LYSSA IS MY SISTER!
by Sue Whitehorn
General Information:
Here is another installment of the Knight Saga. And boy is the family expanding! The characters of Nick, Janette and Daniel belong to James Parriott. Luke and Lyssa Are my own creation.
As usual, I give my permission to archive to IB site. But may be posted elsewhere if written permission is given.
As usual, I hope all of you enjoy. And please let me know if you like or dislike story. Of course a visit from Nick is also accepted!
Enjoy -Sue
Nick’s Loft:
Nick was tired tonight. Not physically, but he was tired mentally. He and Schanke had been sent from one place to another, trying to find the suspect of the latest murder. They had not gained much ground after 4 hours of search and went back to the station for a breather. Then they began to catch up on their paperwork on the last three cases. At 4AM they had both had it and called it a night.
Nick pulled his caddy into the garage of his warehouse home and slowly walked to the elevator, pushing the button up and ascending to the loft. He pulled the door open and saw that the TV was still on and his 14 yr. old son was lying asleep on the couch. He walked over to the refrigerator to see what Janette had left for snacks, and then decided he was too tired to eat food.
He walked back to the couch and looked down at his son sprawled on the couch in his pajamas. Luke had grown quite a bit in the last few years and was now almost as tall as Nick. He was developing a pretty solid build and had a very handsome face. He still looked a great deal like Nick but was developing some characteristics in his face that reminded one of Janette as well. Nick thought that Luke looked so angelic as he slept, he really hated to wake him.
“Luke? Luke?” Nick said softly as he shook his son gently, “Son, get up and go to bed.”
Luke’s eyes fluttered and slowly opened to look up at his father. “Hi, Dad. What time is it?” he said as he began to stretch and opened his mouth wide in a big yawn.
“Almost 5AM. You will have to be getting up soon to go to school. Why are you still up, anyway?” Nick said as he got up to turn off the TV.
“Jeremy said there was a special on education station about ancient Egypt and I wanted to watch it. But it didn’t come on until 1AM” Luke said, as he yawned again.
Nick understood Luke’s desire to see a special on ancient Egypt because of who his heavenly father was. Because Re-Atum the Egyptian God of the Sun was Luke’s heavenly father Luke was always interested in any story, legends, TV shows, specials or books on the subject. “You stayed up that late to watch a special?” Nick said, coming back to sit down in the chair opposite the couch. “How do you ever expect to concentrate in school today?”
“Oh, sheeze, Dad. I’ll be able to concentrate!" Luke said, and then began to smile. “Especially today.”
“What is so special about today, Luke?” Nick said with a puzzled look and rubbed his chin wondering why Luke was smiling.
“Because today, we are going to teach the girls how to play basketball.”
Nick let out a small chuckle and said, “Oh, I see. And why is that so special?” Nick knew exactly what Luke was going to say, but he wanted to see if he would tell him everything. And he did, indeed!
Luke looked at his father with wide eyes and a big grin on his face. "Because, Susie Parker and Julie Hammer are going to be my trainees! And because, it is one week before the Harvest Dance and this time, I am going to ask Susie to go with me. “ Luke said with great enthusiasm.
Nick looked at his son and shook his head. He knew how much Luke liked Susie. She was pretty, nice, and had a great sense of humor. Nick had met her once at a play at the school. And now that Luke was in 9th grade, he was slowly maturing into a young man. Nick still could not believe that his son would soon be really dating. But Luke was still at that awkward age where he could be extremely shy at times with girls. Luke was a sensitive kid, but he was kind, caring and loving. He was well-liked by his fellow students, but was also full of mischief. He was a good student and usually compliant with the teachers and his parents. But just like any young teen, he could be a handful and would need to be punished. That did not happen very often, but there were times when he was ‘grounded’ for doing something stupid, or disobedient.
“Seems to me that you said that last month for the opening dance of the year, but you didn’t ask her. What makes you think you can ask her this time, Luke?”
“Because this time, I KNOW that Susie likes me and I know that she will say yes.” Luke said.
“And just how do you know that, Luke” came a voice from the second floor of the loft. Nick and Luke looked up and saw Janette standing on the top stair in her bathrobe and slippers. She looked down at her two “men” sitting in the living room and smiled. And suddenly she touched her stomach with a small wince and then smiled down at them again, her hand resting on her swollen stomach that was beginning to look like she had indeed swallowed a watermelon seed.
Luke got off the couch and ran up the stairs to where Janette was standing. “Morning, Mom, Are you alright?” And he gave his mother a kiss on the cheek.
“Morning, son. Yes, I’m fine.” Janette smiled.
And with that, Luke smiled back and then bounded down the hall to his room to get ready for his morning shower.
Janette turned back to look at Nick who also, was climbing the stairs towards her. “Janette, you are beautiful, mon Coeur.” And as he approached her he placed his hand on her large, rounded protruding stomach. “And how is our little one this morning?”
Janette put her hands on Nick’s and said smiling, “Our little one has been very active this morning." And as she spoke, Nick felt a slight jerking within Janette’s stomach and then another one that was a little stronger.
Nick smiled and said, “Our child is going to be a strong one, that is for sure!” And he then moved his hand to Janette’s face and kissed her gently on the lips.
When Janette broke from the kiss and looked into Nick’s eyes, she began to frown a little. “You look tired, mon cher. Why don’t you go to the bedroom and rest for awhile and I’ll make breakfast.”
Nick rubbed his eyes and said, “Ok, that sound fine.” He turned toward the hall and then turned back to his wife. “Oh, Janette? Make sure that Luke does not miss the bus. He stayed up to watch a special on TV and he might go back to sleep and not get up.”
Janette smiled and as she pushed Nick toward the bedroom said, “I will check on Luke in about an hour. But you, get to bed before I force you.”
Nick got a wicked grin on his face and said somewhat impishly, “You would really do that?”
Janette’s eyes lit up and she responded with, “You bet I would, Mr. Knight! And if you don’t believe me, just keep standing there!”
Nick, curious to see what Janette would do remained perfectly still and showed no hint of moving. Janette began to move closer to him, when they both heard a, “AARAAGH!” come from down the hall. They both looked at each other in surprise and then ran down the hall to Luke’s room.
When they reached Luke’s room and looked in they were at first very puzzled, and then sighed, exasperated. Luke was standing stark naked in front of his mirror lifting weights. He was simply exercising!
Suddenly, Luke became aware of eyes on him and turned to look at the door. When he saw Nick and Janette standing there in the doorway watching him with amused looks on their faces, and realized that he was standing there completely naked, he dropped the weights and grabbed a towel on the bed, wrapping it around himself.
“That is certainly an interesting way to exercise, son.” Nick said with a crooked smile beginning to form on his lips.
Luke was obviously embarrassed as his face turned beet red. It would have been one thing if his father had seen him like this, but his mother, too? That was too much.
“Dad, I. . . “ And Luke could not think of anything wise to say.
Janette was very amused at this scene and realizing the embarrassment her son was feeling offered some sympathy. “Why don’t you go take your shower, since you obviously are dressed for that!”
Luke smiled sheepishly at his mother and nodded his head. He moved quickly between his mother and father through the door and headed down the hallway rather quickly. Soon he disappeared behind the door of the bathroom.
“Well, you have to give him credit for one thing, Janette.” Nick said laughing.
“And that is?”
“He certainly keeps us from having a dull life.” Nick responded still laughing.
Janette smiled and said, “That is so true.” And then she looked at Nick and said, “And I thought you were going to bed?”
Nick said, “No, I thought you were going to tuck me in, mommy?”
Janette grinned and said, “Are you sure you want me to tuck you in?” And Nick put his arm around Janette’s shoulders and said, “Oh, yes Mommy! Please?” And they walked slowly down the hall towards their bedroom.
Nick’s Loft-two weeks later:
Nick and Luke were driving back to the Loft after spending the entire day together. Nick had always tried to have at least one day to spend with his son, because his father had neglected this with him. If it had not been for his older brother, Nick would never have had any kind of bonding experience with another male. And he knew how important it was to have that relationship.
For a short period of time, Nick and Luke shared this with Daniel, after he came to live with them. And Luke and Daniel got along very well. In fact, before Daniel left for the University in Minnesota to school, he and Luke had spent a whole week in the Twin Cities while Daniel checked out the college. They had gone fishing, boating, watched a couple of hockey games and in general, had a great time. Luke was sad to see Daniel leave, but happy that he had his parents all to himself in a way. He kind of missed that. And that was only three years ago.
Luke and Nick had spent the day on the water. They had rented a boat and took it all around the Lake. This was one of Luke’s favorite “outings”. He loved the water and all it had to offer. Someday he would like to learn to water ski. They had also spent some time on the beach and as Nick watched his son standing near the water, was again reminded of when he was little. The ducks and birds seem to come to him readily. And the ducks would let him pick them up as if they were his personal “pets”. Luke had some kind of special connection with those animals.
Nick pulled the caddy next to the warehouse and he and Luke got out. They got in the truck for their “baggage” from the day and began to walk towards the elevator. Luke suddenly stopped and Nick looked around at him and then he looked toward the elevator door. “Janette.” Nick said softly. And he and Luke got into the lift as quickly as possible. In a matter of seconds the lift door opened and then came in. Nick called out, “Janette, are you alright?”
Sounds of faint moaning came from near the top of the stairs, and Nick, looking at his son said, “Luke, put these away, I’m going to check on your mom.”
“OK, Dad, “ Luke said, taking the gear from his father and watching Nick bound to the stairs, not walking not flying but moving quickly.
Nick came to the bedroom and found Janette sitting on the side of the bed, holding on to the headboard with one hand and her stomach with the other. Nick came over to Janette and said, “Are you alright, sweetheart?” and he rubbed her back with one hand.
Janette looked up at Nick and said, “I’ve been in labor for the past 3 hours, Nicola. I’ve called Dr. von Wellsung and he is on his way. “
Nick rubbed Janette’s back a little harder and said, “Janette! Why didn't you tell me, thru the link? Why did you go through this alone?”
Janette said, “I shielded you and Luke on purpose, Nick. There was no reason for you to cut your “outing” short. You couldn’t do anything, anyway. And I’m fine, really I. . . . .Ooh, . .. .Ooh” And Janette grasped Nick’s hand and began to squeeze it very hard. Nick rubbed Janette’s back and said, “Breathe, Janette. Breathe.”
Luke suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs. He looked over at his mother and father and could see that his mother was in a lot of pain. His face took on a frown and then he stiffened up for a few seconds and walked over to his parents. Kneeling before his mother he placed his hands on his mother’s stomach and closed is eyes. Nick watched as a faint glow rose from Luke’s hands and slowly moved toward Janette’s stomach and began to reach all around the area until her whole stomach took on a light golden light. Janette took in a gasp of air, and then she began to breathe normally. Nick could feel her muscles relax and she leaned back onto Nick’s chest, her head falling on his shoulder. Luke raised up and slowly began to stand. He was a little unsteady on his feet for a couple of seconds, grabbing onto the table beside the bed. But then he straightened up and looked very hard at Janette.
Janette had her eyes closed for a minute and then she opened them. She looked at Luke, smiled and said, “Thank you, Luke. The pain is gone.” But Janette would take in a deep breath occasionally showing that the labor was still proceeding normally.
Nick left Janette for a minute and standing up went over to Luke. He grabbed his shoulders and said, “Luke, are you alright?”
Luke smiled at Nick and said, “A little weaker perhaps, Dad. But, otherwise I’m fine. I just couldn’t watch Mom in that kind of pain. And the little baby in pain as well. I’m sorry, Dad. I know I promised not to do that kind of thing.”
Nick looked at Luke for a few more moments and then smiled. “Thank you, son for what you did for Janette. It may be a part of nature, but it does not have to be something that all women must go through.” And he hugged Luke and then he said, “Why don’t you go downstairs and wait for the doctor. Janette will be fine now, thanks to you. It will give you a chance to get your strength back.”
Luke smiled at Nick and said, “Ok, Dad.” Then he went over to his mother, who had laid back on the bed and kissed her cheek. “The baby will be born soon, Mom. I can feel it.”
Janette smiled at Luke and said, “Yes, I know. And thank you again, son. But you be sure to do as your father said. I don’t want you to be too weak when your little brother or sister is born.” Janette put her hand on Luke’s face and then dropped it.
Luke smiled at his mother and said, “Don’t worry, Mom. It was worth the loss of a little energy. At least you are not in pain now. And the baby is not either.” And Luke left the bedroom and headed downstairs to the couch. He flopped down on the couch and turned on the TV.
Nick went back to the bed and sat down beside his wife. He grasped her hand and said, “How do you feel now, sweetheart?”
Janette had closed her eyes, but opened them again and smiled at Nick. “I am fine, Nicola, mon Coeur. I just feel pressure with each contraction, but no pain. “ Janette closed her eyes again for a minute then opening them she looked at Nick and said, “But I wish that Luke wouldn’t do things like that. It robs him of so much energy. It makes him weak for quite some time.”
Nick smiled and kissed Janette on the forehead, “I agree, Janette. But do you seriously think that Luke could have watched you in pain and done nothing? I think, given the same circumstances and our places were reversed, I would have done just what Luke did. So don’t feel that you caused this.”
“Oui, mon Coeur. Convenu!” And Janette closed her eyes again to concentrate on the contractions. Nick moved closer to Janette and lifted her up slightly to cradle her in his arms.
A few minutes later, Dr. von Wellsung arrived at the loft and Luke let him in. The doctor could tell that Luke was a little unsteady on his feet, but appeared otherwise fine. He didn’t say anything, but went straight up to the bedroom. Janette was laying in Nick’s arms, almost sleeping and he was stroking her hair when the doctor came in.
“Well, are we in labor, or was this a false alarm?” said Dr. von Wellsung, in a bit of irritation.
Janette stirred and Nick looked up at the doctor. He smiled, “Luke took away Janette’s pain, that is all. But she is still in labor.”
Dr. von Wellsung frowned and then looked back at Luke who had suddenly appeared behind him. He raised an eyebrow at Luke, then said, “Well, let me be the judge of that!” And he went over to the table to set his bag down. “Luke, I think that you should leave, this is no place for you to be now.”
Janette had aroused and looked at Nick at this last statement from the doctor, and Nick looked back. Then Janette said, “No! I want Luke to stay. This is his brother or sister about to be born. He should be here when that happens.
Nick nodded his head and said, “Yes, I quite agree. And Luke is knowledgeable enough to know what is going on Dr. von Wellsung.”
Dr. von Wellsung frowned and glared at Luke for a minute and then said, “Oh, very well. It is your decision. You are his parents. But I highly disapprove!” And as he began to place a rubber mat underneath Janette he said, “Luke, I do not want you to leave the doorway, is that clear?”
“Yes sir.” Luke replied a little sad, but Nick gave his son a wink and he knew that they truly approved.
Two hours later Nick was holding a tiny, wiggling baby in his arms. Janette smiled up at the baby and then closed her eyes, resting. Dr. von Wellsung said, “Alright Luke you may come into the room now.”
Luke walked slowly over to his father and looked down at the tiny baby. Nick looked at Luke and said, “Do you want to hold your baby sister, Luke?”
Luke looked up at Nick and said, “May, I?”
Very carefully, Nick put the baby in Luke’s arms and then watched the expression on Luke’s face. He was smiling and looking down at the beautiful little bundle in his arms. The baby had patches of dark brown hair and her tiny hands were closed into fists. Luke looked lovingly at his baby sister and then brought the baby up to his face and kissed the tiny bundle on the forehead. The baby’s eyes opened suddenly and appeared to really be seeing Luke. And then stopped moving for a few minutes. After a few more minutes, Luke handed the baby back to Nick and Nick could see tears in Luke’s eyes. “Son, are you alright?”
“Yes, father. it’s just. She is so tiny and unprotected.” Luke replied.
“That is our job, Luke. Yours, mine and your mother’s. We must protect and care for her.” And Nick sat down on the bed and put his little daughter in Janette’s waiting arms. The baby let out a few cries and moved her hands and arms and then settled down in her mother’s arms. Nick reached out to grasp his son’s hand and brought him over to sit down on the bed beside him. This was, after all, a family special moment.
Dr. von Wellsung watched this happy scene for quite some time as he moved her and there to finish up his job. And then he took out a piece of paper and said, “Have you decided on a name for the child?”
Janette looked at Nick and Luke and then said, “Yes, Dr. von Wellsung. She will be named, Lyssa Fleurette Knight.” And Nick smiled approvingly at his wife. Luke just sat there rubbing the cheek of his tiny sister.
That was all Dr. von Wellsung needed and he put it in his notebook. Then he looked at Nick and said, “My services are no longer needed here. If you need me, just call and here are some pain pills if Janette needs them.”
Luke looked up at the Dr. and said, “She won’t need them, Dr. von Wellsung. I will take care of my mother.”
Dr. von Wellsung stared at Luke, then shrugged his shoulders and picking up his medical bag walked out of the bedroom with Nick close behind.
As they walked down the stairs and toward the lift door the doctor was talking to Nick.
“I am not so sure it is wise for Luke to use his ‘powers’ like that. He could have caused complications with the baby and caused more problems later for Janette. He should learn to harness that power, Nick.”
Nick put his arm around the Dr. He knew what was bugging him. He felt as though he was no longer needed, now that Luke was there. “I will talk to him about that Dr. von Wellsung, “ Nick said at an attempt at diplomacy. But then in defense of his son he added, “But Dr. you must remember that Luke has knowledge that none of us can really understand, and he knows what he is doing. He would never hurt Janette, his new sister, or me. You must trust him more.”
Dr. von Wellsung looked at Nick with a little irritation and then as he opened the lift door said, “Make sure Janette gets plenty of rest and plenty of good nourishment. The baby may be an inherited vampire as all of you are, but the baby will need good nourishment as well, and if Janette does not take in a good supply, the baby will suffer. Do you understand me, Nick?”
Nick smiled and said, “Yes, Dr. I have been through this once before, remember? I do know what to expect and what to do. I promise Janette, the baby, Luke and myself will all be fine.”
Dr. von Wellsung answered that with a “harumph!” and then left down the lift. Nick walked over toward the stairs when he felt the presence of his master. Turning around he smiled as he saw Lacroix standing by the other door to the loft.
“Lacroix, you did get back in time.” And Nick walked over to his father and hugged him. “Welcome back, Father. It is good to see you again.”
“And it is good to see you again, my son.” Lacroix put his hand to Nick’s face and stoked it a minute and then he smiled and said, “Am I correct in assuming that the child is born?”
“Yes, father! At last.” Nick said beaming. “Come upstairs and see your granddaughter!” And Nick began to pull Lacroix toward the stairs. It did not take much for Lacroix to follow. At the top of the stairs, they were met by Luke.
“Hello, Grandfather.” Luke said with a big grin and walked over to give Lacroix a big hug. “It’s so cool that you got back at this time.”
“Yes, Luke. I think I timed that rather well.” Lacroix said as he returned the hug. And then upon releasing his grandson he moved Luke a little bit away from him and looked at him for a few minutes. “Luke, I think you grow at least 4 inches every time I see you. You are becoming quite a young man are you not?” Lacroix said with a great deal of pride.
Luke looked down a little embarrassed and said, “Ah grandpops, “ (Luke’s new nickname for Lacroix), “You always say that!”
Lacroix was genuinely amused at Luke’s embarrassment and said, “Really? I was not aware that I repeated myself in that manner. I must check myself before I speak at out next encounter.”
“Ah come on, grandpops! You know what I meant!” Luke said smiling as he looked back at Lacroix.
“Yes, well as pleasant as this conversation is, I would truly like to meet your new sister, Luke.” Lacroix said with a bit of humor.
Luke smiled widely, and said, “She is so beautiful, and so tiny!”
Lacroix again smiled and said, “They usually are, Luke.” And Nick, Luke and Lacroix all laughed at that last statement, as they walked toward the bedroom. When Lacroix entered, he saw Janette sitting up in the bed, holding a tiny infant and humming to the child. She looked up and seeing Lacroix beamed. “Lacroix, come meet your granddaughter, Lyssa.”
Lacroix walked slowly over to the bed and bending down took the tiny infant from Janette. He stood up with the child cradled in his arms and said, “Hello, Lyssa. My but you do look a lot like your mother.” And Lacroix bent down and kissed the child on the forehead. Janette, watching Lacroix was still beaming and she looked farther toward the door where Nick and Luke were standing. Nick had his arm around his son and Luke was leaning his head on his father’s shoulder, both smiling at the sight of Lacroix holding the new addition to the Knight family.
The Loft:
“ook! ook!” came the giggling cry. The 2 1/2 little girl was running down the hall trying to get away from the much older and larger boy walking rapidly behind her. “Come here you little monkey” the older youth said. But the little girl suddenly ran into the larger bedroom and straight into the legs of Nick who was standing in front of the mirror putting on his shirt.
“Whoa there.” Nick said, and bending down picked up the little girl into his arms. “Where do you think you are going?”
Luke came into the room and looking at Lyssa in her father’s arms said, “Man, she is sooo quick! Sorry, Dad.”
Nick looked at Luke and said, “It’s ok son. I remember you being just as quick at her age when it came to baths.” And Nick looked at Lyssa, who had put her head on his shoulder and said, “Lyssa. It is time for a bath, this is not playtime.”
Lyssa looked up at Nick and shook her head violently. “No bath. No bath.”
Nick looked at Lyssa and tightened his grip slightly on his daughter. “Yes, bath young lady. And you will go with your brother and stop this nonsense.” He put Lyssa down and Luke quickly grabbed her hand.
“Come on, Lyssa, “ Luke said and then he smiled, “If you come with me we can see if we can find Dino, ok?” With that comment Lyssa decided it was ok and she stopped fighting her brother.
“Luke, remember how quickly she can get out of the tub now, so watch her carefully.” Nick reminded his son.
“Yeah, right, Dad.” And Luke took his sister out of the room.
Nick went back to his shirt and started to smile. He remembered when Luke was that age and how he loved to get out of the tub, stark naked and run through the house getting water everywhere. Nick also remembered how amused he would be but then Janette would come home and be totally exasperated at him for allowing Luke to get water on the rug. At that time, Janette came into the bedroom.
“Nicola, have you seen my ruby earrings?” Janette asked as she began to rummage around through all the drawers.
“Janette, you know that I don’t pay attention to your jewelry.” Nick replied, then quickly added, “Unless you are wearing it.”
Janette continued to look through the drawers. She was beginning to get very frustrated. “Where are they!” She knew that if she did not find them soon, she would have to change gowns. The red velvet only was highlighted by her rubies and that was that. Then she spotted them. “Yes! There they are.”
Nick was relieved for two reasons; 1-he wouldn’t have to help her look, and 2-she wouldn’t insist on changing clothes and making them later than they already were going to be. He had come home late from work and did not have much time to get ready himself.
It had been sometime since Nick and Janette had been out together alone. And this was going to be a very special night. It was to celebrate the anniversary of their first night together as immortals. Oh, what a night that was. First, waking up and seeing his beautiful Janette waiting for him. Then Lacroix and Janette introducing him to the kill, and then the evening spent with Janette in her chambers. A night he would never forget. He had never been so fulfilled, both spiritually, physically and emotionally.
Janette too had been remembering that night as well. It was a glorious time. Her brave and handsome knight at her side for all eternity. Young, eager, and very skillful, both in the kill and in the pleasure of the body. She knew at that instant how much she had been drawn to him and how much she was falling for that Crusader of the Cross.
Nick had finished dressing and came over to Janette. He put his arms around her and said, “You are beautiful, my love. As beautiful as the day we met.” And he kissed her on the cheek.
Janette smiled and said, “And you are as handsome as the first night I saw you at the Inn, mon cher. I knew I loved you when I first saw you and that has not changed, mon Coeur. “
Nick smiled back and said, “But if we continue this, we will not make it to the celebration at all.”
Janette began to nibble on Nick’s ear and said, “Would that really be so bad a thing, Nicola.”
Nick gasped and then with a great deal of effort, gently pushed Janette away from him and said, “Please, Janette. You know I can’t fight that for very long. And we did promise Lacroix we would attend.”
Janette pouted her lips for a few moments, and then smiled. “Oui. We did respond RSVP didn’t we.” She sighed and said, “So, if we must. We must.”
And she went back to the vanity and sat down to finish getting ready. Nick watched her with total lust in his eyes, and then shook his head slightly to get rid of that feeling. “I am going to check up on Luke and Lyssa.” Nick turned and headed out the door, but then peeked his head back around the frame of the door and said sensually, “This will be continued, I promise you, milady!” And then he was gone.
Janette smiled and thought, <OH MY! I do hope I can concentrate on getting ready now!>
“Lyssa! Cut it out. Your getting me all wet.” Luke said in frustration. His baby sister was splashing in the water and had somehow managed to aim well. For with her splashing and her squirting of the plastic, brontosaurus bath-toy, she had hit him square in the face.
“Ook! Ook!” squealed the little girl as she continued to splash water.
Nick came into the bathroom and saw Luke trying desperately to keep Lyssa from splashing so much and trying to grab her bath-toy. He chuckled to himself. He was reminded of how he was expected to look after his little sister, Fleur and how sometimes she would aggravate him so much he wanted to strike her. But he would never have intentionally hurt her. And Luke would be the same. The he saw Luke begin to force Lyssa to look into his eyes and he knew what was coming. It was time for him to intervene.
“Lyssa! Stop splashing in the tub!” came the strong male voice from the doorway of the bathroom.
Lyssa looked up at her father and frowned. But she obeyed him, non-the-less and quieted down in the tub. Luke had fallen from his knees onto the floor and landed in a big puddle of water that had spilled out of the tub. “Shit!!” he said in frustration.
“Luke, watch your mouth!” Nick said looking down at Luke.
“Dad, come-on. It just slipped.” Luke said irritated at what was going on. “I couldn’t help it.”
“Yes you can, Luke.” Nick said firmly. Then, continuing in that tone, “And I don’t think it is a wise idea for you to try to mind control your sister!”
Luke looked up at Nick and said in a very irritated voice, “That’s not fair, Dad. You do that with me, when I don’t do what you want!”
Nick’s eyes narrowed and he bent down to where Luke was sitting and put his hand under Luke’s chin. Raising it up to his face and with a firm grip so he wouldn’t move Nick said, “If I have used the mind control on you, it was only to help you. Not to get my way. And I think it shows very little respect to your father when you question me in this manner. “ Then Nick softened his grip and said, “I know that there are a lot of things you would rather do than babysit, Luke. But your mother and I get out so rarely alone, surely you can do this occasionally for us.?”
Luke looked up at Nick and then down at the floor. It wasn’t fair. His father was always so logical and always put things in such a way that he couldn’t fight him. And he did know that Janette and Nick went out so rarely. And it was his responsibility to take care of Lyssa. She was his sister, and damn, he really did love her so much. But he was missing a great time at Jeremy’s party and that was why he was so irritated. Still, his father was right.
“I’m sorry father. I know Lyssa is just little and doesn’t understand.” Luke said softly, but then he added, “But it’s not fair, Dad. Suzy Parker is going to be at that party, and so is Jeff. And if Jeff asks her to go out, I will just die!”
Nick looked at Luke and completely understood. But he had promised Lacroix that they would come to the celebration. “Luke, I understand how you feel. But sometimes we have to make sacrifices. And this is one of those times for you.” Then rising and walking towards the door, he looked at Luke who had grabbed Lyssa, to keep her from getting out of the tub and then left the room.
Luke looked back at Lyssa, who was giggling and saying, “ook, can’t catch me!” and then he smiled. He really did love this little monkey.
Five hours later, Nick and Janette came back home from the celebration. They had totally enjoyed themselves. The Toronto Vampire Celebration of Solstice had been a great success. There had been vampires attending that Nick and Janette hadn’t seen for literally centuries. And Aristotle and Felix had come up with some new and really good news on how to move on quicker and more efficiently monetary wise. Felix had even found out some new ways to invest money that even the normal brokers hadn’t even thought of.
Nick had been so proud to have Janette on his arm. The woman that was so mysterious, yet so beautiful and gracious. So feminine and so seductive in every move. Many of the male vampires were indeed envious of Nick’s position, both the fact that he was Lacroix’s son and that he had the most enticing female vampire in the community. And Janette too, was very proud to have Nick at her side. For the talk among many of the younger female vampires were of what a hunk her husband was, and how much they longed to have a mate such as Janette had.
Nick and Janette had also managed to sneak away from the celebration for about an hour into one of the backrooms. It reminded them of the many times Nick would come to Janette while working at the precinct, for rest and relaxation when she owned the club. The memories were so overwhelming at this time, that Nick and Janette almost forgot to make a reappearance at the celebration. But all good things must come to an end, and they headed for home.
As the couple entered the loft, they found only one light lit by the couch and the TV set on, but very low. As they came further into the room, they saw a big blanket laid out on the floor, full of toys. Obviously there had been a great deal of play tonight by all parties! Then, they looked over at the couch and saw Luke, lying on his back , and Lyssa curled up on his chest. Luke had one arm hanging over the couch and the other protectively around his sister to keep her close to him. Lyssa had one arm under her and the other one gripping Luke’s shirt for protection. Both were sound asleep and Nick and Janette looked at each other and smiled. Nick walked over to Lyssa and gently pried her hand from Luke’s shirt, then lifted her in his arms and walked toward the stairs. Janette gently nudged Luke’s shoulder and he sprang awake violently. “Shh, Luke, it’s only me.” Janette whispered.
Luke looked up at his mother and then yawned. “How was the celebration, mom?”
“It was fine. We had a very good time.” Janette smiled and then added, “And we really appreciate you doing us this favor, Luke. You will be rewarded.”
Luke looked up at his mother and said, “Aw, Mom. You don’t owe me anything.. Lyssa is my sister, and I gladly will take care of her. “ And as Luke got up from the couch he looked at his mother and said, “I will always take care of her, you can be sure of that.”
Finis
-Sue
Dk Knight/IB/Dk Trinity
suwwhit@ccp.com"Take care of Dani, Max. You'll never know how precious she is until you lose her!" Hocus/Pocus Disney, Bette Midler, etc.