See Part 1 for disclaimer.Chapter 10
Large House on outskirts of London: Circa 2010
Alex came back to herself when she heard her father say, "Alex? Telephone!" Then repeated, "Alex? Did you hear me?"
Alex suddenly realized that Nick was calling her. She got up and walked over to where Nick was holding the phone and staring at her. "Are you sure you're awake enough to answer this?"
Alex smiled and said, "Yeah, just spacin' out, Dad! Sorry." And Nick handed the phone to Alex. He walked back over to the couch and he and Janette continued to look at the photo's. Some of them showed Alex in her cheerleader outfit. And some were of the Hockey team with the girls in front, cheering the guys on. And soon, they came to the High School years. As they continued to turn pages, the years seemed to wake up and drift slowly towards their time. Each memory was as clear as if it had happened yesterday. The next page revealed a very special picture. At least for Nick. It was Alex, dressed in a blue gown and wearing a crown on her head. This was her Spring Queen portrait and the pictures that followed were of her Senior Prom. The special dance she attended with her then "beau", Shawn. The picture was of two young people. One, a tall, blonde-haired, blue-eyed young man standing in a dark blue tux, and the other a tall, (but smaller than the boy), slender female, with dark brown hair and a beautiful smile. She was wearing a red gown and an orchid corsage.
Nick was beginning to get a little misty-eyed at this picture, and if Alex had not come back when she did, he might have had tears streaking down his face. Alex came to the couch and sat down between her father and mother.
"Who was that on the phone, Alex?" Janette said after Alex had picked up the photo album and put it back on her lap.
"Oh, that was Vachon. He said he went back and got his car to start and he managed to fix the problem. He said he will be dropping by in about an hour." Alex replied.
"So you are going out again?" Nick said as he glanced down again at the photo album. But he did not hear the reply. He was already in the past.
Flashback: Circa 2006
Roseville, Minn. Suburb of Twin Cities
The Knight Home-"Mom? Mom! Help!" came the frantic voice from down the hall. Janette left Nick's embrace and smiled, "Oh, dear. I have a feeling something doesn't fit!" and she began to walk rapidly down the hall.
Nick watched his wife half-walking, half-running in heels down the hall in a red velvet gown. Nick watched her and sighed. <My Janette! You are so beautiful. As beautiful as the day we met.> And with that, Nick walked over to the refrigerator to retrieve the corsage, Shawn had sent for Alex. Shawn and Alex had been dating since they were sophomores. And they really cared for each other. Shawn was a nice kid, good manners, polite, good sense of humor, helpful, and very caring. He took good care of Alex and she adored him. They fought, at times, but the problems were quickly solved and they were back in each other's arms within a few hours. Nick and Janette really liked Shawn. And he had very likeable parents as well. His mother was a teacher, same as Nick, only in High School. And his father was an attorney in White Bear Lake, (another suburb). All in all, Janette and Nick couldn't be happier with Alex's choice for the Prom.
Actually the prom was only the second special event that spring. Earlier in the year, Alex had been chosen as Spring Queen, and what was truly amazing, Shawn was chosen as Spring King. They were able not only to attend the Spring Festival Dance as dates, but also as King and Queen. What a special day that was. Shawn wore a black velvet tux and white shirt with ruffles. He was dressed like the royal persona he assumed that evening. And Alex. Ah, his daughter was the most beautiful girl at the dance, (except his beloved Janette). She wore a Blue tafetta and chiffon gown that Janette had designed and put together. It was strapless, with an empire waist and full flowing skirt. It also had a blue chiffon scarf that wound around her neck and fell down in two ribbon strips down her back. The back of the gown was backless to the mid-back. Alex looked like a fairy tale princess to Nick and he was so very proud of her. And there was another special time at that dance when he was allowed to start off a dance with his daughter. That was a time that both Alex and her father will always remember. Janette took a picture of them dancing and Alex was looking up into Nick's eyes with a smile and total adoration in her handsome father. Nick was looking into Alex's eyes with pride and love in his sapphire eyes. That picture will always be the whole families favorite of Alex and her father.
Now, here they were, just a few weeks later and off to the most important dance of High School. The Prom, anticipated for weeks. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Nick went to the door and opened it. "Shawn Witherspoon you look just like the Prince who has come to claim his princess" Nick said smiling. And Shawn did indeed. He was wearing a dark-blue tux with a white shirt that had blue trim. His blonde hair was accented by the tux and his blue eyes were made darker by the color of the tux. "Hi, Mr. Knight. I know I'm a bit early, but I got tired of pacing at home. So I thought I would just come on over and pace here. I mean, . . uh. . er get Alex a little early. . .Sir!" And then he smiled a little nervously.
Nick smiled and put his hand on the back of Shawn's neck and pulled him into the house. "It's ok, Shawn. I've done a lot of pacing, waiting for Alex's mother to get ready. There was nothing wrong in what you said. Forget it. And get used to waiting for females." Nick said, glancing toward the hallway and then back at Shawn, "They will never be ready on time. But maybe if they were, they would not look as good as they do, when we see them."
"Yeah, man. I hear ya." Shawn replied as a sheepish grin suddenly broke across his handsome face. Nick and Shawn went to the den and sat down to talk. Shawn had no problem talking to Nick, he was cool. He never put him down because he was young, and he had so much knowledge. Especially in his favorite subjects, the past, histories and archeology.
As the men sat in the den talking, Janette was helping Alex get ready. "Mom, why is it that your hair never does what you want, when you want it too?" Alex said in frustration. The ribbons that were in her hair kept falling out, and the beads were twisted. "I'm going to look like some African Queen soon if these beads won't stay put!"
"Alex, calm down! Here, let me help you." Janette said. She noticed Alex's hands were shaking and then she smiled remembering one night in Egypt before the King, and the Embassy Ball. She felt just like Eliza Doolittle!
After a few adjustments, Janette had Alex's hair looking beautiful. "There! Now you do look great, my little one." Janette said, as she smiled at the beautiful woman standing in front of her in that red satin gown.
"Oh, Mom. Do you really think so? Do you think Shawn will think so?" Alex said, searching her mother's face for answers.
Janette nodded her head and said, "Yes I do! He cares for you, Alex. And he will love you in this gown. Trust me little one." After taking one last look at her daughter, Janette went over to the dresser and picked up a black box that she had placed there earlier. She opened it and there in black velvet bracing lay a beautiful tiara. Janette took out the tiara and showed it to Alex. "I wore this to the Presidential Innaugural Ball when President Reagen was in office. I thought it would be appropriate that you wear it for your prom." Janette handed it to Alex who stood there staring at it. The tiara was shaped like a fan, tall on the top and tapering down the sides of the bar. It was made of diamonds and rubies and was indeed the most beautiful thing Alex had ever seen.
"Your father gave that to me shortly before we left for the Ball." Janette smiled and thought, <Oh, Alex, if you only knew. Nichola gave that to me centuries ago. It was after we had split up and then we met up in England during the reign of King Henry VIII. I wore it to the coronation of Anne Boleyn. If I could only tell you!>
Alex looked at her mother with tears in her eyes and said, "Oh, Mom. This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I will feel so honored to wear it." And she hugged her mother, and then she asked Janette to put it in her hair. Janette placed the tiara on Alex's head and fastened it with pins. "There now. You do look like a princess. And I think," Janette stopped as she could hear laughing in the den. "Shawn has come and you had better hurry up. I'll leave you for a few minutes to finish getting ready. But Alex, do hurry up." And with that Janette gave Alex a kiss on the cheek and then left the room. Alex looked back in the glass at her reflection. The tiara did indeed make her look like a princess. She felt so honored that her mother would give her something like this to wear. She smiled, and then began to put on her jewelry.
Janette came into the den as Nick and Shawn were sharing a joke. When she entered, Shawn looked up and then he stood and said, "Mrs. Knight! You are beautiful. I see where Alex gets her beauty."
Janette smiled and walked over to Nick who kissed her hand, and said, "Merci, Shawn! And remember, flattery will get you everywhere with me." And she giggled.
At this time, Alex stepped into the den. Shawn drew in a sharp gasp of air and walked over to Alex taking her hand in his and kissing it in the same fashion as Nick had done previously with Janette. "Alex, you are truly the most beautiful woman in the world! You look totally smashing!"
Alex smiled and began to blush a little. Then she said, "And you are the most handsome man in the world, Shawn."
Then Shawn kissed Alex, right in front of Nick and Janette, without thinking. And Alex did not back away. She really "dug" this guy. But Nick and Janette watched in silence. After a few minutes, Nick cleared his throat and Shawn broke from the kiss. Realizing what he had done, he said, "Sorry, sir. But she is so beautiful, I couldn't help myself."
"I would have questioned that if you hadn't kissed her Shawn." Nick replied and then he moved closer to his daughter. He had noticed the tiara on her head and said, "Alex, you look just like Janette! That tiara brings back so many memories for me." And he kissed his daughter on the cheek.
"I hope I look like Mom, Daddy. She is so beautiful." Alex whispered to Nick. "And I hope that I will always be just like her in every way!"
Nick smiled and then said, "You two had better hurry, or you are not going to be able to get in any dances." And when Shawn just stood there staring at Alex, Nick, (smiling), went over to him and said, "Son, are you just going to stare at Alex, or are you going to take her to the prom?"
Shawn suddenly snapped out of his revelry and said, "Oh, yeah. Come on Alex, let's go." And the left out the door and into Shawn's car. Suddenly Shawn came back to the house and said rather sheepishly, "Mr. Knight, I forgot the corsage!"
Janette walked over to the table and picked up the white box and handed it to Shawn. "Here, Shawn. Now you two be good, ok? And have fun." Janette said smiling.
"Yes ma'am, we will." And Shawn started to leave, but was caught by Nick who said, "But remember son, that is our daughter and you had better treat her with respect or you will have us to answer to."
Shawn looked at Nick, smiled and said, "Yes, sir. I won't forget. I guess we will see you later at the prom?"
"Yes, we'll be there! Now run along, and have a good time." Nick said as he pushed Shawn back toward the door and Alex, waiting in the car.
As Nick and Janette watched Alex and Shawn drive away, Nick took Janette in his arms and said, "Alex looked just like you did, that night in England when you walked down that long staircase at the Coronation Ball. You were so beautiful, mon cher!"
"Merci, Nichola. But remember, you gave that tiara to me. It is my most prized possession. But I think it is time to pass it on. I hope you are not angry with me for giving it to Alex.?" Janette said quietly.
"Not at all, Janette. Alex is our daughter, and it is right that you should pass it on to her. She looked so beautiful tonight. It's hard to believe that she is a senior in High School." Nick said as he helped Janette with her wrap.
"Yes, I know." Janette replied and then she looked at Nick with a wicked smile and said, "And the Vampire Community said it couldn't be done. That Vampires could not raise a Moral Child. We did it Nicola. We did it and no one can take that from us!"
Nick smiled and said, "Yes we did. And even if Lacroix helped a little, we did this on our own." And after glancing at his watch he said, "Oh, no. We had better get going. We were supposed to be at the gym, 20 minutes ago." And Nick and Janette hurried out into the spring evening to the car and off to the prom.
Not far away in Eden Prairie, (another Twin City suburb), Lacroix was sitting at his desk when he felt the joy and happiness in the link with his children. And the crusty old vampire's eyes lit up and a smile crossed his lips. <Alex is off to the prom!>
Chapter 11
Large House on outskirts of London: Circa 2010
When Nick returned to himself in the here and now, he looked down and saw Alex staring at a particular photo. It was one of Shawn standing a short distance from the Great Pyramids in Egypt. He was holding a small statue of the Sun God Ra in his hand and was smiling proudly. It was the last picture Alex had of Shawn. She put her hand down and rubbed her fingers on Shawn's face. Nick and Janette took a quick glance toward each other and then Nick said, "Alex? Are you ok?" When she didn't respond, Nick put his finger under her chin and turned her face up and toward him. Her eyes were filled with red tinged tears so full that two drops began to fall away from the eyes and ran down her cheeks. "Oh, Honey. I know." Nick said softly as he put his arms around his weeping daughter. And Alex pulled closer into her father's chest, gripping his shirt with her fist, the same gesture she had first used for protection in the precinct, 15 years ago.
Nick looked at Janette and her expression was one of sadness and concern. She looked back at Alex who was weeping very softly, against Nick's chest. Nick looked down at Alex and whispered, "We will always be here for you, Alex." And he put his hand on her hair and began to stroke it softly, attempting to comfort his daughter.
The reason for Alex's tears is that she and Shawn were planning to be married. They had both attended the University of Minnesota, in the fall, following their senior year and had hoped when they graduated, to marry. Nick and Janette couldn't be happier with this arrangement, for they really liked Shawn. But they were also a little sad, knowing that they would have to "give up their daughter" to the man she loved. But the wedding was not to be. After their freshman year at the University, Shawn had gone to Egypt on an archeological dig with one of the professors at the University. He had a wonderful time and brought back a few artifacts that he had discovered himself. They were items that were common to all digs and not of any value, and that is why he was allowed to bring them home. But Alex was so proud of him, when she saw the pieces. And then one night, two years ago:. . . .
Flashback Circa 2008
Roseville, Minn. suburb of Twin CitiesAlex was laying on the couch reading a book about witches and casting spells. Janette and Nick thought that this was weeks later the arrangements had all been made. Nick, Janette and Alex would be moving to London in less than a week. Alex would be going with them. Nick had contacted Miklos in Toronto, (who had taken over the Raven from Janette) and located Vachon. He called him and told him the situation and asked Vachon if he would come to Minnesota as their guests for a few days. And then on to London. Vachon had always been a good friend to Nick and they understood each other quite well. They had met at the Raven, one night during an investigation and had developed a lasting friendship, somewhat rare among vampires. Vachon had agreed to come and was very willing to help Nick. It would be Vachon's job to fulfill the sexual needs of Nick's fledgling vampire daughter, once brought across. And Nick and Janette would take care of the rest of the training.
And so on All Hallow's Eve, Halloween of 2008 Nick, Janette, Alex, and Vachon were in the den of the Knight home preparing for the bringing across. Alex was understandably nervous, but she was determined to go through with this. And after having met Vachon, and told his role in all of this, she was actually looking forward to the "bringing across ceremony".
Janette and Nick had decided that Nick would be the one to bring Alex across. He was her father and there was a bit of a closer connection between the two of them as it was, Father/Daughter thing, ya know. Candles had been lit all around the room, and the glow from the flames danced across the walls, sending pictures of light everywhere.
Nick was standing close to the fireplace and put out his hands to Alex. "Alexis Marie Knight. Come to me, my daughter."
Alex walked slowly to her father and upon reaching him, clasped his hands in hers. She looked up at Nick with big and trusting brown eyes and waited his instructions.
Nick looked down at Alex, smiling and said, "It is time Alex. And I ask you once more. Are you sure this is what you truly want?"
Alex smiled back at Nick and then taking a quick glance back at her mother, turned back to Nick and said, "I'm sure Father. Please bring me across to your world of darkness."
Nick's face took on one of seriousness and as he looked deeply into his daughters eyes said, "Then submit your will to me. Submit to my power. And do not be afraid. Give yourself to me, Alex."
Alex dropped her hands from Nick's and stood there, just gazing up at Nick's face. Nick then bent his head for a moment and the raised it. He had called out the "beast" and was now in full vampire mode. His eyes were golden hues, and fangs appeared in the cracks of his lips. He looked again into Alex's eyes and was surprised to see, she was not afraid. She had mentally prepared herself for this!
Nick caressed her hair for a moment and then said, "You are my mortal daughter, and this night you will become my immortal daughter. Flesh of my flesh and blood of my blood. The gift I offered was freely accepted. Now I make you one with me, Alex"
And Nick swiftly turned Alex around away from him. Then he turned her head to one side and brushed her hair out of the way. Staring at the throbbing vein in front of him, Nick reared back with a soft growl and then bent down and gently sank his fangs into Alex's stretched taut, white soft skin and into her Jugular Vein.
Chapter 12
Flashback: circa 2008
Roseville, Minn. suburb of the Twin Cities.Alex felt a sharp pain in her neck and then a burning sensation. She clutched at her father's arm around her waist and took in a gasp of air. Then she was suddenly flooded with images. Images she did not understand. Images of Nick on horseback in clothing dating back many centuries, images of Nick and Janette in a very passionate kiss on the balcony of a large mansion, images of Nick sinking fangs into woman, after woman, after woman, and then man upon man, upon man. As the images flew past at a rapid pace, Alex suddenly began to feel very weak. She leaned into her father's embrace and her breathing began to slow. Suddenly she was focusing on her mother's face and the room began to spin, faster and faster. She was pulled away from this scene and suddenly found herself on a grassy meadow. Alex realized she was alone and her parents were no where to be found. She called out to them, but no one answered. She looked around at her surroundings. A large, green meadow that stretched for what seemed like miles and to one side, a large body of water appeared. For some reason, Alex was drawn to the beach and she began to walk slowly towards that area. From out of nowhere a door appeared on the grass and it slowly began to open. It was not too far in front of her. A brilliant white light emerged from the door as it slowly opened wide. Alex could see a figure in the doorway, but she could not make out who it was. A voice spoke from the figure saying, "Come to us, Alexis. And all your questions will be answered. Return to the darkness you are falling toward and you will be lost." And Alex began to walk slowly toward the light.
Nick slowed his feeding as he could hear Alex's heart growing fainter and fainter. He gently pulled his fangs out and licked the wounds carefully and tenderly to stop the flow of blood. Then he picked up his unconscious daughter and walking over to the couch, laid her gently down on the cusions. Nick sat beside the couch and put his hand up to Alex's face saying softly, "Alex, come back to me."
Alex in her strange location heard Nick's voice cut sharp and clear through the air. "Come back to me Alex. I will protect you forever from those who would take your life. Do not be fooled by the light. Come back to me."
Alex suddenly stopped walking and looked into the hazy figure in the light. "I asked for this. I wanted to be brought across. I love him, and I want to be with him forever. Can you bring him to this place?"
The figure in the light said, "What he offers is death and darkness. Come to us and we will show you the light of goodness and purity."
Alex stood there confused. She loved Nick. And she loved Janette. She had asked to be brought across. And then she heard Nick's voice again, "Come back to me, Alex and we will be together forever. Go into the light and we will be separated by a great barrier. Come back to me, little one."
Alex then turned to the figure in the light. "Can you love me as much as he loves me?" And Alex stood there a slight bit confused as to what to do. But it was clear that this was her decision alone. Even Nick's pleading was showing that it was her choice. And then she made it.
Nick bit into his wrist and moving it over Alex's lips let the blood fall on her open mouth. "Drink, little one. Drink."
Alex laid there still for a few moments and Janette's face showed great concern. She feared that Nick had lost Alex forever. But suddenly, Alex's hands came up from her sides and she grabbed Nick's wrist and began to gulp down the life sustaining substance. Nick winced at the first drawing of blood, but then his face remained calm. He stroked Alex's face with his other hand as his "new immortal daughter" drank freely from him. He took his daughters, blood and now her gave her his. The circle was complete. And then Nick pulled his wrist away from Alex and she opened her eyes. She looked at Nick and said, "Father, master. I am one with you."
Large house on outskirts of London: Circa 2010
Alex was now sitting on Nick's lap and still sobbing softly. Nick continued to hold her and comfort her. Before long, Alex calmed down and then raising her head to look into Nick's sapphire eyes, she said, "Are you sorry you brought me across, Father?"
Nick looked down at Alex and running his finger along her red streaked cheek he pulled some of the blood off and put it to his mouth. Then he smiled, "No, little one. I am very happy that now you are truly my daughter, in blood. And Janette is truly your mother in blood. We are bound by a special tie, Alex. And nothing can break that tie." Then Nick kissed Alex on the forehead and said, "I will always love you, my daughter."
Alex smiled up at Nick and said, "Je t'aime, my father!" And she gave her father a big hug.
This quiet scene was abruptly interrupted by a woosh of air outside on the deck. A man slowly decended to the deck floor and then began to walk to the door. Alex got off Nick's lap, wiping the tears from her face and ran over towards the deck. Vachon stepped in and he scooped up Alex into his arms. "Hello, love! Got here as quick as I could." And he kissed her on the cheek. Then settling Alex back on the floor, he looked over at the couple on the couch, who had now moved into an embrace of their own. "Hi Nick, Janette. How goes it?"
"Fine, Vachon." Nick replied smiling. "We were just taking a little trip down memory lane."
Alex looked up at Vachon and said, "Yeah. And there is something that I always am reminded of when we take these memory trips."
Vachon looked down at Alex with a puzzled look and said, "And that is?"
Alex beamed at Vachon and said, "How much I love all of you, and how proud I am to be a vampire!"
Vachon hugged Alex and then kissed her on the cheek. "Well in that case, your gonna love this. We're gonna go back to my place and make passionate love until I decide to release you." Vachon glanced back at Nick and Janette, "That is, if I have your permission?"
Nick and Janette looked at each other and then said in unison, "Granted!"
Vachon and Alex both smiled and then Vachon picked up Alex and stepped out onto the deck. He shut the door and took to the air with Alex nestled safe in his arms. In a couple of seconds they were gone.
Nick watched them leave, then he looked down at his beautiful wife and said, "That sound like a good idea, eh Janette"
"It certainly does, mon coeur!" Janette said smiling widely. And then she said sarcastically. "So what's taking you so long, Nicola?"
Nick grinned and picking Janette up into his arms flew them to the bedroom, where he began to ravish her body. But in the mind link could be heard,
&ls;I am so proud of you my children. You have done well, indeed&gs;
And Lacroix, floating in mid air at the window to the bedroom watched his daughter and son for a few more moments and then flew swiftly toward London and the "nightlife."
Finis-
"Be true to yourself and follow your heart. For only you can know how to please yourself and those around you."
-Sue
Dk Knight/IB/Dk Trinity
suwwhit@ccp.com
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