Nicholas 02

by Renee Larsen

  Nicholas nodded. “Up until a year ago I’d agree. But Elizabeth’s been so messed up and hanging with the wrong crowd for a long time.”

  Danielle and Emily returned to the group. “She’s picked that up quickly”

  Derek took Emily’s hand and pulled her onto his lap. He kissed her neck and whispered “I can’t wait until we’re alone blue eyes. I have a case of the horns for you.”

  Emily smiled. I know; I can feel it oh quirky one, she said silently. Suddenly the attack began. Danielle was pulled from the chair and drawn high into the sky then thrown. She regained her balance quickly and did what was necessary to evade her attackers. Nicholas was also drawn up and tossed around. The mock battle went on for three hours and as fast as it started it ended with the attackers disappearing. Danielle drifted slowly to the ground followed by Nicholas. He landed next to her wrapping his arm around her waist. “You okay?” he asked.

  Danielle nodded. “Tired and sore but I’m okay.”

  They sat in chairs next to Derek. Danielle rested her head against Nicholas’s shoulder. Derek reached out and took her hand. “Danielle, you both did excellent tonight. You’re training is done until tomorrow. Tomorrow as soon as the sun sets you must be prepared to be attacked again. It could be at the cabin, in the field, when you’re feeding; you and Nicholas must always be prepared.”

  Danielle nodded and looked into Derek’s eyes. “I’m exhausted. Is it always hard like this?”

  Derek smiled. “Unfortunately, when the real thing takes place it will be much harder, much more gruesome, but when it comes down to the real thing the family and the wolves will be there to join the fight and we will win it. Go home. You and Nicholas clean up and relax. We’ll see you tomorrow night.

  The next two months they spent every available minute training Danielle and Nicholas to be ready for anything that Elizabeth could throw at them. They would feed and train until almost dawn. They had to be as strong as they could possibly be.

  Chapter Eight

  Danielle and Nicholas landed in the field expecting more training, more preparation. The family was gathered and ready. Derek smiled at the group and said “Tonight we go up into the mountains to see the silo. I received word that the work is complete. Let us fly.” They all took to the air.

  One by one they landed. Once everyone was gathered they walked toward the large log type structure. “Dad, this is awesome,” Nicholas said as he looked around the grounds.

  “Wait…If it came out half as nice as I think, it will be a great addition to our properties. If not we sell it after things settle down. Let’s explore.” Derek said as they made their way to the large structure and went inside. It had beautiful highly polished wood floors, a large stone fireplace with floor to ceiling windows on either side. The room had high cathedral ceilings and was huge. They walked through the rest of the house exploring. There was a large bathroom with a sunken tub surrounded by windows overlooking the woods and mountains. There were also three additional spacious bedrooms.

  Nicholas looked at his father. “Dad this is great. But there are four bedrooms and we need a minimum of seven.”

  Derek chuckled. “Wait we’re not close to finished yet. Come on.” They all followed Derek through a doorway and down a long hall. At the end of the hall he pressed a code and the large metal door opened. They walked into the entry and Derek punched in the code and the door closed. They walked along another hallway. Derek unlocked another door and they followed him down a spiral staircase to another door. “This is the beginning of the living quarters.” They walked into a circular shaped room with polished wood floors and furnished elegantly with leather furniture. On the dividing wall was a large television. The end and coffee tables were glass.

  “Derek, you do have impeccable taste. This is beautiful.” Emily said as Derek took her hand.

  “There’s a lot more.” Derek showed them the kitchen and dining area and led them down another short stair case which led to a large master suite and bathroom. “This is where Emily and I will be. Come on, I’ll show you the rest. They went back up to the circular living area and out to the hallway. Derek opened the second door and they went down more stairs to a landing with a door on either side. “Nicholas, you and Danielle are on the right, Merrek and Claire on the left. Down another level is the same set up for Nick and Tanya and Frank and Eve. And down another level are rooms for Gerry and Tony. They’re all pretty much the same set up except Nicholas and Danielle’s is bigger because hopefully they’ll have a baby.” Come on lets look at theirs and then we’ll go see the rest.

  They walked through each pod and then back to the main house and sat in the large living area. “Well what do you think?” Derek asked.

  Emily smiled. “Mr. Burnes, you’ve done a wonderful job with this. I don’t know if I’ll like being underground but I’m willing to give it a try.”

  Derek looked at her. “Did you feel you were underground? I tried very hard to make them look like homes.”

  Emily kissed his cheek. “No it’s beautiful. I think it’s just that I know we’re underground. Is there more than one exit out of the pods?”

  Derek nodded. “In each bedroom there is a panel in the closet with a button. Press the button and the panel will open. It’s a flying exit and will take you to the surface.”

  Merrek looked at Emily. “Em, he thinks of everything you should know that by now.”

  Emily smiled “I do.”

  Danielle sat next to Nicholas, “Drac, I need to feed.” She said anxiously.

  Nicholas looked at Derek. “Dad, by chance are there any supplies here? Danielle needs to feed.”

  Derek stood up. “I’ll get it.” He walked into the kitchen and returned with a bag of blood tossing it to Danielle. “Just bite into it.” Danielle bit into the bag and drank. She finished the bag and looked at Nicholas who was having an animated conversation with Merrek.

  Danielle touched his arm. “Drac, I’m sorry, where is this stuff, I need more.”

  Nicholas looked at her. “Really?” he asked. She nodded. Nicholas stood up taking the empty bag and walked into the kitchen returning with another bag of blood. Danielle drank it down ad walked into the kitchen looking for the garbage.

  Derek looked at Emily raising an eyebrow. She smiled and veiling her thoughts she said, maybe. Derek watched as Danielle returned to the room and sat next to Nicholas.

  Derek stood up and said “Tomorrow we’ll be coming back here and will stay until after the announcement of the marriage. We need to be familiar with everything here.”

  Nicholas looked at Derek. “Dad what about the others? Where will they stay?”

  Derek replied, “Good question Nicholas. When the time comes that we call for help we’ll have to sacrifice some of our privacy. I figure that the family will have to stay together in the first two pods. The others will stay in the rest of them. If push comes to shove and many of our friends show up to help us; the family can stay with your mother and me. Is that acceptable to all of you?” They all nodded in agreement. “Good, now I think we should go home and relax. Pack warm clothes. Clothes that can be layered for protection, clothes you can move in.” Derek reached for Emily’s hand.

  Danielle frowned. “Nicholas, what about Rusty?”

  Nicholas smiled down at her. “Don’t worry, he’ll come with us. Let’s go to the cabin and get ready for tomorrow.” He said taking her hand as they disappeared.

  When Nicholas and Danielle arrived at the cabin they removed their coats and boots. Nicholas pulled her into his arms. “So Mrs. Burnes, there’s been a lot of stuff going on and when we get back here at dawn we’re both worn out. I’m not worn out, are you?”

  Danielle wrapped her arms around his waist resting her head against his chest. “I’m not worn out either.” Nicholas lifted her chin and pressed his lips to hers, then scooped her into his arms carrying her to the bedroom.

  Nicholas sat on the bed. “Let me pull the shades and make it dark, I’ll light a
fire and then I want to make love to you.”

  Nicholas started to stand up but Danielle took his hand. “Wait a minute; we need to talk about something.”

  “Is something wrong?”

  Danielle smiled. “I don’t think so.”

  Nicholas looked at her questioningly. “What is it?”

  Danielle grinned. “I think… not sure mind you… but I think maybe I’m pregnant. We’ve been here a couple of months and I haven’t had my period. So I’m not sure if it’s a pregnant thing or a vampire thing.”

  Bewildered Nicholas said, “I honestly don’t know. We could ask my mom, or we could just wait and see what happens.” Nicholas kissed her forehead “I’m cold, I’m going to light a fire.” Nicholas stood up and walked to the fireplace, threw in some logs and lit the kindling. He stood up poking at the kindling making sure the logs caught fire. Danielle walked up behind him. She reached around him and unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans, she grabbed the waistband and pushed them down to his ankles. Nicholas stepped out of them and turned.

  Danielle smiled. “Let’s get under the covers its cold.”

  Nicholas reached out and caressed her nipples through her sheer black lacy bra. “You are cold but I’ll warm you.” He said leading her to the bed. He pulled the covers back and they got into the bed. Nicholas pulled the covers over them and pulled Danielle against him. “This is nice, holding my three quarters naked wife in my arms.” He said as he one-handedly unhooked her bra and ran his hands down her shoulders removing it. He pressed his hungry lips to hers slipping his tongue into her welcoming mouth as he ran his hands over her back.

  “Drac, you’re such a good kisser” Danielle said caressing his cheek pulling his face to hers returning his kiss with awakening passion.

  “Mmm you’re a pretty good kisser yourself,” he whispered. They held each other kissing slowly, savoring the tenderness and love in each kiss. Nicholas pulled her against him. “I love the way your breasts feel pressed against my chest, the way your whole body feels,” he said as his lips eagerly pressed her.

  Danielle pushed away from him and pushed her panties down and off and tossed them on the floor. Nicholas smiled and followed her lead. Danielle leaned over him “Now you can hold your completely naked wife.” Nicholas grabbed her pulling her down on top of him.

  They lay facing each other; Nicholas kissed her cheek and brushed her damp hair off her cheek. Danielle smiled sleepily. “You did it again, you took me to new heights,” she said kissing his neck.

  “I try,” he chuckled.

  Danielle rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m tired, very tired.”

  Nicholas pulled the blankets around them. “Sleep, we travel tomorrow with psycho cat.”

  Danielle giggled. “Rusty’s, not psycho. He just doesn’t like vampires.”

  Nicholas laughed. “Go figure, he doesn’t like vamps but is madly in love with my psycho wolf.”

  Danielle shifted position laying her head on his chest. “Can we talk later, I’m fading fast.”

  Danielle walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. She grabbed a bag of blood and opened it pouring it into a glass. She pulled her robe tighter and walked into the living room. Killer was asleep in front of the fireplace. Rusty was curled up between his paws. “Pork Chop, come sit with mommy. I really miss petting you.” Rusty looked up at her. Danielle smiled. “Come on chops,” she coaxed. Rusty stood up and approached her cautiously. “Come on handsome, come sit on my lap.” Danielle pat her leg. Rusty jumped up on the couch beside her. He moved towards her watchfully. “Come on, I won’t hurt you, I’d never hurt you baby,” she cooed. She reached out slowly running her hand down his back. He moved closer and finally he was on her lap. “I know things are strange, I know you sense things but remember you’re my baby and I would never let anything happen to you. Nicholas would like you too if you let him pet you. He’s a good guy, he’s Killers daddy.”

  Hearing his name Killer sprang up and jumped onto the couch resting his head on Danielle’s lap next to Rusty. “Hi Killer, we’re traveling tonight and you’ll have to help with Pork Chop. Do you think you could do that?” Killer let out a soft bark.

  Nicholas walked into the living room scratching his head looking around. He’d called Danielle but she hadn’t answered. He leaned over the back of the couch and found her asleep with Rusty stretched out on top of her and Killer next to her. He leaned closer and kissed her gently.

  Danielle opened her eyes. “Hi,” she said looking into his rich blue eyes.

  Nicholas smiled “You made friends again?”

  Danielle nodded. “I think so.”

  Nicholas reached over and ran his hand down Rusty’s back. “Babe, we need to get ready to go.” He leaned over the couch kissing her again.

  “I know.” She moved the cat and looked at Killer. His face was inches from hers and he was smiling at her. “Killer, you’re a turkey. Look at that big wolf smile.” Killer’s smile grew. He was now showing her all his teeth. She kissed his nose. “Let me up, I need to beat Drac to the shower or I’ll get the cold water.” Danielle sat up but Killer wasn’t moving. She looked at Nicholas and then back at Killer. “I guess I climb over you huh?

  Danielle walked over to Nicholas and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’ll race you to the shower.” She giggled and headed towards the bathroom.

  When Danielle walked into the bathroom, the glass doors of the shower were steamed up and the water was running. She looked behind her. Nicholas was no where in site. She looked back at the shower doors and saw Nicholas peering out at her. She took off her robe and stepped into the shower with him. “How did you get here before me?” She asked.

  Nicholas smiled. “Vampire baby, think it and you’re there.”

  Danielle laughed as he pulled her against him. “I keep forgetting that.”

  Nicholas ran his hands over her stomach. “Turn sideways. I want to look at you.”

  Danielle turned. “What’s wrong?” .

  Nicholas smiled and ran his hand over her stomach. “I think we’re pregnant. You’re belly was flat, very flat and now you have a little round curve. I don’t think we’ll have to ask my mom anything,” He said as he leaned down kissing the small curve of her stomach.

  They dressed quickly and packed two bags with clothes. They walked into the living room to see Killer standing anxiously at the door. Rusty was on his back. Danielle looked around the room. “Drac, we need the carrier for Chops”

  Nicholas looked at Killer. Are you taking Rusty? You have to make sure he’s okay. Nicholas asked silently. Killer barked. Nicholas took Danielle’s hand. “I think Killer is taking Rusty. He’ll make sure Rusty’s okay.”

  “Are you sure he’ll be okay?”

  Nicholas pulled her against him. “Killer loves your little orange terror. He’ll be fine. If there’s a problem between here and the pasture I’ll come back for the carrier.” He looked at Killer. “Go to Mom,” he said and they all disappeared and reappeared in the pasture.

  Chapter Nine

  They arrived at the silo and settled into their underground pods. Once inside you’d never know you were underground. They were beautiful and well thought out. They all met at the main house above ground at ten in the evening. Nicholas, Danielle, Killer and Rusty were the last to arrive.

  “Hi all,” Nicholas said as they walked into the room. “Dad, we need a piano or something for the reception thing.”

  Derek smiled. “Got it, it’s over there. Why don’t you two sing for us?”

  Nicholas looked at Danielle and asked silently Christine will you sing with the Phantom?

  Danielle smiled. Most definitely…. I think maybe Music of the Night.

  Nicholas expended his hand to her and they walked to the Piano. He sat down and patted the seat next to him. Danielle sat down as he began to play. Nicholas’s voice filled the room. Danielle rested her head against his shoulder as he sang. When he finished the song he looked at Emily. “How was t
hat?”

  Emily smiled. “Beautiful. Do you know any other songs from that?”

  Danielle smiled. “We do. Drac play that hot song.”

  Nicholas again began to play and together they sang another song. Then Nicholas began a catchy little tune he was making up as he played. He looked at Danielle. “We’re having a baby and Emily and Derek are going to be grandparents….We’re having a baby…and I love you Danielle.” He stopped playing and kissed Danielle gently. Together they turned to look at the rest of the family.