Chapter Nine:

An hour passed since Godric left the bedroom, since he left me alone with my thoughts. I had cleaned up as best as I could while I was awed at the sheer size of the bathroom attached to the bedroom. It was at least twice the size of the bathroom last night, probably close to the size of my bedroom back home. The shower itself was humongous, and looked like it would have been amazing to try. But I had been too shy to do so, and just used a cloth to wipe away what blood I could. I wetted my hair, and used my fingers to comb out the blood. I still looked a complete mess, but I didn't feel like death himself any longer. It would have to do until I returned to my hotel room, where the first thing I would do would be to strip down and have the longest shower of my life.

After the hour had passed and I was left alone in the bedroom, sitting on the comfortable bed with a wave of exhaustion setting over me, I wondered where Godric was. I tried my hardest not to let my thoughts wander. I wasn't sure how I felt about this new bond, these new traits I would find myself having for the time being. And I wasn't sure I wanted to know how I felt, at least not right now. I had gone through so much in the past 48 hours. I was attacked by potential rapists, stabbed, and nearly drained by a psychotic vampire. I hadn't exactly had a moment to even try and process anything that's happened, and in one way, I was glad for that. Because if I thought about it longer than a split second, I knew I would burst out crying. And I didn't want that at all. The longer I could bundle these boiling emotions together and shove them away, the better.

"So...what now?" I murmured to myself, running a hand through my slightly damp hair, pulling it over one shoulder. I was still wearing the blood stained dress, and while I looked like the complete mess that I felt like, it wasn't like I had many other options. I was hoping to go back to my hotel room soon enough anyways, wanting to just curl up in bed and sleep for an eternity. If Godric didn't return soon, I was sure I would end up falling asleep right here and now, and as I wasn't sure exactly whose bedroom I was currently in, I didn't want that to happen.

After a few more minutes passed, I had to stand, a sigh emitting from my lips. I began pacing the length of the room, my eyes roaming over the minimalistic design. I was getting stir crazy. Where was that vampire when you needed him?

"Oh this is ridiculous." I muttered as I tugged on the ends of my hair before shrugging and beginning towards the bedroom door. I wasn't sure what time it was, but Godric had told me it was past dusk, meaning other vampires would be awake. I should have been afraid to wander around a house full of vampires alone; after all, I had nearly died by the hands of one last night. But I found that I wasn't. Sure, there was a surge of fear that shot through me as I eased open the door. However, I had enough sense to know that Godric would have ensured that the vampire from last night wouldn't still be here, and I doubt from the events that had occurred, any other vampire would try and attack me.

So for that reason alone, I took a tentative step out of the bedroom and into the dimly lit hallway. I looked from left to right, not sure which way to go. Godric had said he would be in the living room, which I assumed to be where we had been sitting last night. But how did I get there from here? All of the hallways looked exactly the same, and as I began down the hallway, taking a turn here and there, I realized that I was quickly becoming lost. I thought about going back to the bedroom, but I knew I wouldn't even remember how to find my way back. So I just continued through the home, praying I wouldn't stumble upon any vampires, or at least any other than Isabel, and possibly even Stan.

I wasn't sure how to feel about Stan now after last night. He had swept in and stopped the vampire from killing me. If he hadn't shown up when he had, I wasn't sure if I would have been standing here. Godric wouldn't have made it in time, that was for sure. But it was still Stan. He had nearly attacked me himself weeks ago, and only hadn't because Godric showed up to stop him. And I was certain the only reason he didn't attack me now was because in some way, and whether he admitted it or not, he both feared and respected Godric. Perhaps I was just indifferent. I was thankful that he had appeared when he had, but I wouldn't exactly enjoy being in his presence.

Shaking my head, I concentrated on where I was going. I was about to just give up and hope Godric found me eventually, when I started to recognize my surroundings. Though I found that I wished I didn't. I stopped in my tracks as I looked down the hallway I had just turned into, my heart dropping as I stared at the exact spot on the wall I had been shoved up against as that vampire nearly drained me. I shuddered at the memory, at the pain that had cursed through my body. I never expected to be bitten by a vampire, and never thought it would be so painful. It was certainly a memory I hoped I would forget quickly.

"Taylor?"

I jumped when I felt the icy cold hand fall onto my shoulder. I had been so lost in thought, staring down the hallway, that I hadn't realized that I was no longer alone. I laid a hand over my racing heart as I twisted around, relieved to find that it was only Godric standing there, his eyes resting solely on where my heart laid. He could hear it clear as day, that much I knew. I wonder how difficult it was, for a vampire like him to be around a human like me. He had told me on occasion that I smelt different, that I even tasted different. Was my blood more intoxicating than regular old human blood? Was it harder to control himself because of it? I never thought that my blood, my being around him as much as I had been, would be difficult for him at all.

"I felt your sadness and I wanted to ensure that you were alright. I apologize for scaring you." He lifted his gaze to meet mine.

"How did you...oh, right." I shook my head, nearly forgetting about the bond that would now allow Godric to know every single emotion that ran through me, no matter how minimal. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that."

"I'm truly sorry I put you in this position, little one." He sighed, his head bowing in sadness.

I frowned as the guilt crossed his face. As confusing as this was, to now have some unexplainable blood bond with a vampire I barely even knew, I could see that the guilt was tearing Godric apart. And I hated that. He must have thought I was ungrateful, that I hated him for this. And sure, I was scared about what this would mean in the future, but I didn't blame him, I didn't hate him at all. How could I? This was the vampire that had saved my life. I owed him everything.

"Hey," I clasped my finger under his chin, and used all the strength in the world to lift his stubborn gaze. "I don't blame you at all, Godric."

"If I hadn't of brought you here, you never would have been attacked, and I never would have created this bond." There was a sadness in his eyes that just broke my heart completely. "If I hadn't allowed myself to be drawn to you, if I had only distanced myself like I had planned then..."

"Oh stop that, Godric." I scolded him, my frown deepening. "Don't talk like that."

"You wouldn't have faced the danger that you have." He took a step back, my hand falling back down to my side.

"Nonsense. I'm a magnet for trouble. I would have found it with or without you around." I rolled my eyes. "Don't blame yourself, Godric, please. This was not your fault. I don't blame you, not for a single thing."

"You should. You should be disgusted with me, with what I am." He looked away, his disgust at himself crossing his face. "I'm a monster that you never should have befriended, Taylor."

"Don't start that, Godric. How could I possibly be disgusted with the man that saved my life a grand total of what, four times now?" I shook my head in disbelief. It was amazing how self conscious Godric was for a two thousand year old vampire. He thought so little of himself; he actually reminded me a lot of myself. He seemed to think I was such a special girl, but I only thought of myself as some cursed freak who only wanted to be normal. But maybe that was why we were brought together. Maybe we were meant to aid one another in believing in ourselves, to realize that we were much more than what just met the eye.

"You never would have required help if you hadn't of met me."

"I don't regret it, any of it." I assured him, taking a step forward to close the distance between us. "I don't regret ever having dreams about you, Godric. I don't regret making the split second decision to jump on a plane to come here, only to save your life. I don't regret that at all. And I certainly don't regret anything that's happened since I've been here."

"I should have Isabel return you to your hotel." Godric turned away.

"Godric, will you just listen to me?" I threw my hand out, resting it on his cold muscular arm. He froze at the contact, his gaze falling to where my hand was touching his arm. I was afraid he would only push me away, but I was surprised when he merely just stared down at my hand. "I don't want to go back to the hotel. Well I do, but not for this reason. I know I don't seem very appreciative that you saved my life, and I'm sorry about that. I was just...confused and I guess a bit scared what this whole bond thing meant. But I'm forever grateful, Godric, that you gave me your blood. Because I'd rather have this new confusing bond with a pretty fantastic vampire right now, than be six feet under."

"If you never had..."

"No, let me finish, Godric." I shook my head, cutting him off. "Let me just say this, please."

When he didn't respond, didn't look up at me, I took that as a sign to continue.

"I don't want to die, Godric. I'm only 18. I've barely lived. Actually, I haven't really lived at all until I flew here on a whim. Being here in Dallas, it's pretty much the wildest thing I've ever done, and I love it. I don't regret anything because for the first time in my life, I'm doing something not because it's expected of me, or because it would get my mother's approval. I'm doing this because I want to, because it's want I want. You have no idea how liberating that is, how happy I've been since I've gotten here. Mind you, being attacked by large rapists and psychotic vampires weren't exactly in the plan, but besides that, I've had the best time here, Godric. I've had the best time with you."

His gaze finally rose, his electric blue orbs meeting mine. I couldn't read the expression on his face, I couldn't understand what was going through that head of his. I wished I could have just shaken him and demanded him to tell me what was on his mind. But he was a vampire, and after all, a man, and I doubt that would ever happen.

"I would take having this blood bond a thousand times over if it meant I was standing here right now in front of you. Because I don't want to die. Not for a very very long time and you made sure that didn't happen. You gave me a second chance at life, for the fourth time, and you have no idea how grateful I am." I could feel tears springing to my eyes but I blinked them away. Now was not the time to start crying, it would only confuse Godric. "I'm not going to lie, I'm scared of the bond we have. I'll admit that. You can feel everything. You can feel every little emotion that I do, and that scares the hell out of me."

"Why?" He asked softly, his eyes searching mine. "What scares you so much, little one?"

"I've kept people out for so long. I've had to. I couldn't let them know what I was thinking. I knew what they said about me. I knew that they all thought I was some freak, some crazy person who they all thought should be locked up somewhere. I was always so afraid of saying something that I had dreamt and had yet to happen, that I just kept to myself. I built these walls around myself, around my emotions for so long, that I pushed everyone away. You're the first person I could call a true friend, Godric. And that's the truth. You're the first person in god even knows when that has stuck around for this long. And I know it's hard for you, and part of you either wants to drink my blood, or just run in the other direction. And I'm extremely happy you've stayed. Because you're the only one to not think of me as some freak."

"You're not a freak, little one." Godric shook his head.

"See, you're the only one to ever tell me that. Not even parents ever said it out loud. So despite the fact that I'm scared of letting you in, for you to know every single emotion that goes through this crazy head of mine, part of me is actually relieved, happy even. I've lived this way for so long, that to be honest, it'll be nice to not have to try so hard. Because I have a friend now who I can be honest with, who I can just let my true self show. Blood bond or not, I'm glad it's you Godric. I'm glad you saved my life, and I'm glad I have a bond with you." A small smile crossed my face.

Godric stared at me for the longest time, as if he was trying to make a decision. I hoped, prayed even, that he would consider everything that I've said and not push me away. Because here I was, terrified at letting another person in, to confess everything to, and I was willing to give this friendship a try. Why couldn't he?

"It's dangerous," he spoke, as if trying to change my mind. "Being friends with a vampire, that is."

"And its dangerous walking down the street, remember?" my smile grew. "I shouldn't be friends with you, you're right. I mean, a human shouldn't be friends with a vampire, right? All the warning signs are going off, and I'm just not listening to them."

"Why not?" he wondered.

"Because I don't want to be alone anymore." I admitted, the tears returning to my eyes. I let my gaze fall to the ground, only for Godric to cup my cheek and raise my orbs to meet his. "I don't want to feel like I'm some freak who doesn't deserve even a friend. I don't want to be afraid to be who I am. Because I've hidden myself off for so long, trying to be who everyone else wants me to be. But I haven't been me. I haven't been the person I'm supposed to be. I used to think I was cursed before I met you, Godric. But you've made me realized that this isn't a curse. This is a gift. I was given this ability to see the future, to have visions, for a reason. Who am I to change that? There was a reason I was given this. There was a reason I had dreams of you. There was a reason why we met, I know it. and the only way I'm going to figure this all out, is here with you, not home on some farm in the middle of nowhere with people who think I'm insane."

His thumb caressed my cheek, brushing away the tear I hadn't realized had escaped. I felt myself enjoying his touch, the tension in my body leaving almost immediately at the soft caresses.

"So please, Godric. Don't push me away. Don't try to tell me that I shouldn't be here, because I want to be. I could leave at any time but I'm not. I'm scared, yes, but that's why I befriended a nice strong vampire, so I would have someone to fight off all my worries." I raised my hand, my fingers intertwining with his. "If you do try and push me away, I'll just keep coming back. I'm persistent; you should know that about me. I don't give up. Especially not on some stubborn vampire who doesn't realize he's an amazing person."

I was surprised as he clasped his hand around mine, bringing both of our intertwined hands up until his lips brushed cross the palm of my hand.

"I will protect you with all of my being, I promise you that."

I couldn't help but grin. "Does this mean you're going to stop being stubborn now?"

"I don't suppose you'll take no for an answer, will you?" the tiniest smile began crossing his lips, and I almost wanted to jump up and down in triumph.

"Nope." I shook my head, grinning from ear to ear.

"You are certainly different from every other human in this world, little seer." He mused, drawing closer. Our hands remained clasped together at our sides, and it was surprising to me how well my hand fit into his. It was almost as if our hands were made especially for one another.

"Different good, I hope."

"Different in all the best of ways." He nodded, his smile growing. It was a beautiful smile, one that I wanted to see for the rest of my life. "I have something for you."

"You do?" I raised an eyebrow.

Godric nodded as he gently tugged my hand, beginning to lead me down the hallway and away from the scene of last night's events. The moment we had turned a corner, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders and I felt extraordinarily happy. I should have been curled up into a ball crying my eyes out after what happened last night. And any ordinary person wouldn't have been wandering the halls of this large home with a vampire they called a close friend. But I wasn't exactly ordinary, and I never had been. I was special, different, and for the first time in my life, I saw that as a good thing. Because it brought me to Godric. It brought me to this vampire who I never would have met otherwise. And having him in my life, even if it had been a short amount of time, I've realized that I never want to lose him. He's become that staple that I just desperately needed as much as I needed the air to breathe and water to drink. He was here now, in my life, and no matter how stubborn and hard headed he was, I would never let that change.

Because I could be just as stubborn, just as hard headed.

I was lost in thought as Godric led me through his home, and was only brought back to the present when Godric came to a stop outside of a closed door. I blinked, focusing on the door as he slowly drew it open and motioned me inside. My eyes grew wide at the sight of the room. It was so different than the rest of the house. Every single piece of furniture and trinket looked as if it came from centuries past. Nothing was new or modern, everything had years of life within it. The ornate desk to one side was worn, but held its own beauty. One wall alone was filled entirely with dark bookcases filled to the brim with ancient texts that I was certain I wouldn't be able to read a single word of. Everything about this room was just stunning, and I knew right away that this was Godric's office. This felt more like the vampire standing beside me. This was exactly how I pictured a home of his to be decorated. Godric didn't seem like one of those vampires that would surge into the 21st century with delight. He was from a much different time, a simpler, more appreciative time. It only made me wonder more about the vampire than before.

"I feel like I just stepped into a history textbook." I whispered, as if talking any louder would disrupt the room. It was almost as if I was in a museum, rare and unique artefacts all around me. "Is this all yours?"

"Yes, it's what I've collected over the years." Godric nodded as he closed the door behind us and wandered over to his desk. He began searching the drawers for whatever it was that he had to give me, and I found myself drawn to the bookcases. I had always been a fan of books. Reading was a way to escape from my own world and into another. In the world of fiction, nothing was impossible. I felt right at home alongside of the characters I envied. I wasn't different, I wasn't unusual. I fit right in. and I never felt that way before, not in the real world. Well not until now that is. Godric made me feel more alive, more normal than I've ever felt before.

"You have so many." My eyes roamed over the spines of each book, some too dusty and worn to read the titles, and others were scribed in a different language, some I didn't even believe existed any longer.

"Those are only a few of many." He admitted. "I have others littered across the world in my many homes."

"Many homes?" I raised an eyebrow as I turned to him. "You have more than one home?"

"As a vampire, it's important to have safe houses." Godric explained, walking around his desk with a worn journal in his hands. It was beautiful. It was bound in old leather that looked like it could have fallen apart at any moment. I was hesitant as he held it out for me, laying it in my outstretched hands. I was too afraid of it falling, of it coming apart at the seams and destroying a part of Godric's history.

"What is it?" I asked curiously, peering down at the journal, barely moving a muscle as I did so.

"It's a journal of mine." He stared at me in amusement. "It won't bite, Taylor."

"Oh, I just..." my cheeks grew red. "It looks so beautiful and old; I just don't want to wreck it."

He chuckled. "It's one of many from my past. I found it was needed to write down the knowledge I learned, the people that I met, so I wouldn't forget anything that occurred in my immortal life. They serve as great reminders of who I used to be, and who I wish not to become."

I ran a hand over the leather bound journal, only imagining what could be written within these pages.

"This particular one is from my time spent with the seers. I thought perhaps what I have written in here could aid you. I know that you wish to know more of what you are, of what you can do."

I looked up at him in surprise. I knew he was the key to finding out more of what I was. But I suppose a part of me was wondering if that would ever truly happen, if I would ever find out about the power that lied inside of me. But within my hands were the answers, or at least, some of them. And I couldn't have been happier. I was so happy, so relieved that there had been an answer to my prayers, that I felt tears form in my eyes, and no amount of blinking or willing would send them away.

"Why are you crying, little one?' Godric sounded concerned as his eyes searched my face for some sort of answer as to why I was emotional. "Are you upset? Did I do something to hurt you?"

"No, I'm just..." I looked back down at the journal in my hands and fought back the urge to want to hug it tightly, to never let it go. "I'm just really happy, that's all."

"Then why do you cry?" he seemed confused. "Tears are for sadness, not for joy."

I couldn't help but laugh. Godric was over two thousand years old, and yet he sounded as clueless as any other man in the world.

"I'm not crying because I'm upset, I'm crying because I'm happy." I raised a hand to wipe away the tears, only Godric got there first, his cold fingertips swiping away the few tears as they fell. I watched as he curiously brought the tear coated fingers up to his lips, his tongue darting out to taste the salty liquid. I found myself blushing as I just watched him, absolutely fascinated by his intrigue. And I wasn't sure if it was due to his blood or not, but I found my body growing incredibly hot, the desires I hadn't been able to understand for the past few weeks shooting through me with vigour. I tried to hide my burning face with my hair, but he wouldn't allow it. Godric cupped my cheek with his other hand, his thumb caressing the smooth skin as if he was afraid I would just break apart at any moment.

"I've never befriended a human like I have you." Godric admitted, his voice soft as he looked me in the eye. I felt my knees grow weak as I stared into those orbs as if I was staring straight into the soul that I knew still remained within this vampire. He wasn't a monster, not like how he saw himself. He was a beautiful creature that I found myself being drawn to, never wanting to leave. And I knew that wasn't his blood talking. I knew that wasn't because of the bond we shared. I had felt this way long before that bond had ever been forged.

I found myself moving into his touch, my eyes closing as relaxation washed over me. I could have stayed in that position all night. His touch was soft and almost intoxicating. I never wanted his hand to leave my skin, for his touch to ever leave my body. I wanted more of it even. I wanted him to touch every inch of my...

I was almost thankful when Godric suddenly flashed away from me, only so I wouldn't have to finish that thought. I looked at the vampire strangely for a moment, trying to understand why he was now halfway across the room.

"Godric?" I frowned, taking a step forward. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." He assured, shaking his head as if he was trying to shake away whatever was wrong.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm perfectly fine." He offered me a smile, though he didn't close the distance between us at all. If anything, I was certain he was enlarging it. "I should take you back to your hotel, you're tired."

I couldn't exactly argue that. I was tired, exhausted actually. I would enjoy just curling up in bed for a couple of hours of peace and quiet.

"Just as long as you're alright." I stepped closer, wanting to make sure Godric wasn't suddenly second guessing his decision to no longer push me away. I didn't want to lose Godric just like that. I had made that clear tonight.

"I assure you, little one, that I'm fine." He nodded, allowing for the space between us to grow smaller and smaller until I was directly in front of him. "I'm just not used to being this close to another, especially a human. I'm afraid I'll..."

"You won't hurt me, Godric." I smiled up at him, slipping my hand into his. "You won't. You're not a monster, not like you think you are."

"I hope you won't judge me for who I once was when you read through this journal." He nodded at the leather bound book in my hands.

"Nothing you could do would ever scare me away, Godric." I assured him, squeezing his hand gently. "I'm pretty sure you're stuck with me for awhile, whether you like that or not."

"You don't know what I've done, little one. You shouldn't be so quick to judge."

"Whoever you were then, it's not who you are now. We all make mistakes, but it's how we move forward that shapes who we are. You're a good person, Godric. I hope one day I'll be able to make you believe that."

"Perhaps you should believe just how special you are yourself before you try and fix a vampire."

"I'd rather you be my little project than myself."

A small chuckle emitted from his lips, the tension leaving his shoulders.

"Now, I better get back to the hotel before I end up falling asleep here. I never knew how exhausted being attacked two nights in a row makes you." I tried to lighten the mood.

"I wouldn't mind." He whispered, his eyes meeting mine. "I certainly wouldn't mind that at all."

I shuddered at his tone, a blush rising over my entire body. There was just something in the way that he was staring at me that excited me, that made me feel things that I never even thought to be possible. And I knew deep down that not even his ancient vampire blood could have this effect of me. Oh no, this was all