Chapter Thirteen:

Godric made his way through the hallway of the hotel, his thoughts steering towards the woman he just couldn't stop thinking about. But there was also a hint of guilt as he thought of the hurt on his child's face when he confirmed that he and Ellie had slept together. While he would never regret his actions with the Phoenix, he did feel an aching for having hurt Eric. They had been close for so many years. Eric was Godric's first and only progeny, their bond and connection deeper than either had ever thought was possible. They had had disagreements in the past, but never one like this. They had never fought over one single girl. They had always shared or held different opinions. But this was much different. Eric wanted Ellie, he loved her. But so did Godric. He cared about her just as much as he believed Eric did. Ellie brought life back into both of their lives, but it was Eric who was refusing to admit his feelings. Godric was not shy. He was 2000 years old; he was tired of walking on eggshells and keeping secrets to himself. So much had changed since when he had first been changed. He had watched the world evolve. He had loved and he had lost. But he was being given a second chance at love, a second chance to shelter and protect Ellie. Could he simply let this chance drift past him?

Sighing, Godric ran a hand down his face, wishing the answers he sought for would just appear.

"Godric."

Glancing up, Godric found Pam strutting towards him, a cream coloured folder in her hand. Godric guessed that inside was the information he asked for on Maggie, and was hopeful that tonight he would be able to pinpoint what was so different about that bookshop. And whether or not Ellie was safe.

"This is everything I could find on Maggie Channing." Pam held out the file folder as she reached the shorter vampire.

"Thank you Pam." Godric smiled at the younger vampire and took the file with interest. "I appreciate this."

"Of course, Godric." Pam nodded before her curiosity got the better of her. "Why were you so interested in this woman, Godric?"

"All will be explained, I promise Pamela." Godric assured her.

"You and Eric have been hiding something." Pam crossed her arms. "You think we don't notice that you disappear every night? Eric has been miserable for days. What's going on Godric?"

"I promise, when the time comes, I will explain everything." Godric gave her a pointed look. "Thank you for doing this research."

Pam looked like she wanted to argue, to press the matter. But one look at the much older vampire, Pam sighed and nodded dejectedly. She went to turn on her heel, but stopped and peered down at Godric.

"I'm not sure why you have me look into this woman, but you'll be intrigued at what I found out about her."

Godric raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Look for yourself. But Godric, whatever the reason is, be careful." Pam warned before twisting around and zipping down the hallway and out of sight.

Godric's interest peaked, as did his worry, as he hurried down the hallway to his hotel room and entered. Once he was safely inside, the door locked behind him, Godric walked over to the closest chair and sat. He inhaled sharply before opening the folder, searching through the many papers and pictures found inside. He read through the documents as quickly as he could, searching out the reason of Pam's warning. When he came to the last document, his eyes widened, his muscles tensing in his body. He had thought this was the reason for the darkness he felt inside of the store and around Ellie. Everything was beginning to make perfect sense.

Maggie Channing was a witch.

"Thank you, Eric." Sookie massaged her sore neck, sending the blonde vampire a grateful look.

Eric didn't have eyes for anyone else however, except for Ellie. His eyes roamed over every inch of the girl, ensuring that there was not even a hair out of place. As his eyes found the puncture wounds he assumed were made by Godric the other night, Eric couldn't help the surge of anger rushing through him. He wanted to find those vampires who had attacked his Ellie and rip them apart, limb by limb. He wanted to scream, to yell, to throw whatever he could find, to tear apart this entire city. He hated that his maker had gotten to Ellie first, had planted a seed in her head. Now she feared him, wanted nothing to do with him. But she was supposed to be his. He had claimed her long ago, and he wasn't about to lose her just because of some car accident that left her without her memories. He was determined now more than ever to regain what was rightfully his. One way or another.

"Are you alright?" Eric asked the pale girl before him.

Ellie was frozen to the spot, her eyes wide, her face paler than a vampire. She was caught between running away screaming in fear, and being surprised that Eric had essentially just saved their lives. For whatever reason, her powers had ceased to work, leaving her and Sookie helpless. She knew it was no use to hope for Godric to just know that she was in trouble; he had told her time and time again that their bond was broken for whatever reason. She truly did think that that horrible large trucker of a vampire was going to drain her right then and there. But then he showed up. Eric Northman, the man who she wanted nothing else to do with, who scared her and frightened her out of her wits, swept in and saved the day. She wasn't sure if she was thankful, or scared that he only wanted to finish the job off himself.

Yet somehow, Ellie knew the latter wasn't the case. She didn't understand why, but she knew from her visions the other night when she had touched Eric's hand, that he had been the one to save her from a handful of trouble. Like when she was nearly raped and murdered, or when Russell was planning on using her and killing all the others. It wasn't Godric who had been the one risk everything for them, it had been Eric. It was just one of the many reasons she had been spooked that night. She didn't want to believe that Eric meant that much to her, that he was an important factor in her life. She wanted him to leave and to never see him again. She didn't want to gravitate towards him like her memories seemed to be doing.

Why him, why him of all people?

"Ellie?" Sookie's voice broke Ellie out of her thoughts.

Ellie shook her head slightly before remembering the question that came out of the vampire's mouth and quickly nodded instead. She averted his stare and instead glanced at Sookie. The two shared a look, Sookie briefly gazing up at the tall Viking before back at her.

"Well we're just going to go..." Sookie slid an arm around Ellie's shoulders. "Thank you again Eric."

"Perhaps I should walk you to your destination." Eric slid into their path as Sookie tried to pull Ellie around him.

He kept his gaze solely on Ellie, memorizing every perfect, every flaw. Except there weren't many flaws that his eyes could pinpoint. She was complete perfection. The way that her hair was pulled up, showing off her sweet and slender neck. Even with confusion and fear, her green eyes caught his attention, nearly making him forget everything around him. He loved the slope of her small nose, the way it dipped down. He ached to see the quirk of her smile, though he knew it would be a rare occurrence whenever he was around. More than anything did his hands want to grip her hips, to feel her against him. Even from a few feet away he could feel the warmth radiating off of her. It was intoxicating. He wanted every part of her, and yet, she was like a forbidden fruit he couldn't have.

But she was his, and that was how it would always be. No matter what may have occurred in the past two years. She would forever be his.

"I don't think that would be a good idea." Sookie shook her head. "The bookstore is just down the street, I think we can manage to..."

"You couldn't manage it minutes ago." Eric pointed out, finally moving his gaze over to the blonde. "You would have been dead if I had not found you when I did."

"How did you find us, actually?" Sookie questioned.

"I was...nearby." Eric narrowed his eyes, not liking having his actions questioned. Especially when it was his actions that had saved their lives. "Now, shall we?"

Sookie glanced at Ellie, who had her head bowed, and sighed. It was no use to argue with Eric. The best they could do would be to just let him walk them to the bookstore and then they could be done with him. It would only be a five minute walk, and if they hurried, it would be quicker. She squeezed Ellie's shoulder, who slid her hand into Sookie's for reassurance. Sookie offered a small smile to the younger girl who was like a sister to her, and they began down the sidewalk to the bookstore, Eric following close behind.

"Well, as you can see, we're here." Sookie crossed her arms and glared up at Eric the moment we arrived in front of my apartment door.

I fidgeted with my keys, still unable to look back up at Eric who hadn't been able to take his eyes off of me since he had appeared. The entire way back to my apartment I had been able to feel his eyes on me. His stare was so intense; I had found myself tripping all over myself the entire short distance. I couldn't stop my heart from racing, my breathing following the same pattern. My palms were sweaty with nerves and I could have sworn there were a few drops of sweat on my forehead. All I wanted was to escape into my apartment, hide under my blankets and never leave. Or at least call Godric and curl up in his arms. I didn't want to be in Eric's presence any longer. I was scared. But it was for so many different reasons. I was frightened what he may do to me. He had nearly ripped me apart in our first meeting, and had been the cause for me falling into the glass coffee table the second time. What could he be capable now? Sure, he had swept in and saved them from the horrible vampires, but he was still one himself. He could still decide to kill us. Or at least me anyways.

But I couldn't stop the odd feeling in the pit of my stomach, the part of me that was scared of what I would find myself thinking of if he remained this close to me. The entire walk home I had thought about those visions, the memories. It was surprising to know that he had saved me so many times. He had swept in on more than one occasion, on his white horse, and kept me alive to this day. He may not have been chivalrous about it, but he had done so nonetheless. Why? Why did he always come to my rescue? Why was he always there, saving the day? He was supposed to be a horrible, terrifying vampire. Why was he always there when I needed him, when I needed someone?

Why was it Eric and not Godric?

I gritted my teeth as I tried to push the thoughts out of my head. But I couldn't. That question just kept popping up and nothing I could do would make it disappear.

"Eric, really, just leave. We're fine."

"Really now? Is that why she looks ready to keel over?" Eric questioned.

I could feel both set of eyes on me as I continued to stare down at the ground with such force I was surprised I hadn't burned a hole through the floor. I gulped and tried to shake myself out of it, but it was no use. I felt my hands begin to shake before my keys fell out of my hands. I couldn't move and just stared down at the fallen keys. I was taken back however, when I saw a large pale hand reached for it, grasping the keys in a quick motion that I nearly missed.

"Eric just go. You're not helping at all." I felt Sookie's hand on my shoulder.

"I haven't done anything to prove otherwise." He argued.

"I could count on one hand all the things you've done to her." Sookie shot back.

"I was surprised. I reacted rashly. You can hardly fault me."

"Why can you never just accept that you were wrong! It's always everyone else's fault and never your own. Wake up and smell the coffee Eric! You're losing her to Godric. If you care about her at all, you will just leave and stop harassing her. It's not helping your case at all!" Sookie flung her arms up into the air.

"Do not assume you know anything that is..."

"Stop it!" My head suddenly snapped up, my eyes falling on the two arguing. "Just stop it, please."

Both froze, slowly turning their heads towards me. I eyed Eric out the corner of my eyes but quickly gave my full attention to Sookie.

"I'm just going to call it a night, Sookie. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"But..."

"Goodnight Sookie."

Sookie sighed but nodded. She glared up at Eric, tapping her foot, waiting for him to comply as well.

"Uh uh, I have her keys." Eric waved the keys in my face, forcing me to stare up at him finally.

The moment our eyes met, I felt myself crumble. I wanted to know why he had saved me, why he had always rescued me. I wanted to know why cared so long ago, but only sought to hurt me now. I wanted to know why I was only remembering my past through him, and with no one else. I had so many questions that I wanted answers to, answers that Godric couldn't give me. As much as I wanted to just toss Eric back out of my life and pretend he never existed, I knew that I couldn't. Not yet anyways. Everyone was telling me that Eric and I had a connection. Sookie was adamant that I didn't get too involved with Godric because of that bond. But I didn't understand it. I never would unless I just faced my fears and dived right in. I needed to figure out why Eric was a big part of my life, why every night I would have more dreams of him than anyone else, including Godric. I needed to know why even now, as I was scared out of my wits, I was somehow drawn to him.

"Just give her the keys Eric, stop acting like a five year old." Sookie went to swipe them, but Eric only held them away from her.

"It's fine Sookie." I spoke, pulling her attention back onto me. "I'll talk to you later."

"Ellie..."

"Eric and I need to talk anyways." My eyes never left the vampire's, our gazes locked together.

"I don't know Ellie..."

"Weren't you the one who told me that I should give Eric another chance?"

"Well yes." She nodded. "But..."

"Goodnight Sookie."

I heard her sigh before she muttered under her breath. I saw Eric smirk and knew that he was amused by whatever it was that she said. I waited until Sookie began descending down the stairs to finally direct my next comment towards Eric.

"I...I want to ask you something."

Eric tilted his head to the side but didn't speak. I took that as a sign of encouragement for me to continue and bit my bottom lip. I began fidgeting with my hands again, the nerves growing in the pit of my stomach as I tried to think of an appropriate way to form my question.

"Ellie?" his voice was softer than it had been a moment ago. I felt a cold hand slide over my cheek, his fingers caressing my smooth skin. I wanted to pull away, to flinch, but I found that I couldn't. There was something familiar about the caresses, something that a tiny part of me even enjoyed. I shuddered, a chill running up my spine as my eyes closed, relishing in his touch. I didn't understand why the simple caresses were affecting me in such a way. I should have wanted Godric. I should have been imagining that it was Godric whose arm was sliding around my waist and pulling me against him. I should have pushed Eric away, to tell him to stop. But I couldn't. I couldn't find the strength, or even the willpower, to make him stop.

But why?

It took all the power in the world to remind myself that I needed to have answers. Somehow, I forced my eyes open and to bring myself back down to reality. I swallowed hard and stared at his chest which was only mere inches away from me. I almost wanted to reach out and touch him, to feel his toned body under my hands. But I quickly nixed the idea, shaking my head slightly.

"I...er...when I had my...ah...visions..." the caresses stopped, but his hand remained on my cheek, as if to remind me that he was there. "They were...they were about you."

"Were they now?" his voice was low and husky. "And what was I doing in these visions?"

"You were...well...you were saving me, rescuing me."

"You needed a lot of rescuing." He lowered his head down, his lips ghosting over my ear.

My eyes were wide, my body tensing. But not out of fear, and instead, due to how close we were. I tried to think of anything but this vampire, tried to think of Godric. But not even thoughts on the shorter, brunette vampire could ease my mind.

"Eric, stop." I placed my hands on his chest, shuddering at how nice it felt. "I...I can't concentrate."

Eric snickered as he straightened but didn't move any further. In fact, he tightened his arm around my waist. "My apologies."

I was sure Eric could feel my heart racing with how close we were. "W-why did you...why were you always rescuing me?"

"Well isn't that obvious?" his hand slid down my jaw before grasping my chin and forcing me to look up into those blue orbs.

I shook my head slightly, indicating my confusion. His smirk grew, and for whatever reason, my heart skipped a beat.

"You're mine, Ellie." He pulled me flush against him. "You've always been mine. I couldn't let anything happen to you because you were mine."

I wasn't sure how to respond to that. What did you say to someone when they claim you as their own?

"I refuse to let anyone else have you." His fingers danced back across my jaw before dipping down my neck, the same side where Godric had bitten me last night. I winched slightly, the puncture wounds still fresh enough to hurt. "Including Godric."

"I'm...I'm not some property." I tried to sound as brave as I wished to be, but only failed miserably. "I can be with whoever I want to..."

"No you can't." He snapped suddenly, his eyes narrowed. "I claimed you. You've been mine for longer than you remember, my little phoenix. I'm the one you so call love. I'm the one who you risked your life for. I'm the one who you screamed the name of the last time we were together before your little accident. You're mine Ellie, and nothing you can say or do will change that."

Part of me was frightened at his clenched jaw, his narrowed eyes and snarled words.

"You may hate me; you may want nothing to do with me. But mark my words, Ellie; you will be mine once again. I will not let someone else have you." He raised a finger up to the fangs that suddenly extended, pricking it and drawing blood. I held my breath as he lowered the bleeding finger down to my neck, rubbing it with a bit too much force over the fang wounds. "And that includes my maker. I will fight for you, Ellie. You are mine, do you understand that? I won't lose you, not again."

I couldn't speak, not even if I wanted to, as his lips suddenly crashed against mine, forcing my back against the closed apartment door.

A/N: kissing, they're kissing! its only been 13 chapters in the making! Ellie is starting to feel that there is something about Eric that draws her in. Even without her memories and feelings towards Godric, she can't ignore the love that she has for Eric, even though she doesn't know that it's love. Eric is still possessive, but he's slowly starting to mature, just slightly anyways. progress! ooo and Maggie is a witch! it's only the beginning of the witchy presence in this story. season of the witch!