Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters from "Blood Ties." They are all Tanya's Huff creations.

Characters thoughts are in italics.

Thanks to my betas, Katrina and Lena!

Chapter 1

As soon as Henry revived for the evening, he heard a knock at the front door. Sliding on his red silk robe, he flicked on the lights and used the remote control to open the steel blinds covering his windows. He looked through the peephole before opening the door.

"Henry Fitzroy?"

"In the flesh."

"I need you to sign here."

Henry scribbled his signature on the electronic manifest and was handed a small cardboard box.

The messenger flashed a quick smile. "Thanks, have a good evening."

"You, too." Henry closed the door.

His curiosity was definitely piqued. He had not ordered anything and his birthday was not for another month. After almost 500 years getting a birthday present would be nice, but to say very unexpected would be a serious understatement. No return address.

"Time to solve the mystery." He said to himself as he ripped open the box.

The box was filled with Styrofoam. In the middle of all that Styrofoam was a jewelry box but no card. The plot thickens. He opened the jewelry box. It contained a golden oval-shaped amulet with a large emerald in its center.

"This is not really my style, but I guess it's the thought that counts," Henry said sarcastically. He sensed something about the amulet but was unsure what it was.

He barely touched the amulet when there was a flash of light. Henry was stunned for a moment but managed to hold onto to the amulet as the cardboard box fell to the floor.

Why do I feel so cold? Why can't I feel my heart beating?

He fastened the amulet around his neck as he walked to the window and stared at his reflection. His host had cerulean eyes, pale skin and shoulder length curly brown hair. His stature was average and he seemed to be in great shape. His place of residence was exquisite. A portrait of Henry VIII graced one of the walls. Underneath the portrait was a large sword. A chestnut table with an intricate design was surrounded by two chairs and a sofa. Situated behind two room dividers was a drawing area. Various sketches adorned the walls of that area. Behind the drawing area was a hallway lined with more paintings. He walked down the corridor. A library was on the left. The kitchen and bathroom were located on the right. He headed into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator which contained only water. All the cabinets were bare.

I'm ravenous. Where is all the food?. This gentleman definitely was not malnourished.

He smelled and heard someone coming toward the apartment. He walked from the kitchen to the living room to open the door. A woman with glasses, green eyes and long, blond hair stood in the doorway.

Who is she?

"Hi."

Henry was staring at her as if he'd never seen her before.

"Hi, Henry. Are you going to stare at me all night or are you going to let me in?" Henry stepped aside so Vicki could come inside. She took note of an opened cardboard box on the floor upon entering.

"So why the late visit?" Henry said closing the door.

Vicki looked puzzled. "Late visit? You're still in your robe. You must have just awaken. This is definitely not a late visit. Are you sure you're feeling okay?"

"I'm fine. Henry's eyebrows raised. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Vicki sat down on the sofa. "Someone's a little touchy this evening."

"I didn't sleep well and I'm hungry."

Vicki looked worried. "You're not having nightmares like when Pachacamac was here?"

Henry flashed a reassuring smile. "No nightmares."

"Once you get dressed we can go work the case."

Henry looked confused. "The case?"

"You do remember the case, right?" She removed her glasses and rubbed her temples.

"Could you refresh my memory?" Henry inquired.

"Geez, you're not even 500 years old yet and you're already having memory problems. Mrs. Smith thinks that Mr. Smith is having an affair. She wants us to provide some kind of proof. We decided yesterday that we were going to tail him tonight."

My host is almost 500 years old. A keen sense of smell and excellent hearing. What is he?

He finally noticed that the woman was waving her hand in front of his face trying to get his attention. "Earth to Henry."

"I am sorry."

"I know this case is not as fascinating as my usual cases but it still pay the bills. You said you hadn't eaten. Did you want to get a bite to eat before we go or can you wait until later?"

"I already checked the refrigerator. There's no food in there."

The woman gave him a bemused look. "Last time I checked you didn't keep blood in the refrigerator."

What is she talking about blood? His hunger was getting worse. Some of his teeth shifted in his mouth. He raised his fingers to touch them. Fangs. His host was a vampire.

Vicki had observed Henry's transformation. He seemed surprised by it. There was definitely something off about him tonight. When had he started wearing that amulet? She didn't remember him wearing it yesterday. Maybe it would be best if she left until she could figure out what was happening.

"Maybe we should do this tomorrow. You don't seem like quite yourself tonight."

Vicki rose from the sofa and was almost to the door when Henry grabbed her arm. "Let go of me, Henry."

She struggled knowing she was no match for the vampire's strength. "I'm hungry and I need some answers."

"Who are you?" Vicki replied angrily.

Henry pinned her against the wall completely ignoring her question. "So how do I feed?"

He was in no mood for games. He plunged his fangs into her neck. Damn, I missed the vein. He tried again and missed. I guess third time's a charm. Success. Surprisingly the blood was not distasteful.

Vicki started feeling lightheaded. "Henry, that's enough." He continued to feed until her body went limp. He carried her to the sofa. Then searched for something to bind her legs and hands. He found some restraints in the bedroom. He fastened the manacles around her wrists and ankles. She would be useful in getting to know his host and this city. He went to take a shower.

A/N: Since Henry's kitchen and bathroom were never shown on the show, I just winged it.