Part Five

Natalie never fully appreciated her vampiric speed as much as she had over the
last few days.  All the emotions she was sensing through her 'family link' were
almost overpowering.  Kayla was not at all happy, and Alejandro was feeling
guilty enough for all of them.  She wasn't even about to begin to sort through
whatever else she was feeling.  Nat tried the door, and the knob turned under
her grasp.

She found them easily enough.  They were in the living room.  Kayla was
pacing the floor and Alejandro was seated in a chair, watching warily.  When
Nat entered the room, they both turned to look.  Kayla asked, "Have you
forgiven him, Natalie?"

Natalie let her gaze rest on Alejandro.  God help her, despite everything that
had happened, she was actually feeling protective of someone born more than
500 years before she was.  She replied, "Yes, I have.  I know it wasn't his
fault..."

Her voice had trailed off, but Kayla knew what Natalie was thinking.  She told
Nat, "He will have to earn your trust, and that is...unfortunate.  But Alejandro
realizes that he's extremely lucky."  Kayla caressed Alejandro's cheek before
she continued, "Don't you, mi amor?  Nicholas and Marguerite may be
tenderhearted, but Lucius is not.  You would do well to remember that. 
Frankly, I'm surprised that he stopped."

Natalie sat down on the couch as she commented, "I don't think he was going
to stop, until Marguerite got to him."

Kayla sat down next to Nat and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.  She
said, "But that's not what's troubling you, is it?  Tell me what's wrong, child. 
Did Anastasia do something?"

Nat shook her head; her voice was shaky as she replied, "No. No, she was
normal.  At least, according to Marguerite she was."

Kayla put a hand to her forehead, as if she had a headache.  "That girl!  She is
a drama queen, a typical middle child.  It's my fault, I suppose.  Once I brought
Marguerite across, I apparently didn't keep a close enough eye on Anastasia. 
Think long and hard before you give eternity to anyone, Natalie, people change
when they are brought over."

Alejandro had sat quietly through this whole exchange.  Since he had tasted
quite a bit of Natalie's blood, he knew what was bothering her.  After what he
had done, the knowledge made him feel even worse.  It was the reason he
hadn't thought Nat could forgive him.  Finally, he said, "Kayla's right, Natalie. 
What happened with Richard wasn't your fault.  He chose to do what he did."

Tears welled up in Nat's eyes as she spoke, "But I made Nick bring him over."

Kayla had discussed this topic with Marguerite before, but Natalie hadn't
seemed willing to discuss it with anyone.  She said, "Natalie, no matter what
you may have said to Nicholas, it was ultimately his choice to make.  Just as it
was your brother's choice to turn vigilante.  You cannot control other people's
actions."

The blood tears started to spill down Natalie's cheeks.  "But I knew if I made
Nick feel guilty enough, he would do it.  I was so selfish, but Richie was my
baby brother.  I couldn't just let him die, not when he had so much to live for."

Kayla put her arms around Nat to comfort her.  "I know this is easily said,
Natalie, but you must forgive yourself for this.  You and Nicholas had the best
of intentions.  You cannot hold onto your guilt the way you did when you were
mortal."

Nat snuffled, "So I've been told."  Alejandro sat down on the other side of
Natalie and handed her a few tissues.  She dabbed at her eyes, but it was no
use, the tears just kept coming.  The events of the last few days had caught up
with her.  Soon, she was crying so hard, she couldn't speak.  Alejandro put his
arms around her, and she turned to cry into his shoulder.

Marguerite hurried in a few minutes later, with Anastasia close on her heels. 
Lacroix followed at a more sedate pace.  Kayla got up so Marguerite could sit
next to Natalie.

Marguerite rubbed Nat's back as she spoke, "Natalie, it's okay.  I'm here."  She
exchanged a look with Alejandro, and he gently extricated Nat from his
embrace.  He stood up and went to Anastasia.  After whispering softly in her
ear, he led her from the room.

By the time they were gone, Marguerite had Nat turned around to face her. 
She murmured soothingly while she wiped the tears from Nat's eyes.  After a
few minutes, Natalie had calmed down considerably.  Marguerite brushed the
hair from Nat's face.  She pretty much knew what was bothering Nat, but she
wanted her child to talk about it.

Marguerite said, "Anastasia had good intentions, Nat.  She didn't mean..."

"I know," Nat pulled her head away from Marguerite's touch as she continued,
"I know, but you know, in a way, she's kinda right, Maggie.  You know how
Nick is."

Marguerite shook her head.  "How he *was*, Natalie.  I thought you had faith
in him."

Natalie was silent, and Marguerite took the opportunity to study her child and
think.  After a few minutes, Marguerite spoke, "But you can't understand what
he sees in you, can you, Nat?  You think that you're not as pretty as some of
the women from his past.  Like Janette?  Janette was a siren to his dark
side--temptation, greed, lust...  He loves you because you are his hope.  You
are part of all the good things he wants to reclaim.  You are love, trust, and
selflessness."

"I'm not exactly selfless," Nat denied.

"I don't think anyone is entirely selfless, Nat, but you had good intentions. 
You accepted Nick for what he was, and you were willing to help him for
nothing in return...and the hope of a chance to love him doesn't count,"
Marguerite countered.

Lacroix spoke as he sat down on the other side of Marguerite, "He truly does
love you, Natalie.  He lives for you...and his cure.  It wouldn't matter to
Nicholas what you looked like.  Although he does think you are the most
beautiful woman he has ever seen."

Natalie was finally beginning to see reason.  No one knew Nick better than
Lacroix.  And deep down, she knew he was right.  It was really her own
insecurities resurfacing after being in the same room with yet another beautiful
and self-assured female vampire.  Kayla appeared in front of Nat with
something for her to drink.  She commented, "Do you think we are all this
poised when we were first brought over, Natalie?  Even Anastasia had
moments of self-consciousness."

Marguerite grinned wickedly.  "Believe it, Nat.  I'll have Anton tell you stories
when he gets here."

After a wide-eyed look from Natalie, Marguerite added, "Don't worry, he
won't be here until closer to your wedding."  Natalie looked only slightly
relieved, and Marguerite surmised that Nat had enough for one night.

Kayla apparently agreed, because she said, "If you two will excuse us, I think I
will accompany Natalie back to the loft.  I'd like to spend some time catching
up."

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

The following night, Nick was in the loft...brooding.  Before she had left for
work, Nat had asked him if he intended on spending his night off sulking.  This
wasn't supposed to be his night off, but the captain had switched it so Nick
could meet his new partner.  He didn't want a new partner.  He had avoided
one with relative success since Tracy's death, but Joe Reese had decided
enough was enough.  He was a day guy--barely out of blues by his
standards--whose partner had recently retired.  He would do the day legwork,
and ride a few shifts with Nick.--Just the way he and Schanke started out.

Nick looked up from his drink to see his niece standing in front of him.  She
was holding a small wrapped package in her hand.  "Have you moved since
Natalie left for work?"  After placing her package down on the end table,
Marguerite picked up the empty bottle and walked it to the sink.

As she went about getting a wineglass for herself and a bottle for them both,
Nick said, "Not really.  I've been daydreaming, I guess."

Marguerite sat down and filled the two glasses.  "More likely you've been
brooding.  Natalie tells me that you'll be meeting your new partner tomorrow. 
Is it really all that bad?  If you truly want to be mortal, you have to get used to
it."

Nick shook his head as he answered, "It's not just that, Daisy.  I can get used
to him, although he *is* just a kid."

Marguerite teased, "Compared to us, Nicolas, his great-grandfather is just a
kid."  She grew serious as she continued, "What else is troubling you, Uncle? 
Is it Natalie?"

Nick thought about the conversation that he'd had with Natalie when he had
come home from work.  They had spoken about her brother, Richard, and the
guilt they both felt.  Nick knew Kayla was right, but it would take awhile to
accept it.  And then the last part of their conversation...

"I had no idea Nat felt that way, Daisy.  What I feel for her..."

Marguerite interjected, "But can you be faithful, Nicolas?"  She put a hand up
at the sight of his surprised look.  "I know you would never break your vows,
but these...flirtations you've had with other women hurt her just as much. 
You're going to have to be more sensitive to her feelings, Uncle Nick.  She has
remained steadfast all these years; she deserves nothing less from you."

He looked like a kicked puppy.  "I never meant to hurt her.  I knew I couldn't
have her so..." His voice trailed off, and Marguerite put a comforting hand on
his arm.  "Don't feel guilty about it, Uncle Nick, just show her you love her."

Nick studied his niece as she finished her drink.  Try as he might, he just could
not picture her a cold-blooded killer.--Even after he had seen her fight with
Marcus and Alejandro.  He didn't know if it was because he had known her
since she had been born, or because there was still a purity about her.  Nick
asked, "Have you ever felt guilty for the things you've done, Marguerite?"

She shrugged.  "There are things I regret having done, but I don't dwell on
them.  The past can't be changed, so why bother?  The only thing I can do
about my mistakes is learn from them."  Nick remained silent as he considered
Marguerite's words.  She continued, "You know, Uncle, a little guilt is all well
and good; it keeps us from becoming monsters.  But to cling to it as you have
is not healthy...for anyone.  I think that before you can be forgiven for you
'sins', you need to forgive yourself.  How can you accept it otherwise?"

"Maybe you're right, Marguerite, but..."

Marguerite growled in frustration.  She decided to try another approach.  "Do
you remember the first time I opened my eyes and saw you, Nicolas?"

Nick smiled at the memory.  "You were so small.  I thought I scared you as
much as you startled me."

She shook her head.  "No, I thought you were an angel, coming to look over
me.  It was right after my mother died, and I thought she sent you."

Nick finally understood.  "So, that's why you asked me if I knew your mother." 
He sighed before he continued, "Only a child could confuse me for an angel."

She countered, "Oh no, Uncle Nick.  Even then I could sense the goodness in
you.  If you believed in yourself, I know you could be everything you want to
be.  I believe in you, and so does Natalie."

Nick caressed her cheek as he spoke, "It means so much to hear you say that,
Marguerite."

She poured herself another drink.  She took it with her as she got up to pace. 
"You know, Nicolas," she paused to look at the ruby liquid swirling in her
glass and took a sip before continuing, "I was told about your struggle with the
demon.  Lacroix meant what he said to you that night.  Even he believes there's
good in you, although he won't admit it now."  She smiled wryly before
finishing her glass.

Nick looked at his niece curiously and asked, "He told you this?"

She rolled her eyes as she answered, "He didn't have to.  There's very little we
can hide from each other, given the circumstances."  She grew serious.  "He
would not appreciate my telling you this, Nicolas."

He nodded.  "I understand."

Marguerite sat down next to him.  "It's not for the reason you think."  She
decided to change the subject; now was not the time to go where this
conversation was headed.  She hadn't come here to discuss Lacroix's issues of
faith.

She picked up the package that she had brought with her.  "Here, open it. 
Anastasia delivered this to me herself." Nick opened the box.  In it were two
platinum wedding bands that had been made to match Natalie's engagement
ring.  Nick was stunned into silence; they were beautiful.  Marguerite prodded,
"It's my wedding present.  I had Anton make them."

Nick looked up.  "They're perfect, Daisy, thank you."  He leaned over and
hugged her close.

She smiled as she returned his embrace.  "You're welcome.  I guess he finished
just in time too; Nat tells me that you're moving up the wedding."

"Yeah, three weeks from this Saturday.  There's no reason to wait, really."

"But every reason to move it along, Nicolas?"  Marguerite's eyes twinkled with
mischief as she teased, "Does my family make you nervous?  They're your
family now too."

She was rewarded with a boyish grin as he answered, "Who me?"

Marguerite gave him a smug look.  "Yes, you.  Lacroix had that same look in
his eyes when Anastasia barged in earlier this evening.  Believe me, Uncle
Nick, I thought I'd finally be getting some distance from my overbearing
family."

Nick smiled as he agreed, "I think I can understand that."

Marguerite sighed, "I'll do my best to make sure they don't stay too long.  I
don't think any of us can take much more of this."

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

Marguerite was right, Nick reflected, he couldn't take much more of this.  It
had been several days since their talk at the loft.  Since then she had been
trying to keep the rest of the family busy, but they had all found ways to sneak
away and give their opinion on the wedding plans.  Right now his partner was
talking about his sister's wedding.  But as long as he was just telling a story and
not giving any advice, Nick could handle it.

Nick glanced over at his partner, who was waving his arms around to
emphasize his story.  They had been getting along well, and Nick was actually
getting used to him.  Nick was smiling as he turned into the precinct parking
lot...until her saw a familiar silver car parked near his usual spot.  "Oh, great,"
he muttered under his breath.

Of course, it was too much to hope that his talkative partner wouldn't hear
him.  He sat up at attention in the seat and asked, "What's up, Nick?"  

As he pulled into a spot, Nick answered, "It's just my niece.  I didn't expect to
see her here.  Maybe she was visiting Nat; all they can talk about is the
wedding."

Marguerite had been leaning on her car several spots down.  She stepped away
from the car as they approached.  "Good evening, gentlemen.  I hope this isn't
a bad time, Uncle Nick."  Nick was well aware what that gleam in his niece's
eyes meant.

Nick answered, "Well, actually..."

Marguerite gave him a coy look.  "Oh, come now, Nicolas.  This will only take
a minute.--Aren't you going to introduce me?"

Actually, Nick didn't want to introduce them, but he couldn't see any way out
of it.  He sighed, "Eric, this is my niece, Marguerite de Louvain.  Daisy, this is
my new partner, Eric D'Angelo."

Marguerite turned to Eric and offered her hand.  "It's a pleasure to meet you,
Detective." 

Eric shook her hand enthusiastically as he replied, "Oh no, the pleasure's all
mine.  And please, call me Eric."

She rewarded him with a bewitching smile.  "And you must call me
Marguerite.  I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of each other."  Nick had a
feeling that his partner had already found his next crush.  At their first crime
scene on their first shift together, Eric had expressed an interest in
Natalie.--Until he found out she was engaged to Nick.

Obviously encouraged by the attention, Eric ventured, "Really?  I'll look
forward to it."

Nick could see his niece was clearly enjoying herself.  He decided to get their
conversation back on track.  He gave her what he hoped was a stern look, and
said impatiently, "Marguerite."

She tried to look innocent, but he wasn't fooled by his own trick.  "Pardon me,
Uncle, I almost forgot why I was here."

Nick prodded, "Which is?"

"Lacroix wants to see you," she answered finally.

He sighed, "I know, Daisy.  I've been ignoring him."

Marguerite countered, "Obviously, Uncle Nick, otherwise I wouldn't be here. 
You have to talk to him sooner or later; he *is* your..." After a sidelong
glance at Eric, she continued, "...best man, after all."

"Oh no, Marguerite.  No more wedding plans.  I can't take anymore."

Marguerite shook her head.  "It doesn't have anything to do with the wedding,
Nicolas, at least not directly.  Will you come talk to him?"

He was relieved; he might actually have a conversation that didn't include a
wedding in it.  He nodded.  "Sure.  When I get off-shift, I'll be there."

"Thanks, Uncle Nick.  I might actually be able to turn my attentions to my
inventory.  I already regret accepting Anastasia's offer to help.  There are
boxes everywhere."

Marguerite stood up on tiptoe to kiss Nick good-bye.  He wasn't at all
comfortable with the look on her face as she turned to bid Eric farewell.  She
asked, "Are you single, Eric?"

Eric looked bewildered as he answered, "Yes."

She grinned impishly as she said, "I'll have to introduce you to my friend then. 
I think she'd find you...delicious."

"Marguerite," Nick said warningly.

Marguerite ignored him.  Instead, she said, "It was nice meeting you, Eric.  I
look forward to seeing you again."  Without waiting for a reply, she turned and
walked to her car.

Eric shook his head as if to clear it.  "Whoa!  I think I'm in love, Knight.  Is she
available?"  Nick took Eric's arm and turned him toward the station.

"Unfortunately for you, D'Angelo, my niece in involved with my best man.  So
don't even think about it."

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

Two weeks later...

Marguerite was muttering under her breath in French.  After heaving a
particularly heavy crate onto another one, Lacroix grumbled, "I fail to see why
you are so upset, my dear.  Alejandro and I are the ones lugging all the heavy
boxes around."

Marguerite lowered her clipboard long enough to glower at the pair.  "This
wouldn't even be necessary had everyone done their jobs correctly."  She threw
a particularly evil glance her son's way.  "You know, Alejandro, you can't get
by on your good looks forever."

He grinned playfully as he quipped, "It's worked so far."

Marguerite almost smiled back.  Almost.  Instead, she said sternly, "Well, being
Anastasia seems to be the only woman in this family who is still impressed by
your looks, and being this is a family-run business.  It would appear that you're
out of luck.  So get back to work.  And don't drop anything."

She turned her attention back to Lacroix.  "I think I can let you take a break. 
Have I thanked you for doing me this favor, Lucien?"  She smiled up at him as
she slipped into his embrace.

He stroked her cheek as he answered, "No, but you will.--Where is your sister
anyway?  She's the one who should be here."

Marguerite stepped back.  "Oh no!  I love Anastasia, but she's a menace to the
store.  Let her stick to what she does best."

"And that is?" he prompted.

"Shopping," Marguerite replied, "She picks out what we sell.  And right now
she's out shopping with Natalie."

Lacroix arched a brow.  "Ah, yes, her wedding present...to redecorate the loft. 
Nicholas...is not pleased."

She laughed.  "That's an understatement, Lucien.  Uncle Nick is having fits. 
He liked your present, though.  You know," she toyed with the buttons of his
shirt as she continued, "I would appreciate a trip to Brabant.  I haven't been
there in years."

Lacroix caught her hand and held it.  "If your family does not leave soon,
Marguerite, we will be going somewhere.  Although Belgium wouldn't be my
choice."

Marguerite attempted to pout, but found that she couldn't even fake it.  She
was too happy.  "I'll go anywhere as long as it's away from here, and I'm with
you."

Anton balanced his package in one hand as he used the keys Kayla had given
him to unlock the door to the store.  When Kayla had told him that Marguerite
would be working here instead of going shopping, Anton thought he might get
to spend some time alone with his baby sister.  Instead, he sensed two other
presences.  One was Alejandro, and the other, he assumed, was Lucius.  This
promised to be interesting.

Marguerite's good mood was like a beacon, and he found them right away.  He
couldn't see the reason for her cheer, because the room was a shambles.  This
clearly had Anastasia's mark on it.  As he set his package down, Marguerite
turned and ran into his arms.  She squealed as he picked her up and spun her
around.

Lacroix watched as Marguerite kissed this stranger full on the lips.  He looked
over at Alejandro, who mouthed, "Anton."  Lacroix nodded; he had suspected
as much.  When Anton finally put Marguerite down, she tugged him further
into the room, talking excitedly all the way.  "It's about time you got here. 
Tasya almost had me convinced that you wouldn't show.  She's been making so
much mischief, I thought Kayla was going to kill her."  

Anton smiled at that.  He teased, "What?  I think I got here just in time.  Sasha
must be losing his touch if he can't keep our sister enthralled."

Alejandro laughed.  "Even I have limits, old man.  There are too many women
in this family now.  I'd like to see you do better," he said lazily.

Anton clapped Alejandro on the back as he countered, "I don't know, boy, I
seemed to handle three women just fine before you were brought into the
fold.--Now keep quiet so Marguerite can make introductions."

Lacroix realized that he had found an ally at last.  Marguerite smiled knowingly
when she saw the realization on his face.  She had apparently known all along. 
"Lucien, this is my brother, Anton."

The men shook hands, and Anton spoke first.  "It's good to finally meet you,
Lacroix.  I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner.  I know how the three of them can be
when they get together.  Sasha is no help; he soaks up all their attention like a
sponge.  It only encourages them."  

"I am only too glad you have arrived," Lacroix replied, "Adding Natalie
Lambert to their ranks hasn't helped."

Marguerite snorted, "Lucien is just sulking because Anastasia has taken to
calling him Lukasha.  You know how she is with nicknames."  Anton
grimaced.

Lacroix grumbled, "She has no respect for her elders, and you did not help
matters, Marguerite.  She was encouraged by your laughter."

Marguerite shrugged.  "You're the one who had to bring up the fact that Sasha
and Tasha rhymed.  If you hadn't made fun of her, she wouldn't have felt
compelled to get you back."

Anton asked, "Why isn't our sister here to clean up her mess?"

Marguerite looked disgusted as she replied, "She's out shopping with Kayla
and Natalie.  I don't want her back in here again."

She tried to edge past her brother, but he caught her easily.  "No, you don't,
little one." 

She peeked over his shoulder.  "Give it up, Antoine.  I know you brought a
present for me."

"And you call me spoiled," Alejandro drawled.

Marguerite turned to see him leaning on a pile of crates.  "I am not spoiled, I'm
pampered," she retorted, "Aren't you supposed to be doing something?"

Alejandro checked his watch.  "Yeah.  It's time for my break.  I think I'll get
something to drink."

Lacroix added, "I believe I'll join you.  We can bring something back for Anton
and Marguerite."

Anton watched the retreating pair.  He turned to Marguerite.  "Is that okay?"  

Marguerite smiled wryly as she answered, "Well, Lucien only tried to kill him
that one time." 

He ran a hand through his short hair.  "I'm glad you can be cavalier about this,
Marguerite.  Have you forgotten he's your son?"

"No, I have not," she retorted, "But he did almost kill Natalie, and he would
have tried to kill me.  You should be glad I have such a fierce protector,
Anton; Kayla is."

He brushed Marguerite's hair back.  He said gently, "I'm sorry, Grietje.  I guess
after 500 years, Sasha's grown on me--just a little, of course."

"Oh, of course," she teased.

"And I am glad," Anton confessed, "You look radiant."

Marguerite kissed him and whispered in his ear, "Is this the part where I get to
open my presents?"

Anton picked her up and deposited her on a particularly large crate.  "Brat! 
You knew it was just a matter of time."  He retrieved the box, and placed it on
her lap.  As she examined the package he remarked, "It's not all for you, you
know."  She merely looked at him in response.

As she ripped open the package, she asked, "Did you find the box I asked you
for?"

Anton gestured to the box.  "It's in there.  I had a hard time finding it though."

She held up the object in question and commented, "Naturellement, do you
remember who helped me pack up this memento?"

He made a face.  "Anastasia."

The container was very old; older than the box that kept her grandmother's
cross safe.  This one contained another heirloom, given to her by her father. 
The time had come to give it to her uncle.  It was rightfully his, after all.  There
were also several other boxes.  This would be Anton's gift.  Marguerite could
tell it was jewelry.  She opened them excitedly.  In them were a necklace,
earrings, and bracelet--all amethyst and silver.  She accused, "Kayla told you."

"No.  Anastasia described your dress...in great detail.  You would think that
she was going to be Natalie's maid of honor."

Marguerite shrugged.  "You know how women are when it comes to
weddings, Antoine.  Even a thousand year old vampire isn't immune."

"Apparently not," he agreed, "Even Kayla is excited."  He toyed with a lock of
her hair as he queried, "What about you, little flower?"

She leaned towards him enticingly.  She teased, "Am I excited?  Or am I
immune?"  She plucked her hair back from his grasp before continuing, "What
do you think?"

"I think you haven't changed a bit.  Does Lacroix know what a handful you
are?"

She kissed him before jumping down from the crate.  "I think he has an idea,"
she said, "Now I think we should go check up on them.  I've never left them
alone for this long." 

Anton muttered while he followed her from the room, "I know I'm going to
regret leaving Tuscany, Marguerite, but I'd like to be here longer than 24 hours
before I do."

End Part Five