A/N: I'm baaaaack! Miss me? ;)

So, this is a very different project for me, since it's my first canon-esque story. I'm EXTREMELY nervous to share with you all, so I can only hope it catches your interest.

A few things before we start. Firstly, this is more of an SVM fic, though I warn you, one of the main characters is from the TB universe. I chose the keep it SVM since it's still strictly an E/S fic. So forgive me for that.

Secondly, it's an AU fic, and Eric will be OOC. This is all due to his circumstances, but I believe they've made him smarter and more open to matters of the heart. It's a romance fic, and very fairytale-esque, so please keep that in mind!

Thanks to my ever-awesome beta, Northwoman, and my lovely pre-readers, GabrielleBlue and KShep57. Bisous!

CH and AB own all, and all that jazz.

Chapter 1: Running

SPOV

I was running, hard, through the trees and snow. Nothing was on my mind at the moment, nothing other than "run, get away, faster". I could see the moon through the trees, and it cast an eerie glow on the bare branches and bushes. At least I could see where the rocks were.

How did I get here? Heck, even to me, the story was a little hard to believe. God knows, lately my life had been a hell of a lot more eventful than it should have been, at least for a small-town girl from Louisiana. I couldn't believe where it'd taken me.

Now, I was running for my life, terrified, yet trying with every ounce of my being to stay calm. The last thing I wanted was for a certain vampire to come looking for me. And I really didn't want to be found.

I had no idea where I was, but I kept running. My legs burned and my lungs were screaming in pain, both from exhaustion and from the cold, but I found it in me to keep going. He couldn't find me. I knew if he did, my life as I knew it would be over. I may as well be dead.

No, I kept going. I could only hope I'd find a safe place before I collapsed from exhaustion, or worse, from exposure. Somehow, those two outcomes were still more appealing than what I was running from. It made me reflect on all the events that had gotten me here.

Sookie Stackhouse, that's me, just an ordinary barmaid from Bon Temps, Louisiana. I was born and raised there, mostly by my grandmother, after my parents were killed in a flash flood when I was seven. Gran took my older brother, Jason, and I in, and she was more of a parent to me than Mama and Daddy ever were. Things were never easy with them, at least for me. I hardly remembered them anymore, but what I do remember was my own Mama being scared of me, and Daddy wondering why his baby girl was so damn peculiar. They were just in denial.

Did I mention my quirk? Yup, I was born telepathic. No, not exactly normal, but I can honestly say, the only one to ever really accept me for who I was, was Gran. She was my parent, my supporter, and my best friend. She passed two years ago, and I missed her everyday.

Now, I live in Gran's farmhouse. Jason moved back into our parents' old place when he was eighteen, so I live alone. There are a few people I count as close friends, but I was never very social. Trying to make new friends when you can read every thought in their head is tricky, and sometimes, very painful. So most of the time, I just didn't bother. The same could be said for any sort of love life. I accepted a long time ago that I'd never have a regular boyfriend. I'd gone on a few dates, here and there, but they'd always be thinking something truly nasty about me; what kind of underwear I had on, what my boobs looked like, whether I gave good head... yeah, no thanks. It was no wonder I was still a virgin at that point.

To be honest, I wasn't all that surprised when an announcement two years ago made vampires known to the world. I'd always figured, if I was so different, there must be something more out there.

It's because of that line of thinking that I was excited when a vampire walked into the bar where I work, Merlotte's, one night. He was kinda handsome, in a rugged sort of way; sharp features, with a mop of dark hair, and blue eyes. I thought those eyes looked a little cold, right off the bat, but just figured it was because he was there alone, and didn't know the place. Bill seemed to warm to me right away, flirting and smiling at me. I was thrilled, not only because a handsome man was paying attention to me, but because I couldn't hear a damn word in his head. Vampires were a complete void to me. It was a welcome silence.

That evening, I saved Bill from a couple of tweaked out drainers in the parking lot. After I ran them off, he thanked me profusely, but I only felt I was doing my duty as a good person. It wasn't right, and I intervened, plain and simple.

The drainers' retaliation the next night was certainly a shock for me, and a nasty one. They beat me until I couldn't feel a thing. At the time, I remember vaguely thinking how lucky it was that Bill finally showed up, and saved me. He gave me his blood, and I was eternally grateful. I know better now.

Our relationship picked up from there. Bill was the cool silence I'd longed for all my life, and I grew to love him. At least, I thought I did. I gave my whole self to him, innocence and all. I ate up every sweet word that came out if his Southern-gentlemanly mouth. Silly of me, in hindsight, I should have been more guarded. But in the end, how could I have really known?

He never really told me what he did for a living, but I knew he worked for somebody. He'd take "business" calls here and there, and was very serious about it. When he told me he needed to travel to Switzerland for a conference, and asked me to go with him, I didn't think anything other than pure excitement. For a girl who'd never even left Louisiana, the idea of travelling overseas was utter heaven.

The flight from New Orleans to Geneva was an interesting one for me, if not a little strange. It had been a ten-hour flight, and because of the time change and travel time, Bill had stayed in his coffin the entire way. It thoroughly creeped me out, but it was necessary for him to stay out of the sun, so I let it be. I kept myself entertained with a couple of trashy romance novels, and the new iPod Bill had given me as a birthday present.

Bill appeared out of nowhere once we were safely on the ground. I was bundled up in my new coat, a little startled at the cold of the mid-January evening. Soon, we were whisked away in a black limo, to the hotel where the conference was being held.

I was in complete awe of the luxurious hotel. It was gorgeous, full of glass and fine decor, and everyone around me was far more refined than I would ever be used to. It captivated me, and I felt immediately like a princess.

Bill handled the check-in, and soon we were guided into our room on the top floor. The entire building was vampire-friendly, which I didn't fully understand until Bill explained the floor to ceiling windows in our suite were UV blocking, making them safe for the vamps. I simply took in my surroundings, and basked in the other-worldly feel of where I was.

Since it was relatively early, Bill advised me to call down for some room service for dinner. I indulged in a medium-rare steak, with a spinach salad, mashed potatoes, and carrots. As I waited for my meal to arrive, Bill said he had important business to attend to that would see him away until dawn, but to make myself comfortable, and relax the rest of the night. He warned me to stay in the room, however, which I really didn't understand. I simply nodded as he left. I suppose I didn't mind being alone, since it would give me time to really take advantage of the wonderful room.

After finishing the delicious meal, I felt surprisingly energetic, considering the time change and hectic day I'd had, but I was curious to see more of the wonderful hotel, ignoring Bill's little warning. He sure as hell wasn't my keeper, nor was I a hermit. I wanted to get out and explore, dammit! I quickly changed into a pair of comfy jeans, white sweater, and boots. I grabbed my coat, and wallet, just in case I wanted to buy anything in one of the numerous boutiques on the ground floor, or in case I wanted to head outside to look around the grounds. Bill be damned. He needed to get over is delicate sensibilities.

I looked around a few of the bars and restaurants, as well as the pool and spa. As I made my way to a more quiet part of the hotel, I realized I was wandering toward the multiple conference rooms, likely all meant for the business Bill was here for. He still hadn't explained much, only that it was a pretty big deal, with associates of his coming from all over the world. I didn't want to pry, so I went along with it when he told me all would be explained in the next few days.

Hearing voices, I crept slowly down the large hallway, to what looked like the largest conference room. The door was slightly ajar, and I found I couldn't help my curiosity, especially once I heard Bill's familiar voice mixed in with the two others, a man and a woman. I was also a little startled to hear a giggle and a few moans, which only spurred me forward.

Peeking in through the slightly ajar door, what met my gaze both startled and revolted me. There were a total of six people in the room, which consisted of a giant conference table lined with executive leather chairs. A red-headed woman, one of the voices I was hearing, was bent over a small, raven-haired fang banger, who was lying back on the table, legs spread. She was naked from the waist down. The red-headed one was messily licking the twin puncture wounds on the woman's inner thigh, all while plunging her fingers in and out of the bare sex. The black haired woman had her head thrown back, clearly lost in pleasure. I cringed, but drifted to the others in the room.

A very young, blond man, who looked no older than sixteen or seventeen, was seated in one of the chairs, all while a tanned, dark-haired man crouched before him, face in Blondie's lap. It didn't take a genius to figure out what he was doing there.

Lastly, and much to my disgust and horror, I saw Bill. He was laughing and carrying on in the strange conversation, all while a naked brunette bounced and rode his lap. He was clearly fucking her, and enjoying every minute of it.

I felt like I would lose the wonderful meal I'd eaten, but something kept me there. Red seemingly finished her meal, and continued their conversation."William, darling, you've done so well. This will be my greatest acquisition, and all thanks to you!"

In response, Bill only smiled, leering in such a way, my spine chilled. This wasn't the Bill I'd come to know and care about.

Red continued, "And to think, the little thing was hiding in a backwater town like Bon Temps this entire time! Now she will be with me for eternity. I will be the envy of every last monarch in the world. A telepath! I knew I put the right vampire on the job, William. I knew the little girl could never resist the advances of a perfect Southern gentleman. Wonderful she fell for you so quickly! Tell me, how did her virginity taste?"

It was all a lie. Bill was a fraud. I didn't know who these people were, but when Red mentioned monarchs, I knew for sure I was more trouble and danger than I'd ever been. I was going to be a prize for this woman. The way she spoke... I'd be her slave. Tears streamed down my face.

Bill cackled in response to the question. "Delectable, your Majesty, I would say I'd like to keep her myself," he leered at the buxom brunette gyrating and moaning in his lap, "but I prefer my women a hell of a lot more... experienced." With that, he shoved the brunette off his lap, and forced her head down into his crotch. He roughly pushed her until she'd taken all of him down her throat. He moaned, and added, "I have no use for her. She will be yours in every sense of the word. She will be an obedient pet, and an agreeable child."

Child? She was going to turn me. Despite the panic that started to rise, I maintained a steady, calming breath, not wanting to give away my location. I seemed to be safe, though, as the three vampires were certainly preoccupied with more pressing matters.

I had to get out of there. Fast. I didn't have time to go back to get anything from the room, but I didn't care. I had my wallet and coat, it was all I needed right now. I had no idea where to go, and certainly didn't trust anyone enough to ask for help. I turned, and after calmly walking back down the hallway, I found an exit out of the side of the building. Not wanting to draw any attention to myself, I figured this was the best thing to do. I stepped out into the crisp night air, and ran.

That's how I found myself in the middle of nowhere, tired and terrified. I fell to my knees in the snow, trying to catch my breath. I'd been on the move for well over an hour, stopping for breath here and there, but running as far as possible. I was going on pure adrenaline, but I knew it wouldn't last much longer. I was exhausted, and I had to constantly keep wiping my eyes and face, fearing the tears would make my skin freeze. I was stupid to have not thought my escape through, but what was the alternative? Stay at the hotel? Not a chance. I'd rather die than live in servitude to anyone. The hatred and anger towards my now ex-boyfriend were trying to overwhelm my thoughts, but it would do no good. I had to find a place to rest, at least until dawn, then I would find a way to get home. Somehow.

I was literally in the middle of a dense forest. There wasn't a sign of a house anywhere I could see, not even a light in the distance. I was lucky the full moon was lighting my way.

After another fifteen minutes or so, I found myself in a small clearing. Leaning forward, I put my hands on my knees and gulped for air, not caring that the frigid air was burning my lungs. I was fighting to keep going, when I heard a rustling in the trees to my right, followed by a deep, angry growl.

Knowing nothing about the wildlife in this part of the world, my fear jumped to the surface. Soon, the one growl was followed by others, seemingly coming from every side of me. I was trapped.

One by one, the enormous figures stepped out of the shadows. Wolves. Giant ones. They all had glowing eyes, and were bearing their teeth at me.

I was going to die.

I slowly tried to back away, towards the edge of the clearing, but they followed, inching closer and closer to me. I sobbed, suddenly wondering how painful it would be... to be mauled to death.

I took the last few steps backward, and felt my footing trip up on some rocks and branches. I fell back, knocking my head on what I suppose was a low-hanging branch. I hit the ground, and the pain in my head seared. The world went black.

It couldn't have been more than a moment or two later as my eyes tried to flutter open. I was alerted to strange sounds not far from me. Angry growls and barks, followed by a deep, very human yell, and a series of yelps... it was confusing.

All was silent for a long moment or two. I fought to open my eyes, but only managed a few glimpses of what looked like the huge, imposing figure of a man with blond hair. I managed to catch his longing gaze down at my limp form, but couldn't hold the look, as I promptly passed out again. I could swear, though, that a moment later, I felt strong arms pick me up and hold me close. There was nothing after that.

There was a wonderful warmth spreading through my body. The feeling of strong arms around my body came back, and I fluttered back into consciousness. I was laying on something soft and warm, but leaning against something entirely different. I should say, someone.

We were on a large bed. He was lying alongside me, though slightly more elevated, and I was tucked into his broad, muscled chest. He was stroking my arm with one enormous hand, while the other was caressing my cheek.

"Drink more for me, please," his voice whispered, pleading with me, so full of concern. I vaguely noticed for the first time his wrist was at my mouth. Vampire.

Oddly enough, I didn't feel the panic I'd have expected. I was in the presence of a strange vampire, being held in a very intimate and vulnerable position, yet I somehow felt... home. My head was still throbbing, but I felt warm and at ease.

I licked my lips, and tasted a rich sweetness there, presumably from the first of the blood the mysterious vampire had given me. It didn't have the metallic taste you'd expect; it was wonderful.

He brought his wrist to his own mouth, and bit, presumably to re-open the wound. One of the few things Bill had told me about vampires was how quickly they healed.

"Quickly, before it closes," he pleaded. He seemed genuinely worried about me. I felt a warm flutter in my stomach from his concern, then latched on, taking one long pull from the wound. The pounding at the back of my head lessened, until it was no more.

After a moment or two, my surroundings came into focus, despite the dim lighting. There was a single candle burning from across the room, casting eerie shadows into every nook and cranny. The room itself looked quite large, with a very high ceiling. I could barely make out the stone walls, accented by dark wood beams. The bed itself had to be at least a king. It was covered in white sheets, and a fluffy white down comforter, along with flowing white draperies hanging from its canopy. I felt as though I was in a dream.

For the first time, I managed to look down at myself. Gone were my sweater and jeans; they were replaced with an oversized red t-shirt. It smelled wonderful.

I turned my head, and a stunningly handsome face looked back at me. He was still concerned, but there was also a look of relief. His bright, clear blue eyes held a warmth, usually reserved for a lover. His lips curved into an almost-smile, and warmed me from the inside out.

We were lost in each others' gazes for a long moment, before I simply said, "Thank you." Without thought, I reached up slowly to tuck a piece of his long, blond hair behind his ear. His eyes closed in response.

Without warning, he jumped up off the bed, startling me something fierce. His soft expression had vanished, and was replaced by a lost, angry one. He looked confused, as though he were fighting a battle in his own head.

He growled, "Please, stay here. It's almost dawn, I need to rest. There is food for you in the kitchen downstairs. You will be safe." With another strangled growl, he turned, and fled the room.

I was terrified I'd done something wrong, or had offended him in some way. But really, I hadn't. Something was wrong, but I knew it didn't have to do with me. I was determined to find out. There was something in those eyes, before he'd jumped away... something... caring. I needed to know more about him, about this vampire who'd saved my life.

I didn't even know his name.

I was fighting my own battle of thoughts – Bill, hiding, almost getting mauled, etc. - when a knock at the door across the room jerked me back to reality. Had he come back? I managed to squeak out an invitation to come in.

The door swung open slowly, but a very different figure entered. He couldn't have been much taller than me, and while he looked to have a fit, muscled physique, I'd have ventured a guess in saying he couldn't have been more than seventeen or eighteen years old. At least, he wasn't when he'd been turned. Another vampire.

While part of me realized I should have been more panicked about the entire situation, I wasn't. And while my blond angel had made me feel safe and secure, this vampire made me feel calm and at ease. I couldn't figure out why, knowing as a telepath, I couldn't be glamoured. I just went with it. It was a nice feeling to have, after all I'd been through.

The dark-haired vampire stood before me in a white t-shirt and light grey, loose-fitting trousers. I took in his appearance; his short, Caesar-like haircut, his kind, calming green eyes, and numerous tribal tattoos. He was a walking contradiction, but I liked it.

He let me take everything in, waiting a few moments before he spoke. "Miss Stackhouse, I am pleased you are awake. I hope you are feeling better?" His voice was soft and soothing, but I frowned when he said my name. Catching on, he explained, "My apologies. When you were brought in, I looked at your identification."

I nodded in understanding, then found my voice. It was still a little raspy as I asked, "Who are you? Where am I? What happened? Who was..." I trailed off, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by emotion.

He stepped closer, and gestured to the end of the large bed, asking, "May I?"

I nodded my consent, happy he was so polite. "Please."

He sat down, and turned to me. "My name is Godric. You are in my home, the home I share with my child, Eric. He found you out in the woods, just as you were about to be attacked by werewolves. Tell me, Miss Stackhouse, could you explain what you were doing in the middle of nowhere during a full moon?"

I took a deep breath, accepting he wasn't trying to scold, or pry. He looked genuinely concerned.

"I was running from some vampires. My boyfriend, well... my ex-boyfriend, now, along with who I think might be the Queen of Louisiana? I can't be sure. I found out tonight, by accident, they were going to hurt me. They wanted me to be their slave, they wanted to turn me and use me. So I ran. Anything was better than that."

Godric looked perplexed for a moment. "You were a guest at the vampire summit, then?"

I nodded, biting my lower lip.

He muttered something in a different language, shaking his head, then said, "I understand your choice. I need you to know you are very safe here, and you are free to stay as long as you wish. I happen to know how ruthless vampires can be when there is something they want. There is something I need to know, though," he paused, then leaned over to take my hand. It was a surprisingly warm gesture from a vampire, meant to comfort.

When I nodded at him to go on, he elaborated. "You are lovely, Miss Stackhouse, but I have to ask... is there a particular reason the Queen would want you as her own?"

I didn't take offense to his question, but it still made tears well in my eyes. He lightly squeezed my hand, and I cleared my throat, answering, "I'm a telepath."

His eyebrows raised, perhaps a bit surprised at my answer. But he let it go, only nodding in understanding.

I took the opportunity to ask him a few questions of my own. "Godric, I'm wondering, not that I'm not eternally grateful, because I am, more than you could possible know. But, why help me? You could have left me to die out there. Eric... he saved me. I feel like I don't deserve saving. I'm just a barmaid from Louisiana, and you two are obviously both very old and powerful vampires. I can feel it. So... why?"

A tear slipped down my cheek, and Godric brushed it away with his thumb, looking at me as though he was fighting to find the correct wording.

"You are correct. Both Eric and I are very old, certainly older than all the vampires in the Americas, and even most here in Europe. I do not participate in the silly politics with which so many of our kind are preoccupied. They are nothing more than ridiculous power struggles and quite frankly, it bores the death out of me." With that little comment, he winked. I couldn't help giggling. An ancient vampire making a joke, who knew?
He went on, "Eric and I have been here in Switzerland for over a hundred years. We have full permission to be here, and are rarely ever bothered, because the king of this country, is in fact, another child of mine. Despite hating the political aspirations of most, in this case, having a child on the throne has provided us with the privacy we need."

I looked confused. What was he getting at?

Seeing the look on my face, he said, "I should explain. A century or so ago, Eric and I were travelling through Europe. While in Germany, we came across a beautiful woman, named Hallow. Eric was, as you'd say, quite the ladies' man. Being as cocky and confident as he was, he seduced and fed on the young woman. The young woman, however, had developed feelings for my child, and did not take it very well when he cast her aside."

I must have made a face, because it made Godric chuckle. "You must not blame Eric. I helped make him what he was, although he didn't need much encouragement. He is beautiful, and never needed anyone's help attracting attention." He winked, and I couldn't help the blush that crept over my face. He was right; Eric was the most beautiful man I'd ever seen.

"The night we decided to leave, Hallow confronted Eric. Before either of us could stop her, she was chanting in a language even I had never heard, and it immediately brought Eric to his knees. Something passed through him for a split second, something very dark and evil. Eric looked lost, and in pain. I attacked Hallow, demanding to know what she'd done to him. She just laughed, and told me she cursed him. She said he'd never know anything but sadness and misery, since he'd taken so much from her. I refused to let her go, and tried to glamour her to change him back, to reverse what she'd done."

Godric looked wistful for a moment. I squeezed his hand again, and he seemed to snap out of it.

"My glamour didn't work. She said it couldn't be undone, though there was a way out. If Eric were to find his heart's desire, the spell would be lifted."

I stopped him. "What does that mean?" I asked.

He shook his head. "It could mean a million things. Someone's heart's desire... it could be love, it could be sex, money, power. She refused to offer further explanation. I admit, I ended her not long afterwards. She took the light from my child's eyes, and I'll admit I lost control. Eric hasn't been the same since, and it pains my heart every single day.

"I moved us into this castle not long after that. I pledged to be by his side as long as he needed me. I'll admit, I have also stayed because I'm terrified he'll get to a point where he decides to meet the sun. I could not ever bear a loss so great. Perhaps I'm being selfish..." He looked down, almost in shame.

"Godric, you are doing a wonderful thing. You must love him very much," I offered, trying to console him. He nodded silently.

"I am so sorry you've both gone through what you have. It must be awful. I'm still wondering, though... after all these years of solitude, why bother with someone like me? Why even bother going to the trouble? Aren't I just in your way?" I questioned. These two beautiful creatures taking an interest in me, in any way, was something I couldn't understand.

"Miss Stackhouse, let me be clear. Over the years, I've tried absolutely everything to cure Eric. Other witches were of no use in finding a counter-spell, and I tried to find anything that would make him happy. Nothing has ever remotely worked. He has locked himself away from the world, from everyone and everything but me. So, earlier tonight, when he snapped to attention and rushed to your rescue in the woods, I was suddenly overcome with joy. Not at the suffering you've gone through, but over Eric's reaction. He hasn't shown anything or anyone any interest like he showed you since before the curse. Before you, my dear... Eric hadn't left the castle walls. Forgive me for being so forward, but you, Miss Stackhouse, may in fact be what Eric has been looking for."

Well, damn.

A/N: So? Like it? Hate it? Should I continue? Help me out, leave a review! xo :)