Chapter Ten: An Old, But New Direction

 

After Regan’s funeral, Michon got a call from Amasai informing him Bijou was dead. He had Amasai’s men bring his son’s body back after Abrielle had returned. They buried Bijou away from his mother and his elder sister. This was his punishment in death. Abrielle protested. She thought Bijou should be close to his mother since he loved her so, but Michon disagreed. Nikolai just happened to be in the room when the discussion was taking place.

“He betrayed us Abrielle. His place is not one of honor.”

“Michon, it’s not fair! He did not betray me, nor Andre or Patrice! The only one he betrayed was you! You’re punishing him in the afterlife because he betrayed you! Bijou loved his mother! Shouldn’t he be happy too?”

Michon shook his head. “No dear child, he doesn’t deserve to be happy. It’s one thing to betray your king, but to betray those who love you, it is a different matter. Bijou hated Gigi, and rightfully so. Nevertheless, he carried around his hatred for her too long. This caused him to become bitter. He was indeed a loving and caring man, except when it came down to Gigi.

“Because of his hatred for her, he ripped Regan away from her husband of fifteen years. They are young, and so was their love for one another. When I ordered Bijou killed, it was as his king, and not as his father. I miss him, more than you know, Abrielle. Nevertheless, I tolerated all I could. Please forgive me. I know you loved him, but I did what I had to do as his king. Do you understand?”

Abrielle looked at her father-in-law and spoke quietly. “No. You took my love from me, just as he did yours. So should I kill you now?”

Nikolai and Michon watched as she quietly left the room and went upstairs. They looked at each other without words. Nikolai then followed Abrielle up the stairs.

Nikolai caught up with her just as she was about to close the door. “Abrielle, wait.”

She stood in the safety of her room with the door cracked. “What do you want, Nik?”

“I only want to talk.”

“About what? There’s nothing for us to talk about.”

Nikolai smiled. “I would like to talk to you about the love I had for Regan.”

Abrielle looked into his eyes and saw his sincerity. She backed away from the door and allowed him to come in. Nikolai looked around, as he’d never been in Bijou and Abrielle’s room before.

“This is much nicer than the guest room.”

“Bijou told me his mother decorated the entire house. Camille designed this room according to Bijou’s taste. He had wonderful taste, Bijou did.” Abrielle stood still in the middle of the room and hugged herself. Nikolai noticed she had begun to cry again.

Nikolai moved close to her, and hugged her. “Shhh, don’t cry. I know you’re going to miss him, but Michon loves you. He has his own demons to deal with, and he’ll eventually get through it. Just try to understand what he had to do was hard for him, but he did what he did for the coven.”

Abrielle pulled away and looked Nikolai in his eyes. “How do you know so much about what Michon had to do?”

Nikolai managed a half smile. “I myself am the grandson of a king. I attempted to kill my own brother, and my grandfather judged me as if he didn’t know me. He had me flogged in front of our entire coven. I learned later it wasn’t pleasant for him, but he did what he had to do as our leader. Michon is no different.”

“Nik, I’ve known you for quite sometime, but know very little about where you come from. Please tell me.”

Nikolai sat her down on the settee at the foot of her bed, and then looked intently into her eyes. “Abrielle, I’m not like you, Bijou, Michon, or any other vampire you may know. I don’t have memories of a human life, because I was never human. I’ve only known the life of the undead in all of my forty-four years.”

“You weren’t made?”

“No.”

“Regan told us this, Patrice and me, but we didn’t believe her. How?”

“My parents are both half-vampire. It seems I’m a genetic miracle. I am and have been stronger than the average made vampire all my life and never knew it until…until I attempted to kill my brother.”

“Regan said you own the power of seduction.”

“You find that fascinating? Now that I think about it, I find it disgusting. To think of all the things I’ve done in the name of sex.”

“Nik, it’s not your fault you were born the way you were.”

“No, but it is my fault that my baby brother is made to suffer.”

“I don’t understand.”

Nikolai turned his back to Abrielle, and quietly began his tale. He told her a shortened version of when he fell in love with Regan, and over the years how much he began to love her more and more each day. He told her of their love notes and romantic trysts. He spoke of the pain he felt when Regan married his brother despite the way she new he felt about him.

He talked about his brother’s wish to die, how he killed him. Finally he talked about how he stole Regan away and her willingness to follow him anywhere.

“It is how we ended up in America. I thought we would get here and things would be the same. It was not the case. As it turns out, I had to work for everything, but eventually I did it to make her happy.

“Right now, I’m walking around with half of me missing. Therefore, I understand what you’re going through, and understand your pain.”

Listening to Nikolai’s story, Abrielle was compelled to hug him. Nikolai’s back was still to her because he didn’t want her to see him crying, though she knew he was. Abrielle walked up behind him and gently wrapped her arms around his waist, and laid her head on his back. “I’m sorry, Nik. When you love someone for as long as you loved Regan, I can understand when you say, half of you is gone. Bijou and I didn’t have the luxury of loving each other for so long.”

Nikolai pulled away from Abrielle, and turned to face her. “That isn’t the point. The point is you did love him, no matter how long it was. The two of you were happy together.” Nikolai stared into Abrielle’s tear soaked eyes. “Are those tears for Bijou?”

Abrielle shook her head. “No, they are tears of sadness and remembrance for you.”

Nikolai smiled, and tightly hugged Abrielle. “Thank you, Abrielle.”

Nikolai kissed her on the cheek. As he looked into her beautiful hazel eyes, Abrielle took one of her fingers, and gently wiped away the last tear from his face. Nikolai hesitated, but slowly started moving his lips towards hers. Abrielle returned his gaze as she waited for his gentle kiss.

Nikolai gave her a chaste kiss, and she didn’t recoil. He kissed her gently again, and looked at how beautiful Abrielle really was. He pulled her close to him and kissed her passionately. Abrielle wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss deeply.

Soon Nikolai was lost in her kiss. He turned his powers up slightly, and Abrielle’s kiss became a little more ferocious. With his eyes closed, he could see his beautiful Regan in his mind, and it was her, that he was kissing. It didn’t take long before Abrielle moaned softly when Nikolai realized what he was doing. He abruptly broke the embrace.

“No, we can’t do this, it’s too soon. I’m sorry, Abrielle,” Nikolai said, quickly walking out of the room. He hurried down the stairs and went into the parlor. Michon was sitting in his favorite chair deep in thought, thinking about his oldest son. When Nikolai walked into the room, Michon looked up. “What’s the matter, Nik? Is Abrielle okay now?”

Nikolai looked at Michon as if he’d seen a ghost. “I have to go. I just wanted to say goodbye.”

“You don’t look good son, what happened?”

Nikolai looked his king in the eyes. “I just kissed Abrielle.”

Michon stood and looked at Nikolai as a father would look at a loving son. “There’s nothing wrong with that Nik, she’s a very beautiful woman.”

“It’s wrong on so many levels Michon, you just don’t understand.”

“Why is it wrong for a man to kiss a beautiful woman?”

“Before Bijou attempted to sabotage my relationship with Regan, he was my best friend. You are like a father to me, which would make Abrielle like my sister. It’s wrong for a man to kiss his sister. Not to mention my wife died less than two weeks ago. I have to allow time for me to grieve. Just now, I felt like I was cheating on her again. Contrary to popular belief, I never enjoyed cheating on Regan, and I didn’t cheat until the rumors started flying about her. I can’t be with Abrielle, because it’s just not right.”

“Perhaps things happen for a reason, Nikolai.”

“If you’re saying Abrielle and I could be meant for each other, it’s too soon to tell.”

“Nik, don’t go through what I did. After Camille died, it was a very long and lonely fifty years. When I allowed myself to hold a woman again, I was free. Don’t let the memory of Regan tie you down. She would want you to be happy after her death. Had I realized that, I would’ve allowed myself to be with a woman on occasion. I’m not saying you should commit to Abrielle, but right now, the both of you are going through the same thing. Spend time with her. Be her friend. I think you’ll both find some comfort in this.”

“I’ll not betray Regan’s memory, Michon.”

“I’m not asking you to. What I’m saying is you and Abrielle have something in common right now. You need each other to heal. When you do, then you can decide if she’s the one for you. In the meantime, I’d still like for you to stay.”

Nikolai looked Michon in the eyes and knew he was right, but he wasn’t going to commit to something he wasn’t ready for. “I’m going home, Michon.”

“As you wish. Goodnight, Nik.”

“Goodnight.”

Moments later, Abrielle came to the parlor with tears in her eyes. Michon looked at her and understood what she was thinking. He reached for his daughter-in-law. “I’m sorry, Abrielle.”

Abrielle allowed Michon to hug her. “No, Michon, it’s all right. My grief is nothing compared to Nikolai’s. Eventually, I’ll be fine. He on the other hand, never will be. He told me how they met and how they were secret lovers. The sound of his voice when he talked about her. You should’ve heard it. It was… well for lack of a better word, passionate.”

“Knowing that, you know he’ll never truly love you. Even if you do end up together, he will always love her more, and you won’t be able to change that no matter how hard you try.”

The look on Abrielle’s face was pure confusion. “Michon, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Nik and I are friends, and I only wish to help him in his grief.”

Michon tilted his head to the left. “What of your grief child? Have you already forgotten about my beloved son?”

“No, but my pain is nothing compared to Nik’s. He loved Regan for twenty-three years. That’s a lot of love to lose all of a sudden.”

Michon smiled. “Guard your heart, Abrielle. Nikolai may eventually care about you, but he’ll leave at a moment’s notice. I don’t wish to mop you up from the floor.”

 

Over the next three years, Nikolai allowed Abrielle into his heart, though he never forgot Regan. Abrielle knew she was second to Regan, but being close to Nikolai made her feel good.

It was the spring of 1943. Nikolai had been gone from England for twenty years. Humans were at war, and the vampires that lived amongst them, at peace.

Nikolai often thought of his family overseas. With them being in the midst of the war, he wondered of their welfare. What was going on? It had not been since Regan’s death that he thought about his family so intently.

Nikolai and Abrielle had become closer than friends by this point, yet Nikolai had not touched her romantically. He realized he’d made a mistake only weeks after his beloved Regan died, and didn’t want to make that mistake again. Abrielle longed to be with him, but didn’t push it.

By this time, Abrielle had moved in with Nikolai as a roommate. She had the run of his house as his wife, but she wasn’t so. Nikolai made sure the servants showed her the same respect they showed Regan, after all he cared about Abrielle’s welfare and comfort too.

 

Nikolai had been out on a long fishing trip, and came home to find Abrielle sitting in the living room waiting on him. Abrielle was never in the living room when he came home. When he walked in the door, he was surprised to see her there.

“Hey,” he said, giving her a friendly kiss on the cheek.

Abrielle smiled. “Hey Nik. How’s the fishing?”

“Ugghh,” Nikolai groaned dropping his bag on the floor. “I think it’s time for me to retire.”

“Andre will be disappointed. You alone have made him rich.”

Nikolai pushed his hair from his face. “Don’t get me wrong, Abrielle. I love being on the open water. The mist in my hair, the smell of true freedom. I’ll not deny I love it, but I’m tired.”

Abrielle smiled. “So if you retire, what will you do?”

“I think I’ll be like my friend and open a bar close to the water. I’m getting older, and I think I need to settle down.”

“Older?” Abrielle smirked. “You have yet to reach one hundred. Once you get to that age, then you can begin to talk about how old you are. For now, you’re still young, and you have no choice but to embrace your youth. I on the other hand will reach a century long before you.”

Nikolai smiled. “Yes, you will, but we’ll still be friends right?”

Over the last three years, Abrielle had come to love Nikolai. She stood up and walked close to her long time friend, intending to tell him how she really felt.

“Nik, tonight I’ll hide my feelings for you no longer. Yes, when our spouses died, we needed each other only as friends. But tonight I’ll no longer sleep in a guest room. Tonight, it’s my wish to join you in your bed. I’ve had a strong affection for you for quite sometime, and I can no longer hold back. I’ve waited for you to show me love, but you haven’t. Please don’t make me suffer another minute.”

“Abrielle, what are you talking about?” Nikolai asked, confused. “We’re friends. Close friends.”

“Closer than you’ll ever admit. You love me and I know you do.”

“As friends, nothing more.”

“How close are we, really?”

“As close as two friends can be.”

“Nik, look at me. Do you look at me like one of your fishing buddies, or am I something more?”

Nikolai looked at the beautiful woman before him. She’d been with him through the hard times, and regardless of what happened in their lives, she was always there for him when he needed her. “Abrielle, I’m grateful for all you’ve done, but I can’t possibly love you.”

“Nik, you already love me. I know it, and so do you. All you have to do is admit it.”

Nikolai turned away from her. “I’ve come to think of you as my older sister.”

“That’s a lie. You love me as a woman. One who has gone out of her way to care for you like no other since Regan died. Nik, please don’t turn me away. I’ll understand if you do, but that’s not what either of us wants. You desire me, as I do you. I realize you’ll never love me as you did Regan, but don’t deny yourself one of life’s pleasures. Be with me, please.”

Nikolai turned and stared at Abrielle, and said nothing. He did feel something for her, but chose to deny it because of Regan’s memory. Abrielle stood waiting on his reply. He moved even closer to her and wanted her with all he had. He placed his forehead on hers. “Abrielle, you’re right. I do care for you, but the answer is no.”

“I understand,” she said, her heart broke into a million pieces. “However, I’ll not let you be lonely.”

Nikolai smiled. “How are you going to change that?”

Abrielle smiled back. “I’ll find you a girlfriend. Someone who’ll be almost as good to you as Regan. If we don’t find you someone soon, you’re going to turn into Michon.”

Nikolai chuckled. “I’ll never be like Michon.”

“You’re already on your way. It’s been three years since you’ve been with anyone. Before you know it, it will be fifty years. I’ll not unleash a man who hasn’t had sex in fifty years on anyone.”

Nikolai laughed aloud. “Pour Gigi. I can only imagine how it was between them. Michon probably hurt her.”

Abrielle joined him in laughter. “She was probably begging him to stop, because of it.”

Nikolai suddenly stopped laughing as he thought of Regan’s death. “Gigi deserved everything he gave her.”

Abrielle looked seriously at Nikolai, and responded, “Hey, don’t do this to me. I know you miss her, but you have to move on.” Abrielle quickly changed the subject. “I think I’ll take my own advice and go find myself a new husband tomorrow.”

“You can’t find a new husband. I’ll lose my roommate if you do.”

Abrielle smirked. “Who says I’m moving out? You’ll just have another roommate.”

Nikolai shook his head and managed to smile. “I’m the king of this castle baby. There’s already enough testosterone around here.”

They laughed and talked for at least an hour. Whenever Nikolai would get sad about Regan, Abrielle did all she could do to make him laugh, and he did the same for her. They longed to be together, but Nikolai wouldn’t let it happen. He couldn’t let it happen. Abrielle was like his older sister. She listened to him whenever he wanted to talk. She gave him hugs when he needed them. When he came home from a long trip and needed to feed, she went with him. They skillfully ravaged the town as a team, and Nikolai enjoyed it.

Abrielle turned up her nose. “Hey, you need to take a shower. You smell like the pier.”

“You’re right.”

“When is your next trip?”

“Two days.”

“Have you fed yet?”

“I did before I came home. I can go with you if you’re hungry.” Nikolai offered.

“That’s all right. I’m not that hungry. Well, I think I’ll go to my room. I’m reading this great book.”

“Really? What’s it about?”

Abrielle smiled. “It’s a romance,” she said, going up the stairs.

Nikolai watched her as she sashayed up the stairs. He felt a familiar stirring in his groin as her butt swayed back and forth with each step. Nikolai talked himself out of going up to her room after her. He went to his room and closed the door. He undressed, and got into the shower.

As he was washing the smell of fish from his body, a familiar voice came into his head as it often did after Regan died. It was the voice of his mother.

“Baby, if you care for her, tell her. Don’t let her walk around pining for you. You’re torturing that poor woman.”

“I can’t mother. I don’t know if I’m going to stay here. If I leave, she’ll be heartbroken, and I won’t have that.”

“Nikolai you love her. Not like you loved Regan, but you do love her. Tell her so, Nik. I know you won’t keep her suffering.”

“Mother, I can’t. Now leave me alone.”

Brie’s voice left Nikolai’s head, and he continued to shower. As he washed his hair, another voice invaded his mind. This voice was one he hadn’t heard in a very long time. It was the voice of his beloved Regan.

“Nikolai Jaymes Thorn, you are not going to mourn me forever. If you love Abrielle, then you do. You have my permission to love anyone you like. I’m sorry we couldn’t be together forever as we planned, but I’m dead. You can love me for all time, but you can’t mourn me, I don’t want you to. Now get some clothes on and go tell her right now. Oh yes, I almost forgot. Don’t use your powers on her; you know what that does to women. I miss you, beloved.”

Nikolai couldn’t believe it. As many times as he wanted to hear her voice, he never did. Now that he’d heard it, he felt better. He had his dead wife’s permission to move on, and that’s all he ever wanted.

Nikolai got out of the shower, and dried himself off. He pulled on a pair of pants, and walked out of his room shirtless. He walked down the hall to Abrielle’s room and stood in front of the door. He took a deep breath and barged in. Abrielle looked up from her book. “Oh Nik, you scared me.”

Nikolai didn’t say a word. He stepped quickly towards her bed, and pulled her up by one of her arms. Abrielle dropped her book, and gasped loudly as he did this. She had no idea what was going on. When she was on her feet, he pulled her close to him and kissed her. The kiss was not a passionate, I love you kiss, but a deep, ferocious, I want you kiss. Abrielle kissed him back with the same passion. When the kiss was over, Abrielle smiled.

“What changed your mind?”

Nikolai smiled. “Regan did.”

“But how-”

Before she could finish her question, his hot mouth was on hers again. He broke the embrace and slowly started unbuttoning her shirt. Abrielle was surprised.

“Nik, what are you doing?” She asked with a coy smile on her face.

Nikolai smiled. “I’m taking off your shirt.”

“But why?”

“Shhh. No more talk.”

Abrielle looked into Nikolai’s blue eyes as he unbuttoned her shirt. He turned her around and gently unclasped her bra. He turned her to face him, and looked at her seductively, yet didn’t touch her breasts. He began unfastening her pants. He pulled them to her knees. “Sit down,” he said quietly and Abrielle obeyed. Nikolai knelt down, and removed her pants one leg at a time. He smiled. “There. Lay down.” Again, Abrielle was compliant.

Nikolai lay down next to her. “Abrielle, tonight I got permission from my dead wife to love again. You were right. I’ve come to love you so deeply I can hardly stand it. Because of what we’ve both gone through, I wasn’t going to touch you. I have no idea if you’re dealing with the same demons I have been dealing with. Before we do this, I just need you to know, I’ve never in my life loved a woman more than Regan.

“I’m not saying I’ll never love you that way, but for right now, this is how I feel. I’m asking you to do me a favor and not push me. To push me now, it will only force me away from you. Please let me take my time in getting to know you in a way I hadn’t allowed myself before. Do you understand?”

Abrielle quietly responded. “Yes.”

Nikolai smiled. “Relax and allow me to pleasure you in ways Bijou never could.”

Abrielle lay still, and allowed Nikolai to begin his exploration of her body. He looked at her seriously, and began his journey. He gave her several kisses on the lips, one after another. He moved to her ears. In one, he whispered, “Are you ready?” Abrielle nodded, and Nikolai continued. He kissed her on the neck and gently nipped at it. Releasing only a small amount of blood. He didn’t lick it, he only allowed her to bleed. He moved to her breasts and nipped each one.

Nikolai backed off, and moved to her bare feet. He massaged them as he sucked on her toes. Abrielle was in heaven. Nikolai slowly moved to her inner thigh. There he licked and sucked at both. He looked at her sex and watched her juices escape her body and he desired to taste her. Nikolai slowly licked the ambrosia that came from her, as she moaned with pleasure, and he was pleased. He stuck his tongue in her and began to please her. Abrielle began to move her hips as she enjoyed every moment of what he was giving her. He probed, and sucked at her until he himself couldn’t stand it. He stopped and removed his pants. With his now apparent erection free, he could move on with his plan.

Nikolai straddled her body again and kissed her so gently on the lips. “I love you, Abrielle.” Abrielle made a sound as if she was crying. It was endearing to Nikolai. He knew then what she told him earlier that night was the truth. She did love him.

He decided the seduction was over. Time to get down to business. Nikolai bit Abrielle on the neck and tasted her blood. It was appetizing. He moved back to her breasts. He bit, pulled, and sucked until Abrielle cried out in agony. Nikolai didn’t stop. He loved the fact she had large breasts and was going to be satisfied regardless of her vocal objections.

“Nik, make love to me, please. Stop teasing me,” she begged.

Nikolai placed his member at the opening of her sex, and Abrielle moaned. He thrust hard into her. His hips pumped as he increased the pressure and intensity. Abrielle’s excitement was now extremely apparent as she bucked against him. Nikolai was also excited as her body quaked and moved with his.

He had been with hundreds of women in his young vampiric life, yet Abrielle exited him almost as much as Regan did. He was surprised by this and couldn’t hold his passion back any longer.

“Fuck,” he said forcefully. Abrielle pulled at his body waiting for the eruption to happen. Nikolai leaned in and kissed her deeply, groaned in pleasure as he released his passion inside her.

Abrielle pulled his hair, not wanting to let him go. She whispered in his ear as she released her own passion. “Thank you, Nik.”

Nikolai moved slowly in and out of her as the last of his passion escaped his body. Abrielle’s sex groped and grabbed at every bit she could get. When he was finished, he kissed her deeply to let her know he did feel for her. He pulled out of her, and lay next to her. He smiled and stroked her cheek. Abrielle knew it was in him to leave her at a moments notice, yet at that time, she didn’t care.

“Nik, I don’t wish for you to ever leave me, but if you feel you have to, just leave. Don’t explain why. Don’t tell me where you’re going. As long as you’re here, I just want you to give me all of you. I want to feel your every emotion as long as you’re with me.”

“You don’t want me to give you an explanation as to why I may leave you?”

“No. I don’t want to know. If you feel the need to leave, just go, I’ll be fine. I’ll watch over Regan for you. I only want to remember the feelings I have for you now.”

“We can be happy Abrielle, as long as you don’t push me.”

“I know. That’s why I’ve told you what I did. Now, if you don’t mind, make love to me again.”

Nikolai smiled and proceeded to do as she asked.

 

Five years passed. Nikolai and Abrielle were almost inseparable. He loved her, and she loved him. Michon was happy that indirectly he was able to bring two people he cared about together.

Nikolai loved Louisiana, he loved Abrielle, and he loved his job. However, he missed Regan more and more each day. Having her buried in his back yard did nothing to help it.

“Abrielle, come here!” Nikolai yelled from the parlor. He was sitting in his chair contemplating his life. Abrielle followed his voice to the parlor.

“Yes, Nik, what is it?”

“Come, sit on my lap.”

Abrielle smiled, straddled his legs, and sat down. “What is it, love?”

“I know it’s been a long time since Regan died, but I can’t seem to get over her.”

Abrielle’s smile subsided. “I thought you loved me.”

“I do love you, Abrielle, but being so close to her isn’t helping me forget about her.”

Abrielle pulled away from Nikolai’s grasp, stood up, and moved away from him. She turned her back to him. “So you are leaving then. I thought I told you not to tell me when you were going to leave me.”

Nikolai stood up and walked behind her. He dared not touch her, but he spoke softly. “Abrielle, I didn’t say I was leaving.”

Abrielle was angry. She turned around to let him see how upset she was. “But you are leaving, right? That’s what you’re going to tell me. Am I right?”

The hard look in her eyes made Nikolai soften his face as much as he could. “I could never do that to you. I don’t know how you ever expected me to leave like a thief in the night. I’d never leave you and not tell you where I’m going. You’re a part of me now.”

“Yet, you’re going to leave me anyway.”

Nikolai continued to speak softly. “Know that you’re a special part of me. I’m no longer walking around as if half of me is missing, only a small part. I’m having problems with the small part. Know if I left you, I wouldn’t leave you with nothing. I’d leave you the house and everything in it. You’d have most of the money as well.”

Her anger was growing. “Material things, Nik. The material is nothing if you don’t have someone in which to share it. When are you leaving?”

“I thought you didn’t want to know.”

“I may as well prepare for it. When are you leaving?”

Nikolai smiled. “When would you like to?”

Abrielle’s anger dissipated. “I thought-”

Nikolai’s smile got bigger. “You thought I’d leave the one person that’s close to my heart? Never. As a matter of fact, I know you’ve never been outside of Louisiana, I thought we might go to New York.”

Abrielle smiled. “New York City?”

“Yes, New York City. That’s where my life in America began, and I’d like to go back. However, if you don’t want to leave, we can stay here. We’ll have to buy another house, but we can stay if you want.”

Abrielle shook her head. “No, we can go to New York.”

“Are you sure? It’s a long way from here, and different from what you’re used too.”

Abrielle’s smile got larger. “As long as I can be with you, love, I’ll go anywhere.”

Nikolai stroked her cheek. “I thought you’d see it my way.”

Abrielle began going down a laundry list of things that they should do.

“We must tell Michon,” she said as she began to pace the floor.

“He’s going to be disappointed.”

She stopped pacing for a moment and looked at Nikolai. “We have to tell my parents.”

“They’ll also be disappointed.”

“Patrice is going to have a cow,” she said and began pacing again.

“She and Andre can move into the house,” Nikolai said.

“Again disappointing Michon.”

“Babe, we can’t make everyone happy. I can only make you happy if you’ll let me.”

Abrielle stopped, jumped up and down, and said with excitement. “New York!”

“I suppose you’re set on going then?” He asked, pleased that she didn’t reject his idea.

Abrielle was so excited she couldn’t stand it. “When, Nik. When are we going?”

Nikolai smiled and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a diamond ring and showed it to Abrielle, and smiled. Abrielle looked at the ring, and couldn’t believe what she saw. When she looked at Nikolai, her excitement showed all over her face. His smile got even larger. “We can leave after we get married.”

Abrielle began to cry tears of joy. She had waited for him a long time, and was ecstatic. “Nik, you want to marry me?”

“It’s what I said woman. So do you want to or not?”

Abrielle’s smile turned to a grin. “Of course I do. I’ve waited for this very moment for eight years.”

Nikolai tapped her on the forehead with his finger. “No vampire wedding for us. A traditional Coven of Kings wedding will do just fine. I rather like the intimacy of it all.”

“So, who do we tell first?”

“Call your parents and have them to meet us at Michon’s house. Our family will know of our plans first.”

Abrielle smiled. “And here I thought you were going to leave me.”

“Never. We’ll get married as soon as possible. If Andre and Patrice will move into our house while we’re gone, we’ll leave as soon as they are settled.”

“That could take months,” Abrielle said.

“I don’t thing so. We have a fabulous estate. I’m sure they’ll be comfortable here.”

Abrielle grinned. “Oh Nik, I’m so excited.”

“It’s settled then. We’ll go see the family as soon as you’re ready, and we’ll make the announcement.”

 

The following night, Abrielle’s parents, Armand and Simone Benoit were at Michon’s house waiting for Abrielle and Nikolai. The Benoit’s were a proud and wealthy couple. They were also very good looking. Armand, tall, built like Michon with dark skin, short black hair, and hazel eyes. Simone, as striking as her daughter. Medium height, long flowing black hair, dark skin and steel gray eyes.

Armand still wanted his company to merge with Andre’s, and as they were waiting for Nikolai and Abrielle, his head was all business.

“Master Michon, if we merged the two companies, we can out sell the largest human owned company, and become fishing giants.”

Michon smiled. “It’s not my company to decide this. Andre is the boss, and it would be his decision.”

Armand turned his attention to Andre. “Well, Andre, what do you think? We’d make a lot of money.”

“Yes, we would indeed, but it isn’t totally up to me. My partner would have to have some say in this.”

“Where is he by the way?” Armand asked.

“Nikolai only told us to be ready at eight,” Michon said. “That doesn’t mean he was necessarily going show up at eight. Patience, Armand. Don’t let your greed ruin whatever it is he has planned for us. He’ll be here.”

Armand and Andre continued to talk about a possible merger as they patiently waited.

It was eight thirty, when the front door opened. Nikolai and Abrielle stepped into the parlor, and everyone stood up. Michon allowed the Benoit’s to greet them. Simone walked to her daughter and smiled.

“It’s good to see you Abrielle,” she said, hugging her daughter.

“It’s good to see you as well, mother.”

Simone kissed Nikolai on the cheek. “Such a handsome boy. Are you taking care of my daughter?”

Nikolai smiled. “Yes, mistress.”

“Good.”

Simone stepped back and allowed Armand to greet them.

Armand kissed his daughter on the cheek. “You look beautiful, Abrielle.”

Abrielle smiled. “Thank you, father.”

Armand shook hands with Nikolai. “How are doing tonight, Nik?”

“I’m very happy to be here, my lord.”

Michon then invited them all to sit. When the women found their seats, everyone sat down.

“Leon, if you will please, pour Abrielle and Nikolai a drink, we will hear what has brought them here tonight,” Michon said.

“Yes sir.”

Michon smiled at Nikolai. “Well, Nik, what is it?”

“It’s good to see all of you. First I came to tell all of you I’m leaving.”

Michon tilted his head. “Leaving?”

“Yes. I’m going to sell my boat, and go back to New York.”

Andre was confused. “Why? I thought you were happy here.”

“I’m sorry, Andre. I just can’t stay here anymore with Regan’s memory still haunting me. I’m going to sell my boat, and leave as soon as possible.”

“What of my daughter?” Armand asked. “Are you just going to leave her here to mope about?”

“No.” Nikolai looked at Abrielle and responded, “She’s going with me.”

Simone protested. “She’s never been out of the state. Why are you taking her away from us?”

“Because I love her, and I won’t go anywhere without her.”

Michon said, “Nik, it was always my wish that you stay here with me, but I understand. Know you will always be welcome in my home.”

“Thank you, Michon.”

Patrice, who’d been quiet the entire night asked, “What of your estate?”

Abrielle smiled and said, “Nik and I thought you and Andre would live in the house while we are away. Take care of it for us.”

“Andre and Patrice are to stay here with me,” Michon said. “I won’t allow it.”

“I would like Andre and Patrice to watch over Regan for me,” Nikolai said almost begging. “I can’t sell the house because she’s in the back yard. Michon please let them do this.”

Michon was silent as he thought about another of his sons not under his roof, but at least Andre would still be in town. “All right, Nik. If they want to do it, they have my blessing.”

“Well, what do you say?” Nikolai asked Andre.

“I’ll do as you ask, but I’m sad at the fact you’re leaving. You’re my brother now, and I wish you would reconsider. Because of your love of fishing, you’ve made us both wealthy men. I’m not sure what I’m going to do without you.”

“Merge your company with my father’s,” Abrielle suggested. “Then you won’t have to look for a partner, and your profits won’t diminish.”

Armand smiled. “Funny you should mention it Abrielle. We were discussing that very thing before you arrived. What do you say now Andre?”

“Nikolai isn’t gone yet, so I still need his opinion. Well Nik?”

“I think it would be a wonderful idea. Only if you are equal partners like you and I are.”

“I don’t see a problem with that,” Andre said with apprehension in his voice.

Patrice voiced her opinion. “Honey, go on and do it. We’ll need the extra money for the upkeep of Nik’s house.”

Andre smiled at his wife. “Always the voice of reason. All right Armand, you have a deal.”

Armand grinned showing his fangs. “Wonderful!”

“So what else is on your mind, Nik?” Michon asked.

“Oh nothing much.” Nikolai said flatly. “Abrielle and I are getting married, that’s all.”

The room erupted with a roar of excitement. Michon was very happy Nikolai and Abrielle were able to find each other after what happened eight years prior. “When?” Michon asked.

“We were thinking in a couple of weeks.”

“Well that hardly gives us time to put together a decent ceremony,” Simone protested. “The entire coven must know of your nuptials. It will take that long for everyone to get here. Not to mention the costuming for everyone. The Celebrant must know so she can prepare. Two weeks just isn’t enough time.”

Abrielle looked at Simone. “Mother, we aren’t going to have a vampire wedding ceremony.”

Simone was surprised. “Not going to have one? What kind of ceremony are you going to have?”

“We are going to have a ceremony similar to my original coven, with only all of you and a few friends present.” Nikolai stated.

Simone was not pleased. “That’s absurd, Nik. You are now Michon’s son. A prince. You must wed like one.”

Armand looked at his wife and spoke to her in French. “Simone, my dear. Let them be. Abrielle has already had a vampire wedding ceremony and you pushed Bijou into that.”

“You are worried about the money.”

“I’m not worried about the money. It’s just it takes too much time to plan, and Nikolai wants to get on with his life.”

Simone smiled. “You know, Armand, you never have been able to lie to me. You are worried about the money, but okay. I’ll back off.”

Armand smiled back. “Thank you, my dear.”

“You know,” Nikolai started, “the two of you are very adorable when you argue. You remind me of my great-grandparents.”

“How old are you’re grandparents, Nik?” Simone asked.

“My great grandfather is around eight hundred and fifty. I’ve forgotten his exact age. My great grandmother is pretty close to being eight hundred years old herself, if I’m not mistaken.”

“Well I guess it would be cute to see two mature vampires argue over money, but we are no where near as old as they are.”

“I wasn’t implying you were. I was just remembering that my great-grandfather was a wealthy tightwad.”

Michon, not happy with Nikolai’s choice of words said, “Apologize for your rudeness, Nik.”

Nikolai smiled. “I’m sorry, Master Armand. I didn’t mean to imply you were a wealthy tightwad.”

Simone smiled. “You don’t have to apologize, Nik. It’s the truth.”

The entire room laughed, including Armand, because his wife was right.

 

Two weeks went by, and Nikolai and Abrielle were husband and wife. They were very happy to be an official couple. Nikolai was certain this was going to be the last time he was going to wed. Abrielle was perfect for him. He appreciated that they were such good friends. They could talk to each other about anything. Therefore, they would always be honest with one another.

After the ceremony, the guests were mingling in Michon’s back yard. Amongst them was Nikolai’s closest friend Arvin Fischer, and Michon’s second, Amasai Levi. Nikolai was holding Abrielle around the waist as he spoke to Arvin.

Nikolai introduced his new wife. “Arvin Fischer, this is Abrielle. Abrielle, my good friend Arvin Fischer.”

Arvin smiled, took Abrielle’s hand, and kissed it. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Mrs. Thorn. Cap’n Nik has told me a lot about you, but he didn’t tell me what a vision you were.”

“Why thank you, Mr. Fischer,” Abrielle replied with a smile. “Is there a Mrs. Fischer?”

“Yes, but she is out of town right now visiting her family.”

“Aww, that’s too bad. Perhaps when Nik and I come for a visit, we can get together.”

“Perhaps,” Arvin sighed. “I’m very upset Cap’n Nik is leaving. We’ve become very close over the last fourteen years.”

Nikolai slapped Arvin on the shoulder. “Oh come on Arvin, don’t get all mushy and sentimental on me. You’ll see me again.”

“I certainly hope so.”

Across they yard, Michon was talking to Amasai. “So Amasai, how are things in Baton Rouge?”

“They’re going well. If they weren’t, you would’ve known it. How do you feel about this?”

“Feel about what?”

“Nikolai marring Abrielle.”

“I’m fine with it. They needed one another.”

“Tell me your thoughts on their leaving town.”

“That, I’m not happy with. I’ll miss them when they leave. To top it all off, Patrice and Andre are moving into Nikolai’s estate so he doesn’t have to sell it.”

“Well Michon, seems you’re going to have to find yourself a woman. That way you won’t be lonely, and she’ll never leave you.”

“So since when can you predict the future?”

“I can’t. Besides you don’t have to find and date a woman who is already a vampire, you can simply make yourself a wife. This way you know she won’t leave you.”

“Really? If that’s the case, why don’t you have a wife?”

“Because I simply love them all,” Amasai said, making a wide and gesture with both hands and smiled at the same time. “I’ll never be happy with just one. That’s the reason all of my servants are women, with the exception of my butler. We have fantastic sex, my servants and I. When I tire of them, I look for a beautiful human woman to feed upon, put a spell on her, and take her. No Michon, you shouldn’t be like me, because you are our king, and you are supposed to have a wife.”

“That’s not true. I’ve been without one since Camille died.”

Amasai smirked. “And look at what that did to you. You ended up falling in love with that crazy Gigi.”

“She was a little touched, yes, but I loved her nonetheless. You know, Amasai, perhaps you’re right. Maybe I’ll go and date a beautiful human, and eventually make her mine.”

“You’ll be happy you did. Just be sure she loves and adores you before you turn her.”

“Right.”

Amasai looked over in Nikolai’s direction. “Wow, the bride and groom haven’t let go of each other all night.”

Michon smiled. “I assume it’s because you’re here.”

“Me? What does Nik’s death grip on Abrielle have to do with me?”

Michon chuckled. “Nikolai remembers what you were doing to Regan at Andre’s wedding.”

Amasai smiled. “Ah. Beautiful Regan. I can see why Nikolai loved her so much. She certainly knew how to make a man happy. Did you ever have her?”

“No. I couldn’t have done that to Nik. Regan was like my daughter.”

“Well you should’ve. My word. She was something. Perhaps I’ll go interrupt their conversation. I haven’t had a chance to congratulate them yet.”

“Amasai, behave.”

Amasai smiled. “Yes, of course, Michon.”

 

Amasai walked over to the happy couple. “Congratulations to the both of you.”

Abrielle smiled. “Thank you, Master Amasai.”

“You look beautiful. Did your mother help you pick out that dress?”

“Why yes, she did.”

“It certainly suits you,” Amasai smiled and turned to Nikolai. “You did well, Nik. Abrielle is going to make you a wonderful wife.”

“I already know this, Master Amasai.”

“Oh, I never did apologize for my behavior at Andre’s wedding. I just put a spell on the first beautiful one I saw. I had no idea Regan was your wife at the time.”

“It’s okay. I’ve long forgotten about it.”

“Very good. You know everyone is going to miss you when you leave, especially Michon. Promise me you will visit at least twice a year.”

“We will,” Nikolai said.

“By the way Nik, why New York?”

“I spent my first ten years in America in there. I have friends there whom I haven’t seen in a very long time, and I’d like to go see them.”

“Well as long as you don’t stay away for good. Armand would come up there and take Abrielle away from you if you stay away too long.”

“I understand.”

 

A month later, everything was packed and stored for Nikolai and Abrielle if they decided to return. They said their very sad goodbye to their family, and got on the road. It was a very long trip. Abrielle suggested they take an airplane. Nikolai didn’t want to leave his brand new car Michon bought him for a wedding present. It was a deep burgundy 1948 Cadillac 2-Door Slant back Coupe. Nikolai loved his wedding present.

A few days after they left, they arrived in New York City, and Nikolai was surprised at how the city had grown. Abrielle was just amazed at the city itself. “Nik, this place is wonderful!”

“Yes, it’s an amazing place. Full of some of the most interesting people and things to do.”

“Oh I can’t wait to enjoy them. Where are we going now?”

“We are going to see an old friend of mine by the name of Dimitri. I hope he and Victoria haven’t moved.”

“Victoria is his wife?”

“Yes. At least she was when I left.” Nikolai briefly thought of Dimitri’s intolerance of women who did things he didn’t like, and hoped for the best. “Anything could’ve happened by now.”

 

Nikolai pulled up in front of Dimitri’s house and parked the car. “Wait here,” Nikolai said.

Abrielle nodded, and Nikolai got out of the car and went to the door. He was very happy to see a familiar face.

“Hello, John.”

“Mr. Thorn sir. It’s good to see you. Please come in.”

“No, thank you. I was wondering if Dimitri was home.”

“No, he isn’t. He’s at a party at Master Tristan’s home. It is New Year’s Eve, you know.”

“I’d forgotten. Thank you, John. Good to see you again,” Nikolai smiled, stepping away from the door, and going back to the car.

“Not at home?” Abrielle asked.

“No, but I know where he is.”

Nikolai’s heart beat faster thinking of facing Tristan once again. He wasn’t going to let that stop him from his mission. Nikolai drove to Tristan’s Park Avenue penthouse, and parked. Before he got out of the car, he again looked at Abrielle.

“Listen to me very carefully, Abrielle. The man who lives here is the master of the Upper Eastside Vampires. He’s a small and unimposing man, but he absolutely commands respect. Do not speak to him unless he speaks to you first. His name is Tristan, and he loves the sound of his own name. If he asks you a yes or no question, answer with yes or no, Tristan. Understand?”

“Yes.”

“Whatever you do, don’t let go of my hand. Come on let’s go.”

Nikolai got out of the car and went to open the door for Abrielle. She got out, and Nikolai immediately took her by the hand. They went to the penthouse and rang the bell. They waited until someone answered.

To Nikolai’s surprise, it was Dimitri himself. Dimitri was surprised to see Nikolai. “Nik?”

Nikolai smiled. “Hello, my friend.”

Dimitri backed away from the door in shock. His close friend had been away for such a long time. Suddenly and unexpectedly they were face to face again. “Please, come in. Tristan is going to be shocked.”

“I know. Do me a favor. Tell him he has special guests, but don’t tell him it’s me.”

“Certainly.” Dimitri said, gawking at Abrielle. “Who’s this?”

“Oh forgive my manners. Dimitri, this is my wife, Abrielle. Abrielle, this is Dimitri Cane. He’s the one I was telling you about.”

“Pleased to meet you, Dimitri,” Abrielle said giving him a demure smile.

“Nice to meet you as well, Abrielle,” Dimitri said, turning his attention back to Nikolai. “Where’s Regan?”

Just the sound of her name was like a knife piercing his heart, but he wasn’t about to let Abrielle see his discomfort. “It’s a long story my friend. I’ll be sure to tell you all about it. Now I’m ready to see Tristan.”

“Right. Wait here.”

Dimitri disappeared from the foyer, only to return moments later. “He’s in the living room.”

“Thanks Dimitri.” Nikolai replied, walking towards the living room with Abrielle in tow. Nikolai stood in the entryway to the living room and stopped. He looked around the room before he spoke and recognized several faces, and some he’d never seen before. Nikolai made sure Tristan saw who his special guest was before he spoke. Tristan pushed himself up from his chair and couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

Nikolai smiled. “Hello, Tristan.”

 

~~~