Hey guys!! Sorry this took so long, I've been trying to put it up for 3 days and has been acting really, really weird. Hopefully it's been behaving for you guys. But anyway, as always your reviews make my day so please continue. I really hope you guys like this chapter because it's kind of an indication of where this story is going. ENJOY!!!

It was just before sunset when Dodger finally got up. She laid in bed and did a quick survey of her battered body. Her ankle was no longer throbbing but was still quiet swollen, though now she was sure it wasn't broken. Her shoulder was sore and stiff, but since Isabel had popped it back in the night before it felt much better. The bruises on her face had stopped hurting long ago and now just appeared yellow and fading. Though, the bruises on her neck were still dark purple handprints. She got up and left the guestroom, hobbling slowly to the kitchen to once again eat. Since she'd gotten back that was really all she wanted to do…and sleep, of course. She poured herself some water and took a large gulp…only to promptly spit it back out as Eric walked into the kitchen. He seemed to be completely healed and he had finally washed the blood from his hair, which was now slicked perfectly off his face again, and he was no longer wearing the old black linen pants.

Instead, he was wearing old blue jeans and a worn flannel shirt, Stan's cloths.

"That was mature." He said walking over to the refrigerator and pulling out a Tru Blood, ignoring Dodger as she wiped her mouth with a paper towel.

"Wow…Eric where's your Stetson?" she giggled. Eric glared,

"He's the only one in the house with clothes that kind of fit me."

"Yeah, but you still may be better off wearing Godric's clothes," she laughed.

"Believe it or not it wouldn't be the first time," Godric said, entering the kitchen, Eric smiled, "No, I guess it wouldn't be." He said.

"Dodger, Eric mentioned that it may be better to finish your story without your parents presence, do you agree?"

"Yeah, that'd be a good idea." She said immediately. Godric raised his hand and pointed to his private office. Dodger started to limp after Godric, Eric stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her waist, lifting her and her injured ankle completely off the ground effortlessly.

"I can walk myself you know." She said.

"Humor me." He said, ignoring her scowl until he placed her in one of the chairs in front of Godric's desk, he took the other.

"So, I believe we left off while they were testing weaponry on you." Godric said looking to Eric.

"Yes,"

"This continued for the duration of your captivity?"

"Yes."

"How did you manage to get free?" Godric asked looking to Eric, Eric just shook his head and glanced at Dodger.

"Dodger?"

"They brought me back down to Eric and they left us alone for a few minutes, then Gabe came back down."

"Who is Gabe?"

"He does Newlin's dirty work." Eric explained, Godric nodded and looked back to Dodger,

"He had those brass knuckles on again and he was hitting Eric…" she continued.

"You stepped in?"

"Yes."

"Why?" Godric asked, Eric looked intently at Dodger, waiting for her response.

"Usually Gabe and Newlin came down together. I figured this was our best chance cause he was alone."

"That's the only reason?" Eric pressed, staring into her eyes.

"I figured you were probably tired of getting the crap beat out of you." She said grinning. Eric's face remained impassive but his eyes hardened a little.

"What did you do?" Godric asked, ignoring Eric.

"I did my best to piss off Gabe."

"For what result?" Godric asked.

"Well I figured if I pissed him off enough and insulted him…"

"Then what?"

"She insulted his manhood. It's obvious he's the kind of person who would be offended and want to prove himself." Eric said.

"He tried to rape you?" Godric hissed, suddenly angry.

"I..umm…I figured he would have to…untie me at least." Dodger said, haltingly, surprised by Godric's anger, she had never seen him like that.

"She head butted him, broke his nose ad knocked him unconscious," Eric stepped in; Dodger gave him a grateful smile.

"Yeah, then I took Eric's chains off and Newlin came back in, Eric knocked him out."

"He is still alive?" Godric asked.

"Yes, though he shouldn't be." Eric growled.

"You were right not to kill him. His death would have rallied more to his cause." Godric said.

"She took Gabe's keys, we went to the parking lot. Another human must have found them and set off an alarm." Eric explained.

"We got out to the parking lot and were trying to find Gabe's car and a bunch of guys started coming out of the church with silver and guns. One of them tried to shoot me and Eric took the bullet."

"The one in your back?" Godric asked.

"Yes"

"Then you came straight here?"

"Yeah," Dodger said.

"It seems you 2 are very lucky to have had each other." Godric said. "The King will be here at midnight, in this situation I think it would be best if he didn't know of Dodger's involvement."

"What do you mean?"

"It would be...safer if the king believed you to be a typical helpless human, and that Eric saved you because he believed you were mine." Godric said delicately.

"So basically, let Eric do the talking?"

"Yes."

"Ok Godric, if you think that's best..." Dodger said, trailing off.

"Thank you." he said, obviously grateful.

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The king entered the nest followed by about 6 other vampires. He was shorter then Eric, maybe just 6 feet tall and rail thin, though his thin frame was draped in a designer and perfectly tailored suit. He had dark eyes and features though his hair was much lighter with a fair amouont of grey. Dodger estimated that he had been changed at around 50. Godric, Isabel and Eric were seated on the couch with Dodger, Isaac and Elizabeth sitting in chairs just behind the couch. Stan was outside coordinating the hotel security with King's guards. As he entered, Godric stood respectfully and the others followed his lead.

"Godric, it is wonderful to see you" the king said sitting down with a guard in a black suit on either side of him. Four more of his guards were stationed throughout the room.

"The pleasure is mine Anton," Godric said. "You remember Isabel," he said as the King kissed her hand.

"And please allow me to introduce Eric Northman, sheriff of area 5 in Louisiana. Eric this is Anton Ivanov, King of Texas."

"Your majesty," Eric said, bowing his head in respect as they all took their seats.

"And those seated behind you?" Anton asked.

"I apologize for my rudeness. These are Isaac and Elizabeth, vampires in my area and this is Dodger, she was taken by the fellowship along with Eric." Godric explained.

"I can understand why. Even religious zealots would notice her beauty." Anton said, looking Dodger up and down before turning his attention back to Godric, Eric and Isabel.

"How were you taken?" Anton demanded looking to Eric.

"We were driving back from Louisiana," Eric began.

"We?"

"Dodger and I your majesty."

"I called for Eric and sent Dodger to bring him back. I hoped he would be able to take my place as sheriff while I helped search for the missing sheriffs. However, as I understand that issue has resolved itself." Godric said, stepping in.

"Yes, they have been located and reinstalled in their areas. Please continue sheriff." Anton said. Eric continued explaining about the Semi and the soldiers of the sun, but was again interrupted by the king.

"That still doesn't explain how they captured you. Going through the windshield shouldn't have harmed you."

"Newlin threatened Dodger's life, your majesty." Eric said, Dodger could hear the respectful tone in his voice beginning to strain.

"You gave yourself up for a human?" he asked, and glanced towards Dodger and smiled, "Of course for one of your beauty and delicate scent I would consider giving myself up as well."

"She is my maker's, I felt it was my duty to protect her." Eric said, trying to remain impassive.

"I wasn't aware you had taken a human Godric?" Anton said, eyes flashing.

"She is not mine in that sense your majesty. She has been under my protection since she was a child." Godric explained calmly.

"Of course, you were raised by our kind?" Anton asked looking towards Dodger.

"Yes, your majesty. Since I was a baby." Dodger said.

"She must be incredibly…useful to you, Godric."

"She is always willing to help, should I ask it of her." Godric said carefully, Anton regarded him closely before turning back to Eric.

"Continue sheriff." Anton ordered. Eric took a deep, though unnecessary breath and continued, describing where they were held and the weaponry which was tested on him.

"Where was the human during all this?" Anton asked, interrupting Eric again but looking to Dodger.

"They'd separated…" Eric began, only to be again interrupted by Anton.

"I wasn't addressing you sheriff." He hissed, Eric's eyes flashed but he kept quiet.

"They'd separated us your majesty." Dodger said.

"And obviously, you were beaten." Anton said.

"Yes, but I'm fine." She said.

"Why hasn't she been given blood?" Anton demanded of the room, everyone was quiet for a moment.

"She doesn't…wish to be bonded to anyone." Godric said, looking slightly defeated.

"You are not bonded to anyone?"

"Umm…no your majesty. I'm not." Dodger said, Anton looked like he wanted to pursue the subject further, but decided against it.

"Continue sheriff," he ordered yet again. Eric ground his teeth and continued. He made it uninterrupted through the rest of the story, substituting the part about Dodger breaking Gabe's nose for him being able to finally slip the silver chains. And leaving out the part about protecting Dodger from the soldiers on their way out of the church.

"It seems you were both very lucky to escape." Anton said as Eric finished their story.

"What will become of the fellowship your majesty?" Godric asked after a brief pause in which Anton's eyes had lingered over long on Dodger.

"Nothing as of yet. I would like to move on them but the higher ups have…strongly advised against it. So for the moment, just keep a close eye out." Anton said standing up, flanked by his guards as the rest of the room rose with him.

"Thank you for your attention your majesty." Godric said graciously.

"Just doing my job," he said, as Godric began escorting him to the door of the nest. "I have several guards, it is unnecessary to escort me to the door. Isabel, Sheriff Northman, Dodger," he said nodding to them as left the room, eyes roving over Dodger again.

The minute they heard the car pull away the entire room breathed a very small sigh of relief.

"He is interested in her." Isabel said, breaking the silence.

"Very." Eric growled.

"So what?" Dodger asked.

"He is the king of Texas, he can claim you." Eric explained angrily as he stood up and started pacing, no Eric didn't pace, he stalked.

"I'm not an item from the lost and found. He can't just claim me." Dodger yelled.

"Yes he can," everyone responded at once, Dodger rolled her eyes.

"Do not take offense to this please Dodger. But you are only human, you have very little say in these matters." Godric explained.

"I'll claim her," Stan offered walking back into the nest, Dodger and Isabel shot him a glare, Eric stopped stalking and extended his fangs.

"I'm her father. I'll claim her." Isaac said.

"No one's claiming me." Dodger insisted as Eric interrupted,

"You're no where near strong enough to protect her from him." Eric yelled at Isaac.

"You're the one who allowed her to be kidnapped in the first place." Isaac snapped. Eric had him by the throat up against the nearest wall before anyone could react.

"Say that again." Eric hissed.

"Enough Eric." Godric said sternly. Eric glanced at Godric before dropping Isaac to the ground and starting to stalk again.

"Can't I just tell him no?" Dodger asked.

"You're a human he cares nothing about what you think," Eric spat bitterly.

"I am afraid Eric is correct." Godric agreed calmly.

"What are our options Godric?" Elizabeth asked, Eric opened his mouth to respond but was silenced with a look from Godric.

"She needs to form a bond with someone more powerful then the King."

"No one's listening to me," Dodger began. "I am NOT bonding with anyone." She yelled stalking out of the nest. Eric, her mother, and father all made moves to follow her but Godric stopped them,

"Let her go. We need to consider our options." Godric announced.

"Godric, can't you form the bond?" Elizabeth asked.

"I could but it would be safer if she were out of Texas. I am older then the King but he is still the king and I am bound to obey him. If he asked for her I could not refuse." Everyone sat in silence for a few minutes before Godric broke it,

"It needs to be Eric." He said calmly.

"NO!" Isaac yelled, Eric glanced at Godric who continued as though he hadn't been interrupted, "Eric is out of the King's jurisdiction and is more then powerful enough to protect Dodger."

"She'll never agree to this." Elizabeth said. Eric stalked towards the front door.

"Where are you going?" Isabel asked.

"To talk to Dodger."

"Like hell you are." Isaac said, Eric turned around and regarded him, head cocked to the side and a predatory grin on his face.

"And you're going to stop me?" He asked.

"That's enough." Godric said. Eric turned to face him, though his anger and frustration were still clearly visible. "Eric, go talk to her if you think you can control yourself." Eric gave a small nod and headed outside. Dodger was sitting out by the main street, as soon as she saw Eric approach she stood and started walking away from him.

"Go away Eric." She said, Eric said nothing just continued to follow her at human pace.

"I'm not bonding with anyone." She called over her shoulder, except now he was standing in front of her. He gripped her shoulders hard and bent down to look at her in the eyes.

"You're bonding with me." Eric stated calmly, staring into her eyes.

"I can't be glamoured Eric and I am NOT bonding with you."

"That wasn't a request." He growled, voice laced with surprise and anger.

"You can't force me." Dodger challenged.

"Watch me." He threatened, backing her against her parents SUV. He leaned in towards her neck, when he was suddenly brought to his knees in surprise by a searing pain on his cheek. Dodger broke free and started running back towards the nest as Eric touched his now bloody and burned cheek. Before she knew it, she found herself pinned on the ground under Eric.

"That was stupid." He growled. Dodger knew she'd pushed him too far, she'd seen him mad before but now he was shaking with suppressed rage.

"Get off," she spat, trying to squirm out from under him.

"Do you know what will happen if the king claims you?" she squirmed harder, he tightened his grip, "DO YOU?" he demanded eyes flashing dangerously.

"No."

"What the fellowship did to you, did to me, how you were almost raped. That's nothing compared to what the king would do."

"You're trying to scare me."

"Get this through your head. To the king, to Godric, to your parents, to me you are nothing. Just a human, something to be kept as a pet or a meal." Eric hissed. At this point Dodger had stopped squirming and was starting to get scared, Eric wasn't letting up and no one in the nest was coming out. Though she was sure at least Godric was hearing this.

"Then why do you even care what happens to me?"

"You may be an insignificant human but you saved my life. I owe you." He said, finally standing up, she stood up shakily unsure of what to do.

"Dodger? Godric would like to speak with you." Isabel said walking down the steps and eyeing Eric curiously, his posture still clearly radiating anger. Dodger nodded and walked back into the living room, Godric was waiting by himself.

"Godric.." she began only to be silenced by a hand.

"I would like to first apologize for Eric's behavior," he said.

"You know what happened out there?" she asked sheepishly.

"Not exactly but I have an idea. Eric was quite angry when he left and I know how much self- control he has for these kind of matters." Dodger just nodded.

"If there were any other way Dodger…"

"I know Godric but Eric really?"

"I was under the impression that the 2 of you were on good terms."

"We were."

"Eric cares a great deal for you and that is the root of his anger."

"So when he cares about someone he gets pissed? Well that makes sense." Dodger said sarcastically.

"He hasn't cared for anyone but himself in a long time, I believe you scare him."

"Godric I barely know him and to be bound to him for life…"

"Is daunting, I understand."

"You think he's the best option?"
"I do. He already cares for you and he will keep you safe."

"When do I have to do this?"

"As soon as possible."

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Dodger decided that although he instigated the fight, she had been the cause of most of it, which was why she was now heading down to the guest room Eric was staying in. She took a deep breath outside of the door before knocking, he answered almost immediately glaring down at her, one eyebrow raised, waiting,

"Can I come in?" she asked, he stepped aside holding the door open, she walked in under one of his massive arms.

"I'm sorry about the silver."

"What was it?"

"A ring."

"Your parents let you wear silver?"

"Only the ring…I spend a lot of time around vampires…it gives me at least a little protection."

"Guess it worked"

" It was stupid of me, I was just upset." She said, looking into his still cold, hard eyes. "I don't like having my choices taken away from me and I especially don't like the idea of being your pet."

"It wouldn't be like that." He said, eyes softening a little.

"Oh…I thought I was nothing but a pet or a meal." She pressed, Eric glared at her.

"And for most that's true…but I didn't mean that and you know it."

"Then why say it."

"I thought if you were scared enough you'd go through with it," he said with a sigh. "I don't want for you to be unhappy with me."

"How would it work then?"

"In public you would have to show obedience to me because it is expected but in private we would be equals."

"So when were out at Fangtasia and you snap your fingers I have to come running?"

"Yes, but I would try not to put you in that situation."

"What about in private?"

"What about it?"

"I would be staying at your house."

"Yes."

"In my own room?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"You know how important a vampire's sense of smell is. You would need to smell like me, sleeping with me would help with that."

"What about sex?"

"I wouldn't force you…"

"But…"

"But, I expect sex at some point, yes." He admitted with a smile. She shook her head, choosing to ignore this aspect of the deal for now.

"When do you want to do this?" she asked. He looked up at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes and smiled. She interrupted him as he opened his mouth to respond, "the bond not the sex," she said.

"Now." He said decidedly, "And you would need to spend the night in here with me."

"Why?"

"You're going to be doing it anyway, why not start now?" he asked, she rolled her eyes but nodded anyway.

"I need to go convince my father that this is ok with me first." She said.