In response to Sue Clark's challenge to "write a story that has Nick
hunting again" this popped into my head. Thanks to Sue for encouraging me
to write it and as always to my Lost Twin Mary Jenkins for always being
there to yank me back out of my lurker hidey hole when I get my tiny ego
bruised.
I welcome comments and gently worded criticism at DarkPNinja@aol.com
I do not own any of the Forever Knight characters in the following story.
My permission to archive it is granted to whoever would like to. I
authorize this work to be put on the ftp site and the fanfic page, it goes
without saying that it may be archived at any Dark Perk page!
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Next Time Ask For Directions
Part 1 of 1
Renee Miller
6/98
As Nick drove through the winding country roads he tried to concentrate on
the hills and tight turns rather than the growing hunger that was gnawing
at him. He was initially amused by the notion that he could have gotten
himself lost, then the longer the roads went on and the more his hunger
grew the less amusing it became.
This was supposed to have been a simple thing. Just a quick trip to
Schanke's remote cabin to get his signature on a report, then back to the
city. But, of course, it could not be that easy. Refusing to listen to
his partner's colorful tips for navigating the dark roads Nick had headed
off trusting his own, usually excellent, sense of direction. And now, he
was lost.
The headlights of his Cadillac hi-lighted the fenced in grassy areas he was
now heading through. One looked very much like every other and nothing
looked even remotely familiar to him. It was then that his car, his
beloved car, coughed and stalled. Nick was flabbergasted, he took every
precaution so that this would never happen. Oil changes and tune-up's were
done regularly, he had diagnostic checks run periodically in case there
were any hidden problems, everything that could possibly be done to keep
his pride and joy in perfect condition was done.
The car coasted down the rest of the hill and he steered it onto the side
of the road. Nick turned the key in the ignition and grimaced at the
pitiful sound which emerged. Slowly, in disbelief, his eyes found the gas
gage. "EMPTY!!!" He growled. "How could this possibly be happening?"
Yet even as he asked he already knew the answer, he had been so distracted
by his hunger and concerned about stone chips and dirt roads that he had
not even considered that he could be nearing empty. He threw open the car
door and upon getting out viciously slammed it, then immediately regretted
that he had treated his car so roughly. He had but one choice, to fly to a
gas station, obtain the needed fuel and, as much as he hated to admit it,
get directions. Concern for leaving his car here, all alone, on the dark
roads was what had prevented him from taking to the air far earlier. Now
he had no other option. With a last look at his now vulnerable prize
possession he prepared to take flight, then suddenly he stopped.
His senses, heightened by his great hunger, told him of her presence.
Trying desperately but unsuccessfully to calm the beast he turned to where
he already knew she would be. There she stood on a hill gazing at the
moon, entirely alone and blissfully unaware of his presence. He tried to
fight back the beast but the hunger that he had been denying for so long
drove him on. He could smell the blood coursing through her veins and he
needed it, the hunger demanded it.
Stealthily he moved toward her his hunting instincts so long unused back in
full force. When he was almost upon her he could sense her confusion, she
was lost and tired. Her fear heightened his already intense, unbearable
hunger. Now directly next to her he slowly and gently put a hand on her
back. Startled she moved away and turned large frightened eyes toward him
as a soft sound escaped her. He focused on her heartbeat and spoke
soothing gentle words. She easily fell under his spell and stared at him
with trusting blank eyes her breathing now slow and calm.
The sound of her heartbeat filled his head, the scent of her blood filled
him with need. As he moved in to take her he paused, something else in
that heartbeat sang out to him. It's desire to go on, the love of live and
the fear of death at so young an age. 'I don't want to die' it almost
seemed to scream at him. In shame and out of pity Nick finally forced the
beast back and the gold slowly left his eyes. Blood tears ran freely at
the thought of what he had almost done. After a moment he regained his
composure and wiped the wetness from his face. In some way he felt that
he had made real progress tonight toward his ultimate goal of regaining his
humanity and the thought made him smile.
The sound of a shotgun being cocked quickly vanquished that smile. As per
the direction of an extremely angry voice Nick turned slowly with his hands
up and found himself facing a young woman holding a rifle and wearing a
T-shirt with a logo that he could barely make out though he thought that it
read PETA. In an enraged voice she demanded, "You mind telling me what you
think your doin' with my cow?"
End
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