Subj: DKFIC - Storm Warning - 1/1
Date: 97-02-13 17:08:44 EST
This is fourth in the "Storm" series - you may want to read the others first, if
you haven't done so already. Standard disclaimers apply - the character of Morgaine,
however, does belong to me, so ask before you use her.
Storm Warning 1/1
Amber Murray copyright 1997
It was absurdly easy for one of his talents to break into Natalie Lambert's apartment. He
didn't even need to damage the window lock. He merely hypnotized the building
superintendent into letting him inside. He settled himself in a corner of the sofa, facing
the door.
An insistent warmth brushed against his ankles. Amused, Lacroix allowed the feline to
climb into his lap and stroked the silky fur. He had always fancied cats; discriminating
creatures, all. So much more so than dogs.
The scrape of a key in a lock caught his ear, and he looked expectantly toward the
entrance. Natalie walked in, and, not seeing him at first, hurled her bag and keys to the
side table. The violent motion upset the picture arrangement that rested there.
"You really should be more careful, Dr. Lambert. It would be a shame to damage such -
charming- surroundings."
Natalie froze in the process of righting the frames, turning slowly to face him. He could
hear the sudden thunder of her heartbeat. This night might be more fun than he had
anticipated.
An hour later, Nick knocked tentatively at the door to Natalie's apartment. She opened it
quickly, smiling at seeing him there.
"Hey - come on in," she chirped, moving aside so he could enter. He did so,
slowly, searching her face for any sign on distress. He found none.
"Thanks for coming over," she began, waving him into a chair. "I've got
some things to say that you may not want to hear." When he did not respond, she
continued.
"Nick, we've been working on bringing you across for six years now. Can you honestly
say we're any closer than we were at the beginning?"
"No, I can't. I mean, there have been a few changes, but - no, we're really no
closer."
Nat sighed. "Every doctor needs to know when to call it, Nick. I'm calling it now. If
there is a cure, I'm not the one to find it." She scooted to the edge of her seat,
and took his hand. "I'm sorry."
Nick squeezed her hand, the old camaraderie that had long since foundered surfacing again.
"It's ok, Nat, truly. This is for the best. Now that I know - well, I'll have to
learn to come to grips with the Beast now. I'll have to learn to live with it." He
raised her hand to his lips. "Friends?"
"Natalie smiled brilliantly. "Always, Nick. The best of."
He took his leave of her at the door, kissing her on the forehead. He felt a twinge of
guilt over the methods he had used to gain this ending, but she seemed so happy, so at
peace.
Lacroix watched his son from an alcove across the street, studying as Nick started the
caddy and drove away. He inhaled deeply of the single perfect rose he held, then set out
towards Natalie's building.
This could be most rewarding, indeed.
Nicholas punched the button on his garage door opener, pulling the Cadillac inside. He
took the lift upstairs, pulling off his sunglasses as he opened the door.
A fire blazed in the hearth, its hissing muted by the music that poured from the stereo.
Morgaine rose from her seat on the sofa, a goblet in each hand. She wore a silk gown, a
column of silver flowing over her skin to the floor.
She stopped when she stood close enough for her breath to brush the skin of his neck and
handed him a glass. She had warmed the blood to body temperature.
"I'm glad you're home," she stated simply. "I missed you."
That simple, honest statement shook Nicholas to his core. He had missed her, too...hadn't
been able to stop thinking about her.
"What are we going to do about this, about us?" he asked. He wanted to know,
needed to hear her say the words.
"I'd like us to continue. I'd like to see where these feelings take us," she
whispered.
Words failed him, his voice refusing to rise past his suddenly constricted throat. Pulling
her into his arms, he answered her in the only way he had left.
The blood had long since gone cold by the time he remembered it.
Morgaine stretched sinuously against Nick's body, smooth legs twining with his rougher
ones. She toyed with his chest, and he captured her hand, bringing it to his lips, eyes
still closed.
"Nicholas?" she whispered in his ear.
"M-m-m?"
"We can't spend eternity in this bed."
Nick smiled without opening his eyes, pausing to suck gently on her index finger. He bit
the tip softly.
"You're absolutely right," he agreed, raising his eyelids and rolling over on
top of her. She clasped his hips between her knees. "There's the shower, and the
sofa, and the table..." He slipped into her, pressing deeply enough to make her gasp.
"the staircase, the rooftop..."
"Shut up, Nick," she growled, sinking her teeth into his neck as she clamped her
legs around his waist, cutting off any reply he might have made.
*************
Are you awake now? <g>