"Sookie, I thought you were hiding out from us." It was a male voice I didn't see his face until he leaned on the doorframe. Sam was suddenly standing in front of us. I'm not quite sure why if he was trying to protect us it was a sweet gesture but it certainly wouldn't work.

Sookie reached around Sam slamming the door closed and I stifled a laugh as she locked the door. I did find it amusing. It wouldn't keep them out but it was funny in a way. Sookie can be that way at times.

"You know Sookie." I turned to her raising an eyebrow, "Locking the door is kind of pointless. Not that I don't agree with it or find it enjoyable…just stating a fact. While I am on that subject why is it all the male vampires around here look like Calvin Kline models?"

She shrugged, "Queen's court or whatever. I guess she likes to have good looking company."

"If that's the case she's missing two sheriffs I know of who outshine them all." I said as Sam turned to stare at me.

"Do you two mind?" He asked shaking his head.

Poor Sam we probably were talking about things he would rather not hear. I guess in the situation we were in and with him here it was probably inappropriate.

Sookie leaned over to him, "Don't worry Sam you're very handsome too."

"Is there another way out? I know they are waiting on something." I asked looking around the bar. It was odd they hadn't tried to enter yet. Something was up.

Sam nodded, "Yeah, but I don't know if it's a good idea. Something tells me they would have us before we got there."

"How many are there?" I asked turning to Sookie. I knew she had dealings with them before.

"Five the one you saw he's not the main guy...vamp or whatever. It's him, a female then three other males."

I wonder if that was what they were waiting on was the main guy. I wasn't sure what to do we were obviously trapped and they weren't going to let us go anywhere. On the other hand I knew Godric would come for us soon, but I had no idea how old these vampires were or what they could do. I knew Godric and Eric would know.

"Knock, knock open up or I'll blow your house down." A male voice said from outside and suddenly the door flew open. We all backed up stunned. I focused my attention back to the door and saw a male vampire standing there. He was no doubt one of the Queen's favorites. Black hair cut in a fashionable style hanging slightly in his jade green eyes, he was rather tall with a nice build. What else would I expect from the Queen right? She wouldn't have less than beautiful surrounding her and he was beautiful.

"Sorry I decided to just blow already." He smirked and walked in the other two vampires perching themselves on the furniture leisurely. The male from before and the female but where were the other two? I had to wonder.

"Sookie you are making me have to work I don't like that at all." He shook his head at her. "Naughty girl but not to worry, I am sure the Queen will teach you some manners."

He laughed as he looked Sam over. "What do you plan on doing shifter? You can't help her."

I felt bad for Sam but in all honesty he was right. I had a feeling they would tear him apart.

His eyes finally rested on me and he stopped, "You I do not yet know. What is your name pretty one?"

"Does it matter?"

I wasn't sure if I should tell him or not. I didn't know his intentions. I had to decide how to handle him in order to direct his attention away from Sookie. He has to have a certain weakness finding that and delaying him is the point anyway. If I can do it and stay alive while doing it.

He smiled wider and moved sensuously closer to me the stealth of a panther in every movement. I did not move even as he gripped my chin. Yes, I think I hit the spot with this one. I had a feeling I might have he just looked like the type.

"My, my you are a little spit fire aren't you? I have no doubt you are used to having men bow to your every need, but where I come from it doesn't happen that way. I dominate and you are submissive do you understand?"

"Clearly we are not in your world." I said hoping he took the bait.

I could see Sookie's worried face but I knew he found me amusing more than anything else. He laughed.

"Your name girl, what is it?" He demanded.

"Daniella."

"Very good." He leaned down inhaling my neck and smirking at me. I could see the look in his eyes when he met mine. I knew that he knew all too well I had been with another vampire.

"You've been a naughty girl haven't you Daniella?" His voice was smooth as he questioned me.

I shrugged, "Depends on your version of naughty." I was being sarcastic but he seemed to like that.

He laughed looking at his friends and back at me. I felt his eyes as he looked me over. I swallowed uncomfortably but my eyes didn't leave his. "I assure you it is quite in depth."

I had to remain calm. It's the one thing I learned from being around Godric and his friends.

"Right now you are asking yourself what is he going to do to me. What is he thinking?" He said seductively close to my ear. "Tell you what Daniella would you like me to tell you?"

I couldn't see Sookie and Sam's reaction. I kept raising my hand and telling her to stay back. I knew she couldn't read my mind but I was hoping she would get the hint. Sookie was known not to keep her mouth shut and right now I really needed her to. I know Sam was holding her back.

I met his eyes as he stopped close to my face lifting a piece of my hair in his fingers.

"I guess it would depend on if I am going to enjoy it or if it's going to make me sick." I said simply.

I could hear the other two vampires laughing.

He smirked releasing the hair and stroking my cheek, "My, but you do have the mouth on you. I like that in a woman you would make a very nice pet. It would seem someone else already knows that don't they. What a shame they won't get to play anymore."

He leaned close to my ear, "I'm going to break you and you will enjoy every minute of it."

I shivered as he leaned back. I didn't like the sound of that at all. He turned walking away from me.

"Ok let's get what we came for, "Sookie let's go."

She panicked and Sam of course was thrown to the side by him easily as I knew he would be. He was no match for the vampire's power. He shoved Sookie towards the female vampire as if she were a ragdoll.

I better think quick or this was over. I don't know what was keeping Eric and Godric but something was. I sighed sitting on the table casually and looked at my nails.

"You guys are so misguided." God I hoped this worked my insides were trembling and I was doing my best to hide it. The main vampire turned to me and raised an eyebrow.

"You speak in riddles now?"

"No I speak in English you just didn't ask the right question. What's your name? I would feel much better talking to you if I knew your name." I was definitely pushing my luck. His eyes narrowed at me for a moment and he leaned on the bar watching me.

"Nathan." He said simply.

Well, hey at least I got that much.

"Well…Nathan you know Sookie's powers are limited right? She can only hear at certain times, certain people yada, yada it's really a pain sometimes. You know how that goes but that's really none of my concern really."

I saw the look on her face wondering what I was up to but she didn't speak. He was across the room and in front of me before I could blink. He set his hands on the table beside my hips.

"You have something better to offer me? I don't think the Queen will be satisfied." He leaned closer to me allowing his fangs to come out, "If I tell her I brought you there simply because you are pretty."

"No, she probably wouldn't." I leaned around his face to his ear to whisper, "But what if you had a healer."

I leaned back and he looked at me in disbelief.

"They are a myth."

"So says the vampire who once was a myth as well." I argued.

He stood walking away from me. I had no idea what he was doing he was so quick. I suddenly saw Sam laying bleeding on the floor. I stood in shock as Sookie struggled to get free from the female who held her. She released her allowing her to hold his hand.

"You didn't have to do that." I said looking up at him in horror.

Nathan grabbed my arm slamming me into his chest with force, "Now little healer prove yourself to me."

My hands were shaking as he shoved me towards Sam. I knelt down beside him tears in my eyes.

"I'm so sorry." I apologized. I had no idea he would do this to prove what I was.

Sam groaned in pain, "Just fix it and we're golden."

Leave it to Sam to make some sort of remark. Sookie looked up at me nodding with hope in her eyes. I knew I could heal him I just hope I wasn't being a complete idiot with what I was doing. I had no idea the outcome of anything I had planned.

I rested my hand on his head and the other on his stomach and after a moment he arched under me his wounds healing themselves. He sighed in relief, "Thank God…that hurt."

I smiled, "I am sorry Sam."

I didn't get to say anything else before I was pulled up. Nathan looked at me closely then pulled me away.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Taking you to the bathroom for privacy." He responded.

I felt my heart drop. "What?" I tried to pull away and he stopped.

"Let me make this clear you can come with me and let me look at your imprint or you can let everyone see. Which will it be?" I thought about what I was wearing and decided I would go to the bathroom. He at least was nice enough to take me.

Pushing me inside I moved away from him leaning on the sink. He was intimidating when I think about it now I'm wondering what I got myself into.

He smiled, "Don't be shy now we will be getting to know each other quite well don't you worry."

He turned me lifting the back of my dress to see my mark. I felt his hands tracing it and bile rose in my throat. The thought of his unwanted hands on my body made me sick. Where is Godric? I am beginning to think I know where those other two vampires are.

"Tell me Daniella." He lifted my face to look at him in the mirror. "Do you think you will like living with the Queen? I can promise you that you will belong to me."

"Those are big promises to make are they not?" I said hoping he would back off. The Queen does rule all in the end. He laughed at me. I had no idea what was going on his head. I heard Sookie screaming my name and tried to head to the door but he held me steady.

"I'm not finished with you." He whispered in my ear causing my flesh to crawl as he ran his finger down my neck. He grabbed my forehead forcing me to look in the mirror. I saw his fangs come out and felt the horror fill me. Oh! Dear God No!

I screamed and clutched the sink as he sunk his teeth into me, tears streaming down my face in fear and shame. I never wanted this all I wanted was to help Sookie. I felt violated in the worst way it was like raping me almost. There was no euphoria I was too upset to feel anything even when he pulled me closer and sucked harder in order to try and force me to, his hand stroking my body in ways a lover would.

The only thing crossing my mind was Godric's face. How could I look at him? How could I ever face him again? He finally released my neck and smiled.

"Lover you do taste sweet."

He held me up to keep me from collapsing my tears falling silently onto the floor as he pulled me to the door.

He lifted my chin, "It would have gone a lot better if you would have let me in. I could have given you pleasure."

I said nothing pulling my face away looking down.

He chuckled, "You'll learn my little hellcat."

I heard Sookie gasp when he carried me out. I know she knew what he did she had probably read his mind, but seeing the bite marks and my tears now only proved her right.

"Daniella?" I heard her but I didn't answer too lost in my own self pity. I took a chance and it backfired on me badly.

"Let's go." Nathan said to the others.

The girl looked at Sookie. "What about her?"

Nathan shrugged, "If her powers are limited then what is the point? I think the Queen will be more than happy with our little find."

She nodded and he lifted me into his arms as if I weighed nothing.

"Let's go pet you have a date with the Queen."

I don't know how long it took us to get there. It wasn't long but I was in and out. He had taken quite a bit of blood on purpose to keep me from putting up much of a fight. I remember the huge white columns surrounded by water and lights. It was breathtaking.

As we entered he laid me on a soft couch and turned as I dosed. I could hear him talking in the other room.

"You are finally back?" She sounded like an excited teenager go figure.

"Yes my Queen and I brought you something extra special." I recognized Nathan's voice.

"Extra special really?"

I could hear the click of what I would guess was heels. They came to a stop and all was silent.

"William, I thought you told me Sookie was blonde?" She questioned.

He cleared his throat, "Sookie is blonde majesty this is not Sookie." So Bill was here interesting. I should have known that backstabber would be here as well. Where else would he be after breaking the poor girl's heart? Here to rub it in some more.

"Who is she Nathan?" I could hear the confusion in the Queen's voice.

"She's a healer my Queen. The myth's are true I have seen her heal she carries the mark."

She was silent for a moment.

"Interesting development… I see she also carries your mark." I couldn't tell from her voice how that was to be taken.

He laughed, "Yes, she was a particularly… spicy human who needs to be broken."

"I'm sure you'll see to that." She sounded teasing.

"Your majesty I need to bring something to your attention it is of the utmost importance." Bill interrupted. I was coming to but I kept my eyes closed listening.

"William what is it now?" Sophie- Ann questioned.

He shook his head, "She is mated."

"That can be easily remedied." I love how she thinks things are so simple just because she is Queen.

Bill cleared his throat, "Your majesty she is mated to Godric."

It must have stopped her because there was sudden silence.

"Did you say Godric? As in sheriff of area 9?" Her voice was shaken.

"Yes."

"Nathan you fool! How could you bring her here! You bled her do you know what this means!" Her voice was angry now.

Nathan on the other hand seemed to have no clue.

"So she's mated we simply get rid of him. He's a sheriff we just make adjustments."

Sophie- Ann moved closer I could hear her voice closer to me. "You do not make adjustments for Godric. He is the oldest known vampire in the new world you imbecile. You certainly do not want him as your enemy and I will not take the fall for your irresponsibility in capturing his mate. How much of her blood did you take?"

"Enough to weaken her."

She hissed and I felt a cool hand on my cheek.

"Get some cool rags. William how long do you think we have before he is here?"

"Give or take an hour if that." He said flatly.

She sighed, "Help me you are better with humans than I am." I heard her fussing as her heels clicked off and a cool cloth on my face. I opened my eyes looking into the eyes of Bill. Jerk was my first thought among others. He must have known he removed the cloth.

"How do you feel?" He questioned.

"Weak." I was tired but it kept my mind off of what I had to deal with.

"Yes." He looked at the floor. "It would seem there was a little mix up."

"Why do you think Sookie would want to be here either?" I questioned and he met my eyes. "Sookie has a choice where she wants to be. If it isn't with you then she shouldn't be forced what happened to you Bill?"

He wouldn't look at me then. "Many things change our fate Dani it is the way the world works."

I knew he was hiding something but what I had no idea.

"You are willing to lose her for this fate? I know you love her. Lie to yourself if you must but don't lie to me."

He closed his eyes for a moment and I knew I had touched a nerve. "Some things are not meant to be. I came into our relationship in deceit. She didn't deserve that and what she felt for me I didn't deserve. I never deserved her love and yet she gave it so freely wanting nothing in return." He almost seemed nostalgic.

He inhaled softly looking at me then whispering, "Keep her safe."

He stood as Sophie- Ann walked back in.

"You are awake." She was beautiful I expected as much and young, very young. She walked over sitting in front of me.

"I hope you'll forgive my little Nathan he get's a little overzealous at times and well….he got carried away. Surely you can understand."

I pushed myself up trying to keep the room from spinning.

"Understand what that he wants to break me like I'm a horse or something." I muttered holding my head.

She laughed, "Really he is just playful. I am sure he didn't mean it in such a manner." I could tell she was nervous and trying to pass what he did off. Was she really that scared of Godric? I guess I would be too. He could do I am sure many thing that no one would ever know about.

She looked behind me as I assume someone entered, "Your majesty Mr. Northman is here to see you."

She brushed her hair back, "Of course send him in."

She passed a look to Bill who leaned on the fireplace his face neutral. I saw Eric pass to my right and she stood.

"Eric, always a pleasure." She said with a smile. She is so full of it good thing it isn't lightning outside because she isn't happy to see him at all and I would hate to see her as a crispy critter. Ok, no actually I would that would be amusing.

"Your majesty." He replied back.

"What brings you by to visit me on such short notice?" She questioned as if she didn't know.

He sat down beside me rather closely and I fell right into him. He smiled at me slipping his arm around my shoulder.

"My maker was worried about his mate she disappeared earlier in the evening but it seems she is found."

Sophie-Ann nervously flitted about, "Well of course she is. The poor darling was wandering around and we couldn't leave her out in the cold all alone. I mean when William told us who she was and all."

"I see." He looked down at me and I felt his fingers on my neck running over the bite marks. I met his eyes and knew he was angry.

"Tell me highness where is the vampire that found her?" He questioned.

"Oh…" She shrugged, "No idea he stepped out for a while. You know I can never keep up with…."

She was silent looking behind us. I saw Bill drop his arms from the fireplace he made no other movement. I couldn't turn and even if I wanted to I don't think Eric would have let me. I looked up at Eric and he simply brushed my cheek with his fingers soothingly. I knew he was telling me it was all going to be ok.

I still felt the tears run down my face because facing him meant facing Godric. It meant the guilt that was inside me would be hit head on. I knew he didn't understand but he pulled me into his chest just the same, like a brother would. I could hear what was going on and was glad not to see it.

"This is the vampire who took my mate?" Godric questioned from behind us. I knew he had him but I'm not sure how. I knew he was angry his accent was thick.

"Surely you can see it was a mistake." Sophie-Ann tried to explain.

"Was it a mistake to taste her blood as well?"

"Godric, we can be reasonable. I would hate to speak with your Queen of any displeasure with you I might have." She said trying to intimidate him as I buried my face further into Eric's chest. I felt him rub my back gently and kiss my head.

"Daniella it will be ok, I promise." He whispered pulling me protectively in his lap.

"And so you may. My Queen, however, was alerted as soon as my mate was taken. She is already aware of this incident and where my mate was taken. I do not think it will do you much good to speak with her and expect favor, though you may try."

"What is it you want!" I could hear the irritation in her voice now.

"I have what I want." Godric answered. A very uncomfortable silence filled the room.

I felt Eric standing lifting me as he went.

"Wait where are we going?" I questioned looking around. I couldn't see anything but the Queens elaborate decorations. Everything else was a blur and Eric was moving quickly.

"I'm taking you home Godric will meet us there."

I wiggled, "No wait…but Godric…" I wanted to make sure he was ok. I wasn't ready to face him but I did want to physically see he was ok.

He tightened his grip, "Daniella, he will meet us there please let me take you home." The tone in his voice let me know leave it alone. I fell asleep on the way home to Eric's bar and woke up as soon as he placed me on the bed. I jumped up the room spinning but he caught me.

"You might want to take it easy until Godric gets back."

"I need to shower I feel so… I just need to shower please." I looked up at him and he nodded taking my elbow and leading me to the bathroom. He turned on the shower and laid out a towel and turned.

"Ok so are you good?"

I swayed and he groaned, "Dani I can't stay in here with you. Why don't you wait for Godric?"

I didn't answer and he lifted my chin seeing the tears flowing. He pulled me close.

"I'm sorry, we should have been there. They sent those damn vampires to distract us. I should have handled it and made Godric go. I let you down and I'm supposed to be protecting you."

He lifted my face.

"Come on. I'll remove your dress but that's it. The rest you have to handle ok?"

I nodded.

He pulled my dress over my head and tossed it aside and pulled my hair down. He led me to the shower pushing me inside.

"If you need me call." He said closing the door. I watched him turn and leave he shut the bathroom door and I slid down the wall wrapping my arms around my knees and crying. I felt dirty and here I wanted to help Sookie. I had no idea he'd actually bite me. I was just trying to stall. I mean I thought he might take me back to the Queen's but I knew Godric would come for me.

I was so lost in my own world I never heard the door open. I felt arms surround me and pull me close. I opened my eyes to see Godric's beautiful big eyes looking back into mine. His eyes held no anger, no blame, only love. He slid his hands up to my face brushing my hair back.

"I love you." He whispered gently. His lips kissing mine softly. He didn't need to say anything else it was all I needed to know. His fingers pressed softly on my delicate flesh as if I would shatter if he pressed too hard. My head fell back as he reached around and unfastened my bra removing it gently and tossing it aside. I shivered under his touch as if this were the first time we touched.

I met his eyes and he simply watched me for a moment his hands stilling on my hips. I knew what he wanted he needed me to lift up so he could remove my boy shorts. I did as he asked without words and he stood sliding them off of my legs and pulling me to stand. He slid his hand gently across my stomach holding me ever so close as he washed me lovingly.

His gentle caresses so tender as the tears continued to flow down my cheeks. When he was finished he turned me to face him.

"Daniella." He stroked my cheeks. "Still you cry you are safe now my angel."

"Make me yours." I begged.

He shook his head confused as I pulled his head to mine kissing him hard. His hand flew to the wall to balance us as he leaned back to see my face.

"Daniella…I don't think this is the time…" I placed a finger over his mouth leaning up to his ear.

"I'm not asking you to think Godric." I like anyone else knew one thing above all else. He is ultimately a vampire and in the end if you want to tempt him you have to play the game his way. I bit his neck as I pulled back.

I heard him growl as he grabbed my hands holding them above my head. He looked into my eyes for a moment and then to my neck and sighed. He released me biting his wrist.

"You need to heal."

I knew I was weak so I accepted his gift. I let his wrist go when I was finished and he turned to water off.

"Let's get you into bed." He grabbed a towel wrapping it around me followed by one around him. I dried off and dressed pulling on one of his shirts. He pulled me close and I bit my lip wondering why he hadn't made love to me. I didn't understand what I had done wrong.

"Godric?"

"Yes, little one." He answered stroking my hair.

"Are you upset with me? Am I…" I couldn't think of the word. "Am I tainted?"

He forced my head up, "No. What would lead you to think that?"

"In the shower I…you didn't want me and…" I looked down ashamed.

He smiled gently, "My beautiful angel, of course I wanted you. I just love you more and my heart told me tonight you needed to be held. I can always show you how much I want you with my body, but when do I just hold you in my arms and say I love you and it is enough? Just being with you it is enough."

I felt the tears start again and he smiled kissing my cheek.

"You lying here beside me is all I need in this world." He whispered before he went to kiss my other cheek, but I had turned and he ended up kissing my lips. I think we were both a little surprised but he didn't let go. His hand went into my hair pulling me closer. I don't know how he could stand it. My body was in flames.

My breathing was increasing and I felt myself moving slowly onto him more. I didn't want to push the issue. I knew when he backed off I didn't want to look like a total idiot. He is so beautiful how any man can be this wonderful is beyond me. Just touching him send electric currents through out my body. Every muscle sculpted and defined….simply perfect.

I felt his hands on my thighs pulling me on him. Ok, now it wasn't me so I can't take the blame this time. I am completely innocent. I didn't do a thing but accommodate him see that makes me innocent. Give me the halo I deserve it…or maybe that was the horns….go figure.

Is it hot in here or is it just me? I think a round with Godric can do that to a girl. Bless his heart he still wasn't taking it any further. I need a gun I'm going to shoot myself. I pulled away from his lips panting as he pushed my hair away from my face.

"You are so beautiful." He said with such pure emotion.

I sat up on his stomach looking down at him. "Yeah, great and it's like 104 degrees in here."

He smiled placing his hands back on my thighs.

"Feels fine to me." He teased.

"Yeah, because you are dead and therefore you remain cold. I am not."

"Then perhaps you should lie down close to me and cool off." He smirked.

"How do I know you'll behave?" I questioned him. I mean I could only take so much. He laughed pulling his arms behind his head. I couldn't help but sigh at those tattoos.

"You can lie beside me and we'll sleep just like I initially said. That is one choice the other is you can stay there and we'll keep doing what we were. Mind you I already told you I'm not taking it any further my little angel."

My mouth fell open.

"That's torture!"

"Indeed." He smirked again. The man is pure unadulterated, gorgeous, mind-blowing, luscious, evil! I hate him so much right now! Ok, so I don't hate him. I just wish he had no willpower like me evidently. Why does he have to be so wonderful?

I sighed moving to rest at his side. He curled around me pulling me close and kissing my neck.

"Tell me again." I said closing my eyes. I can't help it….I'm so in love with him.

He laughed softly.

"I love you Daniella….my lover, my mate, my wife."

God I love his accent. You think he would repeat that all day long?