Part Four

Marguerite leaned back in her chair and took a deep breath.  She could smell
the garden she had planted so carefully with Kayla; among other flowers, the
roses she favored were in full bloom.  Alejandro was seated across from her on
the patio.  He had his sketch pad open, and was working busily on something. 
Her brother, Anton, had taught him to draw, stating that everyone should have
a hobby.

Lacroix was somewhere in the house.  Marguerite was well aware that initially
he was not too happy about Alejandro's presence, although he had hidden it
well.  But after their first meeting, Lacroix had somehow been reassured that
Alejandro was not a threat.  Since then he had been very understanding --
except when Alejandro had raised a hand to her.  Marguerite watched
Alejandro sketch as she thought about the night before.  He felt so guilty about
what he had done, regardless of his tainted blood.  She had sat up with him and
talked about it until he had fallen asleep.  She had explained what she knew
about Divia, and he had felt better, but not much.  

He wanted to talk to Natalie, to apologize.  But Marguerite had managed to
convince him to let Nat come to him.  And Natalie would be here some time
tonight; Marguerite could sense how agitated she was.  She could only imagine
what Uncle Nick had said after they left.  Well, Kayla would be back soon, and
maybe the two angst-ridden men in her life would settle down.  Marguerite
smiled to herself  Alejandro and Uncle Nick were very much alike.

Finally, Alejandro looked up from his drawing.  "She's coming, Margarita," he
commented.

She smiled knowingly.  "I told you she'd come.  Natalie usually confronts
everything head-on.  Now listen, Sasha," Marguerite warned, "She's
understandably wary of you.  Do not rush her; let her come to you.  And don't
get too close, or move too fast."

He sighed, "Bien, Mama.  I will just sit here like a statue until Natalie becomes
used to me.  It's a good thing we have eternity."

Marguerite rolled her eyes.  "I don't think you'll need to sit there quite that
long."

Natalie appeared off to one side.  Marguerite turned and Alejandro stood up. 
Nat spoke first, "I was going to use the door, but you knew I was coming
anyway."  She trailed off as she came closer to the table.

"Nat, please sit down," Marguerite gestured to the chair next to her as she
spoke, "Your brother will stand there all night if you don't."

Nat looked at Alejandro as they sat down.  The expression on his face
reminded her of Nick.  The one he wore when he was feeling guilty and didn't
feel he could be forgiven.  She couldn't sense any of the hostility she'd felt last
night.  Nick had wanted her to stay at the loft.  As usual, it hadn't occurred to
him that she might think differently.  But despite everything that had happened,
Natalie wanted to see how Alejandro was.  She needed to see if she could learn
to trust him; she wanted to.

Alejandro said plaintively, "Natalie, words cannot say how sorry I am.  I've
always wanted a sister, and now I've ruined it.  I have no right to ask, but I
want to earn your trust.  I don't know if that's possible..."

"I can try," Nat said quietly.  Alejandro's smile was dazzling.  

Before her son could grovel any more, Marguerite asked, "Did you get a
chance to fool around with your samples, Nat?"

Natalie nodded.  "I did one or two basic tests, but I don't have all of my
equipment yet.  I have a theory that I'm not ready to share yet."  She seemed to
consider something for a moment and then asked, "Do you think Kayla would
give me a sample?"

Marguerite looked at Natalie strangely before answering, "You could ask; I
don't think she would say no.  Where are you going with this, Nat?"

Natalie shook her head.  "It's just something that's tugging at a corner of my
mind," she replied, "I need to mull it over some more."

Marguerite knew enough not to pry.  After all, she was involved with Lacroix. 
It was practically impossible to keep something from him.  It was better not to
know.  She changed the subject in an effort to start a conversation between
Natalie and Alejandro.  It worked, and after awhile Nat had allowed him to
move closer so he could show her his sketchbook.  

Some time later, Alejandro was back across from them so he could sketch Nat. 
He was almost done when a strange look crossed Natalie's face.  When
Marguerite gave her a questioning glance, Nat replied, "Nick knows I'm here."

Marguerite shrugged.  "He didn't really think you would sit alone in the loft all
night, did he?"  She grimaced.  "Never mind, of course he did.  I'm sure he's on
his way here too."

Lacroix opened the door for Nicholas, wondering why his son hadn't just
landed in the yard.  "Nicholas, what a pleasant surprise."  Lacroix stepped back
to let Nick in.

Nick asked impatiently, "Where is she, Lacroix?"

Lacroix smiled slowly as he taunted, "Marguerite?  She is on the patio...with
her children."

Nick strode down the hall towards the back of the house.  Before he could
reach the back door, Lacroix put a hand on Nick's arm.  "A moment, Nicholas. 
Look at them."  He gestured toward the glass door as he continued, "You
know Alejandro could not control himself.  Natalie has forgiven him, and they
are trying to forge some kind of relationship.  I know you do not care for him,
but would you hurt Natalie?  And Marguerite?"

Nick look towards the group.  Natalie was smiling at a paper Alejandro had
given her.  She actually seemed at ease.  Nick knew how important it was for
her to be able to trust Alejandro.  He had thought it was a good idea.--If Nat
could form a close relationship with her new 'brother', it might help fill the void
that had been in her life since her brother Richard died.

He had understood, and even supported, Natalie's wish to forgive Alejandro
and try to build a relationship.  But he had wanted to be here when she saw her
brother again.  He had really just come here out of concern.  The annoyance he
felt was at Lacroix for baiting him, and at himself for allowing it.  He sighed, "I
know, Lacroix.  I didn't come here to stop her; I was concerned."  Feeling a
ripple in his link with Marguerite, Lacroix looked curiously out the door
instead of replying.

Marguerite almost got up from her chair, but just as quickly sat down.  She
exchanged an anxious look with Alejandro.  Natalie looked at them strangely. 
She felt Kayla's comforting presence, and something else she couldn't define.

Alejandro breathed, "They are here, Margarita."  He stood up impatiently, and
Marguerite got up to put a soothing hand on his shoulder.

"I know, Sasha.  Why don't you relax until they get settled?  Anastasia is dying
for a reason to come over here.  Give it to her."

The back door opened, and Nick stepped out onto the patio.  Marguerite
turned to smile at him.  "Bon soir, oncle Nicolas.  What a pleasant surprise. 
Are you off already?"

Nick grinned back.  "No, I took my dinner break."

"Dinner break?  Well, in that case, I'll get you a glass, and you can join us." 
She quickly slipped inside the house, to leave Nick standing there.

He half-turned to look after his niece.  What was he supposed to say to
Alejandro?  Nick saw movement out of the corner of his eye, and turned to see
Alejandro sitting down.  Natalie spoke while Nick was trying to figure out if he
should speak first, or wait for Alejandro to say something.  "Nick, come here
and look at what Sasha drew for me."  Nat held out the paper that Alejandro
had given her.

Nick sat down and took the picture.  It was an excellent likeness of Nat.  Nick
smiled as he gave it back.  "It's beautiful, Nat."  Apparently Natalie had worked
things out with her new brother, because she was smiling at him like nothing
had happened.  Nick turned to Alejandro.  "You're quite talented.  Have you
been drawing long?"

Alejandro nodded.  "Thank you.  When I first became a vampire, it was one of
the only things I had in common with Anton.  He trained me."

In response to the slightly confused look that crossed Nick's face, Natalie
prompted, "Anton is Marguerite's brother."

Nick recognized the name now and nodded thoughtfully.  "That's right, he's an
artist.  He did the painting over the mantle in the living room."  Nick silently
reminded himself to ask Marguerite about the relationship between her son and
her brother.  He didn't think it would be appropriate to question Alejandro
here, in front of Natalie.

Natalie watched Nick closely.  He didn't seem upset with Alejandro anymore,
but he did seem a little unsure of how to proceed.  She decided to take matters
into her own hands.  The last thing she wanted was for Alejandro to start
apologizing again.  Nat was just about to open her mouth when she felt the
unfamiliar tingle she now knew was Anastasia grow closer.

Natalie could sense how anxious Alejandro was; he looked like he was about
to jump out of his skin.  She suggested, "Why don't you go answer the door,
Sasha?  You look like you're gonna explode."

He stood up before Nat could finish.  He murmured, "If you will excuse me, I
haven't seen Anastasia in a very long time."  And then he was gone.  Natalie
turned to Nick as his cell phone rang.

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

Marguerite was heading out of the living room when Alejandro rushed past the
doorway.  Lacroix peered curiously over her shoulder.  She muttered, "He
never could master how to play hard-to-get.  Get ready for my sister." 
Shaking her head, she put the wineglass and bottle she had been carrying down
on the table by the door.

She stepped into the hallway to find Alejandro and Anastasia kissing
enthusiastically.  She made a wry face at Lacroix, who had followed her out of
the living room.  He smiled as she cleared her throat in order to get the
couple's attention.  As they parted, Anastasia whispered in Alejandro's ear, and
he winked at Marguerite before he left.

Anastasia turned her attention toward Marguerite and Lacroix.  She sauntered
toward them, hips swaying.  Instead of stopping, she walked a slow circle
around Lacroix, looking him over.  Amused, he studied her as well.  She was
very tall, about 5'9", with shoulder length reddish-gold hair framing her face,
and startling violet eyes.  She was beautiful and she knew it.

As she inspected Lacroix, she spoke to Marguerite, "So, this is Lucien Lacroix. 
He's quite...nice.  Do you really mean to keep him all to yourself?"  She
stopped in between Marguerite and Lacroix.

Marguerite said patiently, "I've already told you, Tasya, I will not share him. 
He is mine as I am his."

Anastasia gave a pouty look as she replied, "You used to be so much more fun,
Grietje."  She turned her attention to Lacroix.  "And are you as tediously
faithful to Marguerite as she, no doubt, is to you?"  She stood close enough to
touch him, but she didn't.

"C'est la verite," Lacroix replied, "Marguerite has spoiled me for any other
woman.  She is truly the most beautiful flower I have ever looked upon."  He
took Anastasia's hand and pressed it to his lips.  "Although meeting you has
certainly been...an interesting experience."

Apparently this was the response she was looking for, because she kissed
Lacroix on the cheek.  "Welcome to our family, Lacroix."  She then turned
back to Marguerite.  "Kayla was right, little sister.  I like him too."  Finally,
they greeted each other the way Lacroix had originally expected them
to--hugging and laughing.

Marguerite pulled away to ask, "How is Anton?"

Anastasia stepped around her sister to walk into the living room.  On her way
in, she said, "Ugh!  Our brother is so boring!  He's been so preoccupied with
his wedding present for Natalie and your uncle that he's been neglecting me."

Marguerite teased, "Does he even know you're gone?"

Anastasia shrugged while helping herself to a drink.  "Who knows?--Where is
your new child anyway?  Kayla said she was here."

Marguerite poured drinks for herself and Lacroix as she answered, "I left Nat
and Uncle Nick out on the patio. I was supposed to be getting a glass for
Uncle Nick.  He's here on his dinner break.  He wanted to see how Natalie was
getting along with Sasha."

Anastasia gave her sister a knowing look.  "Jealous, is he?  If I know Sasha, he
probably made quite an impression on Natasha." 

Marguerite sighed, "Oh, Nicolas isn't jealous...well, not yet anyway.--And I
think Sasha left *quite* an impression on Natalie."

Anastasia asked, "Does what happened here have anything to do with our
mother's agitation, Marguerite?"

Marguerite said carefully, "For now, let's just say that we found out what was
wrong with Sasha last night.  I want to see how Kayla is going to react.  Tasya,
please don't call Natalie 'Natasha', her grandmother used to call her that."

Anastasia nodded thoughtfully.  "Fine.  I'll call her Tasha then."  Marguerite
knew better than to argue; she just rolled her eyes as she walked away.

Lacroix had been watching the two women with interest; their family structure
intrigued him.  Anastasia was right; he was part of Marguerite's 'family' now. 
He wasn't entirely sure what that meant exactly, or how he felt about it, for
that matter.  He was clearly out of his element, but at least he wasn't alone...so
was Nicholas.

Lacroix's thoughts were interrupted by Marguerite appearing before him.  She
smiled up at him as she handed him the wineglass.  He had felt her ripple of
pleasure at his answer to Anastasia.  He was rather pleased with her own
admission of them belonging to each other.

Before he or Marguerite could speak, Nicholas led Natalie through the door. 
Lacroix sat on the couch and sipped at his drink, ready to enjoy the show. 
Marguerite smiled at the pair as she spoke, "I was just about to come and get
you two.  I want you to meet my sister, Anastasia."  She turned to Anastasia,
who was now standing next to her.  "Tasya..."

Anastasia cut in smoothly, "I know...this is Natalie.  It's delightful to meet you
at last.  If Anton knew how beautiful you are, I think he would have torn
himself away from his beloved art to meet you."  She tilted her head to study
Nat while she continued, "I can be pushy, Tasha, but I mean well."  She gave
Nat a quick hug and kissed her forehead.

Natalie looked to Marguerite, who was watching over her wineglass, for some
kind of cue.  Nat got the impression that she was on her own.  Unsure of what
to do, Nat half-heartedly hugged back and said, "It's good to meet you too. 
You know, six months ago I had hardly anyone, but now I have more family
than I know what to do with.  It's going to take me awhile to adjust."

Marguerite laughed.  "It might take longer than you think," she joked.

Anastasia turned her attention to Nick.  "You must be Uncle Nick.  Marguerite
goes on and on about you.  It's a pleasure to meet you."

Nick bowed over her hand and kissed it.  "Enchante.  So, my niece sings my
praises, I'm impressed."  His eyes twinkled as he spoke to Marguerite, "I have
to leave.  The captain called, and he wants to see me."

Marguerite teased, "Do you trust us alone with Natalie, Nicolas?"  Nick merely
smiled.  He gave Nat a quick kiss, and hurried out the door.

Lacroix had watched the interaction between Anastasia and his son with mild
curiosity.  He was well aware of how Nicholas could be around women.  He
could only imagine how Natalie had felt about his son's...indiscretions.  He
hoped it would change now that Natalie was one of them.  He looked toward
her now, to see her reaction.

Natalie was looking towards Anastasia with a wary expression on her face. 
Through the door, Nat had observed Anastasia inspect Lacroix.  She had also
looked Nick over, though less conspicuously.  Nat didn't know what to expect. 
Nick'd had a wandering eye during their relationship, but that had been when
she was mortal and they were just 'friends'.  She was a vampire now, and they
were engaged.  It would be different now, wouldn't it?  

She was startled by Anastasia's voice.  "Oh, Tasha, he's so yummy, and
charming too.  If he hurts you, I'll rip his heart out and feed it to him."  Natalie
was flabbergasted.  Lacroix looked toward Marguerite in mild surprise. 
Marguerite, however, didn't seem at all astonished at her sister's comment.

She remarked, "She'll do it, Nat.  I've seen her do it once before; it wasn't
pretty."  Nat couldn't believe it; Marguerite was absolutely serious.  Marguerite
turned to her sister, and chided, "Do you have to alarm Natalie like that? 
Really, she's been through enough these past six months, don't add to her
worries."

It was Anastasia's turn to be surprised.  "Grietje, honestly, I'm not trying to
upset anyone." 

Marguerite shook her head.  "I wish you would let people get used to you
before you show them how outrageous you can be."  She continued on to Nat,
"They're just a little bit protective.  You'll learn to ignore them."

Natalie wasn't too sure if ignoring the older members of her new 'family' was a
good idea, but she could ignore this for now.  It was too overwhelming to
think about here; there were other things to worry about.  She looked uneasily
at Marguerite.  "I have to go see Kayla."

Marguerite agreed, "I know; she's very upset.  I think seeing you might ease
her mind."  Natalie turned and left without another word.

Anastasia was more than curious now; something was definitely wrong.  She
could sense Kayla's agitation, and only Lacroix seemed unperturbed.  She
asked, "What went on here, Marguerite?"  Marguerite sat down next to
Lacroix on the couch while she answered, "You might as well sit down, Tasya,
this is going to take awhile."

Out of the corner of her eye, Marguerite saw her cat sitting in Lacroix's lap. 
He was absently stroking the animal.  The sight distracted her for a
moment.--Where was the dog?  She hadn't seen him all night.  "Lucien, where
is Calvin?"

Lacroix was caught.  He would never harm the animal, but that didn't mean
that he had to like it.  He tried to sound casual as he answered, "The dog?  He
was sleeping in the bedroom while I was getting dressed, I must have closed
the door on him when I left."  Marguerite merely looked at him; she wasn't
falling for it.  "If you'll excuse me for a moment, ma chere, I will rectify my
oversight."

End Part Four