The Anniversary
By Katy Deery


The guilt of ages creeps into my soul
and claws a path unto the heart of me
and so I turn my back on all I know
and seek the knowledge that will set me free
unswerving that the path I choose is right
while others live in different shades of night


The night was dark, safe, a mixed blessing for one who yearned to feel the
sun's warmth upon his face again.  Staring out of the window of his loft,
he wondered why he felt so restless tonight.  He didn't think it was the
Bonetti case that was troubling h im, although the circumstances of that
investigation were particularly vile even to someone of his experience. In
his present life as an officer of the law he was used to the frustrations
of the justice system, but anything that involved harm to a child was an
anathema to him.  The abuse that Bonetti and his people perpetrated had to
be stopped.  Although his own appearance of blond headed boyishness had
remained unchanged through the years, his eyes told a different tale, a
tale of lost innocence and of a torment that was deeper than most could
ever comprehend.  If nothing else though, centuries of this half life he
led had taught him patience.  They would catch Bonetti.  He would make
sure of that.  It was just a matter of time and that was something that he
had in abundant supply.  Turning away, he went to the refrigerator and
took out one of the bottles that were its only occupants.  A savage twist
of the cork and his mouth filled with his own particular staff of
life...and he tried once again to forget that he had tasted a sweeter wine
than this, the heady scent of human blood that was a finer vintage than
produced by any other animal.  Finding only sustenance and little
pleasure, he again grew restless.  What was it that called to him this
night?  He was used to the constant batt le against his own needs, the
constant fight to be human again.  It was not that particular demon he was
struggling with, but some other phantom that haunted him tonight. Deciding
that he would let his vampire senses guide him, he grabbed his keys and
took the elevator down to his caddy.  Although he would have preferred
flying to driving, there was too much chance of being observed. It was a
shame though.  The ability to fly was one of the few things he would miss
if he ever did achieve his aim of becoming human once more.  The
exhilarating feeling as he swept over the streets far below.  Tonight
though he felt an urgency drawing him on and he let that feeling possess
hi m.  As he found himself heading for the more exclusive part of town,
the feeling grew stronger until at last he parked beside one of the large
mansions that graced the area.  The wall guarding the property was no
obstacle to a vampire and he cleared it ea sily, landing smoothly on the
other side.  Wondering what had drawn him here, he studied his
surroundings carefully.  The gardens were the landscaped perfection that
he would have expected and in the distance he could make out the blue
illumination of the pool.  The house itself was dark, but it was late and
that did not necessarily mean it was unoccupied.  Then he felt the pull of
another, familiar presence and he realised what, or rather whom, had
brought him here. 

"Lacroix." 

A tall figure detached itself from the darkness and advanced towards him. 

"Nicholas.  I was wondering how long it would take you to get here." 

Feeling at a disadvantage and resenting it, Nick wasn't inclined to play
whatever game his one time mentor had planned.  "Why have you brought me
to this place?"

Lacroix moved closer, his pale blond hair and ghostly pallor a sharp
contrast to the darkness surrounding him.  Nick failed to repress a
shudder as cruel lips curved into a mocking smile.

"I have a gift for you.  This seemed an appropriate location to present
it." Lacroix took a package from inside his coat and held it out, but Nick
stepped back, wary of accepting anything from this particular source. 

"My dear Nicholas, how timid this mortal life you live has made you," 
Lacroix taunted.  "The contents of the package are harmless, to you at
least." 

Knowing that he should ignore the gibe, he still couldn't resist meeting
the challenge.  Reaching out he took the package, feeling the cold touch
of death as Lacroix's fingers lightly brushed his own.  Turning the
package over, he found nothing to identify it's contents on the padded
brown surface.  Shooting a questioning look at the older vampire, he
ripped the top of it open, pulling out a video tape and a sheet of paper. 
Briefly perusing the page he saw what appeared to be a sworn statement by
Victor Duncan, Bonetti's right hand man and his main supplier of victims
for the child pornography ring that Bonetti ran. 

"What is this?"  Nick demanded, holding the paper up. 

"What it appears to be," Lacroix answered, circling Nick like a black bird
of prey. "That should be all the evidence you'll need to bring this mortal
Bonetti to justice.  The video is a rather graphic depiction of, shall we
say, Mr Bonetti's less savoury business transactions.  I think you'll find
with that and Duncan's statement no court in the country will fail to
convict." 

"And you expect me to believe that you're giving me all this out of the
goodness of your heart?"  Nick asked with disbelief. 

Lacroix smiled. "No, as you are aware, altruism is not a malady I suffer
from."  He leant closer, almost whispering into Nick's ear.  "But of
course there are exceptions to every rule, Nicholas."

Nick was confused.  He knew there had to be a reason for Lacroix's
apparent generosity, but he was unable to grasp what it could possible be.

Lacroix shook his head.  "Nicholas, your thoughts are as clear to me as
they were the night I brought you over," he said, accurately discerning
his protégé's suspicions.  "There <is> a special reason for my bringing
you here tonight for this little...trys t.  Perhaps in your foolish search
to regain mortality you have forgotten what today's date signifies?"
Lacroix asked, expectantly.

More puzzled than ever, Nick tried to fathom what was so special about
this particular night.  Then, His mind automatically supplying the date,
the memories came crashing in.  How could he have forgotten? He would not
have thought even his busy work sched ule of late would have made him
overlook this particular anniversary. 

"Ah, I see you do remember.  Good."  There was a wealth of satisfaction in
Lacroix's voice, but Nick could barely bring himself to stay in the
presence of his long time nemesis now that he was aware of exactly why
this meeting had been arranged.

"You surely can't imagine that I wish to celebrate tonight with you?  Not
even <you> could expect that."  He would have turned away, but a firm grip
on his arm stopped him. 

"Nicholas, you are behaving ungraciously.  Surely my gift warrants a few
moments of your time."

Breaking Lacroix's hold, he faced his former master defiantly.  "On this
night almost eight hundred years ago you took away my humanity and
condemned me to this living hell. You made me into a creature that feeds
on humans like the vilest beast.  Do you t hink I remember it with
affection?" 

Lacroix seemed untroubled by his belligerence.  "Whatever happened that
night was by your own choice, Nicholas.  The years seem to have dulled
your memory in that regard."

He couldn't deny the truth of Lacroix's words.  He had chosen this life,
in drunken ignorance and lust.  At the time he had given little thought to
the consequences of that choice.  Lacroix had known of course, had known
what kind of existence he would ha ve to lead.  Perhaps for him it did not
seem the eternal hell that Nick considered it to be.  For a long time even
he had not considered it so.  If he was honest with himself it was not
that initial transformation that Nick despised Lacroix for.  No, it w as
for the possessive nature that kept him a prisoner in this life.  For the
times when there had been a possibility of release, a release that had
been snatched from him by an obsessive regard that refused to let him go.

"You have made me hate you and now you want us to share fond memories?  I
cannot.  To me this night will always remain an abomination.  I remember
it only in my nightmares.  Now, if there is nothing further...." 

"Ah, but there is." 

 Lacroix words halted him as he turned to leave. 

"You have not always been so loath to celebrate this night, Nicholas. 
During our sojourn in the Chateaux Gaillard you were more than happy to
while away the night with me." Lacroix seemed to take delight in reminding
Nick of their shared past.  "It is a good thing that our vampire
constitutions are made of sterner stuff than humans or we would have
regretted our indulgence that night."

He did remember of course.  It had been at a time when he and his master
were still close, when they had shared everything and he was still content
that it was so.  His sister in blood, Janette, had never understood the
bond that stretched between them.  Different than the one she shared with
Lacroix, more intense.  Perhaps it was that very intensity that had driven
him away.  He had yearned for his freedom. Sometimes he felt he was no
closer to achieving that aim. 

"I was younger then, more foolish." 

Lacroix's gaze was almost wistful.  "Yes, we were all younger then.  Would
it be so terrible if for one night we could return to those times?  Share
the darkness with me again, Nicholas.  Surely that is not too high a price
to pay for all the children you will save when you bring your Mr Bonetti
to justice?  If so, then return the package to me and I will leave." 
Lacroix held his hand out.

The supreme master of manipulation, Nick had to admire how well Lacroix
had chosen his gift, knowing that this was something he could never turn
and walk away from.

"I won't join you on your hunt for human blood, nor will I stand by while
you take a life." 

Lacroix smiled.  They both knew that now they were merely bargaining the
finer points.  The agreement had already been made.  "All I wish to share
with you is the city for this one night.  Was it always so terrible?" 

Nick looked into those cold eyes and thought he saw a glimmer of pain, but
it was just a trick of the dark and gone before he truly knew of it's
existence.

"Our life is a tragedy.  One night will not change anything, but I agree
to your terms."

Lacroix nodded in satisfaction.  "Then come, let us not waste this
temporary truce." 

He held his hand out again and after some hesitation Nicholas took it. 
Together they rose up into the air and he wondered what the cost of this
night would be...and if he would ever regret paying it. 

************

He wasn't sure what he had expected, but it wasn't this.  The area they
landed in was typically suburban, houses lining the streets as they left
the safety of the bushes they had used for cover.  What possible reason
Lacroix would have for bringing him he re he could not imagine and he
stayed carefully on guard, waiting for whatever trickery the other might
attempt.

"I have never told you of my loyal following, have I?"  Lacroix said, his
eyes knowing all Nick's secrets.  "As the Nightcrawler I am something of a
celebrity on the radio.  They come to me with their petty lives and expect
me to tell them how to solve al l their problems.  What pathetic creatures
they are.  Take for instance the man who lives in that house."  Lacroix
gestured to a white building across the street.  "He is one of my most
ardent fans.  Recently he contacted me at the station because in his
desperation he thought that I would have words of wisdom to cure all his
ills."

Nick felt like an intruder as they approached the house.  He didn't know
what purpose Lacroix had in bringing him here, but he wasn't under any
illusions that this was just a casual stop.  He was quite certain the
older vampire had this night planned to t he smallest detail.

"Shall we see what delicious mortal woes lie within, Nicholas?" 

Nick shook his head and backed away. 

"Oh, don't let your insufferable morality spoil the enjoyment.  The human
has already invited me into his life.  I am merely accepting the
invitation.  Come, Nicholas.  They need never know that they are
observed."

Reluctantly Nick followed as Lacroix made his way to the back of the
house.  Their acute hearing could make out the sound of voices from within
and the curtains were open enough that they could see through into the
house where a man and a woman were in th e middle of a heated argument.

"Lacroix....." 

"Hush, my boy.  Remember our agreement." 

Uneasily Nick stood beside the other vampire, feeling like a voyeur. 

"You see before you Nicholas,"  Lacroix said, his tone muted so as not to
attract attention from the occupants of the house, "Clarence Simmons,
owner of the local hardware store.  He and his wife have been married
almost ten years, but unfortunately Mrs S immons has it in mind to alter
that arrangement."  He turned intent eyes upon Nick.  "Mrs Simmons wants
her freedom from a life that no longer suits her.  The vows she made on
her wedding day are forgotten.  She has betrayed her husband and
everything tha t they have ever shared."  He gave his attention back to
the warring couple inside.  "See how they bicker, how harsh their words
are?"  Lacroix lifted his hand and caressed the glass as though it were
the face of a lover.  "For all his anger and pain, he still loves her." 
His face was frightening as his eyes once more demanded Nick's attention.
"She has betrayed him and yet he would take her back without a moments
hesitation."

At last seeing what this was all leading to, Nick wondered if Lacroix
really believed he could make him feel guilty for his own decision to
leave his master.  "Perhaps he should learn when to let go and save
himself this pain."

Lacroix laughed softly, running a gentle finger down Nick's cheek before
he could think to pull away from the touch.  "Perhaps he should," Lacroix
whispered, all trace of humour wiped from his face. "But then, he is
merely losing a wife."

Nick was stunned by the echo of grief he heard in Lacroix's voice.  Before
he could form a reply their attention was drawn back to the house as they
heard a door slam within.  The man was sitting alone on the couch now, his
head in his hands and they coul d both hear his quiet sobs as he broke
down.

"Enough!  I don't know what you hoped to achieve by bringing me here, but
I am leaving," Nick said, turning away in disgust.  He found Lacroix
blocking his path.  "Get out of my way.  We had no right to witness any of
that."

Lacroix nodded. "Very well, we will leave.  But the night is still young
and you owe me, Nicholas.  I always collect.  You know that."  Grabbing
Nick's arm and subduing the momentary resistance, he launched them once
again into the night sky above.

************


Their next stop was in a rather less salubrious part of town.  The heavy
beat of rock music could be heard as they alighted and Nick followed
reluctantly behind Lacroix as he made for a neon sign that said 'The
Castle'.  Nick knew of the club.  It had a b ad reputation that he was
sure it more than lived down to.  Because it had only been open for a few
months, he had not visited the place, but the nature of his work meant
that eventually he would.  It was the sort of club that attracted trouble. 
He just hoped that tonight it had not attracted more than even it could
handle.  There was a queue at the door, but Lacroix ignored them.  As they
approached the entrance a large, thickset man stretched out an arm and
halted their progress through the door.

Lacroix just smiled and said a few quiet words to him, the man's face
taking on a strangely dazed look as he waived them into the club.

The noise was almost deafening, the screaming thud of formless sound. Nick
trailed after Lacroix through the throng of bodies that seemed to part
before them without question.  The club appeared to be a mixture of all
types and sexual proclivities, with m any of the partners moving together
on the dance floor being of the same gender.  He felt an arm snake around
him, but before he could pull away, Lacroix reached back, loosening the
offending grip with ease.  The man gasped, obviously in pain and after a
moment's hesitation, Lacroix released him.  Seeing the look on the older
vampire's face, Nick realised that his erstwhile admirer had gotten off
quite easily, due no doubt to the lack of privacy the club afforded. 
Pulling Lacroix away from further confrontation, Nick was relieved when
Lacroix allowed himself to be hurried along.  Going up to the bar, Nick
turned and viewed the heaving mass of life surrounding them.  This place
didn't seem Lacroix's style really, bu t then a lot had changed since
Janette left town. Nick just hoped that whatever the reasons were that
Lacroix had brought him here, he could keep the mortals out of it.  He had
enough on his conscience.  Adding to the body count wasn't something he
wanted to contemplate.

"You ordering?" 

The barman had approached while his attention was elsewhere. 

With an enquiring look at Lacroix, Nick was surprised when his companion
ordered them both a drink.

"Come, Nicholas.  We can hardly stand at the bar all night without
partaking of something."  Lacroix said, pushing the glass that the barman
had brought towards him. 

Raising his glass in a small salute, Nick sipped the liquor, it's strong
burn almost pleasant.  It was a pleasure he seldom indulged, but it made
sense not to draw attention to himself by abstaining. There was no reason
to limit his intake as he could spe nd all night drinking and still be
fully aware of what was going on around him. He didn't notice the gleam of
anticipation on Lacroix's face or his suspicions might well of been
roused.  The mass of writhing bodies in front of him were a microcosm of
humanity and for that fact alone they drew his interest.  In shady corners
he could see sights that would be missed in the gloom by mortal eyes.  He
felt envious of the simplicity of their li ves and the very fire with
which they lived each minute of them, a fire that had burnt out in him
long ago. Lacroix passed his own cynical gaze over the crowded dance
floor.  "This is what you wish to become, Nicholas?  This mindless rabble
whose only enjoyment is losing themselves to this nothingness. There is so
much more in the world to taste and enjoy."  He gestured to the oblivious
humanity before him.  "Look well.  You would trade all the treasure I have
given you for this.  I wonder who is the bigger fool.  They for not
raising themselves out of the mire of their inadequacies or you for
wanting to join t hem?"

Nick turned angrily back to the bar.  Although he was well aquatinted with
Lacroix's view of his desire to be human, the taunt still had the power to
wound.  They would never agree on many things, but this one thing was the
source of their greatest enmity . 

"Drink up, Nicholas,"  Lacroix said, smiling with pleasure that he had
managed to irritate his young protégé.  "The night is young and we aren't
growing any older." 

Nick took another swallow of his drink.  "At least they have hope in a
future worth creating.  What do were have?  We just stand on the outside
of their existence and feed on them, like parasites.  Are we so much
better?"  The room seemed very warm and st ifling and he suddenly felt
light-headed. 

"Are you all right?  You seem a little...off colour." 

He heard Lacroix's voice as though from a great distance and instead of
replying he pushed away from the bar and made his way unsteadily to the
restroom.  Hanging over the sink and splashing water on his face didn't
seem to improve things though.  His tho ughts were unclear, almost as
unclear as his vision, but his senses were screaming danger at him.  He
had to get away from the club.  He had to get home.  Before he could put
his thoughts into action he felt a presence behind him.

"Hey, you feeling OK, pal? Bad trip?" 

He felt the change occur, a natural reaction to any perceived threat. 
Before he could turn and confront this potential enemy, he heard another
more familiar voice. 

"I suggest you leave."  It was said with cold intent that was not lost on
the first enquirer.

"No need to get tense.  It's cool, I'm going." 

He heard the man retreat and turned to face his tormentor.  "What have you
done to me?" 

His question was ignored and he hadn't the strength to fight the arms that
surrounded and supported him as he was manoeuvred out of the restroom. 

"Why don't we get some fresh air? You look like you could do with some. 
You really should learn to take your drink, Nicholas."  Lacroix,
effortlessly bore his weight as he headed towards the back of the club. 
Seemingly familiar with the layout, he heade d straight for the fire door
that opened up into the alley behind the club.  Lacroix rested him up
against the wall and smiled at his helplessness.  "Don't worry, the
initial affects will wear off shortly.  Curare.  Not lethal to our kind,
merely intoxicating if you remember.  It was my intention to make you
slightly more amenable to my plans, not to put you to sleep."

So the drink had been drugged.  Obviously the bartender was in Lacroix's
pocket.  He tried to move away from the wall, but found himself slipping
sideways. Lacroix easily caught him as he began to fall.

"Now, now, do you want to draw undue attention to yourself."  Lacroix held
him close and Nick was almost grateful for the support.  Knowing what the
other vampire might do to anyone who tried to interfere, he allowed
Lacroix to take his weight again as he pulled him further along the alley. 

"Much better.  I think we had better find a more private location for the
rest of the night's entertainment, don't you?"

Nick felt Lacroix's grip tighten and suddenly they were airborne.  Their
journey was a short one, the chill wind doing much to revive Nick's
muddled senses.  He recognised their location as they landed, the entrance
to the Raven standing dark and forbiddi ng before them.  Since the club
was usually open until just before dawn, he realised that it had always
been Lacroix's plan to bring him here and that he had made the necessary
arrangements to insure they were not disturbed.  Entering the building,
Lacroix almost dragged him through to one of the back rooms.  He had
changed the decor somewhat since Janette's day and there were several
rooms that had been outfitted with everything that one might need in the
gentle, or not so ge ntle, art of seduction.  Sweeping Nick up into his
arms, Lacroix carefully placed him on the large, silk covered bed that
occupied much of the space in the room.  The sheets felt soft and sensuous
against his cheek and he tried to ignore the spark of excitement that was
growing i n him.  He wasn't a fool and could guess what Lacroix had
planned for him.  What he didn't know was whether he would be able to
resist the temptation to just give in to the moment and regret it later. 

"There, Nicholas.  Isn't this better?"  Lacroix smiled down at him and
lightly stroked his hair.

Nick tried to move away from the caress, more from habit than anything. 
He didn't trust this more gentle version of a man he had grown to know as
anything but gentle. 

"Nicholas, Nicholas," Lacroix mocked.  "Always so stubborn.  One of your
more annoying traits."  He moved to the dresser by the bed and poured
himself a drink from the decanter that graced it.

Nick could smell the scent of human blood in the air and had to fight down
his instinctive reaction to it.  As Lacroix approached the bed again he
held a crystal goblet before him and Nick felt his hunger increase.  "No," 
he gasped, turning his head away.

"No?  Why my boy, you really have no say in the matter tonight."  Sitting
on the bed beside Nick, Lacroix dipped his finger in the thick ruby
liquid.  Placing the goblet by the bed, he held Nick's head still with one
hand as he rubbed the finger across hi s son's lips.  Nick tried to keep
the finger from forcing its way into his mouth, but he was no match for
his master's strength or his own desires.  At the first taste of the life
giving blood, he lost all that remained of his resistance, desperately
suck ing on the digit as any child would on its mother's nipple.  Lacroix
laughed, removing his finger from Nick's demanding mouth.  Cupping his
captive's head, Lacroix raised Nick slightly and offered him the goblet.
Too far gone to care that the blood was human, Nick gulped the sweet life
with a hunger that had remai ned unappeased for too long.  Soon the goblet
was empty, only the scarlet trickle that inched its way down Nick's chin
indicating what had taken place.  Placing the goblet on the cabinet by the
bed, Lacroix looked down at his son fondly.  Leaning over, he softly
licked away the trail of blood, moving across to cover Nick's mouth with
his own as he felt the answering shudder of arousal.  It had been many,
many years since they had shared anything as personal as a kiss and Nick
was shocked by the burst of pleasure that sprung up under this tender
assault.

"Ah, Nicholas,"  Lacroix sighed, resting his head against the others brow. 
"Why must you deny both of us this pleasure.  Is humanity so attractive a
prize that you must keep us both in hell for want of it?" 

Nick sighed and realised that he really didn't want to start the old
argument up again.  They would never agree and no matter how much it hurt
them both, he would not give up his dream.  Better to foster hatred for
his father and bury anything else he fel t under that shield.  "It's the
one thing I crave, the one thing above all others that I want.  Can't you
at least try to understand that?"

There was a flash of anger across Lacroix's face before he brought it
under control.  "No, I cannot.  You expect me to stand idly by while you
seek out a death sentence and that I will not do.  I will never give you
up, Nicholas.  Not even to our old frie nd death.  Let him take the
mortals for his fodder."  He started to pull Nick's jacket off his
shoulders, lifting the limp form into his arms as with a last tug he sent
it flying across the room.

"I presume this means we are finished arguing?"  There was real amusement
in Nick's voice.  He had decided that resisting was useless, especially
since he had admitted to himself that he wanted this.  He had always
wanted this, from the very start when La croix had taken his virginity and
destroyed all his preconceived ideas about himself.  It had been a
possession as much of the soul as the body, a tie stronger than any and
one that centuries of estrangement had never completely broken. 

"We will defer the matter to another time.  For now I am far more
interested in getting this shirt off of you.  I don't suppose you would
consent to my just ripping it off?"

The look of horror on Nick's face was answer enough and for once Lacroix
was in a mood to indulge him.  Soon the rest of Nick's clothes joined his
jacket on the floor, closely followed by Lacroix's.

When they were both naked, Lacroix knelt over him, pinning him to the bed
and rubbing his chest.  Snatching a quick kiss that left Nick eager for
more, Lacroix bent and bit sharply into his nipple, causing Nick to
shudder in reaction.  The hands that wrap ped around his hips moved him
closer to an obviously aroused body, their straining flesh rubbing against
each other.

"Do you remember the first time, Nicholas?  How frightened you were? How
excited?"

Nick strained for contact, the soft whisper arousing him as always. 

"I tasted your fear, your blood, and knew then that I would never let you
go, that you would always be mine.  Forever." 

The mouth continued to caress him, licking along his throat as he waited,
waited.  But it moved on, downwards again, sucking at his nipples in
passing before dipping into his navel.  His fingers dug hard into
Lacroix's back, scratching and tearing in his excitement and winning an
answering groan of encouragement from his lover.  Suddenly he felt hot
breath against his flesh, and jerked in reaction as a warm wetness
engulfed his manhood.  Clasping the head to him he gasped as that so
clever tongue worked its magic, the almost painful suction more perfect
than any dream.  Needing o nly one thing to complete his pleasure, he
eagerly grasped the wrist that was offered to him and sunk his teeth in
deep.  The first gush of blood was enough and he came with a great rush of
fulfilment the like of which he had not felt in centuries.  Before he had
time to fall into the stupor that always came after the little death, he
felt himself turned onto his knees.  Knowing what was to follow and
somewhat nervous at the prospect, he still moved to position himself for
the other's ease.  The gent le fingers that entered him gave no indication
of their owner's urgency, but Nick could feel Lacroix's excitement through
the bond.  He tried to ignore the other feelings he sensed, knowing that
that way lay only pain.  The fingers left him as Lacroix prepared for this
final act of possession. 

"Tell me that you want this, Nicholas.  That you belong to me, eternally." 

Nick moved restlessly, wishing that Lacroix would just take him.  Growing
angry at the continued defiance of his child, Lacroix entered him in one
savage and powerful thrust.  Even prepared for the violence that so often
marked his relationship with Lacro ix, Nick found that first entry
painful. The initial discomfort was soon over though and Nick felt his own
arousal swiftly return as Lacroix continued to plunge into him.  Fangs
pierced his neck and he wondered if Lacroix was angry enough to drain him,
bu t somehow in spite of everything he felt safe in the other's embrace.
As Lacroix fed both kinds of hunger, Nick arched back into the duel
thrusts, his groan echoing his lover's as they shared the passion and the
blood.  Deft hands wrapped themselves arou nd Nick's cock and he screamed
as his world spiralled out of control, hardly feeling the fangs that
ripped out of him and as his Lacroix found his own release within his
body.  Dropping to the bed under the weight that blanketed him, Nick
permitted the languor to take him, content to rest there a century at
least.  Hands turned him and he moaned as he felt his lover slip from his
body.  Then arms returned to hold him and he allo wed this intimacy a
moment longer, giving in to a desire that was both powerful and dangerous
in its seduction.  Soon though, as with the approaching dawn, he felt the
responsibilities and concerns of another world return.  It was time to
leave.  It was a lways time to leave. 

"I have to go.  The sun will be up soon." 

"Stay." 

One word that held everything that could never be said. 

"I can't." 

He felt the loss keenly as his lover's arms left him. 

"I'm sorry." 

Lacroix laughed, a bitter sound that broke over Nick like shards of glass. 

"Yes, of course you are.  You'd better go then.  I wouldn't want to keep
you from your so important 'Mortal' life."

He felt something tossed onto the bed beside him.  "Don't forget your
payment.  After all, I always hold up my end of an agreement." 

It was the video tape.  Nick picked it up. "You know it was more than this
that kept me here."

Lacroix turned away.  "What does it matter.  You have what you came for
and now you will leave.  But know this, Nicholas,"  Lacroix turned to
confront him.  "You will never find with your mortals what we have just
shared.  And you will come back.  You wil l <always> come back to me. 

Nick staggered up from the bed, picking up his clothes and dressing as the
residual affects of the drug made their presense felt.  He tried to shake
off the hand that steadied him, but found its grip too powerful.  "Let me
go."

"Never." 

The word whispered in his ear was a promise, a threat. 

"Come, I will take you back to your home." 

Nick shook his head, ignoring the frown that Lacroix sent him. 

"No, I left my car at Bonetti's. I need to pick it up." 

Lacroix nodded.  "Very well.  I shall take you to Bonetti's then." 

Seeing that arguing was useless, Nick allowed himself to be led out of the
Raven.  The journey by air was sufficient to clear the rest of the cobwebs
out of his head and by the time they landed on Bonetti's lawn he felt
capable of driving himself home.  He was never sure if he imagined the
reluctance of those arms as they release him.  He only knew that the world
seemed a colder place suddenly as he drew back to stand alone.

He looked at Lacroix, unsure of how to say goodbye.  He held up the tape. 
"Thank you for this. You may have had your own reason for giving it to me,
but a lot of children will be safer because of it."

Lacroix smiled and suddenly Nick felt uneasy again. 

"You are more than welcome, Nicholas, but I think you'll find that you
won't be needing that tape after all."

Nick frowned.  What did Lacroix mean?  Had he tricked him in some way? 

"Oh no, the tape is quite genuine, but rather redundant now I would think. 
You see I paid a visit to your Mr Bonetti while I was waiting for you to
arrive.  You know how easily I grow bored.  I can assure you, Nicholas, Mr
Bonetti will not be bothering a nyone ever again."

And with that Lacroix rose into the night sky leaving Nick standing in
stunned disbelief as the last wisps of his master's laughter were carried
away on the chilling breeze.