Part Six

"I don't know, Anton, try over here," Anastasia said.  Nick watched as Anton
moved the sculpture for the third time.  It was a marble sculpture of an angel
that Anton had given them for a wedding present.  Nick was impressed.  It was
an exceptional work of art, and Anton had taken considerable time to make it
for two people he didn't know.  

Nick had taken to the elder vampire immediately.  Anton looked totally
average.  He was about three inches shorter than Nick, with short light brown
hair, and dark brown eyes.  He was good-looking, but in a normal way--not the
model-like perfection of Anastasia and Alejandro.  Even Lacroix liked him. 
Nick supposed the fact he shared an opinion with his maker meant something,
but he wasn't sure what.  Perhaps it was best not to know.

Nick watched Nat give Marguerite a pleading look.  Marguerite gave the
barest of nods and said, "Okay, that's it!  Anton, I think where you had it the
first time was perfect."  Secretly relieved, Anton placed it on the pedestal in the
corner.  He had thought it looked best here too.  Not that he would say so out
loud; he knew better than to take sides when there was an argument.  He
retreated to the kitchen area, where Lacroix and Kayla were talking quietly,
and poured himself a drink.  

Anastasia had started to bicker with Marguerite the instant Anton had turned
his back.  Normally, Marguerite would smile, nod, and do as she pleased the
moment Anastasia walked away.  But Marguerite had obviously reached her
limit of patience.  They were starting to get loud and they had switched to
Russian, presumably so Natalie wouldn't understand, because everyone else in
the room did.  Alejandro finally wised up and stepped back.

Anton could sense Kayla's ire growing.  He turned to see her glaring at her
daughters; they were ignoring her.  Lacroix seemed fascinated; it was the first
real argument he had witnessed between Kayla's children.  Anton missed
Anastasia's remark, but Marguerite had clearly been pushed past her limit.  She
bared her fangs and hissed.  

Kayla was immediately on her feet as she yelled, "Marguerite Klaasje Malin,
that is enough!"

Without turning, Marguerite replied, "Sorry, Maman."

Kayla appeared next to them.  "Anastasia, you will apologize for purposely
baiting your sister."

Not too happy about being treated like a child in front of an audience,
Anastasia said sullenly, "I apologize, Marguerite."

Knowing that Marguerite was not going to acknowledge the apology,
Alejandro said, "Could we go home now?  I've been lugging heavy objects
around for weeks, and now that it's over, I just want to relax."

"I agree," Anton chimed in, "I did not come all this was to do manual labor. 
Besides, the wedding is tomorrow, and I think we could all benefit from some
rest."

Kayla looked questioningly at Marguerite, who said, "I have something I want
to give to Uncle Nick first.  We'll be home soon."  Kayla nodded, and urged
the rest of the family to make their good-byes.  Soon Marguerite and Lacroix
were alone with Nick and Natalie.

Marguerite went to retrieve a box from among her things.  When she walked
back to the couch, she found her uncle looking at her strangely.  Nat elbowed
him and said, "Oh, come on, Nick.  Even I saw that coming."

Nick shook his head in disbelief.  "You hissed at your sister."

Marguerite smiled.  "It shut her up, didn't it?"

Nick said, "I think she would've went for you if Kayla hadn't intervened."

Her smile turned malevolent.  "She could've tried, but I doubt she would have
humiliated herself in front of everyone."

Lacroix commented, "Implying you've taken her on before and won?  I'm
impressed, my dear."

Marguerite turned her gaze toward the chair in which Lacroix was sitting.  "I'm
sure you would have appreciated a cat fight, Lucien, but it was my intent to
warn her off this time.  Usually I just ignore her, but I reached my limit today."

Wanting to get home and test some of her other limits, Lacroix gestured to the
package in Marguerite's hands and prompted, "The box, Marguerite."

She handed the antique container to her uncle, and sat down on the other chair. 
Nick recognized it immediately; it held the signet bearing his family's crest. 
Turning it over in his hands, he asked, "Where did you find this?"

"Find it?  Father gave it to me before he died.  He wanted you to have it.  He
said it was rightfully yours."

Nick said, "Andre gave it to you?  But he died *after* you disappeared."

She replied, "I couldn't let him think I was dead.  Well, relatively speaking."

Natalie leaned forward and asked curiously, "And what was his reaction?"

Marguerite looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, "I don't think
there are words to describe how upset he was.  At first he wouldn't have
anything to do with me, and that almost hurt me more than the fact that I
would never see my children again."

"Why did you do it, Marguerite?  You knew how he felt about me," Nick said
softly.

Unshed tears glistened in her eyes as she answered, "You of all people should
understand my need to see my father one last time, Nicolas.  And you know
how he was after we lost my mother and baby sister in childbirth.--I was his
precious baby girl...and then I became a cold-blooded killer.  The thought was
unbearable to him."

Marguerite could sense Lacroix's compassion for her, and it soothed her
somewhat.  She wondered if her uncle could sense it as well, for this was
surely a rare emotion for his maker.  While Nick was absorbing Marguerite's
words, Nat said, "You said he wouldn't talk to you at first, Maggie.  I take it
that means you went back."

Marguerite nodded emphatically.  "I didn't think I could bear it if he went to his
grave heartbroken.  I went to see him every chance I could."

"And did he change his mind?" Nat asked.

Marguerite replied, "I don't think he would have if it wasn't for Michiel.  He
was the youngest of my brothers--only a year older than me.  We were
inseparable as children.  Michiel kept telling Father that I hadn't changed as
much as he thought I did."

"I bet you didn't," Nick said, "I can't see you torturing innocent souls."

"I haven't changed all that much, I guess," Marguerite said reflectively, "I killed
so that I could live, but I tried to make it as painless as possible for my
victims...most of the time...although that doesn't mean I never enjoyed the
kill.--I hadn't meant for Michiel to find out, but he walked in on Father and I
arguing."

Nick asked, "What did he do?"

She answered, "He didn't believe it at first, so I had to show him.  He would
have never understood why I had to leave my family otherwise.  He didn't treat
me any differently.  Eventually my father came to think that way too."

Marguerite gestured to the signet as she continued, "Father gave that to me on
his deathbed.  He told me to tell you that even though it was probably too late,
he was sorry."

Nick quickly glanced at Lacroix.  Andre was one of the topics they had
resolved over the last few months.  Now, after what Marguerite had told him,
Nick felt some peace.  His nephew had finally come to accept what he was. 
Nick wished he had known before Andre died.  After Marguerite had
disappeared, Nick had never gone back, not even to see her children.  He said,
"Thank you, Daisy.  This means so much to me."

She smiled.  "You're welcome.  I know just how you feel.  I'm just sorry it
took so long to find it.  It was in storage in our villa in Tuscany."

He replied, "Don't tell me; I can guess who helped you store it."

Marguerite got up and helped herself to something to drink.  When she
returned to her seat, Natalie asked curiously, "Maggie, how old were you when
your mother died?"

Marguerite answered pensively, "I was about three and a half.  I barely
remember her.  After she died, my father was devastated; he never remarried.  I
guess you could say Kayla was the only mother I've ever known."  She paused
to sip at her drink before adding, "I was named for my mother."

"And I thought you were named for Fleur," Nick said lightly.

"I was named for my grandmother, mother and *you*," she retorted, "My
mother's name was Malin.--Marguerite Klaasje Malin.  I was told that since
Father was so unbending about a flower name, my mother got to pick my
middle name.  She decided to name me for her husband's long-lost oncle
Nicolas.  Father tacked on Malin just to balance it out."

"That reminds me, Marguerite," Nat interjected, "You promised to tell me
about Kayla tonight."

"Mmm."  Nat had caught Marguerite with her mouth full.  "I had almost
forgotten; that was before they all came barging in here."  She paused to look
at Lacroix.  He wore his usual impassive expression, and he had remained quiet
after his reminder about the gift.  But she knew better.  He was interested in all
these 'revelations', but at the same time he wanted to take her home.

She decided to tease him a little longer, and turned her attention back to
Natalie.  She asked, "What did you want to know?"

Nat answered excitedly, "Only everything.  What is that language that she and
Anton speak?  How old is she?  Why was she following Marcus when he
attacked you?  And..." 

Marguerite held up a hand to silence her friend.  "We only have a few hours
until dawn, Nat," Marguerite joked.  "I think I'll have to summarize it for you."

Marguerite collected her thoughts while she drained her glass and placed it on
the coffee table.  She decided to start with a question.  "How old do you think
she is?"

Nat answered right away; she had already tried to figure this one out.  "I'm not
sure.  Older than Lacroix, obviously, but I'm not sure by how much."

"She was born in Etruria some time in the sixth century BC," Marguerite
replied, "Her name was Caelia, and she was 18 when Qa'Ra became fascinated
with her.  He told her he had never seen anyone so innocent...so pure...so
beautiful.  It was the reason he took her...he wanted to twist her perfection. 
But the results weren't exactly as he planned.  She rebelled constantly, and ran
away several times.  The first time was when she went back for Anton."

"Were they married as mortals?"  Lacroix asked.

Marguerite shook her head slightly as she answered, "I'm pretty sure they
weren't.  There are some things that they will not discuss with us.  After Divia
was brought across, Kayla left her master for good.  He let her go, because he
had a new diversion.  Despite their separation, Kayla still felt his death quite
keenly.  She wanted vengeance, so she sought Divia out."

"But Divia was already dead," Lacroix surmised.

Marguerite said, "She felt indebted to you, so when she heard that Marcus was
looking for revenge, she decided to return the favor."

"Oh, she more than returned the favor," he murmured, "I'll have to remember
to thank her."  He smiled seductively at Marguerite over his wineglass.

She stood and started to clean up.  "Well, it's getting late.  I think we should
call it a night."  She called over her shoulder as she made her way to the sink,
"Are you ready to go, Nat?"  

Natalie got up and called back, "Yeah, just let me get my stuff."

Nick jumped up and asked apprehensively, "Are you sure this is necessary,
Daisy?"

"Oh, Uncle Nick, give it up.  You're only going to be alone for one night."

Marguerite met Natalie halfway and looked toward her uncle.  "If you'll be
lonely, I'm sure Lucien would stay..." she teased.  

"I think I can manage, Marguerite," Nick retorted.

Lacroix appeared next to Marguerite.  He took Natalie's overnight bag in one
hand and Marguerite's arm in the other.  "No offense intended, Nicholas, but I
think I'd rather escort these two beautiful women home."

He began to propel Marguerite toward the elevator.  "Marguerite and I will
wait downstairs while you say your good-byes.  Good night, Nicholas."

Marguerite called over her shoulder, "I'll see you tomorrow, Nicolas."  Nick
watched his laughing niece coax a smile from Lacroix as the door to the lift
closed.

Natalie came over to Nick and put her arms around him.  "Well, he's certainly
mellowed," she observed.

"A little," Nick admitted, "but I don't know if he's just distracted, or he's really
changing."  He drew Nat into his arms.

"Time will tell...and we seem to have plenty of *that*," Nat teased.  "Except
for right now...Lacroix seems to be in a rush to get home."

Nick kissed her soundly, and gave her his most charming, boyish smile.  "I'm
gonna miss you, Nat.  Are you sure I can't change your mind?"  

Nat smiled back.  "I'm sure.  You can show me just how much you missed me
tomorrow."  She drew his head towards hers and gave him a lingering,
passionate kiss.  When they finally broke apart, Nat said, "I gotta go. 
Marguerite's calling me."

Nick sighed, "I know; I can't wait until tomorrow."

He kissed her again.  Nat was tempted, but Marguerite's voice sounded in her
head again.  It was time to go.  Reluctantly, she tore her lips from his.  "Kayla's
starting to wonder where we are.  I'll see you tomorrow."  Nat got into the lift.

Before the door closed, Nick said, "I love you, Nat."  Natalie managed to
return the sentiment before the door closed.

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

Kayla watched the festivities from Lacroix's broadcast booth.  The wedding
had been beautiful.  The moonlight on the lake was so romantic, and the girls
looked beautiful.  Natalie's gown was cream colored, and she wore the
sapphire jewelry Marguerite had given her.  Her daughter wore a
silvery-lavender gown and the jewelry that Anton had given her.  Kayla had
helped Anastasia put both Natalie and Marguerite's hair up in complicated
styles.  

Her thoughts were interrupted when Anton came up behind her and put his
arms around her waist.  He laid several kisses on her neck and ear.  He
whispered, "Tonight is going rather well, don't you think?"

Kayla leaned back against him.  "Mmm.  They are behaving themselves.  It was
a beautiful wedding."

They stood in silence for a few minutes.  Kayla watched Alejandro charm
Natalie's friend, Grace, and Anastasia was snuggling up to Nicholas' partner. 
Hopefully, Natalie would keep her groom's eyes from straying away from her
right now.  Her eyes came to rest on Marguerite, who was slow-dancing with
Lucius.  Anton knew what Kayla was thinking.  He said, "I'm going to miss
her, you know.  It won't be the same now."

Kayla glanced up at him before replying, "I've spent the past 700 years
watching over her, Anton.  I don't know what I'm going to do without her."

Anton suggested, "We could move here for awhile."

Kayla snorted, "I'm sure Marguerite would appreciate that.  You know
Anastasia and Alejandro come with that package.  I don't think Lucius will
stand for much more of them.  Besides, I think all of us together make Natalie
nervous.  She's not used to all of this yet."

"So what will you do with your new-found freedom?"

She turned into his embrace and kissed him.  It had been so long since they had
been alone together, and she missed him.  When the kiss was over, she said, "I
think I'll hang around here for a few weeks, and then I'd like to look into that
rumor of a cure we heard about."

"Kayla," Anton exclaimed, "that was over 1,000 years ago!"

Kayla countered, "And?  We're both almost triple that.  Besides, at the time, I
had no interest in the subject."

He smiled.  "And now you do?  You know, my love, you really are quite a
mother hen.  But I think Nicholas and Natalie will greatly appreciate it. 
Although I'm not quite sure how happy Lucius is likely to be."

"Providing I actually find the scrolls *and* they actually work, I'm sure Lucius
won't be at all pleased.  But he has Marguerite to console him, and if he's smart
he will be content with that."

Anton leaned down and kissed her.  He whispered, "I'd like to go with you, my
love.  Do you want me?"

Kayla smiled.  "Always."
	
Kayla was distracted by the commotion going on outside.  She couldn't hear it
through the soundproof walls, but she could sense it.  She turned to find
Natalie was getting ready to throw the bouquet.  Someone--possibly Grace,
but more likely Myra Schanke--had pushed her daughters into the group of
single women.  Kayla could feel Anton's amusement.  "Shouldn't you be out
there with all the other single young women?"

She elbowed him none-too-gently in the ribs.  "Hush!  I'm sure Myra Schanke
is going crazy looking for me.  She spent a good portion of the evening trying
to find a nice police officer to set me up with."

Anton chuckled.  "Nicholas told me she loves to play matchmaker.  Did she
find anyone for you?"

"She finally came to the conclusion that *you* would make a suitable match
for me," Kayla replied in an amused voice.

He murmured, "Smart woman."  He rested his chin on top of Kayla's head as
they watched Nick turn Natalie to face away from the crowd.  Natalie made a
production out of getting ready to throw her bouquet, and then finally let it go.

It sailed directly into Marguerite's hands.  Kayla could sense her daughter's
chagrin.  Anton joked, "That was hardly fair; Natalie cheated."

Kayla smiled knowingly.  "I think Natalie is having some fun at Lucius'
expense.  My, she's growing bold."

"Sometimes I almost feel sorry for him," Anton commented, "He really had no
clue of what he was getting into, did he?"

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

Not long after, Nick was pacing in Lacroix's office.  "Nicholas, would you
please sit down?  Pacing isn't going to make Natalie get ready any
faster...though I doubt she is taking her time.  Why are you so nervous
anyway?"

Nick stopped and faced Lacroix.  "Have you forgotten what happened the last
time I got married?"

Lacroix placed his glass down.  "Oh, come now, Nicholas.  In case you haven't
noticed, Natalie is not mortal.  And it's not like this will be your first night
together.  Frankly, I don't see the problem."

Nick resumed his pacing.  "I can't help it, Lacroix."

Lacroix quickly lost his patience.  "Nicholas.  Sit.  Now."  Nick sat down
reluctantly.  Lacroix rose from his chair and brought his son a drink.  "Drink
this and relax."

"Is that an order?" Nick asked.

"It's a strong suggestion.  You're only going to make your bride nervous,
Nicholas."

The office door opened and Marguerite slipped inside.  She whispered in
annoyance, "What's going on in here?  And don't say 'nothing', because I know
better."

Nick asked, "Where's Nat?"

She walked over to sit on the desk, and picked up Lacroix's glass.  "Anastasia
is brushing her hair out.  Natalie's getting all jittery, Uncle Nick.  What's wrong
with you?"  She sniffed delicately at the glass before taking a drink.

Lacroix smiled at her wickedly.  "It seems that Nicholas is nervous about his
wedding night."

Marguerite gulped down the liquid in her mouth.  "You're kidding me! 
Nicolas, you've been living with Natalie for how many months now?  This isn't
anything new."  Nick just looked at her helplessly.  Marguerite looked at
Lacroix questioningly and then turned her gaze back to her uncle.  "Oh no,
Uncle Nick, don't even try to say this has anything to do with Alyssa."  Her
gaze turned speculative as she continued, "I think it's finally sunk in that you've
just pledged to spend eternity with one woman.  And, unlike Natalie, you're
aware of just how long that is."

Lacroix was clearly enjoying this.  He might have vowed not to interfere with
his son's life anymore, but he had never promised not to needle Nicholas when
the situation presented itself.  Marguerite couldn't think of any words to
comfort her uncle.  She couldn't comprehend why the two of them chose to be
so insecure about their feelings for one another, when it should be obvious
through their blood-link.  Nat was new to this, so at least she had an excuse.

The door opened and Natalie stepped into the room.  She looked so
completely calm and sure of herself that Nick relaxed immediately.  Marguerite
handed Lacroix his glass and hopped off the desk to go embrace her friend. 
When they separated, Nat said, "Anastasia told me she's leaving with Sasha
next week, Nick.  She wants us to say good-bye before we leave."

Marguerite took Lacroix's hand and looked up at him, her eyes twinkling with
mischief.  "Well, I'd like to get out of this dress.  Do you think you can help me
with the zipper, Lucien?"

He smiled.  "Of course, my dear.  I am ever in your service."  He brought her
hand to his mouth and she licked her lips in anticipation.

She turned to Nick and Natalie.  "Don't look around the club for Anastasia and
Sasha; they'll be decorating your bedroom at the loft."

Nick stood up and yelped, "What?"

Marguerite said, "Don't worry, I'm sure Kayla and Anton will keep an eye on
them...for awhile anyway."

Lacroix cut in smoothly, "Well, Nicholas, I'm sure this means you'll want to get
going.  After all, the two of you do have an early flight tomorrow, if I'm not
mistaken.  If you'll excuse us?  Enjoy your honeymoon."

Nick nodded.  "Good night, Lacroix...and thank you."

Lacroix inclined his head in recognition.  He let go of Marguerite's hand in
order to give Natalie an affectionate squeeze on her shoulder while he placed a
kiss on her forehead.  He murmured, "Enjoy yourself, Natalie, my dear."

After Marguerite exchanged good-byes with Nick and Natalie, she left the
room with Lacroix.  Alone at last, Natalie smacked Nick's arm playfully. 
"What was wrong with you, anyway?  You were a bundle of nerves all night."

Nick ran a hand through his wavy blond hair.  "Sorry, Nat.  Being the center of
attention always makes me nervous.  Then while you were getting changed, I
started to think about Alyssa."

Natalie knew all about the first time Nick had gotten married.  Frankly, she
couldn't understand his problem.  "Look, Nick, you can't kill me, or had you
forgotten?"

Nick nodded.  "I know, but maybe Marguerite was right.  Forever is a long
time, Nat.  Are you sure you want to be stuck with me that long?"

She smiled at him as she put her arms around his neck.  "As sure as I've been
about anything in my life, Nick.  I would've been willing to spend the rest of
my mortal life with you, and I don't see any difference now."  Nat put her
fingers against Nick's lips to keep him from interrupting as she continued, "I
love you, Nick.  I can't see spending my life with anyone but you."

Nat drew his head down for a long, passionate kiss.  When it was over, Nick
said, "I love you too, Nat."  He lifted her up into his arms.  "Let's go home and
see what they've done to the loft.  It can't be worse than what the department
did to the Caddy."

Natalie kissed him again.  "Take me home, Nick."

Nick drove back to the loft in record time.  When they got upstairs, they found
Alejandro and Anastasia lounging on the couch.  Anastasia got up off the
couch and stretched.  "It's about time you two got home.  I would have
thought you'd be in a rush to get your bride home, Nicolai.  We would have
left, but we wanted to say good-bye.  We won't be here when you return from
your honeymoon."

Alejandro rose and approached the group.  "Kayla has found an errand for us
to run, but I think it's just a pretext to get us out of Toronto.  She thinks we
need to give Marguerite some space."

Anastasia smiled knowingly.  "I think Lacroix will be the happiest...but we'll be
back by December.  My sister loves to celebrate Christmas."  

"Thanks for the warning," Nat joked.  "I think I'll need to start shopping early
this year."

"Isn't the sun rising in a few hours," Nick hinted, "Maybe you should head back
to the townhouse."

Alejandro said, "Lo siento.  Once again we are overstaying our welcome."  He
turned to Anastasia.  "Let's say our good-byes and go, Tasya."

The pair said farewell and was gone quickly.  Once they were alone, Nick took
Natalie into his arms and carried her up the stairs.  Nat took the opportunity to
start unbuttoning his shirt, and began to nuzzle his neck.  Nick stopped dead in
the doorway of the bedroom.  "Nick, what's..." Nat lifted her head to peer into
the room.  "Oh, my God!"

The End.