It’s Only Forever
Rated NC-17

Port Charles, New York 1996

Chapter I

It was as it always was, he waiting patiently in the shadows, the predator stalking its unwary prey, darkness the cloak of invisibility that made it almost too easy, and the thrill of the hunt long since passed. All that was left was just the unending demand of his body for sustenance and the tediousness of the quest. However, stealth was the easiest way, and least likely way of being seen, of his victim escaping and giving the police a description of him. Anonymity was his friend. To call attention to himself was asking for trouble. Keeping a wide berth as much as possible between himself and mortals was something he had done for almost one hundred years. Getting involved with them other than with the men who ran the Cassadine businesses was something he rarely did. Humans were so disappointing with their narrow outlook on life and petty squabbles. They had such a short time to live it was too painful to befriend them and have them die in a short lifetime. At first he had wanted to touch their lives, to feel as one with them. But it had been a mistake knowing them as friends, knowing their dreams and fears. Always they grew older as he never changed and he had to walk away before they realized there something was different about him. Technology had made it simpler. All he had to do now was conference telephone calls and use a computer to run his businesses. There was rarely any need to see them at all now. Loneliness was something he had accepted and made peace with a long time ago. He knew he would always walk alone and in obscurity.

In the distance he heard the faint sounds of footsteps coming closer. As with all keen predators he played the waiting game and dissolved into the shadows. The steps were light, signifying someone small and he tensed, coiling and waiting for the right time to strike. Suddenly she appeared, a flash of long blond hair and the glimpse of porcelain skin. He could barely contain his excitement and the deep hunger that uncurled itself into desire. She had all the qualifications of his favorite victim, blond and pale skinned. Anxiously he anticipated her turning so he could see her face, willing for a time to delay the kill and savor the moment longer to envision how she would look.

Laura Spencer had felt like she was going to jump out of her skin at the hospital. She had left to get some air and had found herself down on the docks. Why she had walked so far, she didn't know but she had felt drawn there as if someone had called her to meet them there. The moon flitting out from behind a cloud and Spoon Island rose stark and lonely across the water. Laura felt tears ooze out from her eyes. The island's desolation called to her. Its sadness mirrored the gloom in her heart. Events in her life were out of control. There was nothing but pain and disappointment around every corner. Just when there seemed to be hope it proved to be false. What was she going to do? What could she do? Her baby was dying and there wasn't a thing she could do about it but stand there and let it happen. Laura gazed despondently across the water wanting hope and resolution where there was none.

Stefan Cassadine could feel the woman's turmoil and pain. On rare occasions when thoughts were clear and focused he could feel what they were thinking. But it had not ever been this strong before and never had he felt such a connection. This attachment shook him. He wanted to feel nothing, take her and use her body to fill the need that raged inside him, and then forget her. But her emotions were too strong, they beat like a drum inside his brain demanding he listen. Silently he stole out from the safety of the darkness determined on ending her pain, his thirst, and this nexus he didn't want to cloud his thinking or touch his heart. From out of nowhere he heard a voice and like a ghost faded back into obscurity.

“Laura?" the male voice rang out.

The woman jumped, alarmed for a split second then turned to smile at the lanky, curly-headed man that appeared at her side. When Stefan Cassadine saw her face, the smile that made him remember the brilliance of the sun, his world was turned upside down. He almost fell to his knees in trembling disbelief. She was the woman of his dreams. Hers was the face of the woman he had dreamed of while he could still draw breath, the woman he had longed to meet and devote his life to making happy. In stunned amazement he stared, drinking her up with his eyes as she smiled lovingly at this other man.

“Laura, I have been looking everywhere for you," the man complained. “What in the world are you doing down on the docks this late at night, darlin'?"

Laura sighed, “I had to get away for a while and I don't know, I just ended up here." She turned and gazed out at Spoon Island once again in puzzlement.

Luke followed her stare. “What’s so interesting about Spook Island?"

Laura frowned, “It looks so alone and melancholy. It looks like how I feel."

“You’re not alone anymore," the man grinned, then his smile faded, “Lulu will get better, Angel."

“Do you promise, Luke?" she pleaded hopefully.

“Our baby girl is a Spencer. We always win. You know that, Laura," Luke boasted gently.

Laura went into his arms. “I am going to hold you to that promise, Luke," she whispered tearfully.

“Let’s get back in case she wakes up," Luke suggested.

They left arm in arm and Stefan emerged from hiding. His eyes were twin flames filled with desire. “Lasha!" he whispered in reverence.

Laura stopped and whirled around in confusion. When she saw no one, she looked up at her husband. “Did you say something?"

Luke looked perplexed and shook his head. “Not a word."

“I could have sworn someone called my name, but it was different," Laura replied in bewilderment.

“Should I have been worried you snuck down to the docks to meet an admirer?" Luke joked.

Laura pursed her lips to keep from grinning, “Now you know you are the only man for me, Luke."

“Just like you're the only woman for me too, Angel. Let's get out of here. It must be spooks' night out." He bent down and whispered, “You know I did hear the docks were haunted by a ghost."

Laura punched him. “Ouch!" Luke yelled. “That hurt."

“Serves you right for trying to scare me," Laura sniffed with a slight grin.

Laura couldn't help herself. She had to take one last look back toward the docks. That voice, so velvety and tender had called to something inside of her and she had wanted to respond no matter what she had told Luke.

Chapter 2

Stefan followed them from a safe distance even though he could make himself oblivious to people at times. As the couple crossed the street to the hospital he unobtrusively observed their every move. The lobby was deserted as he entered and he watched as the elevator went up to the second floor and stop. Without hesitation he got into the next elevator and stopped at the same floor. It didn't take long to find them. The Spencers were having a conversation with a doctor in front of a hospital room and Stefan lurked around the corner and listened to the discussion.

“What are you trying to say, Simone?" Laura questioned, fear permeating her voice.

Dr. Simone Hardy sighed, this wasn't easy for her to tell her friends the bad news. “Since the bone marrow tests we did on all of you came back as a negative match for Lulu all we can do right now is try to keep her fever down and give her blood transfusions. I've put her on the International Donor List to see if we can find a match, but I can tell you our best hope would have been from a family member."

“This list, do you think you'll get a match?" Luke asked anxiously.

“I hope so, but in the meantime we need to keep Lulu's fever down and the risk of infection is a problem too. Make sure that anyone who goes in puts on a mask and gown. Hand washing is very important too," she cautioned. “And we should limit her visitors to just immediate family to reduce contact with people who may bring in an infection." The couple nodded. Laura glanced at Luke apprehensively wondering what he thought about what the doctor had told them. He squeezed her hand reassuringly and Laura relaxed a little. She managed to smile weakly at Simone.

“You will let us know the minute you hear anything, won't you?" she begged.

Simone patted her shoulder sympathetically. “Of course I will." Her look encompassed both of them. “I’m going off duty now but I'll see you in the morning. You should try and get some rest," she suggested.

“We’ll take turns on the couch," Luke assured her with a slight smile. “Thanks again for all your help."

Simone smiled and strolled away intent on going home and getting some well earned sleep after a 24-hour shift at the hospital.

Laura looked at Luke helplessly, tears welled up in her blue eyes. “I’m so afraid, Luke. What if they can't find a match?" she whispered fearfully.

Luke grabbed her and wrapped his arms around her. “Think positive, Angel. They will find someone."

Stefan glared jealously at Luke, as this usurper gently kissed his Lasha, and was wrapped in her arms where he sensed it was his rightful place to be.

As he watched them from outside the glass of the hospital room check on their daughter the longing grew until it was a raging inferno he was having a hard time controlling.

“Lasha," he whispered once again, his voice cracking in need as his hand reached out to caress the coolness of the glass.

The urgency of the voice burst into Laura's consciousness and she turned in expectation, her blue eyes sparked with wanting to see the person who seemed so connected to her soul. Yet once again there was nothing and Laura felt a surge of disappointment.

Stefan stood back out of her range and was astounded and yet gratified she had heard him. This only proved to him they were indeed meant to be. With a sad smile, he put that thought out of his mind. There was only one way she could be with him and in doing so he would destroy the very thing he loved.

He watched Laura lovingly brush the hair off her daughter's face and felt a love for her like he had no other. There was one way to help end her pain and he was determined to do it. With an air of command he strolled to the nurse's desk and found the child's file. The two nurses on duty bustled around him oblivious that he was there. He read the diagnosis: Aplastic Anemia and frowned. It was not a disease he was familiar with and then continued with his search through her chart. All three family members had been tested including an older brother, Lucky for a bone marrow transplant. Luke's sister, Barbara Jean Spencer had been tested also. So far no one who had been tested was a positive match. Lesley Lu had been given a short dose of antibiotics when she first came to the hospital to battle a fever and infection. Drug therapy had failed. The blood transfusions had begun soon afterward. As the doctor had noted, she had placed her on the transplant list. Stefan read on and noted all the personal information on Lesley Lu's mother with interest. Stefan closed the chart and looked around, there had to be a medical library in the hospital and he needed more information than what he had obtained there.

“Pardon me," he stopped one of the busy nurses. “Could you tell me where the medical library is located?" he asked charmingly.

The nurse blinked at the man whose green eyes seemed to reach inside and pull her the words right out of her. “It’s on the 6th floor," she whispered. Glued to the spot she was mesmerized by the powerful man who smiled knowingly at her before the elevator doors shut. The breath she had been holding exploded from her lungs when he was gone. She shook her head in awe. That was some man, Amy Vining thought. I wonder if he's married? Her head in the clouds she hustled back to the nurse's station to check out something in a chart.

Stefan found the book he was looking for and sat down in the empty library to read. Aplastic Anemia was rare but an extremely serious disorder that resulted from the unexplained failure of the bone marrow to produce blood cells. Stefan smiled without humor. It was not unlike his own condition in a strange way. Being a prolific reader with an eye to detail he scanned the book retaining all he absorbed. When he got to the treatments, he slowed down slightly. Antibiotics were used to control fever and infection, as was noted on the child's chart. Drug therapy had been tried but abandoned when Lesley Lu had allergic reactions to several of them. Then came the blood transfusions. She could receive blood transfusions indefinitely as long as there were no complications. It seemed red blood cells contain iron and they could accumulate in the body and cause tissue damage. Antibodies could also be produced by the body that would destroy the transfused blood cells. A bone marrow transplant was the child's only long term hope. Stefan closed the book with a sigh, stroking his goatee in deep thought. With his money and power perhaps he could help bring this donor she needed and more quickly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

So intent on his plans, the woman blocking his path on the docks came as a surprise. She eyed him eagerly, noting his expensive clothes and handsome face.

“Looking for a little action tonight?" she cooed suggestively.

He gave her a wolfish smile as his hunger reached a new level of torment. “Perhaps," he smiled seductively, his teeth flashing brilliantly in the artificial light.

“I am going to show you a good time," she whispered as she pulled him into a dark corner of the docks.

Stefan brushed the hair off her neck and kissed the pulse that beat next to his lips. Unable to wait any longer he grasp her firmly in his arms and using her hair pulled her head back exposing her neck to his mouth. She struggled only briefly and then with one last sigh, died shortly before he dropped her body after draining it. He took out a handkerchief and wiped the blood off his mouth. “Thank you, I did have a very good time," he smirked disdainfully at the crumpled body lying at his feet. As he did with all the bodies he did with hers, he got rid of them if at all possible. Once he saw her weighted body start to sink beneath the water, he had forgotten her and was already mulling over what to do to help Lasha's child.

Once back on Spoon Island and in the safety of Wyndemere he felt at home and at ease surrounded by his books, objects he had carefully collected from his travels, and his family heirlooms. Going immediately to his study he made a telephone call. He waited impatiently as the line rang until a sleepy voice answered. Instantly he got to the point.

“Beckworth, I have a job of serious importance that needs your immediate attention," Stefan asserted without any preamble.

Douglas Beckworth sat up promptly. It wasn't often Mr. Cassadine called him with such requests, but when he did he knew his employer expected him to get the job done as quickly as possible and without any confusion. “Yes, Mr. Cassadine, what may I do for you?" he asked as he hurriedly donned his robe and went to his study to make notes.

“There is a child, Lesley Lu Spencer who is in dire need of a bone marrow transplant. You can access her medical records at General Hospital in Port Charles, New York if the necessity arises. I understand from her doctor she has been put on the International Transplant List but I wish to see this followed though more quickly to find a donor. Use any means necessary, money is no object even if it means offering a generous reward to the donor if one can be found. If the list comes up empty have all the employees of Cassadine Industries tested. Run an advertisement in the newspapers, I really don't care how you get the donor just find one," Stefan commanded.

Beckworth whistled under his breath at what the cost could end up being if he ran into problems, but he knew not to voice his concerns. Stefan Cassadine was worth billions and one of the richest men in the world. What was a few hundred million to a man who had more money than he could spend in several lifetimes? “Yes, sir, I'll get right on it," he promised.

“Let me know immediately when you are successful."

“I’ll do that, Mr. Cassadine."

Stefan hung up the telephone, suddenly all the events of the evening tiring him. Walking over to the window, he looked out at the predawn sky. The pink and orange glow signified the sun would soon make its way across the horizon and already he would feel his skin crawl with that knowledge. It was time to hide from the sun's brightness and for the first time in years he felt the bitterness of what he was creep into his consciousness. It was seeing her and knowing he could never have her unless he made her like himself. Stefan grimaced as he made his way to his hideaway. He had never tried to make another except for that one time and he had vowed he would never do it again. It was best he helped her if he could and then removed himself from her life. Lasha had a family, children and a husband. She would not want his life when she had so much and he had nothing to offer her but death and eternal darkness.

Stefan removed his clothing and lay down on his bed and brooded until his eyes grew heavy and he fell into a deep sleep, dreaming of golden hair and luminous blue eyes.

Chapter 3

As the weeks went by Stefan could only watch helplessly as Laura grew thinner and paler, completely worn out with worry. So far none of Beckworth's efforts had been fruitful. The donor list had come up empty. Stefan was awaiting the results of the massive testing of all his employees. Most of his time was now spent watching Laura, storing up each memory to last him several lifetimes. Friends came and went offering their support and he could see that behind her beauty there was more: an inherent goodness that drew people to her and made them want to love, help, and protect her. When he thought of all the deeds he had done just to exist, it made him ashamed. How could evil look goodness in the face without her turning away in disgust?

Laura's son, Lucky was gentle and loving to her and his little sister and Stefan liked him immediately. But he abhorred Luke Spencer and every time he put his arms around Laura or kissed her, Stefan's envy and hatred of the man grew. After some research Stefan knew of their past history and that Luke had raped Laura. How she had come to marry the man he would never understand, but after seeing more of her decided she had a great capacity for forgiveness. How else could she have married this cretin? If she could forgive a crime this heinous could there be hope for him?

Laura came out of Lulu's room rubbing her eyes tiredly. Lucky seeing her fatigue was determined she go home and rest.

“Mom, Lulu's sleeping, I'm here and the Club will close soon so Dad will be here shortly. Why don't you go home and take a breather tonight?" Lucky suggested.

Laura rubbed the back of her neck wearily, but her head jerked up in protest at her son's words. “I can't do that.....no," she shook her head, as she looked back though the glass to make sure her daughter was still sleeping.

Lucky sighed, “Mom, you're about to drop. Go home take a shower and sleep in a real bed tonight. I'll call you if anything happens."

Laura eyed him wistfully, “Well, that does sound wonderful."

Lucky grinned, “Good, then it's settled." He pushed her toward the elevators.

“Lucky......but....." Laura protested.

“No buts, just go," Lucky asserted.

Laura opened her mouth to protest and Lucky shook his head. Laura smiled gratefully at her son and kissed him on the cheek. “Do you know how much I love you?" she whispered.

“Yeah, I know," Lucky rolled his eyes in a pretense of annoyance, but the sparkle in them confirmed his love for the woman who stood in front of him.

“Call me?" Laura demanded.

“I will call even if she rolls over in her sleep," Lucky promised, grinning.

Laura laughed as she walked onto the elevator. “Well, you don't have to call for that," she called out as the doors closed.

All the way home Laura felt as if she were being followed. As she opened the door to her house, she looked out into the darkness with a frown. She had felt this way for weeks she realized. There were times when she sensed someone watching her and then other times when there seemed to be someone else inside her, sharing her thoughts. She shook her head, no that it wasn't it. She stopped and pondered for a moment, it was as if they could anticipate her thoughts or needs without her ever voicing them aloud. Shivering, she went inside and locked the door.

It was only after the lights went off downstairs Stefan emerged from the shadows and noiselessly approached the front door. The lock popped open effortlessly in the strength of his hands. Curiously he strolled around the room examining Laura's treasures. There were bits and pieces of her travels from around the world: Sea shells, a piece of colored glass, pressed flowers all carefully preserved. Each photograph on the mantle he gave careful consideration, from those of her children to the one of her and her obnoxious husband. A picture of her mother, Lesley, who had been killed in a freak car accident several years before, her father who had remarried and moved away, a half brother and the nurse he had met some time back turned out to be her sister Amy, all had their place of importance. All around the room were signs of her personality, the overstuffed chairs, the needlepoint pillows all done by her hand, to the crocheted afghans on the back of the sofa. All this spoke of her love for this place and her family. Stefan was slightly appalled she lived in such a dilapidated house that had seen better times and yet somehow it fit her. This house was what she had wanted and fought to get and to keep. It had been an important victory for her. He sensed she would like a simple, not a gaudy, ostentatious life. There was warmth there and love, she was the anchor and the center, Lasha held the key to her family's happiness.

Laura came out of the bathroom toweling her hair dry. She stopped and cocked her head to the side and listened. That feeling was back again as if someone were close and privy to her most intimate thoughts. It was comforting in a way to have that presence with her telling her it would be all right and in another way it was unsettling that someone knew her so well. The house was quiet and still and Laura decided it was just nerves on end. A sick child, weeks of worry and sleeplessness would make anyone feel paranoid. Laura crawled into the bed and immediately went to sleep.

Stefan opened her bedroom door cautiously and slipped inside the room. As if time stood still he became lost in watching her sleep. Lasha was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He longed to touch her, to kiss her lips, to run his fingers over her pale skin in a gentle caress, to pierce her, and become one with her.

As if she could read his thoughts Laura moved restlessly. Green eyes so compelling stared out from the man's eyes in her dream. She wanted to feel him, touch him, and have him take her.

“Hold me," she murmured and Stefan sucked in a breath at her invitation. “Hold me," she urged again.

Did he dare? he wondered. Could he control the urge to make her totally his?

The force of his turmoil transferred itself to her through their inexplicable connection and she thrashed about the bed in disturbed agitation. The sheet slipped down leaving her exposed to his lustful gaze. She had a woman's body, full-bodied and voluptuous. Her breasts were full but still firm after having two children. Her stomach wasn't completely flat and her hips flared out in delicious invitation. This was a woman in his eyes, not one of those skinny, reedy types whose blood was as thin and watery as they were.

Laura opened her eyes to see him staring at her in undisguised hunger. It was all right to want this man, to want him to touch her, it was only a dream. “I have been waiting for you," she whispered as she held out her arms.

Stefan needed no second invitation and quickly disrobed and slid into the bed beside her. “At last, my love," he murmured as he lightly ran his fingers over the smooth planes of her face.

Laura kissed his fingers as they traced her lips. His eyes darkened with desire as he bent and covered her lips with his own. He could feel the slow beat of her heart speed up as the intensity of the kiss deepened. Locking her arms around his neck she aroused him even further as she returned his passion with equal feeling.

“You are so beautiful, Lasha," he growled, his voice thick with desire. He buried his face in her smooth perfect shoulders, inhaling her scent, holding a tight rein on his hunger. He ran his hands over her, loving the feel of her body, how it seemed to fit perfectly with his own, and wanting to drown in the exquisite contours of her flesh.

Laura could feel the hardness of his arousal and it thrilled her. This man was so perfect, so beautiful, in face and physique. It seemed so right and what felt this good couldn't be wrong, she rationalized. He was the embodiment of her perfect mate, the one who knew and understood her and was there in her time of need to love and support her. She moaned as he nuzzled her breasts, gasping as he caught one of her nipples in his mouth and gently teethed it. Nipples hardened and breasts swelled as he slowly and sensuously caressed them. Feelings and sensations she had never felt before engulfed her body, making her strain against him as her body throbbed in a fevered heat. Stefan stroked her stomach and legs and she felt as if her body would catch fire. He awakened in her a raging tide of emotion that was heady and overpowering. Legs spread unconsciously as she tried to quell the raging ache inside her thighs. Stefan lowered his head between her legs and took her to new heights of pleasure as ripples of sensation slid up her body and she exploded in groaning orgasm.

Laura opened her eyes lazily and a sultry smile framed her lips when she saw the fevered look of need in his eyes. Lowering his head, he roughly kissed her, as the desire continued to build. Lying beside her he pulled her spooning fashion into his arms and stroked her long silky hair. “I love you, Lasha," he whispered as he buried his face in her hair. The depth of his feeling for her was a force that was still a wonder for him. He wanted to lie there forever with her in his arms.

“It was wonderful," Laura murmured, “but I want more." She twisted out of his arms and onto her back. “I want you now," she demanded playfully.


Stefan hovered above her torn in indecision until she flashed a dazzling smile at him and lightly brushed her lips against his as she ran her hands over his hard, muscular chest in alluring charm. Her touch brought his desire for her into a fevered frenzy and all thought of waiting was lost in the rage of his need. Stefan smoothed the hair off her long white neck, giving it a long slow lick as he prepared to simultaneously plunge both penis and fangs into her. The very thought of it made him tremble with need and misgiving. Laura positioned him and was thrusting up her hips to take him when Stefan heard the door downstairs open.

Stefan rolled over to his side pulling Laura into his arms, listening intently. He could hear someone moving around downstairs and he seethed in frustration. For as long as he dared, he held her and whispered his love poems into her ear, determined she wouldn't forget their time together and their connection.

Luke strolled into the bedroom and stared in amazement at Laura lying stark naked on top of the sheets. He grinned, she was just pretending to be asleep. “Okay, baby, the gig is up," he laughed.

Laura opened her eyes sleepily, “Stefan?" she asked.

Luke's jaw dropped. “Stefen? Who the hell is Stefen?"

Laura blinked and gasped in confusion, jumping up and running to the window, staring out into the night. Her fingers touched the cool glass and she frowned in puzzlement, “Stefan," she whispered achingly.

Stefan was standing below the window. “Lasha!" His eyes gleamed pure gold and then grew cold with anger as he watched Luke come and draw her away from the window. Stefan growled furiously as this hated man once again came between him and the woman he loved.

Luke cradled Laura in his arms in their bed. “I leave you alone one night and you're already bringing in weird foreigners to replace me. What kind of name is Stefen?" he joked.

Laura's eyes popped open. “What?" She turned over to look at him. “What are you talking about? You've been here the whole time."

“No, babe. I just got here," Luke teased. “You seemed to have started without me."

Laura stared at him for a moment and then blushed when she remembered what the man had done to her. What a dream! It had all seemed so real. Laura grinned sheepishly at Luke. “I guess I had been dreaming when you came in."

“Some dream," Luke groused.

Laura turned back over. “I’ll say," she murmured under her breath. Somehow she could help but feel disappointed Luke had come home and interrupted her dream. It had just started getting good and that man-Stefan, he seemed to know exactly what she wanted and needed.

(To Be Continued)


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