto community. This is not a good
precedence." His voice was firm. Draining his goblet and setting it on the
desk, he took an aura of command. "We need to interview her. If we deem her
worthy, she will be converted." Pulling out an embossed card, he handing it
to LaCroix. "Bring her to this address tomorrow night by midnight. We don't
care how you get her there but we want her alive and able to communicate.
You
may observe. We may require your assistance."

LaCroix nodded. He knew better than to question the high council. He could
only hope that the good doctor would be as cooperative. "What about
Nicholas?"

"We will summon him personally," Joseph replied, standing to reach across
the
desk to shake LaCroix's hand. "I look forward to meeting the good doctor."

**to be continued**

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Subject: [NNFic] And a child shall lead 05/28
Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 16:29:39 EST
From: KaAG@aol.com
To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu
CC: NNFic@yahoogroups.com, DarkNN@yahoogroups.com

disclaimers in part 01

Chapter Four

Having a rare evening off, Natalie programmed her CD player and prepared for
a quiet evening of reading. Nick was at work. It was unlikely that she'd see
him tonight. He was recovered from the fever but on top of the possession,
he
had not returned to normal. He was supposed to bring her the specimen to
examine on her next night at work. Amidst much embarrassment on his part,
he'd explained how closely tied human blood was to his ability to actually
give her that particular bodily fluid. For that reason, they'd decided that
their efforts to create a child would need medical science. He was
absolutely
convinced that she would not survive.

Her nausea had abated somewhat but the fatigue had not. Rest and relaxation
was just what she needed. Setting a mug of tea and a plate of cheese and
crackers by the phone, she curled up with a stack of journals. It might not
be the most exciting reading, but this would be the perfect time to catch up
of the latest in forensic pathology. Not to mention the fact that she needed
to look back on her calendar and try to reconstruct her monthly cycle. She'd
never really paid much attention, but if they were going to succeed in
conceiving a child, she would need to know when it would be optimal.

It was then that she felt him. A cool breeze coming from the patio door. She
was not alone. Looking toward the door, she saw the tall, darkly clad
figure.
"LaCroix? What do you want?"

"We have business, doctor," he said firmly.

"Oh?  If you need more doses, I can work on it Thursday night. I'm off for
the next couple nights." She leaned back, sipping her tea.

"That's not it. Your presence has been requested by the High Council," he
stated, moving closer. "I will be escorting you."

"If I refuse?" she asked softly. This did not sound like something that she
really wanted to do. If they could order *him* around, she did not want to
see what they could do to her.

"Not a wise idea," he cautioned. "Not if you value your health. Not even I
would have the audacity to refuse an audience with the council."

"Is that a threat?" she asked calmly. "Am I in danger?"

"My dear Dr. Lambert, I do not threaten. I act," he stated. "I have no
reason
to cause you harm. That would, after all, cause much distress to Nicholas. I
will caution you that if you refuse to come with me, you are, indeed in
grave
danger."

She looked at him curiously. Yes, they had met on several occasions, much to
her consternation. He was not her favorite person. While he usually seemed
so
menacing and was not terribly friendly to her on any occasion, tonight he
was
radiating concern for her. If he was concerned about her, then this was a
threat to be taken seriously.

"All right, let me get my coat," she sighed. Meeting a group of vampires in
the sweatshirt and scrub pants that she wore for lounging was not her idea
of
proper attire, but she doubted he'd wait for her to change clothes.
Shrugging
on her heaviest jacket, she met him at the patio door. Before she could
blink, he'd lifted her and flown into the night.

They landed at a cinderblock building in an industrial area west of the
city.
She straightened her jacket, and ran her hands through the tangled mess that
was her hair.

"Come. They are waiting," LaCroix urged.

They entered a large, sparsely furnished room. It was seemingly empty except
for a semi-circle of straight-back chairs. A lone spotlight illuminated a
single chair that had a small tray table beside it. LaCroix led her to the
chair, and gently urged her to sit. Standing behind her, his hands resting
on
her shoulders, he gazed around the room.

"I have done as you requested. I have brought Dr. Lambert to be
interviewed,"
he announced.

Slowly, shadowy figures began to emerge and join her in the semi-circle.
Several carried crystal goblets and she could see green glass bottles on the
tray tables behind their chairs. So, she was right. She was being
'interviewed' by vampires. This did not bode well. She could see five men,
all looking to be in their late 40s. She could only guess how old they
*really* were.

"Dr. Lambert, it is truly a pleasure to meet you." The man in the center
chair, a tall imposing figure with graying hair spoke first.

"Well, I'd say it was a pleasure to meet you as well, but since you have not
introduced yourself first...." She spoke with a hint of sarcasm and
annoyance. They might have demanded her presence, but she could insist upon
some common courtesy. In her mind she was re-living her first surgical
rotation as an intern. She could picture the senior cardiac surgeon's
merciless grilling on rounds. Show no fear. That was the ultimate lesson and
it was one she'd learned well.

"Ah, such spirit," he smiled coldly. "You may call me Aaron. From left we
have Martin, Joseph, Samuel and Thomas.  You are Dr. Natalie Lambert,
medical
examiner for the city of Toronto."

"Yes," she nodded. "Now that we've been properly introduced, why have you
brought me here?"

"It was time." A voice was heard from the shadows. Natalie could not see who
had spoken, but it was a voice of command.

"Time?" she asked, looking between the impassive faces.

"Yes, time that we met you," Aaron confirmed. "Since you came here
unrestrained, may we assume that you know General Lucius?"

"Sort of," she hesitated. "I mean, yes, we've met. I've listened to his show
but I'd scarcely call that knowing him." She wasn't sure how much detail she
should reveal. Nick had always emphasized the need for secrecy with her and
he'd been unhappy that she'd been so honest with LaCroix.

"Touché, a very honest answer. Tells us much, but yet, does not tell us
exactly what we asked."

"What you thought you asked," she said softly. "You forget. I'm used to
being
cross-examined. Any defense attorney will tell you that you have to ask very
specific questions. If you want a straight answer, ask a straight question."
She knew exactly what they were trying to determine. She knew it. They knew
it.

"Lucien, you did not warn us," Aaron commented. "This might be more amusing
than we'd planned."

"I did say that she is a very strong woman," LaCroix agreed. He knew that
the
verbal games with Natalie would be a joy.

"Very well. Doctor, you know *of* the General?" Aaron inquired smoothly.
Their interviews were unscripted but conducted with the intent of
determining
how much an individual knew, how they learned it, and what they intended to
do with the knowledge.

"Yes, I have known of him for almost six years but we first met two years
ago." She felt his fingers tighten on her shoulders. She'd have bruises
there
for sure. "Yes, LaCroix, I remember our dinner together at Azure. Even with
the drugs, your hypnotism has worn off. I remember everything."

The elders passed a non-verbal warning glance at her words. So, she was a
resister. Even to one as skilled as the general. It reassured them that
proper precautions had been attempted. Evidently, she'd not told him that
her
memories had returned so she knew the value of discretion.

"So you know *what* he is?" Martin asked. So far, they'd skirted around the
issue. Time to get serious.

"Yes. I do. I know his deep, dark, mysterious side," Natalie replied, making
eye contact with each of the men. "I know it is not something that one
discusses in public." Taking a deep breath, she continued, "therefore, I
know
was all of you are, as well. I know that any of you could kill me before I
would have a chance to react. Please, let us keep this civilized. I will
answer your questions as best I can. I promise total honesty." She looked at
the impassive faces that stared back at here. "Is that acceptable?"

"Quite," Aaron agreed. He was enjoying the verbal sparring. It had been a
long time since he'd met a mortal that was this much of a challenge. This
interview was likely to be more interesting than usual. For a change, their
intervention would not have its usual fatal conclusion. That much had pretty
much been decided before they began. That didn't mean that they would not
instill in her a healthy respect for the Code and the Community's hierarchy.
"Very well, since you have confirmed our first question, let us move on. You
know Nicholas Knight?"

"Yes, I have known Nick for six years,"

"How well do you know him?" he could sense, very faintly that there was
something unusual about this woman. Her strength was much more than the
average mortal.

"Very well," she said with a rising blush. From the intent stares, she felt
exposed. It was as if they knew.

"Intimately?" Aaron asked solemnly.

"Yes," she breathed softly, acutely aware of LaCroix's tight grip on her
shoulders.

"Thus, you also know what he is?" Joseph asked. It was rare that a vampire
could have a sexual relationship without revealing himself, and from her
expression, it seemed unlikely that he'd hidden anything.

"Yes," she admitted clearly.

"Has he ever taken your blood?" Aaron inquired. The aura was faint, but she
carried a barely perceptible level of the vampire's scent. How she got it
was
yet to be determined. From what they knew of him, Nick was unlikely to have
exchanged blood with her or taken her blood directly.

"No," she said quickly. "At least, not that I'm aware of." She noted the
questioning looks they'd exchanged. Did they know something that she did
not?

"Has he ever given you his blood?" he asked carefully. He could tell that
their relationship had gone well beyond friendship. How far beyond was yet
another item for their agenda.

"To examine?"

"We'll discuss that later. What I am asking is this: have you ever ingested
his blood?"

"Yes, once," she explained. "When he thought me dying..." she'd never
verbalized what she'd seen as she hovered near death from an anesthesia
overdose when her heart had almost been harvested in a black market organ
donation ring. Seemingly floating above her body, she'd seen him leaning
over
her, dripping blood from his wrist into her mouth. She'd then gone back into
her body. It was another thing that they had not discussed even when she
thought Nick to be dying from the fever. She didn't know how to bring it up.
Since that time, they'd shared a strange connection, almost a mental
awareness of each other at least when they were in close proximity. She
wasn't aware of him now, but she knew they were on the opposite side of
Toronto.

"But he did not bring you across?" Martin puzzled.

"No, he didn't," she confirmed. "That doesn't surprise me.  He views himself
as damned. If he loves me, he is not going to damn me as well." She tried to
keep her voice even, not show the disappointment that she'd felt in his
denying her for so many years. He didn't understand that she did not share
his opinion of immortality, or her willingness, desire to be one with him.
Only once, on that fateful Valentine's Day, had he dropped the barriers to
her completely.  It took another two years, and Nick getting shot to get him
to the point where he'd admit his love. The conversations of the past week
were too fresh in her mind. While he readily professed his love, he avoided
any discussion of the eventual problem of her aging while he did not or any
of the other issues they'd face.

"How did you meet?" Joseph asked, focusing her attention in a different
direction. That was the common tactic. They would return to previous topics
if one of them felt it important.

Natalie took a deep breath before continuing. She had not yet determined
just
how much trouble she was in. While Nick spoke of Enforcers with obvious
fear,
he had never mentioned Elders. Was this worse? "I suppose you could call it
within a professional capacity."

"Go on," Joseph prompted.

"He was injured in an explosion. Killed. As part of the police
investigation,
he was brought to the morgue."

"And he was unconscious?"

"Yes, but he woke up shortly after I unzipped the body bag."

"What did he do then?"

"He sat up, jumped off the table and drank some blood from the cooler."

"Did he speak to you at all?"

"Just to say that he was something very different from me."

"Did he say what?"

"Yes, he said that he was a vampire," she sighed, remembering their first
meeting. "Then he told me to forget that he'd ever been there."

"But you didn't forget him?"

"Uh no," she hesitated briefly. "Well, I did for a short time. It was long
enough to get my assistants in trouble for losing a body. I bumped into him
in the parking lot the next night and I remembered everything."

"You've been friends ever since?"

"Yes, and co-workers. He works as a homicide detective and I cover his
division."

"You are also his doctor?"

"Well, yes. Someone has to sign the department's annual physical exam
report.
Not to mention the fact that he has a nasty habit of getting in the way of
small projectiles that can perforate him." She heard laughs circulate the
room at that comment. "I remove them, patch him up. I'm probably the only
M.E. who keeps a pint of O negative in her emergency kit. I've pulled
bullets
out of Janette as well." She noticed the uncomfortable looks that circulated
at the mention of the vampiress's name. Was that forbidden knowledge as
well?

"You also do experiments on him?" Aaron spoke firmly, expecting her to deny
it.

"Yes, I do. I've been studying his physiology," she replied, matter-of-fact.
"He, uh, does not want to be what he is, and I am trying to find a way to
cure him."

"Cure him?" Martin spat out, a look of anger rising.

"Martin," Aaron spoke low, warning. "Dr. Lambert, your efforts certainly
have
scientific merit. Removing projectiles is viewed in a much different light
than trying to alter him. Indeed, I do not believe that anyone, and
certainly
no other mortal, has done such a thorough study of our physiology. To refer
to it as a cure is unacceptable. We are not a disease to be cured."

"I'm sorry," she said softly. "I didn't mean to offend. That is just how
Nick
 referred to our efforts at the beginning. I've never given it another
term."

"You were made aware of the dangers in the pursuit of this knowledge?"

"Regularly," she confirmed. "Before I started, and frequently since. Most of
what I've learned has been by observation. Nick is not very talkative about
his condition."

"Good. He shouldn't be." Joseph said firmly.

"Where is this research kept?" Thomas broke in. He'd been silent through the
previous discussion.

"In my evidence locker in my office. I have the only key." She looked
between
the five still faces. "Is this a cease and desist warning?"

"Somehow I doubt that she would listen to that, at least not from me. You
might have more success," LaCroix commented from his post behind her.

"Ah, general, you were aware of her work?" Aaron questioned, focusing his
attention at the tall vampire standing at the edge of the spotlight. Taking
a
deep breath to collect her thoughts, Natalie drank from the water glass that
was set by her chair. She had determined early on that hiding the truth
about
her knowledge and activities would only hurt in the long run. That didn't
mean that it was easy to talk about it.

"Of course," he replied confidently. "Since there is no way back, I let her
indulge Nicholas's fantasy. Besides which, he is less apt to do something
foolish like walking into the sun if he has some degree of hope in the
future."

"You saw no danger in her growing body of knowledge?" Samuel questioned. It
struck him as unusual that a man so experienced in their law and culture
would condone questionable actions such as this.

"No, I don't. In have been fully aware of what she is doing and why. I have
been watching her, and Nicholas as well."

"Have you any cause to doubt her loyalties?" Joseph asked. It was not the
first time that they'd asked that particular question. If this was an act,
they would know eventually.

"No.  If I'd had any doubts, she would not be here today." He paused to make
eye contact with each of the men. "She has assisted us in many ways."

"Yes, we have heard," Martin spoke from his seat in the corner of the group.
"Dr. Lambert, you have altered autopsy reports?"

"Not exactly," she admitted. "Omitting information is not the same thing as
altering data."

"Very well. I sta

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Subject: [NNFic] and a child shall lead 05b/28
Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 16:45:33 EST
From: KaAG@aol.com
To: DarkNN@yahoogroups.com
CC: NNFic@yahoogroups.com

when my copy of chapter 4 came across, I saw that it had been cut off....
here is the rest.

CHAPTER FOUR (continued)

Very well. I stand corrected," he nodded.  "Have you filed incomplete
autopsy
reports?"

"Yes," she agreed.

"Risked your professional reputation?"

"Yes," she whispered. Taking a deep breath, she looked around the circle.
"I'm not totally naïve. I know that I'm being watched. If one of my
colleagues noted punctures or blood loss, it wouldn't matter. But if I did,
knowing what I know, I'd fear for my life."

"Relax, doctor," Aaron spoke calmly. "We are well aware of the debt owed you
by the Community. At the present time, we merely want to understand you
better." He leaned back in his chair, studying her outwardly calm
appearance.
Her racing heart steadied as she focused on him. "You are an intriguing
woman."

"Indeed," LaCroix agreed. "She is a challenge, wouldn't you say?"

Aaron smiled coldly. That was one thing that they would all agree upon.
"Why?
Why cover for us?"

"Because," she hesitated before continuing. "Why call attention to something
that is not in your jurisdiction?" she questioned in a more confident tone.
"I had my written, official reports that I would file for the police. Then
there was what I would tell Nick."

"He would tell me, or Janette before me, and it would be taken care of,"
LaCroix interrupted.

"This does not compromise your sense of justice?" Samuel asked, glancing
between the two of them.

"No, justice would be served," she replied. "I knew that it would be
handled,
that the killer would be punished appropriately. That's my job. My basic
philosophy is not changed by the fact that I know of laws others do not.
Okay, so it meant that a few cases would go into the unsolved files at the
department. My job is to find the information so that a killer may be found
and that still happened. It didn't matter which jurisdiction." She took a
drink of water and focused on Aaron, as he seemed to be the one that seemed
to be leading the interview. "Look, I may not know all of your rules, but it
seems to me that discretion is important. Nick has always stressed secrecy
with me. Leaving evidence in plain sight doesn't seem very intelligent. I
know what is in those green bottles. I am not so naïve to think that it
always came in a bottle. I know that you would prefer it warm and from the
source."

"And yet, you tell Nicholas to abstain?" LaCroix asked, puzzled.

"Abstain from killing, yes," she confirmed.

"From drinking human blood?"

"That is his choice," she said swiftly, turning slightly to face him. "The
cow blood is his idea. He was feeding on cow's blood long before we met.
Long
before I was born for that matter. Yes, I have provided him with some
alternative nutrition, at his request. I've studied his metabolism in some
detail, how his cells are nourished with blood of different species. I know
that human blood is the best nutrition for him. I could prescribe it for
him,
but I'm not sure he'd comply any more than he did when I was giving him
protein shakes. It is his choice to seek mortality. Not mine. I am his
physician. It is not my place to tell him what decisions to make."

"If it was your choice?" Aaron probed.

"Since we started this project, my priorities have changed, as has my
understanding of his physiology and psyche." She sighed and met his intense
gaze directly. "He does not want to kill. I understand that. I want him to
have peace of mind. To him, that means atoning for all the lives that he
took, and to live as a mortal. I may not agree with his methodology, but I
try to understand. I have stopped nagging him about the quantity of blood
his
consumes. Near starvation is not what I had in mind, and that is what he was
doing."

"That still does not answer the question," Aaron persisted. "What would your
choice be?"

"To be with him," she said simply.

"You would become a vampire if he asked you?" Martin asked. That it would
soon be a moot question was not the point. At this stage of the interview,
her basic feeling about vampirism was more the question.

"Yes," she nodded solemnly.

"If he didn't, if he chose to move on without you. What will you do?"

"I don't know," she replied. It was the truth. One that she feared every
time
he seemed more depressed than the norm. It was less of an issue now that
LaCroix had endorsed their relationship but not completely out of the
question.


**to be continued**

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Subject: [NNFic] And a child shall lead 06/28
Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 16:36:46 EST
From: KaAG@aol.com
To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu
CC: DarkNN@yahoogroups.com, NNFic@yahoogroups.com

Chapter Five

 Two nights had passed since his intense, soul-searching conversation with
Natalie. Nick was still in shock that she'd agreed to find a way to bear him
a child. As much as they loved one another, this would push them into
another
level. One that he hoped would lead to marriage.

It was disconcerting though that he'd not heard from Natalie. That was
unusual. Even if she was working, she'd call to 'check in'. He needed to
find
a reason to go to the coroner's building. There was always an unsolved that
he could dredge up. He'd promised to bring his sample over tonight. She had
said that it needed to be 'fresh', so he'd waited for a night that she was
on
duty and had intended to see her at lunch.

For a change, he'd had a quiet week. They'd not had any homicide calls, so
there were no scenes where they'd meet, nor were there new cases to call
about. Tracy had kept him busy with paperwork, much to his dismay. She paid
closer attention to his whereabouts than Schanke ever did. Ever since their
last reprimand for going separate ways mid-shift, she'd become obsessed with
knowing where he was going and why. It made it harder to simply sneak over
to
the morgue.

What he found even stranger was the LaCroix was running tapes. Coincidence?
Maybe, maybe not and the possibility frightened him. Had his master reneged
on his promise? That seemed unlikely. LaCroix never broke his word. He might
find a loophole that would make any bargain skew toward his own advantage,
but he did not blatantly break agreements. It was a comfort to think that
he'd specifically promised that he would leave Natalie alone.

Tracy watched her partner from across their desks. He was lost in a fog
again. He could be so distracted sometimes. Even when he was there, in the
precinct, he seemed to have his mind elsewhere. Yet, when it counted, he was
there. He'd given her respect, trust and backed her up even when she'd been
careless. He'd saved her from some ugly situations and at the same time
seemed to understand her struggles to break from her father's shadow.

"Nick?  Hello?" she tossed a pencil across the desk at him.

"Oh, uh, what?" he asked, startled.

"I said, are you taking Natalie to the department Christmas party?"

"Umm, I don't know. We haven't talked about it. Why?"

"Just curious, Nick. You've been in such a fog lately. I thought there might
be something that you weren't telling me." She watched him closely, trying
to
determine where his mind had been this time. If she were a betting woman,
she'd put her money on it being in a basement lab over on Grenville.

"You are an incurable romantic," he teased. "You are just sure that Dr.
Lambert is the reason for my every mood. That she and I...."

"Make a cute couple," she interjected. "You do. Go on, you've been itching
to
go over there for some reason, any reason. Ask her to the party. You'll have
fun."

He flashed her a lopsided grin. It was true. He had been looking for an
excuse to ask Natalie to the party... and he did want to see her. He was not
sure if there was a reason for her silence. She had promised to give him
time
to recover from the fever's after-effects, but now he was concerned. "I
don't
know, Trace."

"You know you want to," Tracy said confidently. "It's quiet here. I'll call
you if I need anything or if we get a call. Go talk to her."

****
Natalie stared at the plate. On another day, perhaps, the pate and caviar
would seem marvelous. Right now, the champagne and rich food simply made her
more nauseated.  The fact that her period was way overdue did not help
matters. Dealing with that around a group of male vampires was enough to
give
her indigestion.

Her nausea had steadily increased as the interrogation progressed. They'd
been fairly polite to her, provided her with simple meals and water, even a
bed and change of clothing to rest for the day.

As the interview progressed, stretched into a second day, the discussions
became more in depth, more revealing of her own desires. It frightened her
how they were ever-so-skillfully peeling away the layers of her defenses.
Getting her to reveal things that she'd not said in years. Not thought
about.
Not wanted to remember.

"Not hungry, Dr. Lambert?" Aaron asked, drinking deeply from a stemmed
goblet. "I thought something more festive was in order today. After all,
very
few mortals have ever made it to a second session with us."

Natalie took a cracker, making no comment to his last statement. Refusing to
take the bait. Some things she did not want to know. "Umm, it looks
wonderful, but too rich. Tea and crackers would suit me fine."

LaCroix looked at her sharply. He'd seen some of the meals the Nick had
catered for his mortal friend. Even from his perch, sitting above the
skylight, he could tell. Simple they were not.

"Then you are ready to continue our discussion?"

She turned to him wearily, "Aaron, what is the real reason that you've kept
me here? I don't think there is much of my life that you don't know already.
I do have to work tonight."

"Oh, don't worry about that. We have you on a sick leave," Samuel commented,
taking his place in the circle.

"Nick will look for me," Natalie added.

"Let him. He won't find you until we are ready," Thomas smirked.

"OK, ready for what?" she asked with a touch of impatience.

"It is time," a solemn voice added from the shadows. The other vampires
parted to allow a tall, white haired man with piercing black eyes to
approach
her.

Natalie looked at him, a chill running down her back. "Time?" she whispered.
That was the same phrase, the same voice, that they'd used to begin this
entire discussion.

"You are entirely too perceptive, Dr. Lambert. You know too much and
surmised
even more. You have proven yourself resistant to the mind control of even a
master vampire. You have gained a level of knowledge and understanding of
our
world that is unacceptable."

She felt LaCroix's arms snake around her waist, restraining her in a
standing
position, before the man's piercing gaze.

"Your cooperation in this interview has been most appreciated. Based on your
testimony and your most recent service to the community, we have reached a
verdict." He paused, watching Natalie grasp LaCroix's hands tighter.

"Verdict? I didn't know I was on trial."

"Only members of the community are to know about us in the detail which you
do," Aaron said firmly. The other Elders all stood to form a tight circle
around her.

"There are three ways in which we handle those mortals who learn our
secrets," Thomas spoke carefully, expressionlessly.  "One, their memories
are
removed. That is something that you are remarkably resistant to. Therefore,
this would be an inappropriate action on our part."

"Two, they are killed, along with that vampire who was responsible for their
knowledge," Martin said solemnly.

"Three, they become one of us," Joseph added with the barest hint of a
smile.

"It is the judgment of this council of Elders that you will join our
community without delay," Aaron stated, his voice solemn and his expression
calm as he watched Natalie for a reaction.

Natalie looked back at LaCroix and then to the others, all silent and
unquestioning. "What if I say no?" she asked in a clear voice. "Or simply
don't come back?" That she knew the process involved was something they'd
already discovered. She knew that ultimately, it was her choice to return as
a vampire.

They exchanged hard glares. "If you die, Dr. Lambert, Nicholas will die as
well," Aaron commented. He was surprised at her question. If anything, he'd
thought that she was ready and willing to come across. "Only his death will
be a lot more prolonged and painful than yours."

"You have until sunset tonight to prepare yourself," the dark man
proclaimed.
His tone and mannerisms told her that there could be no argument. "Do not
think that you can escape during daylight hours. We will find you if you
leave here, and then you have forfeited your choice. In that case, however,
you will be witness to Nicholas's death prior to your own."

**to be continued**

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Subject: [NNFic] And a child shall lead 07/28
Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 23:07:44 EST
From: KaAG@aol.com
To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu
CC: DarkNN@yahoogroups.com, NNFic@yahoogroups.com

disclaimers in part 01

Chapter Six

Nick walked into the lab with growing fear. Usually he could sense her heart
beat as soon as he entered the building. Today, he heard nothing, sensed
nothing of her presence. Her car was not in the parking lot.

The lights were off. The pile of mail untouched. Her appointment calendar
still sat on Thursday. She had not been here in three nights. He knew she'd
had at least one night off duty, but he swore that she was scheduled
tonight.

Walking swiftly down the hallway to the break room, he saw one of Natalie's
assistants. "Jill? Seen Natalie tonight?" he called out.

"Oh, hi, Detective," she turned to face him. "She called in sick."

"Sick?" he questioned.

"Yeah, and we were getting a little concerned."  She looked at him
curiously.
Evidently the department gossip was not quite accurate if he did not know
anything about Natalie's illness. "A man called to book her off. She's been
out a couple days with the flu." She paused for a moment to study his
reaction. "We thought it was you calling her in. Guess not, eh?"

"No, it wasn't me." He replied grimly. <But I will be finding out who it
was>
he thought to himself.

****
The others had left Natalie alone with LaCroix in the barren main room. He
quietly led her back to the small room that held her bed, as he'd done the
morning before. It was a simply furnished room, with a bed and small lamp,
and little else. Like the rest of the building there were no windows.

She sat on the edge of the bed and sighed heavily. She knew what she must
do,
what would happen that evening. Sleep was the last thing on her mind.
LaCroix
started to leave when she looked up.

"Don't go. Please," she patted the bed next to her. "Talk to me."

"Very well," he agreed and sat at the other end of the bed. "Are you so
reluctant?" he asked softly.

"No, I'm willing to cross over and for more reasons than simply to be with
Nick, although that is part of my thinking. I just wanted to know what my
options really were," she said in a low, firm voice. "Please don't tell Nick
until I have a chance to talk to him. He'd think this was the ultimate
betrayal."

"Of course," he agreed. He knew all about his son's guilt laden psyche and
she was absolutely correct. The only difference being that she was able to
communicate with him like no one else.

"I'm just a little nervous, that's all." She admitted. "Who will do it? I've
seen a little of  what the bond to one's master entails, and that makes me
even more nervous. Will I have any say?"

"I believe you could have some choice, but it will be limited to those of us
present." LaCroix was thoughtful. "I believe Nicholas is being summoned
tonight to be interviewed as well, but I'm not sure that they'll bring him
here. In view of his recent difficulties, I'm not sure that he's prepared to
bring you across himself. With a proper meal and some coaching, he could be
persuaded if that is what you wish. It won't be very private though. Be
aware
that I am not convinced that the council would allow it. I think it will
depend what he says when they meet with him."

Natalie looked away and said quietly, "I think I can face some things about
Nick that he'd never admit to me directly. He hasn't had much experience
with
new vampires. From what he's told me, he doesn't have a very good track
record in conversions."

"You are correct, Natalie, he doesn't. It takes patience and self-control to
successfully convert someone. It is more than simply the act of bringing one
across. That is merely the tip of the iceberg, and I'm afraid he's not
mastered those abilities. It is not to say that he could not, simply that he
hasn't previously," he confirmed. Her insight surprised him. She truly knew
more that was safe for any mortal ~ at least any mortal who intended to stay
that way.

"If they won't let him do it, will you?" she asked abruptly, looking at him
directly.

He was silent for a moment, the shock evident in his expression. This was
precisely what he'd dreamed of that night at Azure but he could not believe
that she actually was asking him. "You really want to bind yourself to me?
The Elders will convert you and free you. Leave you to find your way on your
own. No ties. No commitments. I will not. If I am your master, I will be
with
you, mind and body for eternity."

"That's okay," she leaned over to take his hand loosely. "I've seen how you
care for Nick and Janette. They may not see it the same way, but I know that
you love them in your own way. You would protect them no matter what. I've
been thinking of coming to you for guidance. I figured you might be able to
persuade Nick to bring me across before he had to move on, but I wasn't sure
if you'd agree, or if Nick would forgive me if I did. I'm afraid he'd see it
as we were ganging up on him."

He shut his eyes and breathed deeply, feeling her warmth acutely, allowing
her rapid heart beat to wash over him. She was nervous, but had remained
outwardly calm. A good trait. Yes, she would fit into his family quite well.
"Yes, Natalie. Yes, I will bring you across." He met her steady gaze,
gripping her hand tightly. "You could have come to me at any time. I would
not have betrayed your trust. As to Nicholas's reactions, I do believe that
he would get over it soon enough. He would be angry, at least at the
beginning, but I've experienced his anger often enough."

****
Her apartment was dark, quiet. The persistent meow of her cat and several
days of untouched mail that filled her box  greeted him.

"Okay, okay, Sydney.." he murmured to the cat as he stepped carefully into
the living room. "Where's the food? You show me where it is, and I'll feed
you." He followed Sydney into the kitchen and opened cupboards until he
found
the stacked cans of cat food. "So where's mommy?" he asked as he scraped the
contents into a dish and then filled the water dish.

It was obvious that she'd not been home for some time and had left suddenly.
Natalie was very careful to have people lined up to take care of Sydney
whenever she went out of town, a habit that made Nick certain that she'd not
planned this departure. He was not even sure that she'd gone voluntarily.

As he looked around the apartment one thing was apparent. Her purse and
briefcase sat on the kitchen table. Nothing was missing.

Nothing but her.

****
The Raven was quiet. Jazz music reverberated around the dark room from the
stereo system. It was too early for the vampire clientele to be seeking the
companionship of the club, and it was too cold for most humans. Nick strode
across to the bar and nodded to the bartender, taking the glass offered
silently.

"Marcus, where is he?" he asked, casting out his senses. He could tell that
LaCroix was not in the club, but he could not tell where he was.

"Who?" Marcus asked, wiping the shining surface of the bar absently. It was
a
game they played. He knew that the boss's son came into the club only when
he
was in need of information. Why make it easy?

"Who do you think? LaCroix. Where is he?"

Marcus shrugged. "Don't know. He said he had urgent business. He didn't say
where."

"Do you know with whom he was meeting?"

"He didn't say. I can tell you that there were a couple of scary looking
guys
in here middle of last week. They had him in conference all night. He left
Thursday and I haven't seen him since."

"That doesn't worry you?"

"No. He called yesterday and said he was unavoidably delayed. Told me which
tapes to run. He didn't say when he'd be back."

"You're sure you don't know where he is? Or who those guys were?"

"Nope. I didn't ask either. It's not my business." He looked at Nick
curiously. "You could find him yourself."

"I've tried. He's blocking me," Nick sighed. He dropped a few bills on the
bar. "Thanks. You'll let him know I'm looking for him?"

"You bet," Marcus agreed, pocketing the money as Nick strode across the
room.
He had another source to check.

Flying over to the abandoned church that was the primary residence of his
source within the younger members of the community, Nick continued to scan
his senses for his sire. It was a futile effort. If LaCroix did not want to
be found, he wouldn't be.

Landing in the shadows, Nick scanned the area for Tracy's car, her scent.
While Tracy knew of Vachon, she did not know that her partner was also a
vampire. That was not something that Nick was eager to change at any time
soon.

He could hear the strains of Spanish guitar coming from the upper level of
the church. Vachon was a gifted musician and had he not had business, he
would have stayed outside and listened longer. The music stopped as soon as
Nick slid the door open. His presence must have been detected, as Vachon was
standing at the top of the stairs.

"Knight? What's up?" he asked, seeing who his visitor was. They'd developed
a
loose friendship over the past year, mostly because of their relationship
with Tracy. It had started more as a confrontation as Nick had unleashed the
power of his 800 years to intimidate Vachon into staying in Toronto to
protect Tracy. The tensions had eased as the men got to know each other
better. He'd been the first one that Nick had taken the cure for the fever
to.

"Just a few questions. I'm hoping you can help. You're better connected to
the community right now. I need to hear the word on the street," he
explained, following Vachon to the small, candlelit balcony.

"I'll try," Vachon agreed. "You have better connections than I do, you just
don't use them."

"Natalie has disappeared and I think LaCroix took her somewhere," Nick said
grimly.

Vachon brushed the hair back from his face and looked at the older vampire
in
surprise, "Why would he do that?"

"Long story," Nick sighed. "I don't think you want to hear 800 years of
family fights."

"Wouldn't be my first choice," Vachon agreed. Like most of the community, he
knew of Nick's quest for mortality. If he was anyone but LaCroix's son, he
would be shunned, but the younger vampires had a strange respect for the way
he fought his sire's domination. "So how can I help?"

"Marcus said he was in conference last week with some scary looking guys. Do
you know who?"

"Not exactly," he shook his head. "But I heard that the high council came to
town. No one has seen them though." He watched the look of horror that
crossed Nick's face.

"They're interviewing Natalie," he said softly but with certainty. His voice
reflected the pain in his heart. "I knew that the cure would get us in
trouble."

"Wait a minute. *She* developed the cure?" Vachon looked at him with
surprise. For a mortal to have that great an understanding of them was
incredibly dangerous.

"Yes, and LaCroix knew. He was the main distributor, but Natalie supplied
it," Nick said in a resigned tone.

"Not good Knight. Not good. How long has she been missing?" Vachon shook his
head.

"Two days..." he replied. "You know what happens when the council intervenes
with a mortal?"

"Yeah. It's worse than the Enforcers," Vachon commented with a shudder.
There
were few things that could strike fear into a vampire, but attracting the
attention of the Enforcers or worse, yet, the Elders definitely did. "I hope
your affairs are in order, Knight. I'll give my condolences to your
partner."

"I've never heard of it taking more than a day," Nick observed.

"Maybe they'll let her go," Vachon said with a thoughtful look. He'd always
thought that Knight's girlfriend would do quite well as a vampire and had
never understood why he didn't bring her across. He'd even thought of
offering to do it himself, since Knight obviously wouldn't. The fear of how
Knight would react had kept those thoughts to himself. Nick's violent temper
was well known.

"Let her go?" Nick questioned with a startled glance. "Vachon, the only way
that would happen is if she was brought across."

"Exactly. You better take some supplies to her apartment. Not that swill
that
you drink. Get some of the Raven's best blends." He pushed aside a wooden
lid
to reach into a large box and pulled out two glass bottles sporting gold
labels. "My gift to her. She'll need it."

****
Cradling the bottles in the crook of his elbow, Nick pushed open the
elevator
door. Someone was approaching. He felt the tremors that only came from very
powerful vampires. Setting the bottles on the kitchen table and lighting the
candles on top of the piano, he waited.

"Nicholas de Brabant," a low sonorous voice sounded from the roof.  So the
visitors weren't going to simply 'drop in' like most members of the
community
did when coming to his loft.

Rising quickly, Nick flew through the skylight. "You called?" he said
solemnly, facing the three cloaked men who stood before him.

"We have business," the tallest one announced. "I am Joseph, and this is
Martin, and Thomas. We are members of the Council of Elders. Do you know why
we are here?"

"I would guess that it has something to do with the fever," he admitted.

"In part," Joseph acknowledged. "Yes, that is one reason. We have been
watching you and your activities. You have a habit of putting yourself in
situations that could call attention to us."

Nick nodded. "I am aware of that. I've been lucky. I know how far I can push
things, and I have always moved on before it became dangerous."  He knew
only
too well that he was not going to escape scrutiny forever. His best defense
at this point was to cooperate and hope that they'd not caught up with
Natalie yet. Feeling the cold wind whip across the lake, he was reminded
that
it was late October. "Would you like to come inside?"

"That won't be necessary," Joseph replied. "This shouldn't take long. If you
were properly nourished, the cold would not bother you."

"How might I assist you, then?" Nick asked, ignoring the last barb. They
were
trying to bait him. Losing his temper would not help anything right now.

"To be specific, we wish to explore your role in the fever's resolution."

"I'm not sure what you're asking," Nick turned to face him directly. All
three of the men wore heavy black cloaks that hid their faces in a deep
cowl.
He found it very difficult to not see the facial expressions.

"All right, we shall take this one step at a time," Martin announced. "You
know where the antidote came from?"

"Yes, LaCroix was the distributor."

"Don't insult our intelligence, Nicholas," Joseph cautioned. "I scarcely
think your sire would develop an anti-serum and package it neatly for
general
use. Where did he get it? Do you know?"

"Yes, I know where he got it," Nick sighed. "It was developed by a friend."

"So you admit your indiscretions?" Thomas commented.

"Indiscretions?" Nick questioned.

"Yes, your mortal friend. The one who knows all about us." Thomas repeated.
"Doctor to the Undead might be her secondary professional title."

"You mean Natalie?" he said reluctantly. It was obvious to him that if they
had not already found Natalie, they knew about her. "Yes, I'll admit that
our
friendship has led her to assist the Community."

"What are your intentions toward this mortal?" Joseph asked.

"My *intentions*?" Nick questioned. He was silent for a moment, realizing
that his honesty could not possibly put her in any more danger than she
already was. "I plan to marry her."

"Hmm. Intriguing idea," Thomas said slowly. "I presume that you've told her
of your *first* wife?"

Nick shot him a surprised look. He'd not told anyone, least of all Natalie,
of his ill-fated marriage in the 15th century. It shouldn't have shocked him
that the Council knew of it.

"I see you have not," Martin observed.

"Will you?" Joseph asked. "She has a right to know the risks she faces if
she
chooses to pursue a formal relationship with you."

"Why should I tell her? What purpose would that serve?" he asked finally.
"Besides, I'm not sure why you care."

"If this woman does indeed have as much knowledge as it would seem, then we
are, of course interested." Joseph instructed.   "Will you bring her
across?"

"I...I don't know," Nick admitted. "There are things that we both want to
accomplish that wouldn't work if she was a vampire."

"Things?" Martin prompted. "Would you elaborate on that statement?"

"Children," Nick declared. The absolute, unadulterated truth was the best
hope he had.

"Children?" Joseph questioned. A strange thought came to mind at Nick's
statement. Was *that* the cause of the slight aura he'd felt from Dr.
Lambert?

"You know that's impossible," Thomas interrupted. "She would not survive."

"Natalie is a doctor. She thinks it is possible using some alternative
techniques. We want to try." Nick's voice was almost pleading.

"So you seek to push the very limits of the Code?" Martin commented.

"How is that against the Code?" Nick asked. He wasn't trying to argue and
tried to stay calm at the thought that his hopes and dreams could be dashed
so quickly.

"Seeking medical assistance risks disclosure," Joseph explained.

"She would be the only physician to see my contribution," Nick added, with
an
embarrassed shrug. It still mortified him to talk about it.

"Our patience is rather thin, Nicholas," Martin stated. "I don't think you
realize the dangers in what you propose."

"You ask a question," Nick stated. "I'm answering it. You might not like the
answer, but there it is."

"Fair enough," Joseph nodded, with a gesture to the other men.

"If she asked you to bring her across, would you comply with her wishes?"
Martin asked.

"I don't know if I could," Nick said thoughtfully. "I love her more than
I've
loved any woman. I'm not sure I could control myself."

"Well, if you didn't weaken yourself with the blood of animals," Thomas
sniffed. "At least, if you do have the courage to do it, do it right."

"What does that mean?" Nick questioned.

"We know all about your last attempt," Joseph replied. "At least you took
care of it before we had to dispense a squad." Nick nodded sadly. He often
thought about the entire episode. He'd feared that it would forever haunt
him.

"I have to ask. What were you *thinking*?" Martin demanded. "What did you
feed him?"

"My usual. Cow's blood."

Nick could see the obvious shudders. "Animal blood is a poor substitute and
you know it, Nicholas," Thomas commented. "If you intended to make him a
carouche, why did you not get a live animal? A mouse or rat would have done
the trick. Giving him the dead, bottled blood made him weak and incomplete.
He would never have mastered control of his impulses."

"It appears to me that your sire was less than complete with your own
education." Joseph observed. "That is unacceptable for a man of your age. In
any event, though, your transgressions within the mortal world are also
unacceptable. This you know well. You know the punishment that awaits both
you, and your mortal friend." He paused for a moment, to let his words sink
in.  "Do you have anything to say?"

"Natalie would never reveal our secret. She is not a threat." Nick
protested.

"That is not the point. You know the Code and you chose to ignore it."

"Yes, I did. I have no regrets except that Natalie doesn't deserve this.
Kill
me if you want, but spare her life," Nick stood straight. He would face
death
with dignity if that could save Natalie's life.

"We will spare both of your lives, but only if you agree to our conditions."
Martin announced.

"Which are?"

"Your sire will be making a new convert soon. You are to allow this to
happen
and to pay attention to the education that he provides. You will finish your
education and be prepared to meet with us again in one year."

"Of course," he agreed. That seemed so simple. There had to be a catch. It
never occurred to him who LaCroix would be bringing across. If he had
thought
about it closer, he might not have been so agreeable.

**to be continued**

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Subject: [NNFic] And a child shall lead 08/28
Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 23:13:42 EST
From: KaAG@aol.com
To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu
CC: NNFic@yahoogroups.com, DarkNN@yahoogroups.com

disclaimers in part 1

Chapter Seven

She could not sleep. Her mind racing, knowing that, at sunset, she would
join
the vampire community. That she would, in a sense, die. That the children
she'd promised to bear for Nick would not be born. She knew the others were
asleep but she could not relax.  The warehouse had no windows but she found
the back door. Yeah, the scenery was not much and the air was cold, but she
had to see the sun once more.

Quietly, slowly, she went to the back door and opened it carefully, allowing
the sun to stream into the hall.

"Going somewhere?" a deep voice resonated behind her.

"No. I couldn't sleep," she shrugged. "I just wanted to feel the midday sun,
watch the sunset one last time." She turned and saw Aaron in the shadows.
"I've made my decision."

"And that is?" he prompted.

"I will come across," she said simply. Summoning up her courage, she asked,
"Will you allow me a choice?"

"Choice?" he questioned.

"Of who does it," she explained.

"Perhaps. Within reason," he replied, watching her expression. "Have you a
preference?"

"Yes," she turned toward the warmth of the sun, averting her eyes from his
penetrating glance. "Nick. I would like the man I love to bring me across."

"That will need to be discussed. I am not sure that he would be the best
choice."

"Why not?" she protested.

"I believe we reviewed our reasons with you last evening. Your experience
with your brother should be enough to convince you that he needs to learn
more of the subtle art of mentoring a newly converted vampire."

"Can he be here with me, at least?"

"Perhaps. I will ask my colleagues but I make no promises," he nodded in
agreement, moving further away from her since he'd confirmed what her
intentions were in opening the secured doors. Just as he feared,  she wanted
Nicholas performing the conversion. He was the one vampire that none of them
trusted to mentor her. Their fears were only minimally eased by his comments
the previous evening. He'd hoped that she would not argue their decision to
have LaCroix as her mentor. The general would be an excellent master, and a
much better solution than to simply convert and then free her. LaCroix would
educate her, watch over her, and make sure that the focus of her research
changed. The General would not permit a way to reverse his conversion for
his
daughter or his son.

******
Natalie watched the crimson glory of the sunset in silence. She could hear
the others shuffling into the large room at the end of the hall. Seeing the
sky turn from blue-orange to purple, she sighed and turned away. LaCroix
stood part way down the hall. He silently slid his arm around her shoulder
and led her back into the main room. She saw that a couch had been moved
into
the middle of the room and the chairs that they'd occupied for the past two
days had been moved against the walls.

"So, Dr. Lambert, are you prepared?" the tall elder who'd announced the
decision looked at her intently.

"Yes, I am. I am ready to join the community," she said firmly.

"It is our custom in cases like this, that the individual is converted by
one
of us and then left to find their own way. I understand, however, that you
have expressed a desire to be brought across by Nicholas de Brabant."

"Yes, that is my preference. He is the man I love, and he is responsible for
my knowledge of the Community."

The other elders stepped backward at his gesture. Forming a tight huddle,
they spoke in voices so low that even LaCroix could not decipher their
words.

"Ms. Lambert, we have determined that the delay necessary to summon
deBrabant
would be unacceptable."

"Were you not going to summon Nicholas for an interview?" LaCroix asked.
There had to be another reason for their refusal. It would have taken very
little time to find Nick and get him to the warehouse.

"We did, and we have," Martin commented. He said nothing further, making it
obvious that they were not going to discuss anything that had been said to
or
about Nick. "So, Ms. Lambert, have you an alternative? Make a decision now,
or we shall make it for you."

She glanced back at LaCroix who nodded, his hands tightening on her
shoulder.

"You would consent to the General?" Aaron asked, seeing the silent
communication between the two.

"Yes, that is correct," she replied, leaning against LaCroix's arm.

"You are in a rather unusual situation and your choice reflects
understanding
and wisdom. Therefore we have determined that your request will be
permitted," Aaron said, as the taller man stood back in the shadows.
Motioning for LaCroix to take her to the couch, he continued, "General, you
may proceed."

She said on the couch and leaned back into the cushions, arching her neck,
watching him sit next to her. Her heart was pounding.

He leaned over, looking into her eyes, smoothing the hair away from her
neck.
"Shh, relax, Natalie. It will be over quickly. I won't hurt you," he
murmured.

Concentrating on the sound of her heartbeat, her scent, letting the desire
for her wash over him, LaCroix dropped his fangs, his eyes glowing amber.
With one hand steadying her neck, he planted his fangs into the large artery
by her ear and drew a large swallow. Pulling away in horror, eyes still
glowing, he stared at her in shock.

"General, is there a problem?" Aaron asked quickly. He should not have
stopped already.

"She... she's with child." He stared at her numbly. With the first taste of
her blood, he saw her memory of making love with Nicholas and felt the
beating of the child's heart. She was carrying Nicholas's child.

Natalie looked at him, surprise overriding the sensations she'd felt from
the
brief contact with the master vampire. "What?  Are you sure?"

"Aren't you?" he looked at her carefully, running his hands over her
abdomen,
feeling gently through her clothing and sensing her, feeling the child
within. Hearing the second heart beat. "Is it possible?"

"I guess," she confessed. "I didn't think so at the time, but I do have all
the symptoms. I've ignored them because I've only been with Nick, and I
didn't think it was possible for Nick..." she looked at LaCroix, unable to
complete the sentence.

Aaron moved next to the couch, running his fingers through the trickle of
blood on her neck. Bringing it to his mouth, he laid his hand over her lower
abdomen smiling. "My, my, I think I have seen everything now. You are
correct, General. She is with child, and it is Nicholas's child."

"So, what now?" Natalie asked with trepidation. She was afraid that they
would harm her child. The child she did not think she'd ever have.

"We wait. We do not knowingly convert pregnant women. It goes against our
code," Aaron replied. He turned to LaCroix, "I expect you to bring her and
her child to the Paris home within one calendar year. If we have to come
looking, you won't like what we'll do."

"Understood," LaCroix agreed. "Do you want her converted prior to coming to
Paris? Or do you need to witness the event?" he asked, helping Natalie to
stand.

"We would prefer to witness it, but if you encounter unusual circumstances,
let me know." Aaron answered, and then turned to Natalie. "Ms. Lambert, our
current agreement is for the General to convert you and that there be
official witnesses to your conversion. Do not permit Nicholas to become
carried away with passion and bring you across himself accidentally."

"I understand," Natalie said softly. She might not agree, but she figured
she
had eight months at least to start a campaign to prove Nick both capable and
preferable to be her master.

****
LaCroix could feel his presence as they approached Natalie's apartment.
"Prepare yourself. Nicholas is in your home."

"I expected that he would be," she murmured as LaCroix landed softly on the
balcony. "Are you coming in?"

"No. I will talk to him later," he replied, steadying her before taking off
again into the night sky.

She opened the patio door and before she was completely inside found herself
swept into Nick's embrace. "Natalie," he whispered, holding her tightly,
savoring her warmth. Warmth? "They didn't convert you?"

"You knew where I was?" she asked swiftly, pulling back slightly to see his
look of undefined sorrow.

"Yes, I figured it out yesterday," he confessed, pointing to the bottles
that
he'd set on her coffee table. "A gift from Vachon. We thought you'd need
that."

"Its okay, Nick. I almost was." She unwound the scarf and pulled her hair
back, baring her neck to his view.  The fang marks were crusted over, but
still quite visible.

"Why did they stop?" he questioned, studying the ugly wounds, shocked that
she was still mortal. That was unprecedented. The council NEVER let anyone
leave unchanged.

"Sit down, Nick. We have a lot to talk about." She went into the kitchen and
turned on the kettle. Bringing out a steaming mug of tea and a glass for
Nick
she sat next to him. "Have a drink, I think you'll need it."

"Okay, Nat, you're stalling. Were you, or were you not being interviewed by
the High Council?"

"I was, and I was judged worthy," she grinned at his snort of disapproval.
"Actually, they said that you would die a slow and painful death if I didn't
agree." Nick nodded. He knew she was right. "So, I said yes. I mentally
prepared myself."

"Who bit you?" Nick demanded. He'd sensed something very familiar.

"LaCroix," she said softly, looking at his angry stare. "Nick, my choice was
to be abandoned by one of them, or to allow him do it. Personally, I'd
rather
know the one who would be my master. I'd rather you bring me across, but I
know what to expect from him. Anyway, he took one swallow and stopped."

"Why?" he whispered. This was unlike his master. Once LaCroix set his sights
on someone, he did not waver.

"Because he felt the baby," her voice was soft, barely audible.

"Baby?" he echoed. Had he heard her right? Their discussion about having
children had only been a few days ago. He'd not even given her the specimen
yet.

"They said it was against the code to convert a pregnant woman. And, ummm,
I'm pregnant," she said calmly, watching Nick's surprised look. She pulled
his hand over her lower abdomen and watched the delight in his eyes.

"You are..." he breathed. "Mine?"

"As far as I know, you are the only one that I have had relations with in
quite some time and all those vampires who felt my belly agreed that it is
yours. LaCroix said it was in my blood."

He looked up in surprise. "Well, your blood doesn't lie.  So are you off the
hook then?"

"No, this is just a temporary reprieve. Within the next calendar year,
LaCroix is to take the baby and me to Paris. He is supposed to bring me
across then, or we face the consequences. Which, I am told, would not be
pleasant."

"Does it have to be him?" Nick pleaded. He could face her becoming a vampire
if it had been decreed, but really did not want LaCroix to be her sire.

"Yes, they were very specific," Natalie explained. "I was told to not let
you
get too carried away. At the very least there are supposed to be witnesses."

"I know they have their reasons, and to some extent, it does make sense,"
Nick commented, his voice calmer than he really felt. He was trying his very
best to be objective.  He knew that Natalie had very little choice in the
matter but it seemed that his master would have some form of retribution
after all. "He is a much better teacher than I am. I just don't like the
idea
of sharing you."

"Nick... you will always have my heart. We have time. Maybe we can show that
you would be the better choice.  I may let him become my teacher and my
friend, but he will never replace you," she murmured, and leaned up against
him. "Stay?" she pleaded, looking out at the coming dawn. One that she had
not thought she'd see.

"Let me pull the drapes," he whispered. Drawing the curtains shut he pulled
her into his arms. Kissing her gently, he laid on the couch with her cuddled
against him. He slid his hands down to find the slight bulge in her belly
where his child lay. Entwined together, they slept savoring the closeness.

**to be continued**

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Subject: [NNFic] And a child shall lead 09/28
Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 21:45:34 EST
From: KaAG@aol.com
To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu
CC: DarkNN@yahoogroups.com, NNFic@yahoogroups.com

disclaimers in part 01

Chapter Eight

She'd fallen asleep in his arms, cuddled on the couch, the heavy curtains
drawn. Nick awoke first but did not move. For the first time since his
possession, he was at peace. Her blood did not call to him.

The sound of the baby... his baby, calmed him in a way he'd never imagined
possible. The knowledge that she was fated to join his world did not bother
him as much as he thought it would. Knowing that she was safe, his child was
safe. That was all that mattered.

"Nick?" her soft voice was music to his ears.

"Yes, my love," he replied, kissing her temple.

"When do we make it public?"

"Make what public?"

She sighed, thinking <men can be so dense...> "I don't know if you've
noticed, but since your hand has barely strayed from my belly all day, you
might have discovered that I won't be able to hide the pregnancy for long.
It's already starting to show. It won't take long for your partner to figure
out who the father is."

"Umm hmm," he agreed. "She already thinks we are, and I quote, a cute
couple."

"Oh? Just when did she say this?" Natalie teased.

"Night before last. When she sent me to the morgue to ask you to the
department Christmas party." He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "So...
since you weren't there for me to ask. I'll ask now. Will you go to the
party
with me?"

"Hmm... a dinner and dancing with you. Formal attire. That would be an
evening to remember." She sat up slowly, leaning heavily on Nick's arm,
swaying slightly.

"Nat? Nat? Are you okay?"

"Just a little dizzy," she admitted.  "I didn't eat much yesterday. My blood
sugar is probably low. I'm not sure how much blood they took from me
either."

"Didn't they feed you?" Nick asked, concern beginning to turn to anger.

"Quite well actually," Natalie replied quickly, seeing Nick's reaction to
the
possibility that she'd been ill-fed. "The champagne and caviar that they
offered yesterday just didn't seem very appetizing." Just the thought
brought
another wave of nausea and she became pale.

"Nat... what would be appetizing? Let me get you something. Some broth?
Bread?" he had not kept up with much in the way of food over the past
centuries, but the simple foods of his youth were things he could find and
prepare.

"Yes, and some tea, please." She smiled wanly, as he stood and walked to the
kitchen. She dozed to the sound of him rattling around. Only a man could
make
so much noise warming soup.

Setting the tray in front of her, he kissed her lightly on the forehead.
"Lunch is served, Mademoiselle," he said with a French accent. She loved the
way he eased into different languages. Sitting up and taking the warm mug of
tea, she was about to speak when her doorbell rang. At her nod, Nick stood
and strode over, glancing through the viewer, he mouthed 'Grace'. Opening
the
door, he stood aside, "Come on in, Grace."

Grace walked into the apartment, giving him an appraising look before going
to the living room. "Natalie, I just stopped by to see if you needed
anything," She paused, noting Nick's wrinkled shirt <Hmmm, Detective G.Q. is
not up to his usual stylish best> as well as the tray of food on the table.
"But I see that you've already found a nurse."

Natalie smiled, knowing that the department gossips would be busy tonight.
"I'm fine, thanks. I am feeling a bit better."

Taking in her friend's pallor and the simple meal, Grace looked at her
sympathetically. "You got that virus? Oh, honey, take it easy. It's a nasty
one. You have booked off for tonight?"

"Uh, no. I was going to go in. My work must really be piled up by now."

"Oh no, no you don't," Grace instructed firmly. "I'll tell dispatch that you
are on pager. Don't come in unless you have to. It's been a tomb all week.
Your work is not piled up." She glanced over to Nick, who sat reading a
magazine. "Right, detective?"

"Absolutely. I will make sure she behaves," he looked at Natalie with an
undefined gaze... desire, passion.

Grace caught his tone and his expression. <Just how close are these two?>
she
thought. "I'm sure you will, Nick and I think perhaps you would be the only
one that she'd listen to." She grinned and decided to push the issue a
little. "So, you spent the day? Eh, Nick?"

"Umm, on the couch, Grace. He was on the couch." Natalie blurted out
quickly.

"And where were you?" Grace countered. "Uh, huh, just as I thought." Natalie
looked at her with a mix of embarrassment and surprise. "It's okay, honey.
All I can say is that it is about time..." she put the newspaper on the
table
with a grocery sack. "I brought you some goodies. Now, I will leave you two
kids alone. Just don't give him your virus." With a wink, she let herself
out.

"I think that might be kind of difficult," Nick said wryly, taking the cans
of soup and bottles of ginger ale out of the sack.

"At least *she* said it was a virus, so she can't accuse me of misleading
her." Natalie commented, taking another bite of bread, watching as Nick took
the groceries into the kitchen. She was feeling much better but knew that he
was unlikely to let her do anything.

"Now, as we were discussing before we got interrupted," Nick began, sitting
next to her on the couch. "You never answered me about the Christmas party.
I'll buy you a new dress."

"Yes, I'll go with you and I'll take you up on the dress. I'll need one."
She
leaned against him, sliding one arm around his back as he draped his arm
over
her shoulders. "Everything that I have is too slinky for a pregnant belly."
She sighed, studying her abdomen. Now that she knew, she could clearly see
the changes that had already begun in her body.

 "Nat, you don't need to worry about that yet," Nick commented, appraising
her critically. "You look great. You can't possibly be that big considering
that we just figured it out."

"Well, I feel huge," she sighed. "It's almost like the baby grew overnight
or
something. Considering that your hand has barely moved all day, you should
know how big my belly is."

"How far along do you think you are?"

"Well, we know when I conceived. Exactly. That makes me six weeks. I'll make
an appointment with my doctor to be sure," she looked at Nick closely. "You
never answered *my* question. Do we announce it now? Or wait until someone
notices?"

"Wait," he replied thoughtfully. "Let's just see how observant my detective
partner is," he grinned. "There are a few other decisions that we need to
make before it becomes common knowledge."

"Decisions?" she looked at him curiously.

"Well, umm, this is kind of awkward for me..." he hesitated. "You know how I
was raised?"

"Sort of," she nodded.

"Well, I know that things are different now. But I am not. I still hold many
of the same values that I was raised with." His voice became deeper, more
passionate, "The thought of my child being illegitimate..." he held her
hands
tighter. "I'm not saying this only because you carry my child. I love you,
Natalie. I have always loved you, but I didn't feel I had the right to ask
you to make this commitment to me, or I to you. I could not give you a
child.
I would have to move on eventually or endanger your life." He paused to
capture her eyes. "Marry me, please," he pleaded, kissing her hands.

She sat in stunned silence, barely breathing. She'd expected this
conversation at some point, knowing that he would, indeed, want the child to
bear his name but it still took her breath away. "Are you sure?" she
whispered. "Are you saying this is for eternity? Or for this incarnation?
Something to make it look good for our colleagues."

"No, this is not for appearance sake. This is for as long as you'll have me.
I love you and want you by my side for eternity," he pledged. "I know that I
won't be the one bringing you across, but I can stay with you even if
LaCroix
is your sire." He knelt in front of her, hands clasped together with hers.
"It will make him ecstatic to have me back as his son."

Her smile broadened, and she pulled his hands to her lips to kiss them
before
replying. "Yes, I will marry you. Together we can survive being the children
of LaCroix. We can raise our child together."

****
Nick was humming softly when he signed into the precinct and was getting
surprised glances from everyone he passed. Of all the moods that his
coworkers had seen, this was a new one.

Tracy was already at her desk, but watched him stride across the room.
"Well,
whatever you took, can I have some?"

"What?" he questioned, hanging his jacket on the rack.

"I've never seen you this happy." She saw the sparkle in his eyes. "So, I
guess Natalie is going to the party with you."

"Yes, she is," Nick smiled. "You think that my mood revolves around the
coroner, do you?"

"Well, doesn't it?" she turned to the detective at the desk behind hers.
"Lapinsky, doesn't his mood reflect how well Natalie is treating him?"

"Oh, you bet it does," he agreed emphatically. "If she gives him the brush
off at a scene, I stay far, far away." He paused, taking him Nick's
unusually
sunny disposition. "I've never seen him come in humming. I'd say she was
*very* nice to him today." He looked at Nick speculatively. If he had his
guess, the detective had a little tension relieved. It was about time.

"So what has you singing a happy tune, Nick?" Tracy probed, leaning in
closer.

"Nothing that I want to discuss just now." He pulled a file off the top of
the stack, and averted her questioning look. "Don't we have work to do?"

"Knight! Vetter! Office, now..." the familiar booming voice of Captain Reese
rang over the room and the two detectives followed him into the office. "Got
a case for you." He handed a note to them on which was written an address.
"Body found in an abandoned warehouse in the north side. The M.E. will meet
you there."

****
The address was a nondescript building in a sparsely populated industrial
area. It was a simple two-story cinderblock warehouse. Uniformed officers
were milling about, stringing the crime scene tape and collecting evidence.
Natalie's car was already parked outside when Nick pulled the Caddy next to
it, and they went inside.

"You want the officers, or the coroner?" Nick asked quietly. It was a
rhetorical question. She always took the officers. At first it was a defense
to deal with the more gruesome aspects of their jobs. Lately, though, he
wasn't sure.

"What do you think?" she grinned. "Go talk to Natalie. Have fun."

Approaching Natalie quietly, Nick could see that she was still pale, but her
high necked sweater covered the fang marks well. As she stood to greet him,
he could, indeed, see the very slight bulge where her slacks did not fit
quite the same. "Nick?" she pulled him aside. "Don't stare. Yes, this is the
best that I could do to hide both of my problems. My skirts won't zip up,
and
most of my blouses won't hide the neck." Motioning to the body, she spoke in
a louder voice, "Male, mid 60s. Single gunshot to the chest. Found bound and
gagged."

"Execution style?"

"Looks that way. I'll have more when I get him back to the lab," she agreed.
"Don't look now, but your partner is coming this way."

"OK, no witnesses. Trash collector found him. He said that no one has used
this building for some time," she glanced over to her partner. He was
standing closer than usual to Natalie. They did make a cute couple, she
thought, and then she noticed that Natalie was not wearing her usual very
professional suit. It was not her usual stylish look, but she could swear
that those slacks looked too tight. That was unlike Natalie.

"Well, I'll head back to the shop," Natalie commented. "Stop over later.
I'll
have something more for you." She waved and followed the attendants out to
the waiting cars.


**to be continued**

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Subject: [NNFic] And a child shall lead 10/28
Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 21:50:51 EST
From: KaAG@aol.com
To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu
CC: DarkNN@yahoogroups.com, NNFic@yahoogroups.com

Chapter Nine

Natalie was elbow deep in the body when Nick and Tracy walked in. "Hey, have
a seat," she called out. "I'll be out of here as soon as I retrieve your
slug." She was wearing her hospital greens with a plain turtleneck
underneath
and a plastic apron covering the front, although digging into the man's
chest
had pretty much eliminated any protection that it would afford. "Ah hah!"
she
exclaimed, holding up a bullet. "got it. Hmmm, a .357"

 Nick turned away, the blood and gore covering her was more than even he
could take. "Nat, do you mind?"

"Oh, yeah. Sorry," she grinned. Both of the detectives had a slightly green
hue. Looking down at her apron she realized that she'd not been as neat as
she could have been. Peeling off the apron and long gloves, she dropped them
into the biohazard bin and pulled on a fresh, voluminous cover gown after
washing her hands. "Better?"

"Much, thank you," Nick agreed moving closer as Natalie sat at her desk and
pulled out her notes. From this angle, he could clearly see the fang marks.
Although crusted and not as angry looking, they were pretty obvious despite
the makeup she'd put over them, and the turtleneck's coverage. Hopefully,
Tracy would not notice. He caught Natalie's eyes, and gently stroked his own
neck, as if in thought. "So, what do you have?"

She interpreted the message and turned further away from Tracy, absently
pulling up the turtleneck while replying, "Not much more than I said before.
Single shot with a .357 through the heart. I am not sure that is what killed
him though. He was dead when they pumped the bullet into him." She rubbed at
the fang marks and met his gaze directly. This was something they could not
discuss right now.

Tracy caught the interchange and guessed that hand signals were being
passed.
"OK, you two. This is not junior high. Stop with the gestures. You know
something and don't want me to know it." She turned to Nick angrily. "I'm
not
a child. I thought we were past that."

She glanced over to Natalie. She had seen the marks on her neck, knowing
exactly what they were. Now she knew for certain that Nick did as well. His
behavior confirmed that much. If she had her guess, he had been the one to
put them there. Maybe it was time to confront him with her suspicions.
Deliberately, she walked over to the door, and clicked the lock shut. "I am
guessing that there is something here that we can't put into a written
report. Am I right?"

Nick looked at her calmly. "What makes you think that?"

"Let's see... you are both rubbing your necks. How about we start with the
marks on Natalie's neck. The ones that you obviously don't want me to see,"
she said casually, watching the look of shock pass between them. "Yes, I saw
them. I know what they are. The turtleneck and the makeup might fool most
people, but I am more open to the unusual. I thought you both knew that. I
guess I underestimated how much you trust me."

Natalie turned to her and asked quietly, "What do you think they are?"

"The bite of a vampire," she responded, noting with satisfaction the glance
that went between the couple. "Did you do it, Nick?  Is that why you were
humming?"

"Humming?" Natalie questioned, giving Nick a gentle smack on the arm.

"Tracy, what precisely do you want to know?" Nick asked slowly, his voice
taking on the low, threatening tone that heralded the vampire's emergence.

"Yeah, it took me a while, but I figured out your secret when you had that
fever last month. Mr. Never-Gets-a-cold gets sick at the same time as my
friend, Vachon. Then they both get better, at the same time. Dramatically
better. Overnight, as if it never happened. Doesn't eat. Allergic to
sunlight. Recovers from a gunshot to the head overnight. So, how old are you
really, Nick? If that is really your name."

He sighed. "This could get you in big trouble, Tracy."

"I know all about the Enforcers, Nick. Remember, I already know about
vampires."

"Tracy, he's serious," Natalie interrupted. "To answer your question, no. He
did not bite me. I won't say who did, but trust me, you would not want to
meet him alone. You wouldn't want to meet him in that building we were in
tonight either."

Nick whirled and faced her, momentarily forgetting his anger at Tracy
learning his secret. "That's where they held you?"

"Yes, it was. I thought I better tell you, since they'll find my
fingerprints
all over the place."

"Held you? Who? Natalie, what's going on?" Tracy exclaimed, moving her chair
closer. Her anger with their secrecy was diffused by the concern for her
friend.

"Never mind, Tracy," Natalie replied. "It's not in your jurisdiction and I
don't want to talk about it. But if it will make you happy to know
something,
Nick is 803 years old and yes, his name really is Nicholas."

"Eight hundred?" she looked at her partner in amazement. "You're older than
Vachon."

"Yep, he is," Natalie grinned. "Now, as members of the ever-so-exclusive
club
of warm-blooded individuals who know of the community, I will warn you. You
do not want to repeat this to anyone. Ever. There are worse things than the
Enforcers. I know first hand of it. That is ALL that I will say." She pushed
her chair closer to the desk and rested her head on the cool surface.

"Nat? Are you okay?" Nick asked with growing concern, seeing her pallor, the
dark circles under her eyes more pronounced.

"Yes," she said in a strangled voice. "I just need to rest."

"Are you sure? I can take you home now," he whispered, resting his hand on
her shoulder.

"No. I'll rest for a little bit and then write this up. I'll be fine."

"OK, if you're sure. I'll pick you up at 5."

"I'm sure. Go on, finish your work. I'll be ready." She urged, watching Nick
reluctantly leave the lab.

When they were alone in the  car, Tracy turned to Nick and spoke quietly,
"I'm sorry Nick. I figured out your secret but did not intend to confront
you
like this. I saw the fang marks and thought you'd had some fun with Natalie.
I thought I'd be able to tease you. It was in jest."

"It's okay, Tracy. In a way, I'm glad that you know. Natalie has been
through
a rough time the past few days. She was basically a hostage, but she won't
tell me exactly what happened. I know who had her and they can be pretty
intimidating, even to us. She had to have been terrified."

"I didn't realize..." Tracy breathed. All the time that she'd been throwing
paperwork at Nick to keep him from going to the morgue, Natalie needed him.
Apologies seemed scarcely enough to make up to them both.

"Tracy, please, don't ask her about it. Talking to you won't help," he
pleaded. "I'm still trying to get her to talk to me about it."

"Okay Nick," she agreed reluctantly. Now that it was confirmed, she had a
million questions, most of which she didn't think Nick would answer. She
could only hope that Natalie would be able to talk more freely. "Can I tell
Vachon?"

"That you know about me, yeah. Nothing else. Don't ask him about Natalie. He
doesn't know anything more than me."

"Nick, I'm truly sorry for making Natalie feel uncomfortable. Really I am."

They rode to the station in silence. Tracy was still adjusting to the idea
that her partner was really a vampire. She had suspected it, but had been
afraid to say anything. He seemed so different from Vachon. So much more
self-assured. It was as if he'd been nobility. She knew that Vachon had been
a Spanish conquistador, a soldier. What had Nick been?

"Tracy, are you going to be okay with this?" Nick asked softly as he parked
the car.

"I was the one who demanded to know," she smiled hesitantly. "Yes, I'll be
okay."

"We can talk more later. I want you to trust me. I am still your partner."
He
looked at her intently. "That has not changed."

"It's okay, Nick. I'll just remember not to get you angry." She laughed
slightly, and opened the car door. "I know the rules, Nick. I can keep
quiet.
I promise." Meeting his solemn glance, she got out of the car and together
they walked into the station.

**to be continued**

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Subject: [NNFic] And a child shall lead 11/28
Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 21:56:36 EST
From: KaAG@aol.com
To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu
CC: DarkNN@yahoogroups.com, NNFic@yahoogroups.com

Chapter Ten

The rest of the shift was spent in the usual paperwork and background
investigation that made them such an efficient team. Tracy had just surmised
how Nick's hunches were usually so accurate. When one had 800 years
knowledge
of human nature, and enhanced senses, it was no wonder he knew things that
he
couldn't explain.

"Got the fingerprint data back..." a forensic technician announced, dropping
the folder on Nick's desk. Motioning for him to follow, he backed into an
interview room and closed the door.

"What is it, Art?" Nick asked, although he had a  suspicion.

"Any idea why Dr. Lambert's prints would be all over that building?" he
questioned. "We've identified at least six distinct prints, but hers were
the
only ones on file."

"Did you dust it before she got there?"

"We were halfway through the building when she got there, and had already
done some of the back rooms. That's where most of hers were found. Mainly
they were in a small room toward the back, a few doorframes. "

"Hmm, I don't know, but I will talk to her."

"Umm, Nick, the captain has that report." His statement went unanswered.
They
needed to think of a story and soon.

"I hear you. Thanks." Nick whispered and went back into the bullpen.

"What was that about, Nick?" Tracy asked as he sat back down at the desk. He
simply handed the folder to her. Skimming it quickly, she looked up. "So
what
will you do to explain this?"

"I don't know. I need to think what we can say legitimately. I realize that
we are pawns in this game. I just need to stay one step ahead."

"Knight! Vetter! Office!" Captain Reese's voice boomed across the room and
the two detectives quietly filed into the office. Nick could see the
fingerprint report on his desk.

"Anything from the ME yet?" Reese asked

"Single shot with a .357, after he was killed. Natalie is finalizing the
cause right now." Nick commented.

"Any reason why hers are the only identifiable prints at the scene?"

"But not the only ones," Nick responded quickly. "Are you suggesting?"

"I'm not suggesting anything, other that the fact that I need to talk to her
on an official basis. Her supervisor will need to review her autopsy
findings." He sighed. "Go get her."

****
"Does he think I killed him?" Natalie asked hesitantly when Nick walked her
to the car. The summons came as no surprise. She knew they'd find her
fingerprints.

"I don't think so, but we need to coordinate a reason why there is evidence
that you were at a supposedly abandoned warehouse shortly before a
homicide,"
he sighed. "Since you'd already scrubbed for the autopsy, we can't prove
that
you didn't fire a weapon."

"How about the fact that it is a very precise hit, and I don't even know how
to fire a weapon, much less do it cleanly?"

"Won't help," he said flatly.

"What about the fact that you were seen with me, at my apartment, at the
time
of the murder?" she asked quietly, knowing that using Nick as an alibi would
put the gossip train in full gear. Whatever privacy they'd once had would be
gone.

"If your supervisor agrees with the time of death that you reported. Your
findings will all be scrutinized. Were there fang marks?"

"No, but he was missing a lot of blood. He had an incision of the femoral
artery, and then was dressed to hide the wound. Someone knew what they were
doing." She said with a shudder.

"Like a coroner..." he said quietly.

"Yeah, like a coroner," she agreed. "I did not kill him," she declared.

"I know, I know. I'm sure he was intended as a first meal for you."

"You mean, I would have?" she shuddered in the realization that he was
correct. Had LaCroix brought her across, he would insist she consume human
blood... and her first meal would have been fresh. Maybe not from the
source,
but definitely fresh.

****
He led her into the interview room, ignoring the curious looks. Word of the
fingerprint evidence had circulated the precinct rapidly. No one believed
the
coroner was capable of murder, but there was growing speculation how she'd
explain it.

Reese walked into the room and motioned to the door. "Sorry, Nick. I have to
ask you to leave. It might be your case, but you have an obvious conflict of
interest interrogating Natalie. Out. Now."

Natalie watched him leave the room without argument. That surprised her.
"Was
that necessary?" she asked softly as Reese turned on the tape recorder.

"Absolutely. I never let officers interrogate friends, family members or
especially the woman they love." He said firmly. Natalie sat in stunned
silence for a moment before replying. While he was correct in his
assumptions, she didn't think that Nick would have said anything yet, even
to
his captain.

"You are assuming an awful lot, Captain. You think that I would be any less
truthful if it were Nick asking the questions?"

"I don't doubt you, Natalie. He might be less thorough. A good attorney
would
get your testimony thrown out." He replied thoughtfully and sighed.

"OK, I'm sure that Nick already told you why I asked you here." She nodded
silently. "Uh, Natalie, the tape. This is official. Your responses need to
be
audible."

"Yes, Captain. He did." She said firmly. "He also told me that Dr. Ashburn
would be reviewing my autopsy findings."

"First of all. Have you ever been to that building before?"

"Yes, I have. Last week."

"Oh? The watchman said that it was abandoned."

"No, to be precise, what he said was that it had not been used for some
time.
 It hasn't been occupied for two or three years according to the realtor. It
is on the market. A friend of Nick and I is thinking of purchasing it and
converting it into a low-income shelter. He wanted my professional opinion,
as a physician, as to the possibility of starting a small clinic." She
shrugged, trying to act casual. The story had come to her during the drive
from the morgue but she hoped they would not push her too hard for details.
She only had come up with a brief story that would fall apart if they
questioned too much.

"The name of this friend?"

"Lucien LaCroix." She said clearly. She could almost sense Nick's shock.

"Would he come in and verify this and be fingerprinted?" Reese asked,
clearly
relieved that there was a legitimate reason that would explain the evidence.

"I'll ask him to come in tomorrow night. Is that all?"

"Umm... I have to ask you this for the record. Can you account for your
whereabouts for the past 24 hours?"

"I was called in for this case at approximately 2 am. Prior to that, I was
at
my apartment. I was the on-call coroner from about 8 pm on."

"Can anyone verify that?"

"My assistant, Grace Bathazar stopped over at about 4 pm, to bring me
groceries."

"Why did she do that?"

"I had booked off ill for a couple of days. She was concerned, I would
guess."

"So, you were alone other than that?"

"Uh, no," she admitted, her face becoming flushed. "Nick was with me."

"Really?" he smiled, glad that his instincts had been correct. "When?"

"Uh, from the end of his shift last night until he went in tonight."

"The entire day?"

"Yes."

"And he could verify for you the entire time?"

"Absolutely," she commented. "He hovers," she whispered in a much lower
tone.

"Natalie, the tape," he warned. "I'll stop now.  I don't need details," he
commented shutting off the tape. "Although I'm sure the guys probably wish I
would keep going. The fact that he came in tonight humming tells me enough."
Natalie turned away, her face flushed bright red.

"I will never be able to show my face in this precinct again," she moaned.

"Relax. I have suspected for some time that there was something going on
between you two. If he wants to spend the day at your place, it's none of my
business. The humming was just too good to not comment on. Whatever you two
did, it was good for him." He stood and moved to the door. "You are free to
go, but please, have your friend come in tomorrow. We want you off the
suspect list."

No sooner had he left the room, than Nick rushed in, closing the door
firmly.
"Are you insane, Nat? Your alibi is LaCroix?"

"Later, Nick. We'll talk about this later," she responded and silently,
almost imperceptibly nodded toward the observation window. "When we are
alone," she murmured.

He nodded in agreement. In his haste to get to her, he had not notice the
presence of other detectives now filling the observation room.

He guided her out of the precinct, again acutely aware of the attention that
they had received. This time for the admission, on official police records,
that he had spent the day at her apartment. The speculation of what they had
been doing was going around like wild fire.

She was right. Any announcement of hers would include him as well.


**to be continued**

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Subject: [NNFic] And a child shall lead 12/28
Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 00:11:53 EST
From: KaAG@aol.com
To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu
CC: DarkNN@yahoogroups.com, NNFic@yahoogroups.com

disclaimers in part 01

Chapter Eleven

"OK, Natalie. How do you suggest we get LaCroix to come in for
fingerprinting?" Nick asked as Natalie buckled herself into the car.

"Ask him," she said with a smile. "Or, better yet. I'll ask him."

"No," he declared. "It's bad enough that he has tasted your blood and I have
not. I will talk to him." He had not meant to blurt out his jealousy, but it
was the truth. He resented the fact that his master had savored even a tiny
bit of her essence and he had not.

"Nick, do you want my blood?" she asked softly.

"Of course," he admitted. It surprised him that she would need to ask. "I
have wanted you for a long time." He answered, his eyes focused on the road,
trying to ignore the siren call of her blood, of the dual heart beats that
emanated from her. "It's too dangerous though. I would not want to risk your
life, or the baby's."

She paused, as if in thought, before answering. "There is another way, Nick.
I can draw some for you," her voice was low, sensual as she responded. "I
know it's important for you. I would like to share myself with you before
LaCroix brings me across." She reached over for his hand, squeezing it
firmly.

"I would like that," he replied, fighting to keep the emotion from
overpowering him. "We don't know how much he took yesterday. Give yourself a
chance to recover." Allowing himself a brief glance, he asked, his voice
more
confident. "Just tell me this. Why did you come up with that story?"

"It was better than the truth," she shrugged. "It would give Reese enough to
take me off the suspect list. Besides, I'm not sure that this was not a
test."

"A test?" he asked confused. "Nat, you've been covering for us without
question for years."

"Yes, and the elders knew that." She sighed, not noticing that he'd turned
the car toward the Raven. "Trust me, there is very little that they don't
know about me. To answer your question though, maybe it was to see how I
could get myself out of a jam.... Test my creativity. I don't know. Frankly,
I don't want to know why. I just want them to leave me alone for the
duration
of my pregnancy. I know I'll have to see them again, but I'm hoping it isn't
for a while."

"You will?" he turned with surprise.

She nodded in confirmation, "My joining of the community is going to be a
public event," she announced, matter-of-fact. She noticed his discomfort,
and
could not help but share it. "Although I'm not sure that you'll be invited."

"Uh, that's okay," he shuddered. "I'm not sure that I could just stand there
and watch LaCroix..." his voice trailed off as he pulled up in front of the
Raven. "Coming in?" he looked at her as he got out of the car and walked
around to open her door.

He put his arm around her waist as they walked in. The beat of the music was
loud, intense. They drew a few interested glances as he led her up to the
bar. "Marcus?" he called out.

"Ah, Nicholas... your usual?" he asked and nodded toward the broadcast booth
to indicate LaCroix's location. "For the lady?"

"Club soda with lime," Natalie replied, watching Nick take the stemmed
goblet. She did not ask what was his 'usual' or whether that referred as
much
to knowing where his sire was, as to the drink. Taking their drinks, he led
Natalie down the short hallway to the back door of the broadcast booth.
Waiting until the red 'on-air' light went off, he knocked lightly and waited
for LaCroix's answer.

"Ah, my children," he smiled indulgently. He stood and motioned for Natalie
to take his chair. "You did tell him, no?"

"Yes, she told me. A little of what happened," Nick answered, watching the
interaction between Natalie and his master. He was clearly uncomfortable
with
his master showing affection to Natalie. This was a side that he'd not seen
in 800 years. "She said that we will be siblings."

"So you know we will be a family. I had nothing to do with the decision but
I
do look forward to the good doctor truly being a part of the family.
Nicholas, lest you have any ideas, remember that you cannot change a
proclamation of the council." LaCroix replied dryly, leaning against the
table. He watched Nick pace on the far side of the room. He was surprised to
see them, together so quickly.

"I have no intention of fighting you about it, LaCroix," he announced
simply,
meeting LaCroix's gaze steadily. "I may not like it, but what choice do I
have? I will come back to you. I won't kill, but I will be your son."

"Well then, if not to fight with me, why are you here?" he asked with a hint
of annoyance. "Or is this a social call?"

"There was a homicide call this evening at the building we met in." Natalie
answered. "A body was found. He died shortly before sunrise this morning."

"I don't see how that concerns me," LaCroix sniffed.

"They found my fingerprints all over the place," Natalie replied, shooting
Nick a look that told him to be quiet. "I was brought in for questioning."

LaCroix looked at her coldly, "you think I had something to do with it?"

"I'm not here to point fingers," she responded swiftly. "I need a favor from
you."

"Go on," he said, his voice calm, the anger diffused. This could be
interesting.

"I had to come up with a reason why I would have been in that warehouse. A
reason that would be plausible." She replied steadily, her expression
business-like.

"How do I fit in?" he asked, intrigued. He knew that she was very creative
in
how she'd covered for them over the past few years, but had never had first
hand knowledge of how it was done.

"I said that a friend of mine was thinking of purchasing the building and
wanted me to give a professional opinion about starting a clinic there."

"Creative, very inventive. I did not know that you were so well versed in
fiction, doctor," he smiled sarcastically. "That still does not explain what
I am needed to do."

"I need someone to verify the story. Someone who really was in the building,
whose prints were also found." She smiled shyly. "Would you come to the
precinct tomorrow and talk to Captain Reese? Umm, and let yourself be
fingerprinted? I'm sure that your fingerprints were there as well."

He sipped at his drink, and studied her closely. She had kept Nicholas quiet
throughout the discussion. It might be useful to have her in his debt. She
was already proving to be an asset; she had secured his agreement to return
to the family. Eternity with her as a part of the family would be very
pleasant. Still,