Once they met up with Howie and Christine behind the club, their little group was complete once more. It was just after midnight when still hungry and oddly unperturbed by the slayer’s appearance, they began trudging the back alleys of the downtown core. They certainly were creatures of habit.

Sarah was still bothered by what had happened at the club. She couldn’t help but feel if only she’d had a chance to explain herself, things might have worked out. But then again, if it were true what Nick told her, the slayer wouldn’t have given her the opportunity. Especially not seeing her surrounded by vampires. What excuse could she give? That she was afraid. So afraid for her own life that she’d joined with the enemy? She knew if she’d heard that story, she’d have staked herself! Guess it was one of those things where you just had to be there.

She scanned the faces of Nick, Kevin, Howie, Tess, Monica, Christine and the couple other males who’d joined them and got the feeling she stood out far too much in this cozy little picture. She was suspicious of every dark alley they went down. Not only for any slayers that may be attempting to carry on their mission, but also from other vampires. Just because they were of the same race didn’t mean that all vamps got along and the last thing she wanted to be caught in the middle of was a turf war. She’d be totally defenseless in that sort of battle.

As she passed by a full trash dumpster, she reached in and quickly removed an old table leg that had been lying on top, attempting to hide it before the others noticed. Nick saw what she’d done and insisted she get rid of it. He knew her thought was only to protect herself against rival vamps, but the others in the group, along with Alex were sure not to see it that way if they discovered a weapon such as that upon her.

One of the vampires picked up on voices coming from a corridor down the street and a couple of the males went on ahead to check it out. Sarah felt as if she were in on a bank heist or some other underhanded dealing. Well, it was in a way wasn’t it? People were about to be murdered and there wasn’t a thing she was doing to stop it. That bothered her. A lot. She pushed the guilt deep into the pit of her stomach and hoped she could hold it there.

As the first vampires returned and gave the scenario, Sarah knew she’d have rather stayed right where she was. She couldn’t watch this. Hearing that it was a drug deal going down that they were about to break up didn’t make her feel much better. She knew to the vampires, it could have just as easily been a Sunday school meeting. Warm bodies were warm bodies. It was all the same to them.

As the rest of the group rushed in, and Sarah remained near the opening of the alley keeping an eye out for witnesses--she prayed there would be none--Tessa, Monica and Christine gathered around to enjoy the action going down. They’d already fed tonight and the look of contentment on their faces reminded Sarah of the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. Only these cats had just eaten Alice. She knew what Nick and the others were doing. She really wasn’t in need of a play by play, but the other females were intent on sharing their observations with her regardless.

"Did you see that? I think Kevin just broke that guy in two," Christine reported enthusiastically. "He really should learn to control his strength a little bit better," she added arrogantly.

"Kevin never was one for finesse as far as kills are concerned. He’s very efficient about it. Like a little soldier, he goes in, gets what he needs and gets out," Monica informed.

"Takes all the fun right out of it, doesn’t he?" Christine teased.

"Get off his case, Chris. The girl he fed upon last night was younger than she looked. She didn’t have enough blood in her to satisfy even a very small vampire. He deserves this kill tonight," Tessa finalized, letting everyone know that was the end of the subject as she saw it. The other women turned to each other smiling knowingly. Tess might have been in love with Alex, but it was clear she also had a soft spot for Kevin as well. It made Sarah wonder about her and Nick all over again.

"Well, well, look over there at Nicky. He’s going in with quite the vengeance. Sarah, you have to see your boy in action. Look," Monica insisted turning her shoulders so she had a fully unadulterated view. Nick was nothing but stealth and agility, using his size to best his opponent easily. The man hadn’t had a chance as he made an attempt to escape and the vampire came up on him from behind. The human fought for a few minutes, getting in a couple good initial blows. Nick repaid him for his trouble, twisting the man’s neck with such force it detached from his spine then sank his teeth into his jugular with a savagery that was terrifying. Sarah was disgusted and she felt her stomach leap into her throat. She fought the nauseousness and hoped she wouldn’t lose her supper in front of the others. That would most certainly seal her fate. She’d seen vampires take lives before. Many much more violently than Nick just had. Why was this different? Because, her conscience scolded her, because this one you care about.

Sarah shook herself out of it and returned to the conversation the other women were having. The young vampire still seemed to be the main topic.

"Almost frightens one a little to see what the change does to him. I’ve seen him play with them sometimes--sort of a cat and mouse game. Usually the females. He enjoys hearing them beg. I think it turns him on. He’s so sweet up until the sun goes down. After that, nothing but a merciless, blood thirsty killer."

"Umm...we all are dear. Well, nearly," Tess stressed glancing at Sarah pointedly.

"I’m just saying if I were human, I’d be a little wary of that," Monica continued dramatically. "I couldn’t help but wonder if at any moment, he would turn on me. It would drive me crazy. Especially if I were sharing his bed with him. You are sleeping in Nickolas’ room now, aren’t you, Sarah?"

The blunt question threw Sarah so completely off balance, she couldn’t even give an answer. "It’s not like what you’re thinking," she defended finally.

"Oh, I’m sure it isn’t, sweetie," Tess assured smoothly. "I mean, you don’t want to get into that heavy duty stuff until he brings you fully across. That’s a big part of the reason why most humans want to be brought over in the first place. So they’re able to be with their vampire companions. If you made love with Nick while still a human, it could be very nasty. A vampire’s strength and stamina is incredible. They tend to be a tad overzealous, not to mention quite aggressive in bed and though he may not mean to..."

"Let's just say you might not survive it," Monica filled in smirking smugly.

"Nick wouldn’t do that," Sarah stated defiantly. The others smiled knowingly again making a chill crawl up her spine.

"He wouldn’t be able to stop himself. It’s no different for him than any of the others. They all play rough and unless you can best them at their own game, you won’t make it." Tessa’s arm wrapped about Sarah’s shoulders eliciting the cold chills to race through her like electric currents. "I know it must be hard to share your bed with a person that you can’t trust. Throw in the fact that he’s a vampire..."

"An inexperienced one at that," Christine informed.

"Right. And you’ve got a potentially fatal situation."

Sarah knew they were trying to goad a reaction out of her. That she shouldn’t be listening to them, but it was so hard to just stand there and let them talk about Nick and herself that way when they really knew nothing about it. She finally couldn’t take it any longer.

"But I do trust him! I trust him more than any of you," she blurted. They appeared to be waiting for this moment.

"Then why won’t you let him bring you across?" Tessa argued. "It’s obvious you’re afraid of him. Afraid he’ll make the same mistake he did with that other girl and you’ll simply never wake up."

"And I’m sure he knows it too," Christine shared quietly.

"Maybe you don’t really want to be one of us at all. Perhaps you’d rather stick with your microwave pizza and milk and cookies," Monica taunted and the others cackled with delight.

"She probably doesn’t have the stomach for it," Tessa commented slapping Sarah’s midsection hard with the back of her hand almost causing her to throw up. She stifled it, and recovered quickly but just barely.

"There’s nothing I want more than to be a vampire like Nick is. Like you all are," she lied putting up her mind block fiercely. "You’re right. I’m not happy about having to hunt and kill to survive, but I know its part of what I would have to do to be one. I’m trying to get used to it."

"Used to it!" Tessa huffed unbelieving. "This isn’t a tryout. You either become one of us or we kill you. There’s no other option. Nick chose you to give this gift to," she stressed. "You have no idea how valuable it is. It’s having powers beyond your wildest dreams. It’s never aging or getting ill. It’s life eternal. Your rejection of it sickens me. It’s been days. Tonight should be your first hunt. There’s a lot to learn and the sooner you begin your education, the better." Tess suddenly turned to the others. "You know if she is truly afraid of Nick’s little, ah, shall we say, ‘weakness’, perhaps we could help speed up the process for her." Her look fell upon Sarah lingering thoughtfully. "You know, I’ve brought several people across. I haven’t had one mishap."

"Umm, Tess…what about that guy in New York City?" Christine corrected.

Tessa’s eyes instantly grew dark. "I didn’t lose him," she stated indignantly. "I just changed my mind half way through." Her look turned back to Sarah. "He would have made a poor vampire. Much too full of himself for his own good and I simply discovered it a little too late. Apart from that, I have a hundred percent success rate. I’m sure I could help you out in your situation," she drawled dangerously as her gaze froze on Sarah’s neck and she came in closer.

That was enough for the slayer to hear and she pushed past the women with all her strength. She wished she’d never have let Nick talk her into putting back that table leg she’d taken. Then again, if she staked even one of them, she’d have Alex’s wrath to contend with which would probably be even worst than what they had in mind for her.

Sarah barely made it around the corner before all three vampires were upon her, pinning her to the wall. Christine and Monica had captured her arms while Tess now held her throat in her grasp. Sarah couldn’t move, she couldn’t scream, she could barely breath. She dropped the mental block and called for Nick as she had done earlier that day when Brian had attacked her, but unlike last time, her thoughts were muddied. His image clouded and she couldn’t pull together a good mental picture. She realized Tessa was causing it.

"Now now, we don’t need him here, do we? He couldn’t help you anyways." The vampire clutched her throat tighter within her long, slender fingers and Sarah felt herself losing consciousness as Tess raised her body up until she was on no more than tiptoe and she fought to hold on. The other two began to look worried.

"Tess, take it easy. If we hurt her, Nick will have our heads on posts."

"I can handle Nick," she purred, unmoved by the threat.

"Can you handle me?" they heard in a low voice from just behind them. It was Alex and Sarah didn’t think she had ever been so happy to see the vampire master in all her life. "Let her go, Tessa," he commanded.

"Why should I? It would be a good riddance for all of us if the bitch were to die tonight. She’s a slayer! She doesn’t deserve Nick."

"You sound jealous," Alex mocked. "I think I’m hurt. All this time I thought you only had the hots for me." His attempt at humor didn’t faze her the least bit and Tessa’s grasp of Sarah’s throat never eased. Her head felt like it was going to explode and the tears burnt behind her eyes. She couldn’t believe the female was defying him so blatantly.

"It’s not fair, Alex. Nick should have brought her over by now. There has to be something she’s hiding. Or something they both are." Tessa looked over her shoulder targeting Nick who’d just arrived on the scene with her burning stare. He moved forward to help, but Alex stopped him short. It was too dangerous. Tess could break Sarah’s neck at any moment. Monica and Christine had already backed off. They weren’t about to be stupid enough to go up against Alex. He was far too formidable and too angry at the moment. Tessa’s stony stare returned to her victim. "I don’t think she ever intended to become one of us. I think she’s some sort of spy. Or just saving her own neck by siding with us." Sarah flinched upon hearing that. She was close. Far too close.

"It sounds as if you’re doubting me, Tess. You know I don’t appreciate that." Alex came right up next to the female so they could be eye to eye. "Do you think if I suspected for one moment that she was a spy that I would have allowed her into my home? That I would have allowed her to live amongst us? No, I wouldn’t. I have been watching her. I know practically every move she makes. And I know when she lies to me. I assure you, I planned on discussing this matter with the both of them shortly. Now let her down," he demanded again leaving no room for dispute this time as his hand wrapped around Tessa’s wrist.

Sarah saw the latent power in his grasp and suspected if Tessa wouldn’t have let go, he would have broken it without hesitance. Sarah dropped forward the moment she was released, right into Nick’s arms and he held her against him supportively. She let herself lean into it, drawing strength from the comfort he offered.

"Bring me home, Nick. Please just bring me home," she murmured against him.

"I only wish I could," he whispered near her ear, tightening his grip about her fragile shoulders as he stared at the others surrounding them. This was far from over and Sarah had no time to enjoy the reassurance Nick was trying to provide.

Alex was staring them down, forcing them to be on guard once more. His look was dark, lethal, leaving no choice in the matter. Sarah disregarded it. She still felt strangely disconnected, unsure exactly of where she was or what she was doing due to Tessa’s cutting off her oxygen for a time. The darkness had never seemed so inviting.

"I have to admit, Tess has a point. The situation is looking a little suspicious, Nick," Alex stated, slowly walking up to them.

"I wanted to give her time to adjust to the new lifestyle. She’s been through so much. The last thing I wanted to do was take her by force. You know what happens when you bring over a person who doesn’t want to be."

"Yeah, they become a bitch like Tessa here," he laughed at his own joke while the person in question hissed at him. Alex ignored it and went on. "So you wanted to give her time. Well aren’t you the courteous one. But I don’t agree," his voice became stern warning once more. "I feel she would respond much better if she were one of us. It needs to be done as soon as possible. Like tonight."

"What?!" Nick exclaimed and Sarah became much more aware sensing the tension in him.

Tessa immediately approached Alex, running her hands up his chest provocatively. "Do you think I could get a bite in?" she purred sweetly coming up close. "Please? I promise to control myself."

"I don’t know, baby. You’ve been pretty bad tonight," he considered stroking his fingers along the curves of her body appreciatively. "Of course that is what you’re best at," he gave in as Nick and Sarah could only watch the turn of events in horror. This couldn’t be happening! It simply couldn’t! She looked up at Nick, her desperate eyes telling him everything she couldn’t put into words.

"Alex, what are you doing?!" Nick demanded, trying to keep his cool while swiftly crossing the short distance between them and everyone cleared a path automatically. "We’ve never brought someone over like this before."

"Well perhaps I’ll start a trend then. Don’t worry, Nicky boy. You’ll get your turn. She has what? Two bites left to go? That is what it is, isn’t it? We wouldn’t want to make a mistake," he stressed, staring into the younger vampire’s face point blank. It was obvious Alex was highly doubtful of the fact, but he was determined to have him keep to the story and Nick could only nod resignedly. "You get the final one. I promise you, you’ll have your chance. Guys, hold him back." Upon Alex’s command, Kevin and one of the other larger vampires who’d arrived with Alex latched unto Nick’s arms restraining him securely. He fought fiercely, but he was no match for the two well muscled vampires. "Not that I don’t trust you of course," Alex mocked smoothly. "Just a precaution...that’s all. Try not to take it personally, Nick. Tess, you’re up," he announced as she slipped past him, her hand running over his shoulders seductively as she did. "Girls, get in there and help her. I don’t want anymore trouble."

Sarah backed away upon seeing all three females coming at her, unbelieving she would soon be in the same predicament as a few minutes prior. You bet there’s going to be trouble, Alex, she thought. She wasn’t going to be taken without a fight this time. She let them believe she was yielding, then attacked when they least expected, managing to deliver a direct hit to Christine’s stomach that sent her sprawling to the pavement. Monica was next, but she recovered quicker than Sarah expected. Two were too much for her in her weakened state and she found herself having to retreat to catch a breather as Monica and Tessa continued to close in. When she looked up again, they were to either side of her, dragging her body across the concrete and forcing it up against the wall. She was stunned. It all happened so fast she could barely comprehend it.

She knew from Tessa’s look she was going to enjoy this. Clenching Sarah’s jaw in her hand painfully, the vampire tilted it sideways as far as the limitations of her physical body would allow. The last thing the slayer witnessed was Tessa’s face so close to hers, filled with outrage and lust and a hatred that consumed her. She dove in immediately and Sarah felt the teeth beginning to pierce into her flesh. Her look caught Nick’s and clung to it fiercely, the pleading in her eyes. Tell them Nick! Please, just tell them the truth!

Nick continued to struggle, unwilling to give in, but when he found he really couldn’t free himself, he was left with little other choice but to do as she so wanted him to. "Alex, wait! You have to stop her! Sarah wasn’t bitten only twice. It was three times. It was three times! This is the final one," he cried out in desperation.

"I know," the leader affirmed in a monotone, not turning his attention away from the scene before them. "I was waiting for you to come clean with me, Nick." He finally faced him to lay a deadly stare upon him. "Don’t ever try to pull this kind of shit with me again," he stressed, his tone venomous, leaving little doubt he meant it. He turned his attention back to the group. "I guess this changes a few things people," he announced. "Tess, pull back. Sorry babe, this ones too important for you." His message appeared to fall on deaf ears as Sarah felt Tessa’s teeth sink long and deep into her nape tearing the flesh. She screamed and screamed until she could scream no more. It was as if it was ripped from the bottom of her soul and she heard Nick’s agonized roar of denial of what was happening echoing right along with it.

"Tessa!!!" Alex shouted. "Don’t push me on this!" She headed the warning but only at her leisure, drawing away gradually and Sarah was almost positive a good part of her flesh had gone with her. Tessa tightened her grip about Sarah’s jaw, smiling into her face, allowing her to see her own blood dripping from her fangs. The slayer suspected she was as good as dead anyways and had little left to lose. Her resentment wouldn’t be held back any longer and she found herself acting out the only way she could. She spit in Tessa’s face. The pure evil that she unleashed in the vampire was beyond what she had ever imagined and she expected punishment long before it came. Her head was slammed backwards into the brick so harshly, it rang and a small cry died on her lips. It hurt like hell, but it had still been worth it.

"That’s enough!" Alex ordered moving forward and Tessa was aware of it and turned away finally to wipe the remnants of her victim’s final vindication from her face. Sarah writhed with the agony of the bite, barely being able to stand upright. She let herself lean into the wall heavily and closed her eyes hoping to block it out. It didn’t work. She couldn’t believe so much pain could exist and she choked back the sobs that filled her throat. She heard irate voices and blinked back the tears to see Alex scolding Tess for disobeying him. It was obvious his words meant little to her. She’d probably done much worse in her lifetime.

"Sorry," she apologized carelessly, looking back at Sarah. The vampire smiled smugly as she wiped the blood from her mouth with the back of her hand. She knew she’d gotten away with murder, almost literally and there was little that would be done about it.

Her triumph was short-lived however. Tessa was suddenly blindsided, the force sweeping her off her feet and she scurried to right herself when she saw the origin of what had taken her down. Nick had broken free and she backed away from him warily. His eyes flashed with naked fury. He had simply snapped and Tessa realized he would have no mercy for her. So did Alex and he motioned for Kevin and the others to stay out of it. Before the female could utter another word, words that wouldn’t have made a difference anyway, Nick lunged for her. In an instant, he had her in his grasp, yanking her body to his own with enough force to steal the wind from it. His arm wrapped about her head, his long fingers burying themselves in her hair, forcing it to the side to fully expose her neck. He drew back and Tess was screaming long before the fatal strike came.

"Alex!" she cried out. "Please!!!"

The leader looked upon her coldly. "Sorry sweetheart, but you’ve had this coming," he stated, his voice frighteningly hollow as he walked away. It was obvious having things come to this point with her was more than a disappointment for him, but he’d never let it show. Reluctantly accepting of Alex’s indifference, Tessa began pleading with Nick frantically, but there was no pity to be found in him now. He plunged his fangs deep into her flesh, savagely tearing at her nape and she fought him with everything she had. The lethalness of his bite only intensified with her struggle. It was not a long conflict. A few seconds more he allowed her to suffer then ripped her throat out, ending her life so vehemently Sarah was forced to turn away, regardless of the nightmare the female vampire had put her through. Alex hadn’t tried to stop him. He seemed to realize Nick needed that sense of closure and Tess had deserved it. He’d made it clear he’d been tempted to off her himself for defying him so brazenly. He felt no need to interfere.

Nick didn’t drink from her but instead simply allowed Tessa’s limp body to fall to the ground and his attention to instantly turn to Sarah after. He approached her unbelieving of the sight before him. Tess had torn her neck wide open and her clothing was saturated with blood. Sarah realized it was only because of Nick’s concern for her and the fact that he’d just fed that he was able to be with her at all at this moment. At any other time, it wouldn’t have been possible.

Alex came up beside them saying what she dreaded hearing as much as Nick did. "There’s no choice now. You have to bring her over. Either that, or allow her to die."

Nick stroked his fingertips over her hair and along her jaw. He was so torn and the emotion showed clearly in his face. "I can’t."

Sarah knew he well remembered her words. That she would take death, she would take anything before allowing herself to made into one of them, but right now, the pain and her desire to live was quickly changing her mind.

"I don’t want to die, Nick," she said softly. "I want to be with you. Even if it means being what you are," she added, the significance of the words surprisingly him slightly.

Nick’s eyes shut tight appearing to hate hearing those words from her. Hating that it had to come to this. "You don’t know what you’re saying. This is against everything you are."

"Everything I was," she corrected. "Nick, things have changed. I haven’t truly been a slayer since that battle. I can never be again. Not now, not ever. Not as long as I love you. Please, do this for me." He leaned in, his hands gripping her shoulders and Sarah saw a flash of teeth as the scent of her blood overwhelmed him. She waited for the pain to increase, for her to feel the fangs digging in, but they did not and she opened her eyes to see Nick hovering over her frozen.

"I can’t do it, Sarah. After what happened with Crystal, I don’t even trust myself. If I were to take too much, it would destroy me. I’m sorry."

Alex’s hand fell upon his arm and Nick shot him an angry glance, realizing what the leader was about to suggest.

"Then I’ll do it," Alex offered willingly, his gaze turning to Sarah. It was obvious he had his own motivations behind it.

Nick pushed him away without hesitance. "Forget it! You’ve already done enough. You’re not touching her." Alex didn’t really seem surprised by Nick’s insolent courage. He knew full well how much the woman before them meant to him.

"Nick, think about it. I brought you across and dozens like you. There won’t be any risk. Can you promise her that?" Alex paused a moment seeming to let the words sink in and when he spoke again, his tone was softer, more persuasive than Sarah had ever assumed the vampire leader was capable of. "I know you care. I can make it almost painless for her." Her look went to Nick instantly for reassurance, but it wasn’t to be found. His eyes would barely meet hers.

"It’s true," he admitted, his touch abruptly stilling against her skin. "I can’t make you that promise. I don’t want to lose you, Sarah. It…it might be best if Alex does it. I know you haven’t been able to put faith in him in the past, but on this, maybe we should."

"I’d rather put my faith in you," she vowed.

"You have no idea how difficult this is."

Yes she did. The pain was so clearly etched in the lines on Nick’s face, there was no way she could deny it, yet she tried.

"Maybe I don’t, but I believe in you. I believe that you’ll do what’s right. And if for some reason it doesn’t work out, I’ll accept that it wasn’t meant to be. And I want you to do the same. I don’t want you blaming yourself. It’s my choice. I wouldn’t want it being anyone else but you that brings me across. I want to belong to you. I trust you, Nick. I truly do," she asserted, brushing her hand across his cheek, seeing the emotion in the luster of his melting blue eyes. She knew he hadn’t expected it of her.

His soft fingers moved along the side of her face again tenderly and she weakly leaned into the caress. She would do anything not to give that up.

"Nick, if you’re going to go through with this, it has to be now," Alex urged. "She already lost a lot of blood because of Tess. She can’t afford much more." Nick looked at him then turned to Sarah still unsure. "Do it!" Alex screamed at him.

That seemed to be all the prodding that was needed and Nick leaned in closer, pulling her body firmly against his. She turned her face away slightly and he surprised her by capturing her lips in an electrifying kiss that expressed his feelings with passionate eloquence. It seemed to envelop her soul and she responded to it instantly, her arms that now felt so heavy sliding over his shoulders clinging to him. He drew back slightly, his mouth moving against her own and there was no mistaking the words.

"I love you," he breathed softly, the heat flowing over her lips like a warm August breeze.

Sarah echoed the same against his mouth as she desperately fought off the pain threatening to overwhelm her. Her eyes met Nick’s with significance. "Its okay. I want you to," she encouraged gently taking his face in her hands and pressing it to her neck. It seemed to require all her remaining strength just to do so and the darkness greeted her long before she felt the vampire’s mouth seal over the wound Tessa had created and for that she was thankful. She didn’t think her body could withstand much more punishment tonight.