Part Three

When she got back to the loft, Natalie ran straight for the refrigerator.  She
downed a bottle standing there with the door open and  took another bottle
with her to the kitchen table.  In that horrible moment back at the morgue,
Natalie had truly understood what it must have been like for Nick every day. 
She realized that she had never given him enough credit. It must have been so
hard for him, drinking cow's blood, and not enough of it.  And with her
complaining to him the whole time that he was drinking too much.

Alejandro watched his new sister through the skylight.  He had been surprised
when she fought back tonight.  He couldn't help but be impressed; when she
finally mastered her control, she would make a fine vampire.--If he let her live
that long...he tried to push that thought out of his mind.  To torment Natalie
was one thing, but Marguerite would never would never forgive him if he
harmed his sister.  Maybe he was kidding himself if he thought his mother
would forgive him for what he had already done.

He wasn't sure if it mattered to him.  The morning after he had fought with
Marguerite, Alejandro felt remorseful.  He had wanted to go to her and
apologize, but he found that he could not.  At times, the animosity and anger
towards everyone and everything was almost overpowering.  He didn't know
where the feelings came from, but it was all he could do to contain it.  One
thought of Marguerite sharing a bed with el Diablo, and Alejandro became
irrational.  He tried to blame his anger on the rumors of Lacroix's behavior, but
deep down he knew it was jealousy.

Movement below him shook him out of his reverie; Natalie was playing with
the stereo.  He could sense her agitation and confusion.  He decided it was
time to introduce himself.

Natalie turned to see her 'brother' standing in the middle of the room.  They
stood silently looking at each other for a moment.  She had known what he
looked like; she had Kayla and Marguerite's memories.  She had seen pictures. 
But even still, she almost forgot to breathe; he was gorgeous.  He was about
Lacroix's height, with a brawny build.  Nat vaguely remembered Marguerite
mentioning he had been a knight.  He had straight black hair falling slightly
below the top of his ears all around, cut in the latest style.

She looked into his turquoise eyes, and he smiled apologetically.  "Lo siento.  I
did not mean to startle you, little sister.  I should have come with Marguerite,
but I could not wait until tomorrow to meet you.  You do know who I am?"

Nat nodded as she answered, "You're Alejandro...my brother.  Marguerite has
told me all about you."

Alejandro gave her a captivating smile as he approached.  His voice was low
and seductive when he spoke, "Call me Sasha.  Everyone else we're related to
does, except Kayla.  Mama did not tell me how beautiful you are, but then, you
*are* engaged to her uncle.  It's a pity."

She asked, "How so?"

He was torn.--This was his baby sister.  He had always begged for a sibling. 
He should be protecting her, helping her learn, but he couldn't help feeling
resentful.  Along with Lacroix, this woman had stolen his place in his mother's
heart.  Alejandro couldn't fight Lacroix; he wasn't strong enough.  He didn't
really want to hurt Natalie, but he could scare her.  It would teach her a lesson.

Finally, he answered, "To bind yourself to one man, even if he is a vampire. 
You are so new to this life, and you know little of our ways.  As immortals, we
are ever changing.  Do you really want to spend eternity with this man?"

Natalie replied, "Mortals marry with the intention of spending the rest of their
lives with one person."

"But you are no longer mortal, querida," Alejandro reminded her gently.  "I did
not truly comprehend this life until it was too late.  Like me, you will adjust to
it in time.  I would like to help you."  He picked up her hand and brushed his
lips against it.

Natalie couldn't decide on his intentions.  "Marguerite is optimistic about her
relationship with Lacroix," she began, but Alejandro's grip on her hand
tightened before she could continue.

"Do not mention his name to me.  Our mother is making a mistake in trusting
him.  He is not what she thinks; he will only break her heart."  He seemed to
realize what he had done, because he rubbed her hand as he continued, "I
apologize, Natalie.  It's been difficult for me to control my temper lately. 
Surely you understand how hard it is to retain control?"

She took advantage of Alejandro's loosened grip to slip her hand from his. 
Before he had a chance to react, Nat headed for the cabinet and pulled out two
glasses.  She asked him, "Would you like a drink?  I think I could use one."

Alejandro studied her for a moment before he replied, "Yes, thank you.  I'll get
us a fresh bottle."  On his way to the refrigerator, he eyed the empty bottle on
the counter and the almost empty one on the table.  He said softly, "You
understand me better than I thought, baby sister."

Alejandro opened the refrigerator door and scanned the bottles.  As he selected
one, he noticed the test tubes Natalie had her samples stored in.  He called her
over, "Natalie, what are these?"

Nat approached him slowly; she still didn't know what to make of this whole
situation.  She could sense conflict within him, but she couldn't tell why.  If his
intention was to make her uncomfortable, he was succeeding wonderfully. 
Maybe he didn't know what to make of her either; perhaps they could help one
another with their problems.

She peeked around him into the fridge.  "Oh, those are blood samples.  I'm
going to run some tests."

He asked, "Tests?  At home?  Marguerite said you are a coroner; don't you
have a lab for this?"

"Well, these aren't for work.  They're samples I took from Nick and Maggie. 
I'm going to compare them."

He turned to look at her through narrowed eyes.  "Why?"

The refrigerator door swung shut before she answered, "Nick wants to be
mortal, and I've been helping him look for a cure.  Maggie offered her blood so
I would have something to compare to his samples."

Alejandro was getting angry, Nat could sense it.  "A cure?  This is not a
disease, or a curse.  It is a gift--eternal life.  Why would someone throw that
away?  Our mother gave you that gift, and you would throw it in her face," he
snorted, "And she called *me* an ungrateful brat."

He threw the bottle from his hand, and it shattered against the far wall.  Nat
was getting frightened, and she backed up a step or two.  "You're starting to
sound like Lacroix..."

Alejandro's eyes glowed golden-green as his hand shot out and grabbed her. 
He pulled her up against him and she started to struggle.  He snarled, "Do
*not* compare me to him!  It is a common enough opinion.  It's probably the
only thing we have in common."

Natalie remained silent; she knew any more comments about Lacroix would
only anger Alejandro further.  She tried to back away from him, but he only
clasped her tighter.  She was still scared, but she was also starting to get angry. 
She snarled, "Let go!  You're hurting me."

He gave her a malicious grin.  "That's the point, sister dear.  Maybe now you
can imagine the pain that I am in."

"You're gonna know what real pain is if you don't let...me...go," Nat was
yelling now.

Alejandro laughed at her, "Do you think you can hurt me?  You can try, but I
have to warn you I like feisty women.  They excite me."

Nat hissed and bared her fangs as she kicked him as hard as she could.  Caught
by surprise, Alejandro loosened his grip and Nat wrestled her arm free.  She
started to run, but he caught her easily.  He tackled her to the ground face first
and growled in her ear, "That's right, Natalie, fight me."

Grabbing a fistful of her hair, Alejandro pulled Natalie to her knees.  He
shoved her head to one side to bare her neck.  He licked it before whispering,
"Would you like to know how those women felt when I took them?  You
know how I felt, don't you?  The ecstasy of the kill...their sweet blood...did
you yearn for it too?"  He scraped his fangs against her neck, and licked at the
line of blood that appeared.

It had taken her a moment, but Natalie realized that he was the source of those
visions.  Something was wrong with him; he was demented.  But she didn't
have time to analyze him, she had to get away...*now*.  Both Nick and
Marguerite had heard her cry for help, but they might not get here in time to
stop Alejandro.  Nat wasn't sure if he intended on killing her, but she didn't
want to hang around to find out.

She had forced herself to relax when Alejandro scraped at her neck.  Now, Nat
quickly elbowed him with all of her strength.  She thought she heard a rib or
two crack as he grunted and let go of her.  She sprang to her feet and ran as
fast as she could for the door.  She knew that she wouldn't make it though,
because he recovered quickly and came after her, roaring in anger.

####################

Nick was in the beginning of what had been an old argument with Lacroix
when he felt Nat calling out for help.  Without a word, he was out the door
and barreling out of the club.  With a sigh, Lacroix followed.  He wished
Nicholas would remember there was a back door to this building.  It would not
do if the mortal customers saw Nicholas for what he really was.  But Nicholas
was in a rush to get to Natalie, and Lacroix understood completely.

Nick arrived at the loft first, crashing through the skylight.  Lacroix landed in
time to see his son throw Alejandro off an unconscious Natalie.  Nick was on
Alejandro in an instant; his eyes red and fangs bared.  He threw Alejandro
against the wall and held him there for a moment.  They snarled at each other.

Lacroix paused in carrying Natalie to the relative safety of the couch.  As much
as it pained him, he had to stop his son from doing something they might all
regret.  He spoke firmly, "Nicholas, do not do anything...irreversible.  He is
Marguerite's son."

"I am going to kill him, Lacroix," Nick growled, "I don't care who he is."

Lacroix replied, "You should, because Marguerite is not far behind us, and she
is twice as angry as you."

Nick was prevented from answering as Marguerite dropped into the living
room through the broken skylight.  Her eyes sought out Natalie first. 
Marguerite was relieved to see Nat in Lacroix's arms; he would keep her safe. 
She surveyed the room as she looked towards her uncle and her son.  There
had been quite a struggle here, but she had known that already.

While Nick had only Nat's feelings, Marguerite had been 'treated' to both sides. 
She studied Alejandro as she approached.  She would have arrived here long
before, if she could've escaped from Grace without arousing attention.  She
was proud to see that Nat had managed to get a few good licks in before being
overpowered.  Alejandro had quite a few scratch and bite marks that were
already healing.

Alejandro went still in Nick's grip.  He felt the first stirring of fear as he looked
into his mother's eyes.  He could sense her rage, but her eyes were still a clear
emerald green.  She spoke calmly, with a hint of menace in her voice, "Digame,
Alejandro.  Give me what feeble excuse you could have for attacking your
sister."

"I couldn't stop myself, Mama.  I was so angry," he said in a low voice.

Marguerite looked at her uncle.  "You can let him go now, Uncle Nick."

But Nick didn't move; he told Marguerite, "He almost killed Nat; I'll deal with
him."  His eyes shifted to watch Lacroix place Natalie on the couch.

Marguerite tried again, "He is my son, Uncle Nick, and my responsibility.  I'll
handle it." 

Before Nick could argue, Lacroix interrupted, "Nicholas, leave Marguerite
with her son.  Come see to Natalie; she is in need of blood."

Nick let go of Alejandro reluctantly, but then quickly moved to Natalie's side. 
Marguerite watched as Nick bit into his wrist and held it to Nat's mouth. 
When she turned back to Alejandro, her eyes were golden.  "For your sake,
Sasha, Natalie had better be okay," she came closer as she continued, "Tell me
why you were so angry, hijo."  She stopped directly in front of him and looked
into his eyes.  His emotions were in turmoil; she could sense his confusion.

Alejandro decided to be blunt.  After all, this was his mother.  He would
explain it, and she would understand.  She always had before.  "I only wanted
to see her alone, Mama," he began.

Marguerite cut in, "You came here intending to scare her?"  Alejandro opened
his mouth to answer, but her hand shot out and cupped his chin.  Hard.  She
growled, "Do *not* lie to me, Alejandro.  I'll know it.  I felt her fear and your
satisfaction.  You lost control...again.  I don't like what I'm sensing from you. 
Again, why were you angry?"

He tried to snarl, but Marguerite was still holding his chin.  He rasped, "She
searches for a 'cure', Margarita.  A 'cure' to your gift of immortality.  I could
not contain my anger."

In a flash Marguerite let go of his chin, and backhanded Alejandro so hard his
head struck the wall.  She hissed, "A gift I gave Natalie to do with as she
pleased.  It was to save her from dying; I want nothing in return."

Marguerite could sense movement behind her.  Lacroix had gone to the
refrigerator to retrieve a bottle of blood for Natalie, who was slowly regaining
consciousness.  Instead of walking back the couch, Lacroix threw the bottle
and Nick plucked it from midair.  Lacroix moved to stand in between the two
couples, silently watching.  Waiting.

After pausing, Marguerite continued, "There was a time when you hated
killing, Sasha.  Accepting your nature is one thing, but embracing it with
reckless abandon is quite another.  I cannot help but be concerned.  If you can't
control yourself, the Enforcers will do it for you...and I can't stop them."

Alejandro ground out, "Can't or won't, Margarita?  It would be convenient for
your lover if I was out of your life.  If he made you choose, would you watch
the Enforcers drag me away?  Would you miss me?"

Alejandro reached out to touch Marguerite, but she grabbed his wrist and
snarled, "Basta ya!  My relationship with Lacroix is not up for discussion." 
Her grip tightened as she continued on in an angry whisper, "Would it be
convenient for *you* if Natalie were dead?  I know what almost happened
here, Alejandro.  If Nicolas hadn't gotten here in time, you would have drained
her.  Would you have staked her next?  What did you think my response would
be?"

His response was to hiss as he struggled to free himself.  She held him easily
and asked, "What should I do with you, Alejandro?  My uncle would see you
dead."

Nat moaned as she struggled towards consciousness.  Marguerite watched her
son's eyes rest on Natalie as he answered, "Then maybe you should kill me,
Margarita.  It's what everyone wants."

Marguerite threw Alejandro's wrist down, pushing him up against the wall in
the process.  She spoke softly, "If I had wanted you dead, Sasha, we wouldn't
be having this conversation."  Her eyes glowed red as she closed the short
distance between them.  "But that doesn't mean I don't want to hurt you." 
Marguerite slammed into him and slid him up against the wall until he was high
above her head.

"Do you have any idea what you've done?  Natalie is your sister now.  I
thought you would be happy; help her adjust.  Instead, you push her to lose
control, and try to kill her."  She let him drop to the floor, and took a step
back.

Alejandro shot to his feet and snarled at Marguerite.  Somewhere deep inside
he was remorseful; he knew he was wrong.  But he was filled with such rage,
he couldn't think.  He wanted to fight back.

Lacroix stood in silence and watched the argument escalate.  He glanced
toward the couch.  Nicholas had Natalie propped up, and she was drinking
from the bottle.  Alejandro was yelling at Marguerite in Spanish, and she
answered him in kind.

Lacroix was surprised when Alejandro struck Marguerite, but she was tensed
for it.  Lacroix did not interfere until Alejandro threw Marguerite to the floor
and was about to pounce.  Lacroix was on him in an instant.  Marguerite sat up
as Lacroix shoved Alejandro's head to one side and bit into his neck.  Natalie
screamed, "No!"

####################

Marguerite was at Lacroix's side instantly.  She touched his arm gently. 
"Lucien, please..."

He looked up and met her eyes.  He growled, "I will not let him hurt you,
Marguerite."  He could see the confusion on her face and knew how she felt. 
But he would kill Alejandro if he had to. 

Because Nick wouldn't let her up, Natalie had to call over, "Maggie,
something's wrong with him.  His blood tasted funny, but I don't know what it
is."

Marguerite leaned in and tasted Alejandro's blood.  It didn't taste the same;
there was something very wrong.  That might explain his behavior.  She said,
"You're right, Nat, but I'm not sure what it is."

Natalie managed to break free from Nick, and made her was over to
Marguerite on unsteady legs.  She knelt down next to them and said, "I'm not
sure either...let me think."

Nick came over and handed her another bottle.  He asked, "How much of his
blood did you take, Nat?"

Natalie looked up distractedly as she answered, "Not much. I don't know how,
but I could tell it wasn't normal."

Natalie turned to Lacroix, "How much blood did you take, Lacroix?"

"He's almost drained, I'm afraid," he replied.  Without another word,
Marguerite quickly bit into her wrist and put it to Alejandro's lips.  She looked
into Lacroix's eyes as Alejandro drank.  The hostile behavior, the
uncontrollable anger...  She thought she knew what he was thinking.  He spat
out, "Divia," as she said, "Marcus."

Lacroix looked away.  If he didn't, Marguerite would start asking questions,
and he wasn't about to have a conversation about Divia here.  He eased
Alejandro into Marguerite's lap and went to the refrigerator for two bottles. 
By the time he returned, Marguerite had managed to pry her wrist away from
Alejandro, who was coming around.

Natalie helped Marguerite bring Alejandro to the couch.  She whispered,
"What do Marcus *or* Divia have to do with this?"

Marguerite answered, "I think Sasha had more of Marcus' blood than he could
handle during their fight.  I'm not exactly sure where Divia comes in.  Maybe
Uncle Nick would know?"  Marguerite took the first bottle from Lacroix, and
placed it on the end table for Alejandro.  She took the second bottle, and was
drinking from it when Nick finally seemed to realize what was going on.

Nick was stunned to see Natalie help Marguerite with Alejandro.  He was
speechless until he saw Nat go for her medical bag.  He asked incredulously,
"Nat, what do you think you're doing?"

She glanced up from her supplies as she answered, "I want to test Sasha's
blood."

Nick was almost yelling, "He almost killed you, Nat, and now you want to help
him?" 

Natalie shook her head.  "It wasn't his fault, Nick.  He was trying to control his
impulses, but he couldn't fight whatever was tainting his blood.  I can't hold
that against him."

Nick was not reassured.  "How can you trust him?  How do you know his
blood still isn't poisoned?"  

With her back to Nick, Natalie made a face at Marguerite while taking the
sample.  "Listen, Nick, theoretically, he should be fine.  Lacroix practically
drained him, and Marguerite gave him her own blood.  We'll just have to wait
and see."

Nick yelled, "Theoretically?  You're trusting him on a theory?  I can't believe
this!"

She paused on her way to the refrigerator to yell back, "Well, believe it, Nick. 
I'm a grown woman, and I'm capable of making my own decisions."

As his eyes followed Natalie's retreating form, Nick saw the expression on
Lacroix's face.  Nick demanded, "Do you find something amusing, Lacroix?"

There was nothing amusing about the situation, Lacroix reflected, but he was
still annoyed over the information his son had been in the middle of imparting
when they were interrupted.  He paused long enough to irritate Nicholas
before answering, "What amuses me, Nicholas, is that you are upset with
Natalie for trusting Alejandro on instinct, which is exactly what she did with
you."

Nick turned and walked away in silence.  He sat at the kitchen table, facing
away from them.  Lacroix always knew what hurt the most, but it was the
truth.  One of the things that drew Nick to Natalie was her faith in him, but
look where trusting him had gotten her.  He rested his chin on one hand and
brooded.

Encouraged by the scene that had just taken place, Natalie ventured to
comment, "Now, if I just had something to compare that sample with..."

Instead of answering Natalie, Lacroix turned his attention to Marguerite, who
was walking past him with her empty bottle.  He grabbed her arm as he said
softly, "That reminds me, Marguerite, I have something to discuss with you."

Marguerite was not fooled by the gentleness in his touch, or the soft tone of his
voice; he was clearly agitated.  Only one thing could have him irritated with her
*and* Nicholas.  She whispered, "I don't think now is a good time for this
conversation, Lucien."

"Au contraire, mon amour, there is no time like the present," Lacroix replied
tightly.

Marguerite hissed, "I will *not* fight about this in front of our children,
Lucien."

At that comment, Nick turned to gape, and Natalie almost dropped the empty
syringe she was holding.  Alejandro, who had regained his senses, nearly
choked on the drink he had just taken.  Lacroix merely said, "If you will excuse
us," and dragged Marguerite toward the bathroom.  Marguerite grabbed the
syringe from Nat's hand as she passed.

Lacroix closed the door behind them before saying, "Nicholas and I were in the
middle of a very...enlightening conversation when he received Natalie's cry for
help.  Could you guess what it was about, Marguerite?"

Marguerite exclaimed, "I can't believe him!  I told him I would tell you."

He took a step closer.  "And just when were you planning on telling me?"

Instead of being intimidated, Marguerite drew even closer to Lacroix as she
answered, "As you may have noticed, Lucien, I've been having problems with
my own son.  I've been a little distracted these last few days.  I'm sorry."  She
tilted her head inquiringly as she asked, "Are you upset because I didn't tell you
about Natalie's lab, or because they are still searching for a cure?"

Lacroix admitted honestly, "I'm not sure.  I suppose I thought they would be
too distracted to think about a cure."

Marguerite smiled.  "Uncle Nick probably would have been; I believe it was
Natalie's idea."  

"It seems I have underestimated Natalie," Lacroix murmured.

Marguerite raised an eyebrow as she replied, "I'm not surprised.  Uncle Nick
does that all the time."  Lacroix looked into her eyes and Marguerite knew
what he was about to ask.  She answered him before he could speak.  "I meant
what I told Alejandro.  Natalie is free to do as she wishes.  I only wanted to
give her what Nicolas couldn't."

"It is difficult to be as selfless as you, mon amour," Lacroix remarked, "but I
think I can manage with you to console me."  Marguerite leaned into Lacroix
for a kiss.  When he broke away, Lacroix murmured into her ear, "What is that
in your hand, Marguerite?"

She nipped his ear before answering, "This is going to hold your...donation for
Natalie's tests, Lucien."  Marguerite pulled away, held up the empty syringe,
and gave Lacroix her most engaging smile as she continued, "She needs a
sample to compare to the one she took from Alejandro.  You'll give it to me,
won't you, mon amour?"

After the door to the bathroom closed, Natalie stood where she was.  She
glanced at Alejandro, who was still drinking from the bottle Marguerite had
given him.  Nat supposed he would need another one soon, but she couldn't
bring herself to get him one.  Despite what she had said to Nick, she was still a
little afraid of her brother.  She was forgiving, not stupid.

Nat looked towards Nick.  He was feeling sorry for himself -- again.  She
decided to do something about it.  Nick could sense Natalie walking toward
him.  He'd been thinking, and she was right about Alejandro.  It was similar to
when Vachon was attacked by Divia.  Vachon couldn't handle Divia's
memories, and perhaps Alejandro was affected by Marcus' attack in a similar
way.

Natalie turned Nick's face toward her and kissed him passionately.  When she
broke the kiss, she told him, "I've never regretted trusting you, Nick, not for
one minute."

"Alejandro is lucky having you to champion for him," Nick replied, "I think
you're right about him." 

Nat grinned and teased, "You're admitting you were wrong?  Can I have that in
writing?"

Alejandro observed Nick and Natalie as they spoke.  He wanted to apologize
to Natalie, to beg for another chance, but he didn't want to remind Nick that he
was here.  He was already remorseful for his actions, but hearing Natalie
defend him made him feel worse.  He had a lot more to worry about than his
problems with Natalie too.  Marguerite may have given him her blood to save
him, but she was still upset with him.  He was deep in thought when the
bathroom door opened.

Natalie turned at the sound of the door opening.  Marguerite emerged first,
looking very pleased with herself.  She strolled over to Nat and handed her the
now-full syringe.  Marguerite whispered, "Be careful with it, it's probably the
only sample you'll get from him."  Natalie looked wide-eyed at her hand, and
Nick stared at Marguerite in disbelief.

Marguerite merely smiled and then turned her attention to her son.  She called
to him as she approached, "Are you feeling better, Sasha?"  She stopped in
front of him and laid a hand on his cheek as she continued, "I think you could
use a little more blood."

He held her hand to his cheek as he apologized, "I'm sorry, Margarita.  I
couldn't control myself; I was so angry."

Marguerite prevented him from continuing by saying, "Shh, Alejandro, I think
this can wait until tomorrow."

Alejandro stood up to face Lacroix.  "Thank you for stopping me, Lacroix.  I
wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I had hurt Margarita."

"You're quite welcome," Lacroix replied, "Given the circumstances, I think it
best if we start over, don't you agree?"  In response, Alejandro held out his
hand and Lacroix shook it.

Lacroix smirked as he looked over and saw the astonishment on Nick and
Natalie's faces.  Even Marguerite was surprised.  It was well worth biting back
the threat that had instinctively risen to his lips.

Marguerite recovered her voice and said,  "I'm going to take Alejandro home
now.  He'll be staying with us until Kayla and my sister get here."  The last
thing they heard was Alejandro's fading voice inquiring about Kayla and
Anastasia.

Lacroix turned to Nick, "Well, Nicholas, I hope my show of altruism was not
lost on you.  I do try to set an example," and he was gone.

End Part Three