Another Reality

by Olivia Jean Ecklund
Chapter 7

When Nick got back to the lab, he found Natalie waiting for him. He glanced at her and proceeded to unload the samples and prepare the room to receive the body.

"Your angry with me," she finally said.

He was silent. Finally he said, "No not angry. I guess revolted, awed, amazed, all of that."

She nodded, "I guess I understand. I've never been afraid to use the powers I have."

He leaned against the table and studied her. "Why do you want to be human, Natalie? You have powers beyond my understanding. You never age, you never get sick. You'll be young and beautiful after my bones turn to dust."

Her answer surprised him. "Children," she said. "A vampire cannot have children. It's been one of my biggest regrets."

"Any others?" he asked.

"Yes, Nick." She stepped close to him. "I want to love a man. Be loved back. Someone who is gentle and kind. Some one who can love me with all his heart. I don't want someone who will control and manipulate me for their own purpose." Her face showed centuries of pain.

He reached out and gathered her close to comfort her. She laid her head against his chest to hear his heart pounding in her ears. She wanted to feel a heart beating in her chest.

After a few minutes she pulled away and stepped back. She could hear the gurney coming down the hall. Nick's arms had felt so good, so right.

Nick stepped further back as the gurney burst through the door and into the morgue. Grace was pushing it. She was quick to pick up the electricity in the room and looked from Nick to the strange woman who stood near him. This must be the new detective her husband Joe had told her about.

Nick smiled. "Grace, come meet Natalie Knight, Toronto's newest detective." Grace came forward, extending her hand.

Natalie briefly grasped her hand. "Sorry, I have poor circulation," she said trying to explain her cold hand.

"That's okay. You know what they say, cold hands..."

"...warm heart." Natalie smiled. She glanced at Nick, wondering if he was going to laugh.

He smiled at her, a touch of sadness in the look.

Grace said, "Welcome to Toronto. Nick could use some different scenery around here."

Nick protested, "Grace!"

Natalie smiled a wonderful smile at him, full of teasing promises. "I find the scenery around here pretty good myself, Grace."

Grace glanced at Nick and raised an eye brow.

Nick just shrugged, that innocent look on his face that made girls swoon. Grace had watched him for years and he never seemed to notice the looks women gave him. But this new woman, there was no mistake... Nick was looking back.

She turned to study the woman.

The detective said, "Call me, Natalie, Grace. I think we will be seeing a lot of each other. Maybe you can direct me to the women's clothing shops and other places I may need. Since you're on the night shift, you must know of the places that are open after dark. I have an allergy to the sun and can't go out during the day."

"Really," Grace said, peering closer at the new detective curiously. She was as pale as a ghost. "Just ask." She gave the woman a friendly smile. "If I know, whatever it is, I'll be happy to share it. Joe and I are simple people." She eyed Natalie's very expensive tailored suit.

Natalie smiled again. "Thanks. I'm sure you'll be able to give me some pointers."

Grace asked, "Do you have any family here?" "An elder uncle. I have no one else."

That peaked Nick's interest. He would have to ask about this uncle the first chance he got.

Grace said, "I'm sorry, my family's very small now, too. Well I'd best get going. Got another run to make and Joe will be off in an hour. We like to spend as much time as we can together. Nice to meet you, Natalie."

"Nice to meet you, Grace." she said sincerely. She found this woman to be genuine and down to earth."

After she left, Nick turned to Natalie. "Uncle? who's this uncle?"

Natalie's face grimaced. "My master."

"Master?" Nick felt his interest peaked and a bit of jealousy tugged at his mind.

"The one who brought me over," she tried to explain.

"Brought you over?" Nick was curious.

"Made me a vampire," she whispered. "He's very possessive. He thinks he loves me. He wants us to be together again."

"Again!" Nick thought.

Natalie looked into Nick's face and was rewarded by a bit of jealousy flashing through his eyes. "He's very dangerous, Nick. He can be tender one moment and then horribly abusive the next. He's an ancient and very powerful - over two thousand years old."

"Two thousand!" Nick gasped, unable to imagine living that long.

Natalie glanced around, seeming uncomfortable with the discussion. "Nick, maybe you could come over to my place. We could talk, maybe watch a movie. Bring some sweatpants and t-shirt and you can spend the day on the couch. By the time I get off, it's so close to sunset I don't get out much."

Nick studied her face. She really looked like she wanted him to come. She must be very lonely, he thought sadly. One would never know by looking at her that she was so different, not human. "I'd like that. Can I bring Beast? He hardly sees me as it is." She nodded, "I don't think he likes me much."

"Let him get to know you in your own place," he said. He thought, "Boy I hope you will accept her."

"Well, okay. Bring him, but do him and me a favor until I do get to know him. Hang a small crucifix on his collar. It will help me keep my distance if I happen to lose it when he barks."

"Should I get one for myself?" he grinned.

She studied him a moment, "Might not be a bad idea for awhile anyway. Get a short chain and wear it under your shirt."

"Those thing really work?" he asked, surprised.

"Oh, yes." Then she said, "Oh, bring some food. I don't have anything you'd be interested in."

Again Nick's attention was peaked, "How do you...you know," he asked.

"Bottled... I'll explain later." She moved closer, reached out a hand and touched his chest. "I'm looking forward to the company, Nick. See you later?" She took his hand, raised it and pressed the back of it to her cheek. Then she gave him a wonderful smile and left. Chapter 8

Nick smiled and said to himself, "A sleep-over date." Schanke would never believe it nor let him live it down. He decided to keep it to himself. He looked around the morgue and set about putting out the tools and preparing for the body.

He thought about Natalie's words, "My master." The idea of this creature touching Natalie made him furious, yet he knew if this creature and he ever came face to face he would have to remain calm and professional. Provoking a jealous vampire might get him instantly killed.

Don Schanke came through the door. "Hey Nicky, Buddy, heads up. Here comes Grace."

Grace appeared pushing the gurney and her partner followed. He was a young man with piercing dark eyes and his wild hair tied a the nap of his neck. Nick always kidded this young man about his pale complexion, An idea occurred to him, "what if....nah, that would be to big of a coincidence." He dismissed the thought from his mind.

"Javier, I thought I told you you needed to get a tan," he said, helping Grace and the young man to put the body on the autopsy table.

As they unzipped the bag and removed it from around the body, Javier said, "You know I sleep all day man. I get out of here at 2:00 am and then hit the nightclubs. I play with a band here and there."

Nick smiled. It was a running conversation. He had seen the young man at a daytime crime scene once.

"Well, get some sun anyway. The ladies like a tan."

"Yeah, I don't see a warm glow to you either," the young EMT said, folding up the bag.

"Touché!" He smiled. "One day we'll all have to switch with the day shift."

"Then I'd never get to sleep," Javier said. "Come on, Grace. Let's get out of here. I've seen enough of this body for one night."

Grace gave Nick a hug and headed out.

Nick turned to the body. Until a certain Vampire had come into his life, Grace was the only woman who had hugged him in ages that wasn't a relative. He saw Grace far more than Janette.

Don was working on the girl's clothing and singing a song to distract himself from the grizzly sight. Nick always wondered why Schanke chose forensics. He always had to fight his stomach when the cases were bad.

Nick helped him cover the body and they went about methodically uncovering and examining only the parts they needed to.

As quitting time arrived, Nick said, "Don, go home. I'm just going to put the body in the cooler and head home myself." He was looking forward to seeing Natalie and he didn't want to waste a moment of time on work.

"Thanks Nick, I'm looking forward to those two showers tonight."

He headed off and Nick sighed. He quickly put the body away and headed out. He stopped briefly by a store to buy some food, mostly junk food and a can of dog food for Beast. He bought popcorn, just in case they did watch a movie.

When he reached his apartment, he took a shower and dressed casually. He grabbed up Beast. The little dog licked Nick's face happily he was getting to go, and got back into the modest Ford Escort LX. Beast stood on his hind legs and looked out the window, his little short legs barely reaching the edge of the window. Occasionally he growled as they passed a cat sitting on a street corner or a yard with a big dog. Nick loved to see him get excited. His eyes would pop out and his tail would wag and he barked fiercely as if he was a one hundred pound animal ready to take on anything instead of only eleven pounds.

As he drove toward the address that Natalie gave him, Nick saw the sun begin to rise. It was glorious, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and reds. It made him sad that Natalie couldn't share it with him.

He found the address led to a curious old warehouse. The security door had as intercom with a coded panel. He had groceries in one arm and Beast in the other. Tucking the dog under his arm, Nick punched the button.

"Nick?" came Natalie's voice.

"It's me," he said.

"Come to the second floor." The buzzer sounded and he gave the door a push with his hip. There was a dimly lit entryway of about 10 feet long and 4 feet wide. There was a lift at the end and a stair well going off and up to his left. He made sure the door behind him was closed and he set Beast on his feet. The little dog looked around curiously. Nick pushed the lift button and waited for it to arrive. When it opened, he stepped inside and with a little coaxing got Beast to follow him. He pushed the third floor button and stood back. This place sure was fortified. There was even a security camera in the corner of the lift above him. He waved in case Natalie was watching.

Natalie smiled when she saw him wave. She hope she'd made the right decision to trust this man with her life. It was a big step for her to want to share her life with another human. It had been 56 years since the last one. It had been so devastating. She'd loved others and hope they were the one but it always ended in death. Usually at Lacroix's hands or to be more precise, fangs.

How would she protect Nick. The lift door opened and Beast barked at her.

She eyed the little dog warily. There was a small crucifix at his neck as she had instructed. She stepped back.

Nick said sternly, "Beast, quiet boy."

The dog quieted but continued to eye her warily.

Nick strode into the large room. It was an open warehouse. There were sections of furniture for different purposes. A couch and chair was arranged in front of a big screen TV of the latest technology. Another couch sat before the fireplace. There was even a bearskin rug at the base of the hearth and a white fire blazed. Nick stared at it.

Natalie followed his gaze and then glanced back at him to see that the tips of his ears turned red. "What is he thinking?" she grinned.

Nick felt his ears turned red and he turned to take in the kitchen with its silver shiny counters and cabinets that didn't look as if they'd ever been used. There was also a table with chairs and a top the table sat an expensive laptop and paperwork.

Beast moved past him, curiously looking around.

Natalie said, "Come, put your things here on the kitchen counter and in the frig." She felt nervous and mentally kicked herself. She seldom felt her heart beat but it always did a flip-flop when Nick was near. He was such a beautiful man. That's how she thought of him. Fair, hair of gold and eyes of light. All things her heart desired.

Nick placed the food on the counter and then looked at Natalie. She was wearing pedal pushers and a shirt open at the collar. Her feet were bare and her hair tied up in a ponytail. He face was freshly scrubbed. She was beautiful like a porcelain doll.

She smiled at him and he realized he had spoken the word "Beautiful" out loud. He was also staring. He turned away embarrassed.

He felt her fingers on his arm. "Come. Let me show you around."

On close inspection Nick realized she must have money. The furniture was rich leather and carved wood. The big screen TV was top of the line, as was the laptop and other things around the room, expensive paintings and carvings.

As they came close to a part of the room that was set up as an artist's studio, he realized something and looked back around the room. "You did all the sculptures.""

"Yes," she said softly. She reached out and caressed the figure of a woman. "This was my mother."

Nick could see that the woman was dressed as a 12th century person would be. That was the era Natalie said she'd come from. He looked closely and realized Natalie looked a lot like her mother. The figure wore a hat, a long dress and she carried a basket of flowers.

He saw Natalie run her hands over the piece with her eyes shut. He reached out to touch her arm and she drew away. She indicated the next piece. It was a small boy.

"This was my brother, when I last saw him," she said, touching the child's hair.

Nick heard the pain in her voice. They moved around the room. She showed him teachers and friends. A mentor here and men that Nick guessed where probably lovers. All were beautifully done and almost alive.

There was a large bust in the middle of the work table covered with a cloth. Nick reached out to take the cloth off. Natalie's hand shot out to stop him. "Please," he said. She thought in silence a full minute before she nodded and released him. He pulled the cloth away. There he was. The likeness was so amazing. He stepped back. "You did this?" he asked the obvious, looking at her.

"Yes," she said, her eyes flashing with amber. Her body tensed to fight. She was surprised when she realized he wasn't angry that she wanted to have him close to her. They were barely friends, yet how could she explain the feelings she'd had when his blood had touched her tongue that first night they had met"

"It's very good," he finally said. "You flatter me." He replaced the cloth carefully.

"Nick, I..."

He held up his hand, "No need to explain. I would have a photo of you in my bedroom if I had one." He blushed, embarrassed by his admission.

One of her wonderful smiles lit her face. "Then I will see that you get one. Come. Let me show you upstairs."

They started up the stairs and Beast ran past them, curious to see the new place. Nick looked after him fondly.

"Have you had Beast long," Natalie asked, watching him watch the dog.

"Yes, 10 years. He was 5 weeks old when I got him. He could sit in one of my hands. My life had been a bit lonely. It's hard to have a social life when you work all night and sleep all day. He's been a constant companion and the best of friends."

Natalie seemed to look into herself. "I had a cat once. LaCroix became jealous and destroyed it."

Nick reached out and squeezed her arm and she smiled sadly at him. They reached the door to the bedroom. It was furnished lavishly. Thick carpets, and an oval bed dominated the room. It had red satin sheets and white sheer drapes that hung from tall spiral wooden posts. He could barely take his eyes off it. He could imagine lying with Natalie there.

He heard her laughter twinkle like fine wind chimes. He refused to blush this time and looked steadily at her with desire.

She stepped forward and he took her hands and leaned in to give her a soft gentle kiss on her lips. She smiled at him, then stepped away. "Nick, as much as I would love to pursue this I think it best we continue the tour."

He nodded. Her restraint was admirable.

Her bathroom was white. Everything in it, sunken tub, shower, carpet, towels, all white marble. His eyes lingered on the sunken tub, but he forced his thoughts away. "Man get a hold of your thoughts," he berated himself.

"Feel free to use the facilities anytime. The bathroom downstairs is only a half bath. This tub is glorious." She breathed sensuously. Then she reached out and gripped his arm to get his attention. "Do not, under any circumstances, try to wake me. Not even for an emergency. The vampire wakes first and I might attack and you will not be able to answer questions later, do you understand?" She released his arm.

Nick brought his other hand up to rub the sore arm. He wondered if he might have bruises. He nodded. That was certainly sobering.

Beast let out a little yap. He was sitting at Nick¹s feet. Eying the dog, Natalie said, "Come on down, you can eat and I need to feed. I hope you won't mind."

They went downstairs. Nick fixed some bagels with cheese and got a large glass of orange juice. He watched with interest as Natalie pored some red liquid from an unlabeled wine bottle into a mug. She put it in the microwave for a bit.

"Go sit on the couch. I'll join you when this is ready."

Nick got a small blanket from one of his bags. He went to the couch and Sat, spreading the blanket next to him. Beast followed, then jumped up and settled at his side on the blanket. Natalie came along with her mug and Nick caught the scent of blood and wine.

He asked, "Do you mind if Beast sits next to me?" I have his blanket here."

Natalie studied the dog's face. He seemed to be looking at her expectantly.

"No, he's really cute. I guess he won't hurt anything," she said, settling in at the other end of the couch. Nick took a bit of the cream cheese from his bagel and let Beast lick it off his finger. He ran his hand over the soft fur on the dog's head and ears. He looked up to see Natalie take a sip of her drink."

Fascinated, Nick watched her face. She had closed her eyes and was leaning back. Emotions crossed over her face. Pleasure seemed to take on a life of its own on her features. They softened and she sighed. End Chapter 8


By Jeannie Ecklund Gersknightlady@cs.com





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