CHAPTER 1 - JADE

The year 2007, Los Angeles, California...

Nikki sat bolt upright in his bed. "Time to wake up, shithead," came his brother's voice, as he sat at the foot of the bed.

"I had the dream again, Sandman."

"Which one? When we were turned, or Mom and Undertaker?"

"It was both this time."

"If you can have a dream that long, you need to stop going to bed so damn early."

"It means he's close."

Sandman hung his head. "I know, but we don't know how close. He could be in San Diego for all we know. Or Vegas. We haven't actually seen him in what? 50, 60 years?"

Nikki ran his hand over his face. "I know. I guess a part of me will never give up."

Sandman slapped his brother's leg. "Well, we're not going on a wild goose chase tonight. We have a couple ladies waiting for us."

"Right. What time is it?"

"Nine o'clock. Dark enough to go out and play."

CHAPTER 2-CC

The club's walls were vibrating as the music pounded its way through. Nikki and Sandman were at the dark oak bar while lazers penetrated the dancers on the black marble floor. Smoke circulated the room while Nikki lit up.

"Dude you're gonna get cancer." Sandman smiled.

With an evil glint in his eyes, Nikki retorted, "So, it's not like I'm going die." As Nikki blew out his smoke, his eyes twinkled at the sight of the most gorgeous woman he ever laid eyes on. She was with her friend slowly descending the staircase. Nikki nudged Sandman and nodded to the two ladies. Sandman followed Nikki's eyes and smiled at the thought of what he and his beautiful woman would be doing later on this evening.

With an demonic growl Sandman said, "Let's go get'em."

The two men worked their way through the crowd.

CC shouted, "This is insane. We'll never find them"

"Don't be so quick to give up. Trust me, if we can't find them, they'll find us." Jade said remembering how Sandman found her just a few months ago.

Without any warning, CC felt a presence behind her and then soft fingers touching hers. She whipped around and said, "Jesus! You scared the shit out of me." Nikki smiled and lightly kissed her lips.

Jade watched the pair with a touch of envy wondering where Sandman was, then she heard a husky whisper in her ear, "Miss me?" She closed her eyes and breathed in his sexy scent. Without turning around, she said, "Yes." He slipped his arm around her small waist, as his eyes traveled up and down her body.
She felt him violently turn her to face him as he looked deep in her eyes, "Good" was all he said as he slowly brushed his lips with hers.

"Hey are we going to get this party started or what" Nikki said taking a drag off of his cig, while his other arm was draped over CC's shoulder. "Shit Niikki, is that all you ever think of?" CC exclaimed. "Damn, right babe." CC rolled her eyes and couldn't help but laugh at the man standing beside her with his infamous cig dangling from his lips.

Sandman still had his eyes closed, still relishing in the taste of Jade's soft sweet lips, "That sounds good to me." As he opened his eyes looking directly at Jade he asked, "What do you say?" A chill went up her spine knowing what he had in store for her, "Yeah," was all she could get out.

The four of them grabbed some bottles and a booth. Soon Nikki and CC were on the dance floor swaying to some classical gothical music, while Jade and Sandman talked.

Intimated by his sexy glare, Jade managed to say, "I’m really glad we met."

Leaning in he asked, "Do I scare you?" Jade couldn’t help but be honest. Nodding she answered, "A little." "There’s no reason to fear me." Taking her hand and lightly kissing her it, "I will never hurt you. That’s a promise." Shaking her head she replied, "It’s so weird, but I uh…." Feeling ridiculous at what she was about to say, she stopped. Knowing what she was going to say, Sandman couldn’t help but feel elated on the inside, he had to hear her say it, "Go on, what were you going to say?" "No, it’s silly." "Nothing you say will sound silly. Tell me." His eyes darkened as she felt compelled to spill her inner feelings to a man who she just met not too long ago. "I, feel as if I have known you all of my life." Sandman turned her hand over and became memorized by the small little pulse beating through her skin.

"It’s silly, I know, but I can’t help but think what would of happened that night if you weren’t around. When I first saw your face, I thought to myself, I know this man. And then you took the two men out barely breaking a sweat. Then you looked at me, as if you wanted to devour me, but instead you left and I never really got to thank you, until now. I mean we ran into each other here and there, but you were always in such a hurry, I never thought I would be able to thank you. I’m glad we bumped into each other last week and had a cup of coffee. I was hoping you would ask me out. I don’t know, I’m just being silly."

Looking up at her with glazed eyes he said, "It’s not silly. These past couple of months I’ve wanted to see you again and am glad that we did. To be perfectly honest, I wanted you since the first day I saw you, but the timing was just wrong." Wanting to tell her the truth, he held back for fear of losing another loved one. "But I never stopped thinking of you." He gently kissed her pulsating wrist and gently put it on the table.

All of a sudden his senses were bombarded by a repulsive being. A slight growl escaped his lips and Jade asked, "Are you okay?" Looking around, but seeing nothing, he tried to relax, "Yeah, I’m fine." Playing with her hair, he twirled some of it around his finger as he pulled her into a fiery kiss. "Let’s get out of here." He whispered. She took his hand as they retrieved Nikki and CC. All four of them headed for the door, not seeing the steely stare that was watching them.

chapter 3 - Jade

Deciding against taking the girls back to their house, Sandman and Jade took the old Jeep to the beach, while Nikki and CC followed in her car. As they went along, he tried to remember when he had felt Undertaker's presence as strongly as he did at the bar. It was in 1945. While the rest of the world was celebrating the victory over Japan, and the end of the second World War, a secret battle raged between the three immortal men. Undertaker, once again, slipped through their fingers.

Jade looked at Sandman, and noticed the snarl on his lips. "Are you sure everything is alright? You look pissed."

He gave her a playful grin. "I can't seem to shake this car following us."

She raised her brow at him. "Trying to get me all alone?"

"I was hoping to."

She giggled. "Stop off at the liquor store. I'll get us some drinks."

"A woman after my heart," he teased. He pulled into the parking lot. Nikki and CC parked next to them. As the ladies went in to pick their poison, and get the guys some beer, the guys had a chance to talk.

"You felt him, didn't you?" Nikki asked.

"Yep. He's deffinately in L.A. Possibly following us, so stay sharp."

"Why would he be following us? He said we were even."

Sandman shrugged. "Maybe after nearly five hundred years, he's tired of being the chasee, and wants to be the chaser."

Nikki let out a disgusted snort. "Don't remind me how old I am."

Sandman smiled. "Come on, little bro. You don't look a day over four hundred."

"Smart ass."

"Make sure CC doesn't leave your sight."

"I will." Just then, they heard the bell on the door chime. They turned to see the ladies come out carrying a brown paper sack, and a twelve pack. "Are we ready, ladies?"

CC cozied up to him. "Ready when you are."

"I give them an hour before they are naked and rolling in the sand," Jade teased.

"How long do you give us?" Sandman asked as he took the bag and beer.

"We'll see." They got back in the vehicles, and headed down the road to the beach turn off.

CC noticed Nikki nervously looking in the mirrors. "You only had one beer. I don't see why you're so nervous."

"Huh?"

"I've seen you looking for cops behind us. You're not speeding or weaving. Just calm down."

He smiled at her. "You're right." 'But if you only knew...' he thought.

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He smiled as he watched them. He was glad Aerial injected them with her immortal venom. Their on-going battle made the eternal curse interesting to say the least. He knew the brothers knew he was there. But he laughed inwardly at the fact they didn't know where. He followed them, staying a good distance behind.

He watched as they parked on the beach, gathered some drift wood, and started a small fire. He crouched down in the dunes, and watched them interact with each other. He sniffed the air. Along with the salty sea air, he smelled the Jose Cuervo the ladies passed back and forth between swigs.

As he watched the one with James stand, and do a mock strip-tease, a plan formed in his head. 'I could use a companion, or two,' he thought to himself with an evil grin.

As the waves crashed onto the shore, all four of them could not stop laughing. Smelling the liquor flowing through their veins mixed with just a hint of vanilla, Underatker had to have a taste. Looking worried Nikki asked, "CC are you alright?" "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little too much alcohol I guess." Nikki glanced at Sandman, noticing her glass was barely touched. "I have to go the bathroom, I'll be right back," and she got up. Nikki grabbed her hand and said, "I'll go with you." "I think I can handle it myself." Snaking his arms around her waist he seductively said, "Well, I'll help you."

"Damn it!" Undertaker thought and instantly CC turned on Nikki. "I said I can handle it, so back off!" Pushing Nikki away from her. Sandman looked at Jade and then got up. "Nikki, let her go." "What are talking about?" Nikki exclaimed under his breath. "Everything will be fine, trust me." Sandman got in front of CC and stared deep into her eyes. "It's alright, you can go if you want." She slowly closed her eyes and then glanced over at Nikki. "I'm sorry babe. I guess I just wasn't feeling too well."

Smiling Nikki walked over to her and hugged her. "I understand," and he lipped `Thank You' to Sandman. Nodding his head, Sandman headed over to Jade and said, "Now, where we were?" Jade smiled and answered, "Right here" as she lightly touched his lips with hers.

Undertaker was stunned. No one had ever interfered with his power, yet Sandman did just that. `He's grown stronger over the years,' He thought. An evil smile crossed his lips as he realized what a challenge this will be. One he would be looking forward to. He watched as Nikki and CC went down by the water, listening to every word.

"Are you sure there isn't anything I can get you." Nikki asked. "No just hold me." His eyes darkened with desire as she laid down in front of him. He laid on his side facing her with his finger tracing her cheek. "Do you know how much I love you?" he asked. She giggled and said, "Show me." He grabbed the back of her head and forced her to his lips. Their tongues encircling one another. CC always seemed to run out of breath when she kissed him. It was like he was literally sucking all of the air she possessed. Her lungs were expanding and began to hurt, she needed air. "I can't breathe." She replied while pushing him away. "Sorry" was all Nikki could say. Watching her catch her breath, he thought, `If you only knew what you do to me.' She smiled, "It's okay, I kind of like it. Sick, huh?" Nikki just looked at her, "No, it's not sick." Sensing something was wrong she asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?" "I, I don't know how to say it or how you'll react." "Nikki, talk to me. What's up?" His mind raced back in time to seeing his mother laying there in the woods. Dead and helpless. "You took my dark child. I took your mother. We are even." Those words rang in his ear as he watched the venomous creature vanish in the woods.

"Nikki, Nikki!" "Huh, uh, I'm sorry." Looking concerned CC said, "Where were you just now?" He wanted to tell her and often came close, but Sandman always reminded him of how dangerous it would be. "No where. I was just thinking about how we met and that I have never felt this way about anyone." Caressing his face, she replied, "You were my prince charming. When that guy held all of us hostage in that liquor store, I thought we were gonners. Then you came, it seemed like out of the sky. You spoke to him and handled it with such class and dignity. Then you took him out like nobody's business!!!" Thinking back to that night he thought to himself, `Little do you know how long I have been watching you.' He took her hand and lightly licked her finger, "Then our eyes met. I loved you from the first moment I saw you." He drew her into a passionate kiss and moved on top of her.

Undertaker scoffed at the two of them, laughing to himself at how simple this plan will be and how Nikki's love will be his downfall.

chapter 5 - Jade

As Sandman kissed along Jade's neck, she glanced over to where Nikki and CC were. She smiled as she watched the water wash over them as they made love. Their moans were barely audible over the crashing waves. "They're cute together," she said.

"What?" he asked as he looked up at her. She merely nodded toward them. He turned to look. "Leave it to my brother to put on a show for us." He slid his hand from her knee, under her skirt and up to her hip. "We could put on our own show," he moaned.

She ran her fingers through his bleached blonde hair. "Oh, I'm sure we could."

He heard her heart beating faster, her breaths came shakily. "You're nervous," he stated more than asked.

"How did you..."

"Why are you nervous? I'm not going to hurt you."

"It's not you." She stared into his eyes as a shiver went down her spine. "It's just an eerie feeling that someone is watching us."

He laid his hand on her ribs. "You have nothing to worry about. I'd never let anything happen to you," he whispered. He softly kissed her. "That's one promise I intend to keep for an eternity." Sandman took his time undressing and caressing, making sure he didn't scare her.

Undertaker let out a disgusted sound. 'It's sickening how they play with their food. I guess their mother never taught them not to,' he thought, an evil grin curling his lips.

Sandman stopped, and turned in his direction. Undertaker's brows drew together. 'Did he just...' He raised his brow. 'If he can read my thoughts, why hasn't he come after me?'

He sat there for a few more moments, pondering what could be an interesting battle of wits, as well as strength. Then, he stood. As he did, CC turned and looked toward the dunes. While Nikki was thrusting into her, she caught sight of glowing green eyes. As her eyes widened to take a better look, they disappeared. A deep voice with a southern drawl told her, "we will meet soon, my dear."

Her eyes closed as she felt the heat start at her center, and send shock waves to every nerve ending.

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An hour later, the time came that the brothers were dreading. They didn't want to say goodbye to the ladies, but they knew the sun would be coming up soon. So, they made plans for the following evening. With his arms wrapped tightly around CC, Nikki asked, "are you ok to drive home?"

"I'll let Jade drive. I think her alcohol tolerence is a little higher," she giggled.

Sandman forced Jade to look in his eyes. "Are you okay? We could just drop you two and the car off at the house."

She bit her lip, as she slid her fingers down the front of his black jeans to pull him closer. "You wanna tuck me in, and keep me warm all night?"

He laughed. "I can't, not tonight."

She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "I can make it to our house." They said their goodbyes, and the ladies got in the car, while the guys got in the Jeep.

On the way back to their house, CC fell asleep. Her sleep was haunted by the glowing green eyes, peering at her from the shadows, and the deep, seductive voice.

Chapter 6-CC

The sun was streaming through the curtains, warming up the room when CC shot up from her bed. `Jesus, what the fuck?' She thought. All morning she was plagued by a voice she could not place and those iridescent eyes. She inhaled deeply and smiled at the breakfast smells that penetrated her nose.

"Hey girl, it's about time you got your lazy ass out of bed." Jade greeted her sarcastically.

"Morning." She said grabbing for the coffee. Jade drew her brows together, "You look like shit, are you okay?"

"I just didn't sleep that great." "Yeah, I could tell." "What do you mean?"

"You had me worried by the sounds you were making, so I checked on you on a couple of times. You were thrashing about like nobody's business. You must have been having some dream" Jade laughed. CC didn't say anything.

Usually CC would come right back with a smart ass retort, this time she didn't. Jade knew something was wrong. Looking concerned she asked, "Hey CC, what's going on?"

CC was looking off into space as her dreams kept bombarding her senses. Finally she said, "I don't know." Jade was getting frustrated. Grabbing her shoulders and shaking her to reality she exclaimed, "CC talk to me." "Okay, but you gotta swear it's just between the two of us." Jade nodded her head, "Of course."

CC explained what the awful dreams she had last night, including what she heard. When she was finished Jade was quiet. CC glanced over at Jade. "Say it, you think I'm crazy, don't you?"

Jade shook her head, "No, I don't think you're crazy." CC searched her eyes, there was something she was hiding. "My God, you had a dream, too, didn't you?" Jade nodded biting her lower lip. Then, they both jumped as the phone rang. The girls started laughing and CC got the phone.

"Oh shit!!! I totally forgot. No, no, I'll be there, just give me half hour." And she hung up. "Who was that?" Jade asked. "It was the station, I've got to fill in for Angela, she's covering the Hiller case in Rosemont." "Isn't that the case where Janet Hiller was found dead, her body drained of blood?" "Yeah, it's really fucking weird, but I got to take a shower and split. I'll talk to ya later." "Yeah, be careful." Jade said with a pensive look.

Later that afternoon Jade found herself back on the beach making love to Sandman. She whispered in his ear, "Oh, God, you feel so good." He looked at her as he continued to thrust into her, "Don't ever leave me." He said as he bit into her collarbone. She moaned as he filled her with his essence. Then, out of nowhere, he was pulled off of her by a huge creature dressed in black and those eyes. The same eyes as CC had described. Jade watched in horror as her beloved was sliced and diced by it's claws. "Noooooo!" she screamed as an immoral laughter erupted from the vile being that stood before her. "You will be mine!" was the last thing she heard.

Jade looked around breathless. "Fuck." Was all she could say. Then, nervous laughter filled her room. She realized it was her that was laughing. `Relax, it was just a dream' she said out loud. Taking a deep breath, she threw the covers off of her and went to the kitchen to get some water.

Back in his coffin, Undertaker was in a deep slumber with a morbid smile on his deathly pale face. `The next phase will soon begin.' He thought as wicked laughter spewed from his desolate soul.

chapter 7 - Jade

As Jade opened the door to the "Eccentric Volumes" book store, she felt more at ease. The musty smell of the old books assailed her nostrils, and made her smile. She flicked on the lights, and set about dusting.

She smiled as she remembered the day she met CC in the store. Some of the neighbors didn't care for the occult book store in their area. CC was the only reporter to speak to Jade, and take her side of the story. In the three years since, they had become the best of friends. Seeing as neither had much of a family, or anyone else to look after them, they rented the house together, to keep each other out of trouble.

A vision flashed in her mind. A shadowed figure held CC captive, her head pulled back, exposing her neck. "Mortal fool!" The glowing green eyes danced as he spoke. "You can't protect her from me. Hell, if Nicholas was hungry, he'd kill her!" "Who are you?" she asked. He laughed. "You'll know soon enough. When I take you from James, and make you mine."

The phone rang, bringing her back from her vision. "Eccentric Volumes," she said as she answered. "Okay, I'm testing a theory here," CC said. "Shoot." "You just had a vision with the eyes and voice coming after me?" "This is too totally fucked up." "I just had the same one with you being threatened."

"Whoever, or whatever this thing is, it knows Nikki. It called him by name." "Sandman's name is James, right?" "Focus, CC." "I AM! It mentioned James killing you if he was hungry." Jade paused a moment before answering. "I guess Jim is short for James, but I don't think he'd ever hurt me." "And I don't believe Nikki would ever hurt me, but I have some questions about our guys." "Like what?" "Have you ever seen Sandman in the daylight?" "No. Have you seen Nikki?" "No. Have you ever seen them eat?" "No. You?" "No, and the whole if he was hungry he'd kill her thing along with the Hiller case has me wondering..."

Jade almost laughed hysterically, and would have if the vision hadn't freaked her out. "You think we're dating vampires?" "If not Nikki and Sandman, then this thing that's obviously stalking us." Jade thought for a moment. "I'll see what I can find in some of these books, and bring it home." "Okay. See ya later."

Though the distance was great between them, Sandman could sense Jade's inner fear. He tried to reach out to her mind, to see what made her afraid. When he found it, his own fear grew. Those same cold green eyes that once preyed on his mother, now haunted his love, and his brother's. He knew there may be concequences to face, but he had to tell her the truth for her own safety. 'Nikki, we have to tell Jade and CC about us, and the Undertaker.'

CHAPTER 8-CC

Staring into space, CC folded up her cell and replayed the conversation she just had with Jade. Then, she got an idea. She opened her phone and called Nikki. All she got was his answering machine. `Damn it' she thought as she slammed it closed. Her year with Nikki flashed before her eyes in fast motion. They never grabbed a bite to eat, he could never be reached during the day, in fact she's never even been to his place. Maybe he has a whole other life away from her. `Stop it, you're getting carried away,' she thought to herself. `There's a perfectly logical explanation for everything.'

"Talking to your self again?" Kyle asked. CC smiled and stated, "Yeah, well what else is new." "I have a list of the interviews that Bob wanted you to cover." "Cover? For what?" "You haven't heard?" "Heard what?" "Angela, she's off the Hiller Case."

An icy chill ran down CC's back. "Why? What happened?" "She's really sick and is in the hospital. She almost died." "When did this happen?" "This morning. She's at Memorial. The doctors say there's something wrong with her blood, but they can't figure out what it is." CC sat down dumbstruck. Kyle continued. "CC, are you okay?" Attempting to shake off the weight of dread that was trying to consume her, she managed to say, "Yeah, I'm fine. I'll get back to these right away." Kyle looked at her with concern, "You look like you could use a break and frankly I'm starving." CC got up from her chair and said, "That sounds like a great idea, let's go." Kyle eyes lit up. "Great."

Jade was going through some old books comparing the myths and realities on vampires. She never saw the man enter the bookstore. "Excuse me." Jade looked up and was taken back by the handsome stranger. "Can I help you?" He smiled and said, "Yes, I'm doing a paper on Witchcraft and am looking for any books that you may have." Jade got up and brought the man over to a section of the store that encased Tarot cards, sequined cloths, bejeweled cups, silver daggers, crystals, gems, and so many more items as well as books. Tons of books. Books on witchcraft, the holidays, every subject that witchcraft covers could be found. Jade was engrossed in the books while she asked him, "What particular area of witchcraft are you writing about?" She could feel his warm breath as it massaged her ear, "Spells."

Sandman was running through a vast forest. Maniacal laughter emanated from the darkening sky above. He stumbled over a trunk, but regained his balance and kept forging ahead. Crimson teardrops fell from the sky as he screamed Jade's name. `You'll never find her,' bellowed in his ears. His side began to ache and he slowed his pace. `Sandman, help me,' cried Jade. He could see her, bloodied and beaten, but didn't know her location. He fell to his knees as the rain pounded his skin. He could see Undertaker walking up to Jade and as he plunged the knife into her heart he screamed, "No!!!!!"

chapter 9 - Jade

Nikki arose as the daylight faded. He could see the exchange between CC and her co-worker, but was not able to interfere. So, as the last rays of sunlight faded, he went to his brother's room. "You do what you have to do. I have to make sure I don't lose what's mine."

"What the hell are you talking about?" "CC. She's out with another guy." Sandman sighed. "Just don't do anything stupid." "You know me better than that." "I know. That's why I warned you."

Nikki left the house, making a bee-line for the restaurant CC and Kyle had went to. As he neared the place he became nauseous from the smell of the cooked meat. Deciding going inside would only make things worse, he tried to find her through the window. When he did, she was giggling at something the other man had said. Then, he reached out, and pushed a few hairs behind her ear. As the man reached out, and laid his hand on her's, Nikki's eyes turned black. "He is so dinner!"

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As Jade helped the handsome stranger, she leaned over a table to read one book's contents. He watched her intently, his eyes roaming her curves. She looked up when the bell on the door rang. Her heart raced as she saw that it was Sandman. She glanced at the stranger. "You have beautiful eyes," he said.

Sandman walked over to them, and stood across the table from the stranger. "We'll be a few minutes," the stranger said. 'You want to leave now, and never return to this store.' "I have to go," he said suddenly. "Do you want me to put these on hold for you?" Jade asked. "No. I won't be back."

Knowing what she thought he was, her heart picked up pace at the thought of being alone with Sandman. She turned to him. "You did that, didn't you?" "Yes. We need to talk." She took a few steps back, and he followed until her back hit a bookcase. He laid his cool hand on her cheek. "I know you know what me and Nikki are. But we would never hurt you or CC in any way." Her voice was shakey as she asked, "so, you are vampires?" "Yes."

She fainted, and would have hit the floor if he hadn't caught her. "I suppose that could have been worse," he said. "I hate to do this, but you'll have to come with me. We need to find my idiotic brother, before he hurts someone."

CHAPTER 10-CC

"Would you care for anything else?" the waiter asked Kyle and CC. Never taking his eyes off CC he said, "I'm full, what about you?" CC smiled and said, "I'm fine." "You certainly are" he said as he gently kissed her hand. The waiter looked down, turned, and walked away. Trying to escape the sexual tension that thickened the air, she glanced out of the window. Noticing the darkness she said, "Shit, what time is it?" Kyle glanced at his watch and said, "7:30 why?" "I'm in so much trouble. I was supposed to take care of those interviews, Alan is going kill me." "Listen, what Alan doesn't know, won't hurt him. I'll cover for you, don't worry. Now, back to us."

As much as CC cared for Kyle, she had to tell him the truth. "Listen, I don't want to mislead you. I like you, I really do, but I'm seeing someone else and he means the world to me." Kyle let out a sigh and said, "So what you're trying to tell me is that there is no us." CC nodded. "Fair enough. Will you do me a favor?" "What's that?" "If you ever decide to break up with lover boy, give me a call, okay?" Smiling she replied, "You'll be the first." He grabbed his jacket and stood, "Okay, let's get out of here."

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Jade began to moan as she came to. "Where am I?" she asked looking around. Sandman glanced over at her and stated, "You're in my car and we're picking up Nikki and CC." She began to cower in her seat as she remembered what happened just a few moments ago. "I'm not going to hurt you. You're safe, you have to trust me." She wanted to believe him, but what she saw back at the store was implanted in her brain forever.

She realized that what CC & her had questioned earlier was the truth. How could he have kept this from her? And what else has he lied to her about? The anger began to build until she couldn't take it any longer. She slapped his arm and screamed, "You son of a bitch! How could you have done this to me?!!!" Sandman pulled over to the side and tried to control her wailing arms. "If you would just listen to me, I can explain." Jade slapped him across the face, "Fuck you! I want you out of my life!!!" Silence filled the car for several minutes as her words ate at his heart. She was breathing hard and had no idea of what to say. She stared at him, realizing that she didn't mean what she said, yet millions of questions were assaulting her brain. Sandman took a deep breath and began his sordid tale. "It was a long time ago, 1512, to be exact….." Jade listened, fascinated that he could read her thoughts. Her head was spinning with the images that were placed in front of her.

When he was finished, she looked at him through a shiny vision and as a tear fell she said, "I'm so sorry." He glanced over at her and placed the tear on his finger. She watched as he brought it to his lips and said, "I love you." "I love you." As they moved in to kiss one another, a blood curdling scream filled his ears.

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"Thanks for a lovely time and I'll see you at work tomorrow." CC and Kyle hugged. Nikki was perched on the roof top looking down at the two of them. His eyes blackened and his fangs lowered. As CC rounded the corner, Nikki dropped 15 feet down on to the alley's blacktop in front of Kyle. Grabbing his shirt collar he turned and slammed him into the wall. In a raspy demonic tone Nikki asked, "What the hell do you think you are doing?" Kyle stunned didn't know what to make of the creature that stood before him. "Don't you know it's not nice to bird dog?" Groggily, Kyle asked, "What are talking about?" "The girl, she's not yours to play with." As Kyle was trying to comprehend everything that was happening to him, he felt a hand wrap around his throat and lift him off of the ground. "She is mine and will always be mine. Don't you ever forget that."

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"Shit!" CC said as she observed her purse wasn't in her hand. She turned around and headed back to the restaurant. She cut across the street and headed for the alley's entrance. When she rounded the corner, there she was face to face with Nikki baring his fangs as he was holding Kyle by the throat.

chapter 11 - Jade

As he heard the scream, Sandman put the car in drive, and took off like a bat out of hell. "What the hell was that for?" Jade asked. "I heard CC scream." "Nikki wouldn't..." Sandman cut her off before she could finish. "No, he wouldn't feed from her. Not unless she wanted him to. He wouldn't risk damning her to our type of life."

Once he laid eyes on the three in the alley, he pulled over. "You get CC. I don't want to risk scaring her. She's already seen what Nikki is." Jade silently asked how he knew. "Just trust me. I can't cut this mind reading thing off, and it isn't focused just on you."

Sandman ran over to them, and pulled Nikki away from Kyle. "What the hell is wrong with you!? I told you to behave." "He's trying to take CC from me!" "Try to read his mind, you dumb ass! She turned him down!"

Jade walked over to CC, and put her arms around her shoulders. "CC? Are you alright?" "Nikki's... he's a... They're both..." "Calm down, hunny. I know what they are," Jade soothed. CC broke free of her friend's embrace, and turned on her. "How the hell can you be so damn calm!? I'm covering a story on a woman whose death looks like a vampire attack, and come to find out, we're dating vampires!" "Yes, we are. Neither of which has fed on living human blood for over a century." "Tell that to Janet Hiller," CC said in an icy tone.

CC turned and ran. "CC!? Damn it, get back here," Jade yelled. Seeing that she wasn't going to stop, Jade took off after her. After running a few blocks, she lost her. "Goddamit!" She leaned against the wall, and bent over with her hands on her knees to catch her breath. "I should have quit smoking years ago."

As a shadow came closer to her, she looked up. The man was nearly seven feet tall, and dressed all in black. What frightened her were the glowing green eyes from her nightmares, and his preditory gaze was fixed on her. "Undertaker," she merely whispered. He gave her a crooked grin. "I suppose your man has told you about me?" She wanted to run, but her body wouldn't move. 'SANDMAN!' her mind screamed. "By all means, call your lover here to save you. We'll be gone before he gets here."

Sandman heard her cries. He grabbed Nikki's collar, and pulled him to the car, disregarding the still shocked Kyle. "Thanks to you, we have to go find both of the ladies," he hissed. "What?" "CC took off running, and Undertaker has Jade. If I lose her because of your stupidity, I will make your eternity a living hell!"

CHAPTER 12 – CC

`Where the fuck is she' Sandman thought. Nikki was still breathing hard and trying to comprehend everything that just happened. "I'm sorry," was all he could say. His hands shook as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Sandman kept driving. Visions of Jade being tortured and lying in a pool of her own blood haunted him. They drove in silence looking for the girls, but to no avail. Nikki couldn't stand the heaviness that settled in his heart. "Stop the car." Sandman looked at him. "I need to be alone. Please, don't ask me anything else." Nodding his head, Sandman pulled over. Nikki opened the door as the first tear fell on the wet pavement. "Hey," Nikki turned to look at his older brother, "We'll find them. Just be careful" Trying to smile, Nikki closed the door. Sandman watched his baby brother as the fog swallowed him whole. He could feel Nikki's pain and the blame he was placing on himself. Sandman sighed and pulled away from the curb.

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Undertaker slammed Jade down onto a bed of pillows. He swung one leg over her, trapping her with his weight. "Now, maybe you'll stop fighting me." Jade brought her hands up to hit him, but he was too fast and grabbed her wrists. He forced them down above her head and bared his fangs, "Don't make me hurt you." She winced in pain and thought it best to give in. Smiling, he leaned closer to her face and whispered, "That's better." She saw the tips of his fangs tainted red and closed her eyes. A deep demonic chuckle escaped his ruby lips, "Does my appearance offend?" Jade said nothing. "Answer me." For the first time in her life, she was speechless. Becoming disturbed with her fear, he placed both of her wrists in one hand and wrapped his free hand around her throat. "If you aren't going to speak, then I'll have to give you a reason not to speak," and he tightened his grip.

She could feel his frigid hand tighten for every second of silence. Finally she screamed, "What do you want!?" Leaning into her until his lips were inches from hers and as strands of his jet black hair caressed her face, he said in a deathly tone, "Sandman."

By 3:30AM, Nikki's anger was as a boiling point. "Who the hell does she think she is," he screamed out loud. How dare she go out with another man. Nikki looked up and found himself at CC's house. His lips curved into a sadistic smile as he turned himself into a stream of steamy mist.

CC was fast asleep and moaned as she felt something under the covers. She turned on to her back as Nikki re-shaped himself at the foot of her bed. With his eyes black as coal and his fangs gleaming in the moonlight, he removed the sheet that covered the curvaceous body he loved so much. His eyes followed his fingers as he started at her painted toe, gently moving up her leg. She let out a small moan, as she slowly opened her eyes. Nikki swiftly moved on top of her and forcefully held her down. "Let me go," she pleaded. He shook his head and as he lightly brushed his lips with hers, he whispered, "Never."

His eyes danced with an evil she had never seen before. Gathering her strength she questioned, "What the fuck are doing?" "I should be the one asking you," he hissed. Confused she replied, "What are you talking about?" His blood was seething as his memory took him down memory lane. The laughter, the hand holding, the proposal, it was too much for him to bear. Before he even realized what he was doing, his hand grabbed her throat and squeezed. "I watched you tonight. What the fuck were you doing out with another man? Hasn't this past year meant anything to you?" His grip tightened as he continued. "Or was this just a game to bide your time until someone better came along? You said you loved me or were those just more mortal lies?" His strength was overwhelming as her eyes began to water. He intently watched as one tear escaped. Following its trail, Nikki's own eyes began to shine. Looking into her hazel eyes, he couldn't take it anymore. He had to know the truth. Loosening his grasp, he quietly asked, "Do you still want me?" She looked at the creature that lay on top of her, his messy long hair, his eyes black as night, his fangs, sharp and ready to take the soul of any being, yet through it all, she didn't know why, but she found herself saying, "Yes," without any hesitation. Nikki looped his finger around her hair and violently pulled her into a passionate kiss.

chapter 13 - Jade

As she stared into the eyes of evil, Jade wondered if she was going to die that night. Undertaker gave her an evil grin. He petted her cheek, knowing it only upset her. "Why would I kill you tonight? If you're dead, what reason would Sandman have for coming to me?" "I hope I get to watch when he rips your fucking head from your shoulders," she growled. "Don't worry. I plan on letting you watch me kill him. Then, you'll be a creature of the night, just like me." "You can turn me, but I'll never be like you."

His internal clock told him the sun would be rising soon. "Now, what should I do with you while I rest?" He flashed a vision in her head of what he had planned. Her breath caught in her throat. "Couldn't you just chain me to a wall or something?" "Face it, you need your rest as well." "Then chain me to a fucking table or bed! You're not getting me in that damn thing!"

He stood, easily lifting her with him. "I don't believe you have a choice, my dear." He threw her over his shoulder, and carried her to the bedroom. He set her down, and opened the lid on the coffin. "Oh, hell no!" She darted towards the door, but Undertaker beat her to the door. "Let's not make this any harder than it has to be. If you continue to fight me, you'll be on the bottom." She swallowed hard, knowing his weight would nearly crush her.

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Sandman shook the deceiving images from his head. He was finally able to connect with Jade's senses. He saw through her eyes as Undertaker climbed in the coffin, then pulled her in on top of him. His anger reached new levels as he felt Undertaker's arms go around her body, and hold her to him. 'Don't worry, my love. I will be there as soon as I can,' he sent to her. He read her thoughts, telling him to be careful.

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Nikki felt his inner alarm going off, but he refused to leave CC. "If you still want me, why were you with him?" "I work with Kyle. We went to dinner as co-workers, atleast from my view. When he started coming on to me, I made it clear that I was seeing someone." "'Was seeing someone'?" She sat up. "Damn it, Nikki... Don't turn my words around on me. You know what I mean."

She glanced over at the alarm clock. "The sun will be up soon. Shouldn't you be hiding?" "I can't. Not until I know I actually have a reason to hide from the sun." He stared her in the eyes. "If you still want me, why did you run from me?" "What did you expect me to do when I saw you that way!? I didn't even believe vampires existed until last night. Then, to see that my lover, the man I've been seeing for a year is a vampire, bared fangs and all... I was scared, and I paniced."

He laid his hand on her cheek. "I would never hurt you." As she tossed the covers aside, and stood, she said, "you have a funny way of showing it!" "I'm sorry! I saw you with another man, and you ran from me. I was scared, too! Scared that I was losing you!" She sighed. "You're not losing me. I just wish you could have told me." "Would you have taken it any better if I had?" She shook her head. "I don't know." "Besides, Sandman and I have to be very careful of who knows. If too many people found out what we are, or that we exist, it would cause a panic."

Nikki stood from the bed, and went to her. He wrapped an arm around her, and laid the opposite hand on her cheek. "I realize how it sounds, but I wasn't sure that I could trust you with that kind of information. Now, I know I should have." He leaned down, and softly claimed her lips. As they were deep in their passionate kiss, she heared a sizzling noise. She pulled away, and saw the smoke rising from his hand. "Oh, shit! Nikki, you have to hide! Get in the closet!"

CHAPTER 14-CC

Wincing in pain Nikki asked, "Promise me I'll see you later." CC tenderly smiled, "I promise, now get in." Nikki grabbed her by the throat and pulled her into the closet with him.

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Sandman was exhausted, but made it home just in time. He reached for the remote control and closed all of the windows. "Nikki, are you here?" he shouted. Silence met his ears and his heart began to race. His mind went searching and then a smile crossed his lips when he finally found him. `As long as you're safe little bro,' he thought to himself. His head felt light and his stomach was churning as he realized he hadn't fed all night. He opened the fridge and reached for the bottle that would quench his thirst. "Come to Papa," he growled as he drained the container. Trails of crimson fluid ran down the corners of his mouth and splashed his chest as his head titled back.

"AAAAHHHHHH," he contently sighed. With his eyes closed, he bared his fangs as his blonde mane spilled down his back. He set the container on the counter and swore out loud, "I will find you Undertaker, you here me! And when I do, you are going to wish you had never started this game."

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Lying in his coffin with Jade securely on top of him, Undertaker chuckled at Sandman's threat, and simply stated, `You have to find me first. In the mean time, I will make sure that all of Jade's needs are met, all of them,' as a sadistic laugh rose from his throat.

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Around 2PM, CC was driving to her next interview. Her thoughts were consumed with this Undertaker character and where the hell Jade was. There had to be some kind of connection, but what? Maybe Nikki could tell her something. A smile crossed her lips as she recalled their rendezvous in the closet. Unfortunately, they couldn't talk about his past because she had to go to work, but that would all change when she got home. She pulled up to the curb and put the car in park. A chill ran up her spine as she noticed the dark mansion that lay before her. "First vampires, and now spooky old mansions. How did I ever get myself into this mess?" she said out loud. She grabbed her briefcase and as she stood out of the car, an icy wind whipped through her body and a deep baritone voice whispered, "You're next." She tried to shake it off and proceeded up the hill.

The floorboards creaked as she reached the door. CC noticed the brass knocker. It was in the shape of a lion's head with bits of brass worn off. "How cliché," she nervously laughed. Taking a deep breath, she used the knocker. It echoed throughout the house. The door slowly opened as the butler nodded. "May I help you?" CC introduced herself and was escorted inside. She looked around as she noticed all the curtains were drawn. She was led down a long corridor whose walls were adorned by tapestries depicting ancient times. CC felt a cool breeze and could have sworn that she felt Nikki by her side. Looking around she admired the antiques that filled the immense room. She glanced over at the fireplace and noticed a small golden dragon holding a crystal ball sitting on the mantle. CC couldn't help but be intrigued by the tiny figurine. She walked over and studied it. She became entranced by all of the tiny prisms cut into the crystal. She re-gained her senses and knew she wasn't alone. She turned and there he stood. Mr. Hiller himself, the widow and owner of these foreboding grounds. He gestured to an overstuffed chair and said, "Please, sit down." CC smiled, and sat. "Thank you for taking the time and allowing me to interview you, Mr. Hiller," she said. He looked at her and nodded. "I have to admit I was surprised to her from your station that you wanted an interview." CC looked up from her briefcase and asked, "Why is that?" "Because I know your News Director doesn't believe in the Supernatural." "I don't understand, what are you saying?" He stared at her for several seconds. Then, with piercing eyes, simply stated, "Vampires, Miss CC, vampires."

CHAPTER 15 - Jade

CC nervously laughed. "You don't honestly believe in vampires, do you, Mr. Hiller?" She swallowed hard, knowing he had every reason to. "Yes, ma'am, and I believe you do as well." "What makes you say that?" "The way you looked at me when I said vampires. Almost as if you knew one." "I'm sure if I knew one that "Ripley's Believe It or Not" would pay handsomely to see it." He gave her a sideways grin. "The eyes tell no lies."

CC shook off the uneasiness the man gave her, and pulled her list of questions out of her breifcase. "Mr. Hiller..." "Please call me Mark." She looked over her notes. "I thought your name was Frank?" He gave her a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yes, of course, but my friends call me Mark." The uneasiness came back in full force, nearly making her shudder. 'This guy is fucking strange!' she thought to herself.

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Nikki tried to rest, but the growling in his stomach wouldn't let him. 'Oh, dear God... I should have fed before I came here.' He writhed and groaned as he held his stomach, willing the nausea to subside. 'Damn it! Don't you two even have one mouse in this house!?'

"Nikki, feed off of your wrist for now. It's atleast something in your stomach," came his brother's voice. "You can feed when it gets dark. I'll bring it to you."

He stared at his wrist for a long moment, before pulling off the leather band he kept snapped around it. 'This is going to hurt.'

"Stop being a pussy, and just do it!" Sandman demanded.

He sunk in his fangs, and only drank enough to get his stomach to quiet down. Feeling light-headed, he curled up as best he could, and let sleep claim him.

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Once Jade finally fell asleep, she was seemingly dead to the world. Instead of the hellish nightmares of the man she lay atop of, she dreamed of her lover. She lay in the middle of a large canopy bed with red satin sheets. Hanging from the canopy was a black filmy material. And at the foot of the bed stood Sandman, only in his jeans.

As her dream became erotic in nature, she moaned and writhed within the confines of the coffin. As she ran her hands over Sandman's body in the dream, her hands were actually roaming Undertaker's body. It took him a few moments to realize what was happening. He gave himself a sideways grin, as he moaned.

"When was the last time you gave this girl the ol' high hard one?" Undertaker sent to Sandman.

"That's no business of your's!" he sent in return.

Undertaker sent him the sights he saw of her caressing his chest, then moving down to his manhood through his jeans. "She is just begging for me to give it to her."

Sandman connected with her eyes, but only saw black. So, he connected with her mind, and saw her dream. He smiled for a moment, before seeing that her slumber would cause her real torment. "JADE! WAKE UP!"

She awoke with a start, hitting her head on the coffin's lid. "OW! Fuck!" "If you'd like me to..." Undertaker said. Remembering where she was, she let out a scream.

CHAPTER 16-CC

On the way back to the station, CC couldn't get the interview or Mark out of her head. `There's just something not right,' she thought. She pulled into the parking lot, gathered her belongings and as she stepped out of the car ran right into Kyle. "Jesus Christ!!! You scared the shit out of me!!!" "We need to talk." She pushed him aside, closed the door and set her briefcase on top of the car. She tried to explain, "Look, about last night…" "You don't need to remind me. CC what the fuck is going on? Was that your so called boyfriend who was choking me?" CC didn't have to say a word, he just shook his head. "What the hell is the matter with you? That man or thing or whatever he is. He's dangerous, he could have killed you, let alone me." "Kyle, it's been a long day. I just found out myself. I know this isn't fair of me to ask you, but can we just keep this to ourselves? Kind of our secret, please? I have a lot to think about." His eyes softened as he gently touched her shoulders, "Yeah, sure. You know I'd do anything for you. Just be careful, okay?" CC nodded and as they hugged, she slowly closed her eyes feeling his warmth.

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A devilish smile played across Undertaker's lips when he tapped into CC's whereabouts. `I wonder if Nikki knows about them?' he thought and scanned Nikki's vulnerable soul. A sinister plot entered Undertaker's iniquitous mind as Nikki continued his tormented sleep.

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At 8PM, CC walked through the front door. With a smile on her face she said, "Home Sweet Home." She turned on the light, set her things down, and headed into the kitchen. As she reached for a glass, she felt a presence zooming up behind her and instantly felt a cool hand wrap around her throat. "Welcome home, dear." CC jumped as the glass fell from the cabinet and shattered into a million pieces. "Nikki?" she timidly asked. He leaned into her back, slowly closing his eyes as he took in her heavenly scent. "Expecting someone else?" He whispered. Burying his nose in her hair, his grip tightened. "You were with Kyle today." Nervous tension filled her soul as she kept quiet. He continued growling, "I can smell him. He's all over you." His breath was hot against her ear. She leaned into his chest as her breathing became labored. Visions of Kyle and CC embracing, undressing, and fucking danced through Nikki's mind, as his grasp became unbearable. "Nikki, please, you're hurting me." CC exclaimed trying to break apart his hold. "I warned you, but you didn't listen. You're mine, alive or dead, you will always be mine."

CC fell to the floor and as she did she looked around. "Are you okay?" Kyle asked. "Yeah, I think so," she said looking around. "Here, let me help you." And he offered her his hand. She took it and sat back down. "I must have been dreaming," she said running her fingers through her hair. "I guess so, you want to talk about it?" "No, I'm fine now. I just need to go home and get some sleep." "Are you okay to drive." "Yeah, I'll be fine. Thanks," and she grabbed her stuff and headed towards her car.

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Jade stretched out and as she awoke she realized she was handcuffed to a brass headboard. `At least I'm out of that coffin.' She thought. Jade looked around and noticed in one corner of the room there were clippings of newspaper articles taped to a mirror. The mirror was completely covered with these news items that dated back hundreds of years. "There's nothing like good cup of Joe and a morning paper to start the day," boomed Undertaker's voice from the opposite corner of the room. Startled, Jade asked, "You drink coffee?" Chuckling at her sarcasm he replied, "No, but you do," and he set the cup down on the night stand.

She shifted to the other side as he sat down next to her. He looked at her with fiery eyes, yet gently spoke, "Your stay here doesn't have to be unpleasant. I am reasonable, you know." "Then, why did you kidnap me?" "I did what I had to do to get what I want. This isn't my fault. I'm not the one who lied to you about what I am." Jade was quite. He was making too much sense. Undertaker continued. "I have no intention of hurting you, unless you give me a reason to." Jade sank back into the pillows. "Now we can do this the hard way or you can accept your situation and allow me to be your host until I am ready to release you." Jade looked at the coffee and thought about what he said. Feeling the sting in her arms while her nose was teased by the wonderful aroma of the coffee, she decided she had no choice. She raised her hands and Undertaker smiled. As he leaned in to unlock the cuffs, he glared at her and in a deadly tone warned her, "Don't make me hurt you."

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CC unlocked the door and threw her stuff down. "Nikki! I'm home," she shouted. CC faintly heard her moaning upstairs. "Nikki," she yelled. Nothing. She ran upstairs to see what was wrong. As she opened the closet door, Nikki rolled out doubled over in pain. "Oh my God, Nikki what's wrong?" She exclaimed as she bent down to be by his side. His body was slightly convulsing and as she pulled some of his hair away, all she could see were the whites of his eyes. Slapping his face, she screamed, "Nikki, talk to me, what can I do," His eyes slowly rolled back into place as he reached with a shaky hand to caress her cheek. Slowly, in between growls, with his fangs bared, he explained, "Feed, I need to feed." Without any hesitation she rolled up her sleep and offered her arm to him. Hungrily he took it, like a starving child and bit into the tender flesh. CC cried out and felt the blood surging to the top of her arm. Nikki kept the pressure steady as the blood continued to flow. She leaned against the wall as she felt her life slowly being drained. Slides of her life passed before her in fast motion as she wondered how things ever got so complicated. Was this is her destiny? Or was this just a one way trip to hell.

chapter 17 - Jade

As CC came closer and closer to hearing the death bell toll for her, she became dizzy and confused. She felt her grasp on reality slipping into madness. She became giggly as a song she didn't care for, but had heard several times in Jade's shop, played in her head. Nikki watched her as she began to sing the My Chemical Romance song while he fed. "Give'em blood, blood, Gallons of the stuff. Give'em more than they can drink, and it will never be enough. So, give'em blood, blood, blood! Grab a glass, because there's going to be a blood."

'She's slipping into insanity, Nikki. Seal her wounds, and lay her down in bed,' came Sandman's warning. 'I'm on my way, but if you ever loved her, do as I said now!'

Nikki pulled his fangs from her arm, and licked the punctures to keep anymore blood from flowing out. As he stood, he lifted her off her feet, and carried her to the bed. As he laid her down, he sat beside her. He softly petted her cheek, as he gazed down at her. "You risked your life in feeding me... Why?" "Because I love you," she whispered. "I love you, too. And now, I will always carry a part of you with me."

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Jade stared into the Undertaker's eyes while he worked on the other cuff. "Thank you," she whispered. He merely nodded. Once freed, she swung her legs over the side, and grabbed the cup of coffee. She took a sip, then looked at him. "May I read the articles on the wall?" "I'd rather you didn't." After a moment of silence, she said, "they are about your victims, aren't they?" He gave her a sideways grin. "I am what I am, and I have to eat."

She took another drink of her coffee, hoping to swallow her fear of this man along with the dark black liquid. "Do you feel remorse for feeding on innocent people?" "Only about the first hundred times. Then, I began hunting for those that weren't so innocent. After a few mornings where I went to bed starving, that had to change." "May I ask how old you are?" "Yes. I am seven hundred forty-five years old."

She became somber as she stared into the coffee cup. "May I ask why you killed their mother?" She looked up at him, and noticed his questioning look. "Was it just to feed, or was their another motive?" He sighed. "They had no idea what kind of pain she was in, or that she didn't have much longer. I could hear it. I could hear her hold her breath when the pain gripped her. I could hear her heartbeat slowing. She was resting when I found her. The way her muscles ached when she lifted the basket, she wouldn't have made it to the next bush..."

"Is that why you are called Undertaker?" she whispered. He nodded. "My companion, the one Sandman and Nikki killed, gave me the nick-name for ending the suffering of the weak, and sending them to their grave." Feeling a bit bolder, she asked what she thought CC would. "What about Janet Hiller?" "She had leukemia. She had just found out she was in remission, but one of her marrow donors has AIDS."

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'I don't like this,' Sandman thought as he walked up the steps to the house. He had been listening to the lies Undertaker was telling Jade, and knew she would come to defend him eventually. Without knocking he walked through the door. "Nikki!" "Up stairs, to the right." He followed the directions, and found his brother sitting beside CC on the bed.

"How is she?" he asked in a whisper. "She's fine. A little weak, but she will be alright. Do you have any idea where Undertaker has Jade?" "At his house. Is she awake?" "Yep." Sandman sat on the other side of CC. "CC, this murdered woman that you are reporting on, where was she found?" "In Rosemont, in a ditch," she weezed. "She was two blocks from her home."

Sandman could see the interview playing in her head with the victim's husband. "Please, call me Mark." "I thought your name was Frank?" "The Hiller house! Come on, Nikki." "I'm coming, too," CC said as she sat up. "No, babe. You need your rest," Nikki said. Her eyes narrowed to slits as she stared at him. In a deathly tone she said, "that is my friend he has, and come hell or high water I will be there." "We don't have time to argue. Help her up, and let's go!"

CHAPTER 18-CC

CC listened as Nikki and Sandman described their morbid past. When they were finished, silence filled the car. With her head still swimming, she just shook her head, "I don't know what to say. I never believed in vampires, I mean, I knew they existed in books and everything, but in reality, they just didn't exist." Nikki studied her closely, he had to tell her truth. CC felt his eyes on her and as she looked into his he revealed his true inner feelings. "I've known you a lot longer than you think. I saw you years before we met. You were on location, in New Orleans. I don't know why, but I instantly fell in love with you. I know it sounds ridiculous, but you ever experience seeing someone you never met, but you just feel connected to them, like you know them, but in reality you don't?" CC nodded. Nikki continued, "That's how I felt with you. I just didn't know how to approach you and then there's the whole feeding at night thing, you know what I mean. So, I just watched you from a far." "That was 5 years ago. You've been watching me for 5 years?" "Yeah. Then, when you and all of those people were held hostage in the liquor store, I knew this was my chance to finally meet you." CC was dumbfounded. Sandman could tell she was already going on overload and decided to switch the focus of this conversation. "Okay, I don't mean to change gears here, but we've got to save Jade and we need a plan. Now, this what I propose we do…."

Jade glanced at Undertaker while sipping her coffee. She didn't know whether she could trust him or not. He seemed so sincere and so, well, so gentle. Was this really the man that Sandman loathed, or was this some kind of sick twisted chapter in Undertaker's book of Revenge. "What other questions do you have for me? As you can see, I have nothing to hide." "I just don't understand this whole feud between the three of you. It just doesn't make any sense." Undertaker softly smiled as his fingers lightly stroked her cheek, "They took the life of my companion, Ariel. She was the light of life. It doesn't matter how or why they did it, the truth is still the same, nothing will bring her back. You of all people should understand that. How did you feel when you saw your brother Alan being shot to death? Did you ever question their reasoning or did you just want them to pay?" Tears began to fill Jade's eyes as she finally understood his point of view. His eyes darkened as an old familiar feeling washed over him. He slowly bent his head and brushed his lips with hers. "Now, if they aren't anymore questions, I am hungry. There is food in the cabinets for you." And with that he was gone. Jade's fingers touched her lips as she found herself completely confused. No one, not even Sandman, knew her like Undertaker.

Sandman pulled into the driveway and headed straight for the front door. CC stopped in her tracks as she watched him go right through it. Nikki glanced at her & smiled. CC shook her head and said, "I don't think I'll ever get used to the two of you." Nikki grabbed her hand and laughed. Once inside, Sandman knew exactly where she was, he could smell her intoxicating scent thousands of miles away. He opened the door for Nikki and CC as they followed him downstairs.

Jade kept glancing at the newspapers as they were beckoning her to be read. She couldn't take the suspense anymore. "Fuck curiosity and the cat," she said and walked over to the mirror. Her eyes scanned the articles and widened as they came across one that enclosed a gruesome picture. She winced and couldn't believe that this was the sadistic work of the man who just left her. She read another article that was just below it. The same thing. All of these articles were nothing but gory stories of how innocent people were torn apart by this sadistic savage. Her mind became suspicious of him once again and her stomach turned at the thought of his bestial lips on hers. She jumped when she felt pressure on her shoulders, "You son of a bitch," she screamed and as she whipped around, she slapped the intruder. Her hand covered her mouth as she realized it was Sandman. She began to cry, as he pulled her to him. "It's okay," he whispered. Jade looked deep into his eyes and pulled him into a passionate kiss. Sandman became nauseous as he tasted Undertaker on her lips. As he pulled away from her, CC and Nikki pounded on the door.

"Why isn't he opening the door?" CC asked. Nikki shrugged his shoulders and instantly turned into steam. She watched as he slid under the door and then heard the lock move. She bolted through the door as Sandman was staring at Jade. "I'm sorry," was all Jade kept saying. Nikki ran through Sandman's mind and said, "Oh shit." He stepped between the two of them and tried reasoning with them both. "Look, we don't have time to deal with this now. Let's get out of here and talk about this someplace else, okay?" "No, it's okay. I understand," said Sandman with his head hung low. He raised his eyes and glanced to Jade, "It's over."

A sinister laugh came from the doorway and Undertaker stood proudly as he announced, "Yes, it is over."

The door slammed shut as Sandman and Nikki stood in front of Jade and CC. He looked at all four of them and smiled. His eyes set on CC and asked, "Did you enjoy the dreams as much as I did?" Nikki clenched his fists. "God, you were so beautiful and you felt incredible," he turned to Nikki, "Too bad you couldn't join us." CC refused to be intimated and held onto Nikki as he started to lunge towards him. CC stepped aside and asked, "Did you kill Mr. Hiller, as well as Janet?" Undertaker just laughed. He stepped towards her and was impressed when she stood her ground. He lifted her chin with his nail and whispered, "He wore out his welcome." And he flicked his nail away leaving a small trail of blood. Undertaker tasted her blood on his nail and said, "Tasty, but not as much as this one," as he turned to Jade. Sandman did nothing. He couldn't feel anything. It wasn't the fact that he tasted Undertaker on Jade's lips, it was how she felt. That no other man, not even himself, understood her, when she could never be more wrong. Nikki felt his pain and tried to get through, but nothing could penetrate his dark soul. He wouldn't allow it.

CC wasn't finished with him just yet. She had more questions that needed to be answered. Why did you kill Janet Hiller? Undertaker turned back around and headed straight towards CC. Nikki tried to move, but was immobilized by his powers. Undertaker backed her into a wall. He placed both hands on either side of her head, and in a lethal tone told her, "You're really trying my patience." Jade spoke up in hopes of saving her friend. "She had leukemia. She had just found out she was in remission, but one of her marrow donors had AIDS, right?" CC looked at Jade and asked, "That's what he told you?" Looking at Undertaker she said, "Should I tell her the truth or do you want to?" Undertaker looked at her with the blackest eyes, but said nothing. "Fine." CC turned back to Jade and continued, "The only truth he told you was that she was in remission. She never received any tainted blood, but I'm not surprised he told you that. Because that's the kind of man he is, vicious, cold, cruel, and heartless. That's how he got his name you know." Jade looked at him. All of her suspicions were confirmed. Nikki could feel Undertaker's power lessening, but stayed put.

"ENOUGH!!!" Undertaker rumbled. He slowly walked up to Jade and stroked her cheek. "I'm afraid she is right, but as I have always told you. I do what I have to do to get what I want." He glanced over at Sandman and continued. "The fact hasn't changed, I still know you better than anyone else." Nikki knew there was only person who could get through to him and he prayed that she would or it could mean the end of all of them.

chapter 19 - Jade

Jade leaned into his touch, and closed her eyes. All the while, the anger grew within her. "You lying sack of shit!" she thought. Undertaker's hand clamped around her chin, and forced her to look in his eyes. "Get angry with me. It will make you taste all the sweeter when I make you my new companion." "When hell freezes over, jackass!" She raised her knee to catch him in the family jewels, but it stopped just short. "Can you deny that I have been civil, and generous while you have been here? Can you deny that in twenty-four hours, I learned more about you than your lover has in one month?" "Can you deny that you have lied to me? Can you deny that you invaded my privacy by reading my mind?"

Before she knew what was happening, Undertaker spun her, trapping her in his arms, and forced her to look at Sandman. "He lied to you about his true nature. You could have been his dinner at any point." "But I wasn't, nor do I believe I would be unless I allowed him to." Her eyes pleaded with Sandman to forget the assault on her lips by the mad man, and what she felt for a few fleeting moments. She just wanted to be safe with him.

CC and Nikki were unable to do anything as Undertaker tried to change her mind by softly running his lips over her collar bone. Tears welled in her eyes, as she silently begged Sandman to help her. "You don't want me, so why should I help you?" "Because I love you. You're the only man I need or want in my life," she sobbed. He felt the impact of her profession of love. As he watched Undertaker's fangs lower, he knew what was to happen next.

Sandman grabbed one of the bed posts, and easily broke it off of the foot board. "Let go of my woman," he growled. Undertaker laughed. "She appears to be mine, now. And, once I turn this one, I will take your brother's woman as well. Then, we can truely be even." "Oh, hell no!" Nikki said. Finally free of the spell Undertaker held over him, Nikki took a fighting stance.

Undertaker chuckled. "Fools! Neither of you are strong enough to do anything about it." "Jade, drop!" Sandman yelled. She did as told just seconds before the bed post connected with the side of Undertaker's head. As he was sent reeling, she scurried away. She grabbed CC, and pulled her out of the room. "Hey, CC? You awake?" "Yeah. Are you ok? He didn't do anything to you, did he?" "No. Help me find something for the guys to use." "Like what?" "Look around for the usual stuff; wooden stake, holy water... Hell, garlic, if ya find it."

Their attention was drawn back to the room as they heard a loud crash. Sandman was thrown into the mirror, and Nikki was charging towards Undertaker. That's when Jade saw it. She grabbed the bamboo rod, and went through the door. "Sandman!" When he looked, she threw in to him. "It's atleast something!" He nodded. The bamboo splintered with a loud THWACK across his back. "Here we go," CC said from behind. Jade turned and saw the samarai sword. "Holy shit! What the hell?" "I dunno, but I'm sure Nikki could use it."

Undertaker stood between the two men, swinging his arms and trying to dodge their shots. CC drew Nikki's attention, and threw the sword in. Unfortunately, Undertaker got it, instead. He held the blade to Sandman's neck. "I could end your miserable existance right now." "NO!" Jade cried. She rushed in, and clutched her lover. Sobbing, she said, "I will give myself to you, Undertaker, if you let him live."

"You know I won't let you do that," Sandman sent to her. "I was counting on that." She sent him her plan, hoping Undertaker was too deep in his own thoughts to read her's. "You have to give CC the sword, first." He smiled, as he slowly handed it to her. Jade stepped back from Sandman, and found herself back in Undertaker's arms. She closed her eyes and swallowed hard as he brushed the hair away from her neck. "I love you, James," she whispered.

As Undertaker bared his fangs to sink them into her soft flesh, CC handed the sword to Nikki. He plunged the sword into Undertaker's back, until it came through his chest. Nikki withdrew it, as Jade moved toward Sandman, and with a swing of the sword, cut off Undertaker's head. They watched for a moment, until the body turned to a pile of dust on the floor. Sandman pulled Jade to his chest. "I don't know if that was brave or stupid of you, but I love you, too."

CHAPTER 20 (Epilogue)-CC & JADE

Deadly silence filled the room. Bits of ashes were still flying in the
air as Nikki looked at the pile and in a demonic growl said, "Yes, it
is over." CC looked at him with fear. Never in her life had she ever
thought he was capable of this much violence. Sandman and Jade
exchanged worried glances. He left her arms and went to his brother.
Putting his hand on Nikki's back, Sandman whispered, "C'mon, it's
okay, drop the sword." Nikki did as he was told and as he turned to
embrace Sandman, the sound of metal hitting the floor echoed
throughout the room. Jade went over to CC to see if she was okay.
"Holy shit," was all CC kept saying as they hugged. Jade couldn't help
but giggle, "What happened to that brave chick I saw just minutes
ago?" "She left the building," and they both began to laugh.

Nikki and Sandman watched the two girls and smiled at the relief of
their safety. Sandman draped his arm over Nikki's shoulder and softly
said, "Those are the two bravest women I've ever met. We really are
lucky, you know that?" Nikki couldn't take his eyes off of CC, "Yeah,"
was all he could say. They walked over to the girls and Sandman's arm
slid off of Nikki's shoulder as he approached Jade.

Sandman stood in front of Jade and just looked at her. With a smile on
her dirt smudged face, he smiled back. He opened his arms and she fell
into them, sighing at the comfort of his warm embrace. Slowly he
closed his eyes, swearing to himself he would never let her go. After
a few moments, Jade pulled away. As she placed each hand on either
side of his face, she said, "I love you." He shook his head, took her
hands and kissed them both, "Forgive me for being such a fool. I knew
Undertaker would try to turn you against me. I heard your
conversations with him, but when I kissed you and realized how you
felt, that Undertaker was the only one who truly understood you, all
of my common sense when out of the window." Jade looked at him through
a shiny vision, "It's not your fault. I was confused. He took my anger
towards my brother's death and used it for his own personal gain. I
love you and always will." She pulled him forward by his hands and
softly kissed him. As they slowly ended their kiss, Sandman looked at
her and saw nothing but love. He wrapped his arms around her as a deep
rumble escaped from this throat and pulled her into an amorous kiss.

Nikki saw the trepidation in CC's eyes and approached her with
caution. Realizing she had experienced more than a lifetime's worth in
the past 48 hours, he stopped where he was. They stared at each other
with love and confusion swirling around them. A part of CC wanted to
run to him, hold him tight, and tell him how much she loved him, but
the other was terrified. Nikki knew it would probably take some time,
but he was never going to give up. In the depths of his soul, he knew
they were made for each other. Finally, he spoke up, "Are you
alright?" She nodded and realized that he saved her life. All of their
lives. She took a few steps towards him, "Are you?" He smiled and
said, "I could use a shower and a cigarette, but other than that, I'm
okay." She laughed and he inched his way closer. Then, both of them,
moved closer until they were face to face. CC perused his beautiful
face tainted with grime. Her finger slowly moved a piece of his long
black hair away from his eye. She drew in a breath at the sight of his
sparkling orbs. `God he's beautiful' she thought. "Thank you," he
tenderly said. She blushed, remembering he is unlike any other man she
has dated. He smiled and told her, "I promise, no more reading your
mind, unless you're in trouble, then all bets are off." They laughed
and then looked at one another. Slowly, they came closer together
until their lips lightly touched. "I love you," he whispered with his
lips still against hers. Then, he plunged his mouth over hers in a
searing kiss. Lack of oxygen forced the two of them to separate and as
they did, Nikki took a deep breath and huskily said, "Let's get out of
here."
************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ***
After having eaten and freshly showered, the girl's found themselves
for the first time at Nikki and Sandman's place. "God, this place is
huge," CC exclaimed as she looked around. Jade was in awe, but not of
the place. Sandman slowly came down the main hall staircase with
nothing but a pair of jeans on. Half way down the stairs, he stopped,
leaned against the railing, and seductively smiled at her. With a
slight wink of his eye, he motioned for her to come to him with his
index finger. She felt her mouth become dry and moistened her lips.
Her eyes never left Sandman as she said to CC, "I'll see you later,"
and headed straight towards him. He snaked his hand through her hair
and around her neck as he bent down to ravage her wet lips. CC
couldn't help but smile as she watched the two walk arm in arm up the
staircase and disappear around the corner.
************ ********* ********* ********* ********* *
As Jade walked into Sandman's bedroom her breath caught in her throat.
He wrapped his arms around her from behind, and whispered in her ear,
"look familiar?" She took in the red satin sheets and black mesh
hanging from the canopy. "My dream..." "I hope you don't mind that I
watched." "Not at all. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did." "Not
yet." He grabbed the hem of her shirt, and pulled it off of her. As it
hit the floor, his arms went around her, to work on her jeans. Once
undone, he slid his hand inside. She moaned as she leaned her head
back on his shoulder. He saw the thought playing in her head. Her
reaction to it made his length throb within its confines. "Careful
what you wish, my dear. Lay down on the bed."

She walked to the bed, shimmying her way out of her jeans and panties
as she went. He had to laugh to himself at the awkward way she was
walking. Once the jeans hit the floor, she climbed on the bed, and
laid in the center. Sandman walked over to the foot of the bed, and
just stared at her. 'Dear, God... She loves me, and accepts me for
what I am... How could I ever refuse her wishes?'

He slid his jeans off, then stalked his way up her body, planting
kisses here and there. Her fingers slid through his hair as he reached
her lips. As he searched her mouth with his tongue, his arms went
around her. He rolled onto his back, taking her with him. He raised
her hips, then let her slide down his long, hard shaft. She moaned
against his lips as he filled her. Jade sat up, and rocked her hips in
time with his upward thrusts. That's when the thought crossed her mind
again.

When Sandman saw it, he sat up to look her in the eyes. His arms went
around her ribs, and held her still against him. "You were so adamant
about Undertaker not turning you, but you keep having thoughts of me
doing it. Why?" She kissed him. As it ended, she pulled back and
smiled. "Because, if I'm going to be anybody's for an eternity, I want
to be your's." The look on his face became deathly serious. "Did I say
something wrong?" she asked. "No joking, Jade. I want you to be sure
of your answer. Do you want me to make you like me? You will be damned
for an eternity." "I would be damned without you." She softly kissed
him. "I love you. Yes, I want you to make me like you," she whispered.

He allowed her to continue riding him as he let his senses take over.
He could smell the blood within her, hear it rushing through her
veins, and feel her heart hammering a beat against him. He allowed his
fangs to slide out of hiding, and allowed her to see him for what he
truly is. She leaned in, and lightly nibbled on his lower lip. He
grabbed a handful of her hair, and pulled her head to the right. As
she neared her peak, he sank his fangs into her neck all the way to
the gums, releasing the venom into her system. In the midst of her
orgasm, the searing heat in her veins brought her to new heights,
making her muscles clench around him. As it waned, she ran her hand up
his spine, into his hair. "I will love you forever, James."
************ ********* ********* ********* *********
CC looked around and wondered where Nikki was. Then she noticed French
Doors and was curious where they led to. She went through them and
caught her breath as she took in the entire city's skyline. It
sparkled like millions of tiny jewels. The sky was just beginning to
turn a faint purple as the sun was slowly beginning to wake. She
smiled as she felt a presence behind her. "Hi," she whispered and
leaned into his chest as she felt his arms wrap around her. "It's
beautiful," CC said. Nikki breathed in her stimulating scent and
simply stated, "Just like you." They stood there watching the sun
slowly rise and as it reached its dangerous level, Nikki and CC said
goodbye to the daylight.

CC sighed as she watched the steel blinds slowly descend upon the
shining rays. She turned around and saw Nikki lighting the last of
many candles throughout the room. When he finished, he laid on a large
polar bear rug. CC giggled when she saw him spralled out, and staring
at her. "What's going through that gorgeous head of yours?" she asked.
"I was just wondering if you'd marry me." She raised her brow at him.
"I could see a few problems with that." "Like what?" "Like we couldn't
get married in a church. Vampires have an issue with holy things."
"Sandman and I go to midnight mass every year." "And, a marriage is
until death do we part. In your eternal life, it would be a few
fleeting moments before I died." "Unless..." After a moment of
silence, she said, "unless what?"

He motioned her over to sit next to him, and she did. He took her
hands in his. "Unless you made the decision to join me in my eternal
life. Walk through the ages with me." She looked down at their joined
hands. He willed her to look at him. As her eyes fell on his, she
said, "I want to, but..." "But what, my love?" "I'm afraid," she
whispered. He smiled at her. "There is very little to fear. The sun...
Anything pointed at your chest, or sharp against your neck, but..."
"Feeding?" He smiled. "We have survived quite a while on pig's and
cow's blood. Tastes like a rare steak," he laughed the latter.

She nibbled her lip, as she weighed the issue in her head. He grabbed
her chin between his fingers. "I wouldn't let anything happen to you.
You have three vampires that love you very much, and would gladly
teach you what you need to know." Her brows drew together. "Three?" He
smiled. "Jade allowed my brother to change her. That is the way love
is. You embrace the unknown for fear of losing the one you love. Which
is why I ask this of you. As I said before, I don't want to lose you."
He lightly brushed his lips with hers. Then, looking deep in her eyes
he continued, "Besides, when you die, I die. There is no way I could
live without you. Marry me CC and we can spend eternity together." He
searched her eyes for the answer he was looking for, but nothing could
be found. At this point, Nikki didn't care, he wanted her and to show
her how much he truly loved her, he pulled her into a sultry kiss. He
slowly pressed his body against hers forcing her to lay down. As he
continued to tease her tongue, his fingers slowly unbuttoned her
blouse. His fingers assaulted her senses and she reached for the
button on his jeans. They continued to kiss and undress one another.
As he laid on top of her, Nikki's eyes darkened and his fangs lowered
as his tongue drew a trail from her chin, down her throat, and over to
lick the shell of her ear, he huskily whispered, "You will always be
mine." He lightly kissed the side of her neck and then worked his way
back up her throat with his tongue. Then he stopped and stated, "Look
at me." CC stared at the love of her life not knowing what to think.
Logically, she knew this would never work, unless she were to become
like him, but she could feel her heart breaking at the thought of
never seeing him again. Nikki looked at his eternal love and with all
of his heart he told her, "I love you," and punctuated it with filling
her to the brink. She moaned as her hips met his with every thrust.
Hands and tongues met every part of their bodies.

"That is the way love is. You embrace the unknown for fear of losing
the one you love," echoed in her ears as visions of what eternal life
would be like with Nikki danced in CC's mind: the love, the laughter,
the feeding, and the love making, oh yeah, the incredibly passionate
love making. She thought it was fantastic now, Nikki gave her a peep
show of how things could be. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever
think it could be that stimulating. Her stomach began to tingle and
the heat in her center began to rise, as she breathlessly whispered,
"Make me yours."

Continuing his thrusts, Nikki looked down at her and saw her watching
him through heavy lids. Fearful of her decision being made in the heat
of the moment, he searched her mind for the truth. With an evil smile
on his face, he pulled out of her, flipped her over, and roughly
entered her from behind. His savage thrusts introduced her to heights
she never knew existed. Nikki could feel CC's blood pumping hard
through her veins and an insatiable appetite took over. She winced
with a mixture of pain and pleasure as he grabbed a handful of hair
and violently pulled her back to him. In a demonic growl he exclaimed,
"Welcome to eternity," and he sank his sharp fangs deep into her
tender flesh. As he fed on her sweetness, they both flew over the
edge. CC cried out as she felt her blood meet the sting of Nikki's
venom. They mixed violently as they flowed throughout her body.

Breathing heavily, she slowly leaned against Nikki's chest as he
continued to feast. When he was done, he gently removed his fangs and
wrapped his arms around her. He slid around her, so that he could look
at his new bride. She groggily smiled at him. Nikki grinned as he ran
his fingers through her hair and rested them on the back of her neck.
Several minutes went by as the damned lovingly examined the damned.
Then he softly said, "You are mine, for eternity."