This is the first Round Robin was originally posted to the FK Vals list.
Standard disclaimers apply.

Part Two

LaCroix unlocked the door to his apartment and, with an arm wrapped lightly around her waist to guide her, ushered Natalie inside. While she had sobered up considerably on their flight here, she was still a little tipsy; walking on high heels presented a challenge for her.

Natalie was overwhelmed by recent events. One moment she was on the floor in Janette's office, and the next she was flying through the night air in LaCroix's arms. She was confused and a little afraid. What did LaCroix mean, he was going to do what Nick wasn't brave enough to do? Was he offering to bring her across? And did she want the Ancient as her master?

She couldn't think about this now; it was too hard to concentrate. She allowed LaCroix to lead her further into the apartment, into his bedroom. Nat felt mildly alarmed, but if he had intended to hurt her, he surely would have done so by now.

He sat her down on the edge of the bed and disappeared from her view for a few minutes. The last few days were finally catching up with her, and she felt her eyes drifting shut. LaCroix returned, carrying a pair of his black silk pajamas and a robe. Gently, Gently, he helped Nat to ease out of her clothing and into the sleepwear, with little help from the practically unconscious coroner.

She was snoring lightly by the time he'd pulled the covers over her. He smirked to himself; she would probably deny having ever snored in her sleep if confronted with it. He sat on the edge of the bed for a few minutes longer, mesmerized by the sound of her slowed heart beat and the slight flush on her cheeks. He brushed the curls away from her face.

She certainly was beautiful. Her beauty, coupled with her courage and determination, was reason enough to make her one of them. Nicholas had been right when he'd said that she would better their kind's reputation.

LaCroix stood up. Speaking of his son, he could sense a swirl of emotions emanating from him. He concentrated on Nicholas as he went into the living room to get himself something to drink. There was relief; the asteroid was not going to collide with them after all. A purposeful miscalculation by a greedy mortal. He was also worried about Natalie. Janette had finally discovered that the coroner was missing and had reported the absence to Nicholas.

He smiled widely; let his son worry. If he had shown some proper concern from the start of this mess, Natalie wouldn't have been looking for trouble at the Raven in the first place. A woman such as Natalie deserved to be treated much better. And that gave him an idea...

+++++

Nick was nearly frantic. Where could Natalie be? The first place he had checked was Nat's apartment, but she wasn't there. He'd taken to the air in an effort to find Spark. He'd all but given up hope when he heard a woman's cries for help.

He knew it wasn't Natalie, but he had to help her. He grew closer, and relief coursed through him as he saw that he'd found Spark. He came at Spark in full vampire mode, eyes glowing blood red and fangs extended. He landed on top of the younger vampire and they tumbled to the ground. The young woman ran off screaming, but it didn't matter, the area was deserted.

Spark tried to fight back, but Nick was enraged. Natalie was missing, and time was running out for him to find her tonight. If she'd met up with another vampire, it might already be too late. He slammed Spark up against a brick wall and growled, "Where is she?"

"I don't know who you're talking about," Spark rasped.

"The lady that you were dancing with this evening at the Raven." Nick resisted the urge to put his opponent's head through the wall. "Where is she?"

"I have no idea. Janette told me to stay away from her, and I did."

But Nick was beyond all reason. He snarled, "I wish I could believe you." Savagely thrusting Spark's head to one side, Nick sank his fangs into the young vampire's neck, who struggled in vain.

But there was no fighting Nick's rage; the emotions that had been raging within him since this all began had risen to the surface. And even though he learned that Spark had been telling the truth when it came to Natalie, he continued to drink. When he was finally finished, he let the limp form slump to the ground. It was almost dawn, and he took to the air.

He returned to the loft, not feeling any better. He headed to the fridge and pulled out a bottle. He spit the cork out and chugged the contents. He threw the bottle across the room, disgusted with himself and the world around him.

He went back into the refrigerator and pulled out his reserve of human blood that he kept for 'emergencies'. This, surely, must constitute as an emergency. Bags in hand, Nick headed to the couch. He planned to drown his sorrows until the sun set.

End Part Two