The Last knight and Beyond

by Olivia Jean Ecklund
Chapter 7

Three months later, the bride and groom stood in the light of the bright full moon, accompanied by a few torches. They pledged their love to each other among their friends. Joe was best man, and Grace was Maid of Honor. Tracy and Vachon were there, though they stood off a bit, and so were many precinct co-workers.

Natalie had a beautiful 12th century, white gown on and Nick was dressed like a knight; with sword and all. On lookers just thought it was a play on his name. They did not know it was because that was who Nick was in his heart.

Fathe Rochefort married them.

Reese walked Natalie down an isle between rows of chairs, then took his place at Nick's side, pride radiating from him. He prayed that all would be well and that Nick would have the control he needed to make tonight a blessed event. He knew he would be holding his breath.

He still had his house, and he had learned to go there on occasion to give the 'kids1 some privacy. He dreaded having to stay there for days on end. It was still too soon. He pushed his thoughts aside and concentrated on the wedding.

Gazing into each other's eyes, Nick and Natalie spoke words of love and devotion and then were pronounced Man and Wife. The company of friends held candles. Flowers surrounded them. A warm breeze caressed them. It was late, about 9:00 pm, because of summer hours, but they had a band and dancing.

Amidst garden torches and candles, the Bride and Groom danced together as one. They didn1't see or hear anything around them. It was only them and their skin touching at the palms of their hands and Nick's hand at her waist. She was touching the cool skin at his neck. The music had finished long before they realized it, and the crowd of friends laughed warmly at them.

They cut the cake, and Nick forced a tiny bit of it down. The wine was served by Vachon, discreetly, from two bottles of red wine. Nick took a sip and his eyes widened. It was Natalie's blood. Her eyes were laughing with pleasure as he received her gift. "Thank you," he whispered against her lips. He fed from the glass, which Vachon kept filling by slight of hand.

The bouquet was finally thrown, and Grace caught it. Much to everyone's surprise, Joe caught the garter. The look of surprise and fear that crossed his face made everyone laugh. Grace was urged to dance with him. She slipped into his arms. He was very stiff and uncomfortable.

"Relax, Captain. It's just a dance. I understand that all this is too soon for you. The crowd's only having some fun. Tomorrow we each go back to our own lives," she reassured him.

Joe relaxed, and they continued to dance and talk a bit. At the song's conclusion, he released her. "Thank you, Grace," he said quietly, feeling guilty for having enjoyed himself so much. They went their separate ways. Both would have dreams to keep them company that night.

Photos of everything were, taken. Finally, Nick tugged at Natalie. "Lets go," he whispered.

She turned to smile at him, "I thought you1d never ask."

In no time at all they were heading for the Caddie, only to discover that it was covered in tissue paper flowers and, to Nick's horror, tin cans were tied to the back bumper. Natalie laughed at the look on his face. Amidst falling bird seed and well wishes, they speed away through the darkness toward home.

Nick had wanted to give Natalie a wonderful honeymoon, but she told him that she felt safer in the loft. It would give them all the privacy they needed and they would have the supplies Nick needed to feed on.

Nick pulled up into the Loft garage and helped Natalie out of the car. He swung her up into his arms. She laughed with pleasure as he fought to punch in the code for the lift. Finally inside, he captured her lips. They nearly tumbled out into the room when the lift door opened. Nick set her down on the floor and she squealed with happiness as she found their apartment full of roses: Blood red ones intertwined with pure white ones.

"Oh, Nick, they're prefect!" She caressed his cheek with her fingers and took one of each, smelling them. She kept them in her hand as she took pity on his nervousness and went to the frig to get another of the special bottles.

She poured him a drink and watched the gratification flutter across his face. Finally he took her hand and led her up the stairs toward their bedroom. They took another special bottle with them. Natalie had been able to store two units of blood, and Vachon had taken care of the bottling process.

With fingers that shook slightly, Nick slowly undid the row of pearl buttons at the back of her dress. He leaned to kiss her bare shoulders as he slid the dress from them. Candle light danced off them and her dark reddish brown tresses. As her dress dropped to the floor, Natalie stepped away from it and turned toward him. She wore a beautiful white-lace teddy.

"Natalie, you're so breathtakingly beautiful," he whispered. He kissed her, gently tasting her lips and mouth, exploring with his tongue. He drew her to him and she ran her hands up his sides and to the front of his shirt. As she undid the buttons at the shoulders of his uniform, the tunic fell away. She slipped her hands over his cool chest. He moaned in pleasure against her lips.

He moved away long enough to kick off his sandals and undo the leggings. Nat followed to help him.

Slowly... and with great care, they gently undressed each other. Finally Nick picked his beautiful bride up and carried her to his bed. He laid her down, poured himself another small glass of bloodwine and drank it down. Natalie watched as bliss spread across his face. It was her blood that nourished his body. She reached out, took the glass and sat it on the nightstand, then she took his hands and drew him down to her.

Gently they explored each other. Touch, taste and smell, caress after caress brought their bodies closer and closer until they became one. Nick sent a prayer heavenward, "God, please don't let me hurt her." Their movements became more rapid, their hands clutched at each other, their lips bruised each other. Passion ignited into a torrent of emotion that engulfed them.

Natalie looked deep into Nick's eyes and saw them turn to amber. Wanting to pacify him, she spoke in words of love, soothing the beast.. not allowing it to take over. She bared her neck to him, "Only take a little, Nick," she instructed him through her breathless passion.

Nick drew back his head, fangs bared. He struck firmly burying his fangs into her neck. Passion swept over them. They became each other and saw the other's love. Natalie was ready for the images this time. She knew Nick and loved him for all he was and had fought to achieve. She saw his bond with her.

Nick saw himself in her mind, the shining Knight. She saw him at her side holding babies that they would one day have. He was overwhelmed by her love. He drank deeply for only a moment, and their bodies reached a climax that brought cries of extreme pleasure. Nick threw his head back and growled in such ecstasy that Natalie found herself laughing with the joy of it. They clung to each other as their breathing returned to normal. Natalie held Nick tightly, not letting him move away... He let her hold him, and his unusually quiet heart beat quite rapidly for a few moments.

Nick and Natalie gasped for breath. He laid his cheek against her breast and she felt blood tears run between her breasts... tears of relief that they had made love and she was still alive and safe. Eventually, Nick slipped to the side and rolled to his back pulling her to him. She laid her cheek against his shoulder so she could reach up, kiss his chin and nuzzle his ear. They drifted off to sleep.

Nick whispered before slipping into sleep, "Thank you, Lord."

They were awakened late the next afternoon by the phone. Nick reached out fumbling for it, "Hello? Pop!" Nick smiled down at his sleepy bride. She snuggled closer to him. "Yeah...Were fine." He held the phone toward Natalie, "Hi, Pop," she called.

Nick could hear Joe let out a deep breath. "It worked, Pop!"

No one needed to explain what 'it' was.

"Nick, I prayed that God would be with you and Natalie. I'll let you go. I just needed to know you were okay. Check in with me tomorrow, please?"

"Sure, Pop." Nick hung up the phone and hugged Natalie to him. "Good morning, my beautiful Wife." Natalie caressed his chest with her fingers. "Good morning, my wonderful Husband," she said, then added, "I'm glad he called. He's probably been sweating the whole thing all night."

Nick chuckled, "You're probably right, Nat."

"Nick, do you realize how blessed we have been?" she asked him.

He turned so he could face her, propped his head up on his hand and looked into her eyes. "Yes, Nat. In my heart I am beginning to believe salvation is possible for me."

"Really, Nick! Really?" she asked, tears of joy running down her face. She hugged him to her. "Just ask God to forgive you. Let His son, Jesus into your heart. I'm your wife and we shared more than any human pair can share. It was a gift to us, to confirm our love and let you know that if you ask for forgiveness we could possibly live as human husband and wife."

She cautioned him, "If you do become human again you will lose the ability to feel and see our love through our bond. You won't be able to fly or hypnotize anyone. Your extra strength may be gone."

He stopped her with a kiss. "All those things are true, but to walk in the sun, to make love to you without fear of killing you, to hold our babies in my arms... I can learn to deal with the loss of strength, Nat. If I have to, I can live like many handicapped people live. Filling my life with you, I'll learn to adjust. Most of all, I'll grow old with you and I won't live for centuries afterwards with only half a soul left. You know coming across with me is no solution."

She nodded, "Yes, Nick, I know. I will never ask that of you for as long as we live. I promise. It's out of our hands. You will either be human or Vampire. Janette's cure will work or it won't. We'll take it one day at a time. You will know when it is time for you to reach out to the Lord."

Natalie kissed him, then swung out of bed and went into the bathroom.

Nick smiled, watching her beautiful body move until the door closed behind her. He hoped out of bed and went downstairs to check on Sidney. He took the half bottle of Natalie's blood and stored it in the frig, preferring to feed on another vintage, and save Nat's blood for special occasions.

He went to stand by the window and felt the warmth of the sun that radiated through the closed blinds. Curious, he raised the blind an inch or two and then slowly reached out a finger. The hot sun stung it and he jerked it back, expecting it to see blisters, but there wasn't a mark on it. He turned to shout up at Natalie, then stopped himself. What if it didn't last? It would only hurt to giver her hope. He closed the window and went to feed Sidney.

Natalie came down the stairs wrapped in the white terry robe. Nick was happy that she liked it. He'd bought it on an impulse. She had been urging him to try something other than black and gray.... yet once out of the box, the pure white had made him nervous. He'd never tried to wear it... to pure for his taste. Now as he watched his wife come toward him, he was glad that he had bought it. It was a definite improvement over the pink nightmare she had worn when she had occasionally spent the night sleeping on the couch.

Natalie kissed him as she passed. He watched her munch on a breakfast of cereal and fruit while he drank a glass of bloodwine. Nick thought of the special bottle he had placed in the frig and his fangs itched. He forced the thoughts out of his mind. Then he realized that Natalie was staring at him.

"What?" He asked, fidgeting.

She smiled and looked away, "Sorry, I never tire of looking at you, and dressed only in those black silk pajama bottoms... Well...." She let her voice trail off.

"I know what you mean, Nat, but we don't have too much bottled blood left, and you can't afford to lose much more. Remember, I wasn't supposed to take it directly from the source and risk losing control again. We've talked about it."

Natalie reached up to touch the two partially healed fang marks on her neck. "Why should you have all the fun. The bond vision was amazing, Nick. I needed to know how much you love me. I need to see it and feel it. I will never doubt the depth of those feelings again, nor will I be jealous of Janette if she should come back into our lives. Somehow I knew The Lord would protect us from evil. Nick, did you feel as if you were expelled from me, after only a moment?"

Nick let the moment replay in his mind. "I don't know if expelled was quite the word. I just felt so satisfied that I drew away expressing my pleasure audibly."

Nick went over to Natalie, who was sitting on a high bar stool. He got close enough to hold her against him. She laid her face against his chest.

"I guess I would described it as a force. Satisfaction for the vampire was so swift that he seemed go to sleep and I was free to feel all the physical satisfaction that we had together. I was free with you for that final moment that we were one. I almost felt human."

Chapter 8

Natalie listened for his heartbeat. "It's already working Nick.... Hey! I just heard your heart beat."

He smiled down at her like one would a child, "It does that occasionally."

"No," she smacked him playfully on the chest, "I mean it beat again. I just heard it a couple minutes ago."

"You always make my heart beat faster, Natalie," he teased.

"Nick! I'm serious!" she pushed him away and bound across the room. She grabbed up her medical bag and motioned for him to take her place on the stool.

He sat, but he had a guarded look on his face. "Nat, it's our honeymoon. Can't we leave the tests for another time?" he protested.

Natalie grinned at him, "Let's play doctor then."

He smiled back, delighted with the thought, but knew she was already slipping into her serious doctor mode. She suddenly stuck the stethoscope to his chest.

"Nat, that's cold!" he said, jumping back.

She stared at him, "You can feel the temperature difference? You've never complained before."

"I haven't, have I?" he said, hope dancing through his brain.

"Shhhh," she admonished him. So they sat in silence for 10 minutes as she listened and wrote a few notes. She took his temperature and then a blood sample.

Finally, Nick couldn't wait another second, "Nat! What did you find?"

"Nick," she said, her hand trembling, as she stepped back from the microscope. "Your heart's beating every 2.6 minutes. That's a vast improvement from once every 9.8 minutes. Your body temperature is up 5 degrees." She indicated the microscope, "Best of all, your blood is changing. There are nearly half the abnormal cells there used to be."

Nick jumped from the stool. "Nat!" he exalted picking her up and swung her around, "It's working then?"

Nat nodded, but was rather subdued and reserved.

"Nat?" he asked, fear lacing his eyes.

"Oh, Nick!" she exclaimed, "I'm so afraid. I don't want to get your hopes up. Neither one of us knows if this is temporary or what we have to do to keep it progressing the way we want it to."

Nick laughed. "We will just make love a lot," he said with glee. He took her by the arms.

Natalie blushed, "Sounds wonderful, Nick, but can we both keep it up. Last night was the most wonderful experience in my life..." she looked away.

"But..." he asked, speaking the answer she couldn't. "You're still afraid of me," he said flatly, backing away.

"No, Nick!" she protested, then whispered, "Yes..."

She tried to explain, reaching out to touched his back. She felt the muscles twitch and draw away from her touch, but she barreled on. "In my heart I love you, more than I ever thought I could love anyone. I just felt, for a fraction of a second when you were about to strike, fear.. fear for self preservation. Nick, what would happen to the vampire if, all of a sudden, my instinct took over and I fought back... not of my own volition, but from a primal need to survive. Instinctually, I have a raw fear of death brought on from the night you nearly drained me." "Nick, listen to me... I only want us to be safe... take it slow. Lets just love each other and not have to bring up my fears..." She wrapped her arms around him, and begged, "Please let's go slow.. my love.. my life."

He held her tightly. He didn't doubt that she loved him, and her words were wise. "Okay... we'll go slow."

She sighed. It was a sigh that spoke of both relief and regret.

Nick asked, "What now?"

She looked at him, a little embarrassed, "Sometimes I wish I had more courage. I often get what I ask for, and I know it's necessary, but what I really want to do is to ravish you!" She smiled and, turning him toward her, kissed him fiercely."

This led to more kisses. Suddenly Nick pushed her away...his eyes were amber.

"No, Nick." She drew him to the couch and comforted the vampire until he slipped into a light sleep. She sat, stroking his hair gently, and prayed..."Lord let this beautiful man be freed from the demon that lives within him. He believed before, and in my heart I know he still does. Let him find you again and believe in you. Help him to release his pain and guilt, and set his spirit free. I know you can do this in Jesus' name."

She leaned down and kissed him on the forehead. Her love for the Lord was so strong now. She prayed constantly. She felt that her life with Nick was meant to be. It was scary, sometimes, knowing what was inside the man she loved more than anything, but she felt that her blood, cleansed by the Lord, was what was making the demon weak. The Lord living in her heart, was combating this evil in silence, not invading their lives too much, so far, but soon Nick would have to chose. What if he didn't? Would she be forced to walk away? She knew that Jesus must come first in her life...even over Nick. She prayed that choice would never have to be made. Last night, when Nick had told her he believed it might be possible for him to be forgiven, her heart had sung.

Nick started to stir and she leaned down to kiss him again. Somehow, Nick found the strength to go to the frig again before things became mindless between them. He drank more of Natalie's blood from the bottle of bloodwine, and when they made love before the fire, he only took a small amount from her. Their passion spent, they laid in each others arms on the thick white carpet. The sun had set, and Nick took the remote and opened the blinds. It seemed as if a thousand stars shone down on them, blessing their union. Nick was sitting against the couch and Natalie leaned against his bare chest. He was basking in the light touch of her shoulders and arms.

She linked her fingers with his, and raised their hands to kiss his.

"Oh, Nick. Did you ever think it would be this good for us?" she asked as she assaulted his fingers with kisses and nibbles.

"To be honest, Nat, I thought this was only possible if I were human." Drawing her hand to his mouth to kiss her finger tips, he added "Your love has changed my heart tonight. I barely felt the vampire. He's weak, Nat. I feel he is losing his battle to hold on to me... You know what else, my beautiful Wife?"

She twisted around to look into his eyes. "No, Nick. What?" she asked, her heart beating expectantly.

There were tears in his eyes, "You have given me back my faith in God. I see it in your mind, and feel it in your heart. I see His word living in you, my love."

Natalie heard his words with a joyous heart. "Nick, do you think you're ready to ask the Lord into your heart. Can you ask Him to protect you from the Vampire."

"Do you think He would really answer my prayer?" he asked, hope in his eyes.

She rose to kneel before him. "Nick, just ask Him. Ask Him to cleanse you, if that's what you want. I can't do it for you. It has to come from your heart. Would you like me to leave you alone?"

"I'm afraid, Nat. Maybe it would kill me?" he said, clinging to her hands.

"No, Nick. I do not believe that is possible. You have always had a good heart. The demon... the vampire, will have to go. It might be painful, but you're no stranger to pain, and the reward could be your humanity. God did not put us together by mistake. I believe I am here to start the process. My blood is already weakening the vampire. My love, and the love of the Lord in me, weakens the vampire."

She clarified, "You, Nick. You must ask for the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse your heart and save you from this monstrous presence that steals your life from you. Ask Nick... if that is what you feel in your heart." She leaned in and held him close for a moment, then kissed him, stood, grabbed up the white robe and headed for the stairs.

"Nat, don't go to far," he called after her.

"I'll be on the landing, my love," she called to him. She went up the stairs, slipping on the robe and wrapping it around her for comfort. A knot of fear twisted in her stomach. She knew it was time for choices and she had seen in Nick's eyes that the time was now. Whatever happened tonight would determine the rest of their lives. No matter what, she would never divorce Nick or love another. In her heart she knew the Lord could take the vampire away, but Nick had to believe as well. She sat near the top of the stairs, slipping into the shadows. She drew her knees to her chin and wrapped her arms around them. She waited, listened and prayed.

Nick stood before the fire, dressed only in the black silk pajama bottoms.

Fear was winding around his cold heart, and he felt a need to pray. There was so much power in the Vampire. It was a supernatural being beyond man's understanding. He believed that was why his kind could not go into the light...the demon of the vampire could never face the light. He went to the window and stared out into the stars.

"Lord, where did I bury my faith? How could I have gotten so far away from you, that I allowed such a monster to enter me. LaCroix has so many demons in him. That's why he abuses me so much. He can't help it. Maybe he sees I still have faith and can't stand it."

"I see the pain in his eyes afterwards. It's like they let him, the man he really is, see the pain he causes me. He is also trapped. Lord, I don't want to bend to LaCroix's will or the demon within me anymore. Free me from this entity and fill my heart and soul with Your Holy Spirit. Let me walk in your light. Sear my insides clean and take this evil from me." He voice was a cry now, "Be my personal Savior, Lord Jesus." Tears ran freely down his face.

Natalie also cried... she stuffed her fist in her mouth so that she wouldn't make a sound to distract him. She wanted to run down the stairs to him, but something was holding her back. It felt like an invisible hand. The image of an angle came to mind and she felt warm and safe.

A scream of agony ripped from Nick. An unbearable heat surrounded him. It seemed to be of white light that came from nowhere and engulfed him. The light was around him, in him, searing through him... Nick's mouth roared, yet inside, Nick felt disconnected and safe. He realized the roar of rage came from the vampire.

Natalie struggled against the hands that held her, "Please, I must go to him!" The light was so bright she had to look away.

She heard a voice, "No, baby... not yet."

Nick felt his body being picked up by the light, and he seemed to float for a moment. Then he felt his body heave. Black putrid blood came from his stomach.. from every cell in his body. It poured out onto the floor, wracking his body with unbelievable pain.

There was an un-holy scream that ripped through the room sending shivers through Natalie's body. She saw Nick lowered to the floor...the light faded... and was gone. She struggled again, then looked back over her shoulder and found that a large black woman was holding her close. The love that radiated out of her eyes spoke of great wisdom and love.

"Go now, baby, Nick needs you," the angel told her, releasing her.

Nick came to and found himself on the floor, with Natalie cradling his head. An unbelievable peace and calm surrounded him. He was warm... warmer than he ever believed he could be.

Natalie was gently rocking him, "Nick... oh, Nick," she cried into his hair.

"Nat, did you see? Did you see Jesus? He came and wrapped His arms around me. The peace was so amazing." "Yes, I saw, Nick," she said laughing and crying at the same time. She was overwhelmed by what had happened.

Natalie held Nick a long time. Finally she realized he had fallen asleep. She drew his robe from the floor and covered him. She laid her hand on his chest and felt his steady heartbeat. His face was pink and his cheeks, flushed.

She knew he was human again. Ignoring the tears that steamed down her face, Natalie brushed a golden curl away from his eyes. She kissed him and prayed a prayer of thanks to her Lord for this blessing.

After a time, she went to the phone and called the precinct.

"Reese, here," Joe answered.

"Pop, can you come, please. I need your help," she asked.

"Natalie, are you okay?" His voice was full of concern and fear.

"Joe," she laughed and cried. "I'm wonderful," she said, sniffling, But I need your help. Nick's on the floor, and I need to get him to bed."

"What happened?" he shouted, rising from his seat. The people in the bull pen looked toward his open door.

"Pop, we're fine. I just need help."

"Okay, Natalie. I'm on my way." He threw down the phone, grabbed his coat off the back of his chair and shouted on his way out, "I'll be at the Knight's."

Everyone stared at his back, itching with curiosity. What on earth could two newlyweds want their Captain for? Tracy reached for the phone to call Vachon.

End Chapter 8


By Jeannie Ecklund Gersknightlady@cs.com





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