The Pits.

Chapter Ten: Kitten's Reception.

"It is not a problem, kitten. However, I must ask how you got my blood inside you."

Maria hesitated at those words from Godric. Biting her bottom lip she wasn't entirely sure what to say - should she lie or tell the truth? Clinging to the back of the sofa she was rather glad he hadn't used his vampire speed yet to seperate the couch from between them.

"T-the vampires... The ones in charge... Um... F-felipe De Castro? I think... He said he got it. He had a vial... made me take it. I think he has had it for a while... Maybe a h-human undercover in y-your nest... took it whilst you slept... or when you were injured... I don't know."

She managed to reply, hating the fact she sounded so weak and flustered especially infront of this vampire or well infront of any vampire. However her mortal shyness just wouldn't quit it, and she had been forced to gaze at her hands as she spoke just to get those few words out. It also didn't help that the animal inside her was making her feel some strange things whilst Godric was around. Maria didn't know what she was feeling, just that she had never felt it before and for some reason it made her want to get closer to him physically although due to her shyness and fear of vampires she'd never do so.

She supposed he wasn't unattractive. Infact he was very attractive. What with his piercing blue eyes, warm brown hair, and muscular build on a tall frame he was definately any girl's dream even without his overwhelmingly powerful aura that he naturally gave out. He definately had to be an old vampire. No one could have such an immensely powerful aura without a lot of centuries on his - or her - belts. She remembered how Felipe De Castro and his side-kick had talked about Godric. He was clearly very important and very high in the vampire heirachy by the way they spoke of him and his aura she could feel now just backed up these claims. So what was he doing with saving her? She was sure he could feel his blood in her had been fading, so why bother saving her and bringing her back to his nest? She just didn't understand it, and honestly she was a bit anxious at finding out.

"Very well. We shall go see my childe this eve. Together we'll have more resources to verify your story. Until then, you're my pet. Come kitten, we'll take my bike."

With that Godric sped over to Maria at vampire speed, grabbed her bicep, and then 'encouraged gently' Maria through the house. She followed willingly, bewildered and confused all at once before she was stopped infront of a large motorbike. Her senses immediately came back to her at that point.

"Oh no! No, no, no, no, no! I am not getting on a bike. Nu-uh, no way."

Maria stammered, shaking her head vigourously as she tried to back away. Godric merely chuckled softly at her, using his vampire speed to grab and put on a helmet on her head as well as putting her on the back of the bike with himself sat infront of her.

"Hold on tight."

He murmurred, and with no other choice she clung to his waist, burying her face into his back as the bike roared out of the garage, down the driveway, and out onto the open road.

With Pam as Sherrif of Area Nine, running Fangtasia, Eric had moved out to New Orleans. He however had gotten rid of the monstrosity that used to be Sophie-Anne LeClerq's headquarters; it was far too tacky and obnoxious for his tastes. He had demolished the entire place and had it rebuilt to be far more suitable for his purposes. The actual house had been put towards the back of the large property, high tech security surrounding the expansive grounds, with a long driveway from the front door to intimidating front gates. Both magic, advanced techonology, and werewolf security was used to keep the grounds entirely secure - something Eric needed as King as well as to protect his assets. Not that many would dare challenge Eric since he was a thousand years old with a two thousand year old maker whom he was still very close to. It was known as suicidal to dare challenge Eric, and especially Godric, so fortunately there had not been much trouble in his new kingdom. Sookie Stackhouse had also been able to live a normal life with no more trouble due to Eric and Godric's infamous reputation. Of course it also helped she had Alicide's pack of werewolves and Sam, a shapeshifter, for protection as well as the Hotshot werepanthers due to her help in the past.

When Godric and Maria pulled up to the large wrought iron gates she found herself speechless, watching as upon sight of Godric the gates opened to allow him in. The grounds had been professionally landscaped, causing Maria's jaw to drop at the outstanding beauty of the place whilst Godric drove to the front door. The garage doors opened electronically, having been told to by the head maid of the manor who had been informed by the front gate security Godric was here, and he drove the bike inside. The garage door closed by itself as well, and it took a few minutes before Maria could actually let go of Godric and get off the death contraption the vampire called transport.

"Never again..."

She muttered quietly, Godric with an amused twinkle in his eyes as he placed a hand on the small of her back and led her through a door that took them from the garage to inside the manor. Realising Godric was touching her again, only this time far more intimate, Maria ended up blushing as she looked at the floor. She had never felt to flustered in ages. Well, not since she had turned into her leopard form all that time ago. It didn't help that although he looked like a young - all be it attractive and masculine - sixteen year old she could feel he was older in age then she was. She didn't even want to think about his senses and how vampires could smell that she was a virgin.

It seemed like forever, but was a matter of two minutes or so, until they came to a pair of double doors which were opened by two vampires that were stationed either side as they got close enough. Maria noticed that although the two vampires were old, perhaps a couple hundred years or so, they were no where near Godric's age. The pair were definately very intimidating though with their hawk-keen eyes and cold, ruthless demeanour that suggested they had been warriors through-out their lives; both human and vampire alike.

Her gaze slid past the two doormen ( well door-vampires ) to look at the room they were entering into. It was a huge room, about half the size of a football pitch with floor-to-ceiling thick book shelves on three out of four of the walls. Infront of the back wall was a long expensive wooden desk - Maria could not tell what kind - with papers, a top of the line laptop with printer, and other 'study' materials upon it. A faux bear rug was infront of the desk, sat just behind two luxurious black chairs that matched the chair behind the desk. As she came to the centre of the room stood on the rug, she glanced behind herself to see a long black couch on both walls either side of the door, with wooden coffee tables infront of them - matching the desk in wood. It was one of the most impressive and intimidating study she had ever seen and that did not include the beautiful painting masterpiece on the ceiling of what looked like an old swedish ship in the midst of a stormy sea. A cough soon cut through her thoughts and her head jerked around only to now notice another male vampire had appeared, only this one sat on the chair behind the desk. All thought seemed to leave her mind upon sight of him, much like it had upon seeing Godric close up for the first time. To put it simply the man was breathtaking. He was at least six foot, probably taller, with shoulder length gorgeous blonde hair that looked silky to the touch, and piercing blue eyes that could rival Godric's but also were far lighter, with a muscular but lean figure. This one was lean, whilst Godric was not although Godric wasn't a crazy bodybuilder in build either but he had a body Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black after he first phased would be envious of. These two men were adonises amongst mortals. She could easily believe all kinds of artists had drawn inspiration from these two.

"Kitten, this is my childe Eric Northman."

Godric introduced, snapping Maria out of her trance-like state. Blushing from head to toe - or at least it felt like it - she shuffled backwards until she was hidden behind Godric, trying to smother a whimper from escaping. This was all too overwhelming for the shy wereleopard to handle. The sound of two males chuckling entered her ears, and she found herself blushing more as she wrung her hands, shuffling anxiously from foot to foot.

"My childe, it is good to see you. I hope I am not intruding upon any important business."

Godric spoke, his voice warm and husky to Maria's ears. Finding a little courage she peered out from behind Godric's arm a little to look at the vampire known as Eric. Godric smiled as Eric stood up from his chair and sauntered over to him, curiousity clear in his gaze.

"Och vem är det här?"

Eric asked, his voice deep and sensual, as if a feline was purring, causing a shiver to run down Maria's back. Blushing again, she ducked back behind Godric, clinging to the back of his white shirt as she hid her face against his back. Godric, highly amused by his new kitten, glanced back at the blonde viking.

"Maria O'Connor. Hon var den enda som hade mitt blod. Felipe hade henne och gjorde henne dricka den. Hon var det mot sin vilja."

The Roman vampire swiftly responded in swedish, not missing a beat, although Maria was highly confused. She had no idea what they were saying and no clue as to what language they were using.

"Hon doftar gudomligt."

Eric purred, mischeviousness and lust in his saphire eyes as he sped closer to Godric and looked over his shoulder at the five foot nine female hidden behind him. One thought was on his mind: what was she and how could he - they - make sure she stayed?

"Kitten, its rude not to say hello."

Godric childed. Maria forced herself to pull her head back only to jump and whimper in surprise at Eric now being so close. Once over the surprise her chin rested on Godric's back as she managed to utter a hello...

"H-h-hello..."

She squeaked, causing both vampires to chuckle in her expense again. Both maker and childe found her highly entertaining and amusing, as well as being attractive to their eyes, not to mention she smelt fantastic. Godric, of course, knowing what she was, was actually surprised she smelled so good. It seemed she didn't smell bad like other weres.

"Mmm, hello angel. Here, have a seat."

Eric responded, and before even a second could pass as he finished speaking he used vampire speed to not only sit at his chair behind his desk but also had her on his lap, her bottom snugly against his crotch, and both of his strong arms around her waist whilst his chin rested on her left shoulder. Maria squeaked in shock before she began blushing and tried to wriggle her way out of his grip. Even with her supernatural strength it seemed she was no match for this vampire named Eric. He must be quite old to be able to keep her in place as easily as he was. Godric found himself smiling fondly at Eric's antics as he sat down in one of the chairs infront of the desk. He sat back casually, realising how much he had missed just being around Eric. It was at times like this he was glad whoever ran the Summerlands had sent him back. It had been such a bad mistake to take his own life as he did. He was only grateful that in the end Eric had forgiven him. He would never hurt his childe like that again, not if he could help it.

Author's Note: God, i'm sorry this took so long to get out. Distractions in life, and then with a need to get Eric & Maria's meeting go just right, along with the meeting with Godric that started from the previous chapter ended up in the time taken between chapters. Damn my need for perfection! Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Thankyou to all of you that has reviewed. I loved reading them.

Anyway, translations:

Och vem är det här? - and who is this?

Maria O'Connor. Hon var den enda som hade mitt blod. Felipe hade henne och gjorde henne dricka den. Hon var det mot sin vilja - Maria O'Connor. She was the one who had my blood. Felipe had her and made her drink it. She was there against her will.

Hon doftar gudomligt - She smells divine.