"You have bad aim." He teased me as he moved easily out of the way of the pillow I had thrown.
"Speaking of aim tell me about this unique power you have to seduce people. I find that highly interesting. I mean surely it can't work on anyone."
Eric smiled, "Yes it can. How do you think we fed in older times? I mean technically it was quite fun if they were scared but getting them to a more private location before they realized you were going to kill them was always good."
"Yes, but I mean I know you. It would be different for us versus someone you didn't know."
He moved closer to me.
"Really perhaps… I've never tried to seduce you. I mean what would be the point? You're with Godric and we all know that would be messy don't you agree?"
I nodded as he moved even closer. He smiled resting his knee on the bed beside me and cupping my face in his hand.
"You are very beautiful it could be tempting."
He pulled gently on my chin and I rose just as he wanted. He smiled leaning to inhale my neck and leaned to my ear.
"Daniella, I just successfully seduced you."
I shook my head trying to focus and realized what he said. Oh my god! He was right he did. I can't believe he just did that to me!
"You are evil!" I slapped his chest. He laughed hard and sat down on the bed a huge grin on his face. He just had to be right. That must be a handy little trick.
"Simply proving a point if you are human you can be seduced. It is just how it works." He said arrogantly.
I rolled my eyes at him this time and turned, "Well, King Eric while you go back and play on your throne of seduction. I am going to find my husband and spend some much needed time with him."
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do. I guess that doesn't leave much now does it?" He teased.
I groaned walking out of the room. I found my handsome vampire visiting with Sookie. They were laughing as he told her some story about his past. She looked past me and I knew Eric was behind me by the look in her eyes. I wish he would give in she really would be good for him.
He touched my waist moving me forward beside Godric and took his seat. I moved behind Godric and smiled at him placing my hands on his shoulders. I leaned down beside his head.
"Hey think we could maybe take a walk or something?" I asked softly in his ear.
He raised an eyebrow, "Certainly."
He rose taking my hand and leading me out in the cool breeze. I just needed to get some fresh air it was stuffy in here, not to mention noisy and I just wanted to be alone with him. We walked slowly.
"Are you all right? He asked watching my face. "You are worried, why?"
"It's nothing." I looked around inhaling the fresh air.
He slid his hand around my waist drawing me close, proving me with comfort. I rested my head on his shoulder.
"I know you, something is wrong." With his free hand he pushed my hair behind my ear. He was watching me closely and I knew he could already feel my emotions.
"I miss being home. I really need to center myself."
He nodded in understanding and rubbed my arm. "I thought you might be getting tired of being here, you are getting restless. Isabel called me earlier and requested we return. I think it is a good time we can't do much here at the moment."
I stopped walking turning and laying my head on his chest. He smiled wrapping his arms around me. I could feel his lips on my head. I savored him, this moment, his touch, his scent it was just a wonderful feeling being in his arms.
"You seem distant." He replied rubbing circles on my lower back. I probably did my mind had been on so many things lately.
"I'm sorry I just have some things on my mind." I could tell he was interested in what they were but he wasn't going to push me. He ran his hand into my hair and pulled my face back to see it. He leaned in and I felt the delicate flutter of his lips against the sensitive skin of my neck. I closed my eyes my breathing automatically growing rapid. He always had that effect on me.
"I am here when you are ready to tell me." He whispered. His blue eyes meeting mine he is such a beautiful vampire. I reached up running my fingers down the side of his face. He closed his eyes and I knew he was enjoying the sensations. I can't explain how erotic it is just watching him in such a simple act is. It's funny how our conversation seems to have lagged suddenly. I heard his fangs come out but said nothing.
"I love you." He whispered opening his eyes with a look of passion, before he kissed me and I sighed into his mouth wrapping my arms around his waist. I love kissing him. He is always so tender and loving. I could hear people talking from a distance we weren't far from the bar. I think we were far enough to where they couldn't see. My small hands gripped the back of his shirt as the tension began to build. Pleasure was mounting inside me of what was to come. I could feel his tongue caressing mine gently.
I felt his fingers clench and unclench at my waist. I knew what he wanted he could hide many things, but I could also read him in some ways like a book.
I leaned back to see his face. He glanced at my neck but met my eyes and smiled.
"Are you thirsty?"
"I am fine."
"You were looking at my neck." I stroked his jaw. "I can feel your desire."
"You simply have a beautiful neck." He replied his eyes never leaving mine. I find it very hard to believe he was looking at my neck simply because it was beautiful. I ran my hand over it smiling.
"You know I can feel my pulse right here." I ran my hand over my neck and watched his eyes follow.
He swallowed hard inhaling deeply.
"Yes. I am sure." He made no move further.
"Would you like to try?" I asked moving my finger. He shook his head no and closed his eyes for a moment.
"It is not necessary."
He may not need the blood but he wanted it. We are together and I don't mind giving it to him if it is what he needs or desires. I can see in his eyes, it is like our passion intense and I am sure we do it more than most couples do. I can live with that. I love him.
I slid my fingers under his shirt and raked my fingernails down his abdomen.
"Godric you are always so nice to touch." I purposely tilted my head as I nuzzled my head into his neck. He gripped me tighter and I knew he was trying not to give in. I decided to pull what he did.
"Let go." I whispered. "Just, let go."
His teeth came down on my neck with precision and I smiled. I don't know why he was being so difficult just do it already. I guess maybe because he had bitten me earlier he didn't want to push his luck. He didn't take a lot before he released me licking the wounds gently. His body seemed to calm into a quiet relaxation.
I toyed with his hair.
"Feel better?"
"I always feel good when I am with you." He answered honestly.
I chuckled, "Ok well feel less ….urgent for my blood shall we say."
He kissed me softly. I could still taste the blood on him and surprisingly it wasn't so bad. A little salty but I didn't mind. He sighed, "I always feel an urge for some part of you, but yes the urge for your blood is sated for now."
"I think you're addicted. You'll be singing that I'm not an addict song."
He looked at me oddly.
"You know the one…
It's not a habit, it's cool
I feel alive
If you don't have it you're on
the other side
I'm not an addict….. that song."
I sang it to him and he looked at me like I was crazy. I laughed at him remembering the time he was from and that his musical taste is quite different from mine.
"Yes, I forget you listen to older music mostly."
His lips tilted in a smile, "Not necessarily I do listen to some of the music you do. I am learning to how would you say it? Give….in the relationship to learn more about you."
He was being truthful he had been listening to some of the music I had in order to get closer to me. Just as I had listened to some of his, his was very calming but a lot of it was in a language I couldn't understand. He tended to go back to a time when I never even knew the world existed. Sounds of olden days it reminded me of renaissance faires.
He had even gone as far as to watch me cook in order to cook for me if he needed to. That's what I call devotion. He is so sweet watching him cook is the cutest thing ever! He actually did quite well standing their shirtless in his pajama bottoms cooking me breakfast. Well the view was magnificent anyway I have to say. I drooled most of the time what can I say the man is beautiful to look at. Wouldn't you be looking too?
I took his hand pulling him towards the club.
"So can we go tonight?"
"It is possible if we flew but I must speak with Eric first. " He answered as I excitedly pulled him along. I wanted to go home and was excited to be going. You know you always are excited to go somewhere but there is just something about being in your own bed.
I grabbed Sookie leaving him with Eric as I went downstairs to pack.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Godric touched Eric's shoulder.
"We must speak my child."
He stood following him into his office and shutting the door. Godric sat in the chair across from Eric's desk gesturing for Eric to take his seat.
"I have to go back to Dallas. Isabel says there is some trouble with a few rogue vampires and my hand is needed."
Eric leaned back in thought.
"I have enough information to get Stackhouse off. I'll make sure it is found. I can be there within a few days." He said looking to Godric.
"My son you do not have to worry. I will be at my nest everything will be fine."
"I do not trust your nest!" Eric said with more anger than needed.
"Eric!" Godric scolded him.
He looked at Godric in apology, "I am sorry she is your mate. I know you will protect her. I would feel better if Sookie and I were there she will need someone during the day."
"It is taken care of." Godric said calmly.
"You should change her." He emphasized.
Godric sighed running his hands through his hair.
"She is not ready and I will not force my will upon her."
"Then you should tell her and allow her to make the choice. If she knew she might be more inclined to do so reality has a way of doing that."
"I can not." Godric said softly.
"This is no time to allow her favor. You are running out of time and should something happen it would then be too late." Eric argued leaning on his desk watching Godric with serious eyes. He could see the pain and confusion his maker was feeling.
Godric simply stood, "I will be leaving tonight please try and understand Eric. I love her and I cannot force her against her will. I will not make her into something she does not want to be."
"What if she dies?" He argued.
Godric looked at the floor, "She dies knowing I loved her more than anything in my existence."
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
He said nothing more as he turned and headed to their room.
I had no idea what was taking Godric so long. Sookie helped me pack I was almost finished it wasn't like we brought a lot and I would leave some here anyway.
"I'm going to miss you." She said teary eyed.
I smiled hugging her. "You'll see me I promise you can come visit. I know Jason will be free soon."
I released her and tugged her ponytail.
"You have to take care of Eric you know, he can't quite keep his head on straight without a little help from someone bossy." I told her with a slight grin. She laughed.
"Well Eric is definitely one of a kind."
"Yes, he is and so are you. I wonder if maybe that's something." I hinted as I zipped my bag. She didn't seem to get what I said or if she did she didn't say anything. I felt Godric and turned smiling. I couldn't help but let my eyes travel over him. You'd think I haven't seen him in a year rather than a few minutes.
His lips curled on one side and he walked forward softly caressing my cheek as he approached Sookie.
"You will come visit?"
She nodded, "I will very soon. I just have to get Jason taken care of."
He held out his arms and kissed her cheek as she hugged him.
"Do not worry my child. Your brother will get of jail very soon and all will be well. You have been through quite enough emotional torment I think."
She pulled back, "Yeah well I wonder if those above are listening. I certainly could use a break."
He smiled beautifully looking like an angel and touched her cheeks.
"They are listening Sookie and you will get a break. You are a very brave and very strong human. I am proud to call you a friend." She smiled and I couldn't help the tears that welled up in my eyes. It was almost like I was intruding on some private moment. It was simply breathtaking.
He turned to me, "Are you ready my love?"
He must have felt my feelings because he took the bag and leaned in kissing my lips lightly. He stopped looking into my eyes for a moment he didn't say anything but his eyes conveyed everything. As did his soft touch on my waist squeezing me gently.
"I'm ready." I responded after getting lost in his eyes for a moment.
He took my hand and turned, "We will see you very soon Sookie."
I waved at her as we headed up the stairs. She followed us and when we were at Eric's side she waited there. Eric hugged me tightly.
"Take care little girl."
"I will big brother." I saw a look in his eyes that concerned me but I didn't say anything. His eyes met Godric's for only a brief moment and we were out the door. It seems like we were home in no time at all. I was so glad to be home. Isabel was waiting for him in the living room with a few others and I said my hello's and made my way to my sanctuary, my beautiful garden.
Slipping my shoes off I walked on the grass and relaxed inhaling the sweet scent of flowers. I had missed this. I lay back in the grass looking up at the stars. Isn't it funny how things always look better from home? I was so relaxed I didn't even realize I fell asleep.
I felt cool arms slip under me and the feel of being lifted gently in the air. I was so tired I simply turned my head curling into the solid spot on the side I felt. It smelt like home and it was comforting. I was slightly jarred again when I felt myself being placed on something soft and covered. I didn't like it I wanted the other smell back.
I started to moan and turned restlessly but I felt something at my back. The solid mass was against me there was something around my waist and something close to my neck. I could smell it again that wonderful calming scent. I sighed once again giving in to a peaceful slumber.
I awoke after what seemed like sleeping forever to be alone in my bed. I looked at the clock and was shocked to see it was 8pm. I really had slept I must have been exhausted. I got up stretching and showered. I put on some clothes and made my way to the living room where Godric was with Isabel and three members of the nest. There were two vampires I didn't recognize in front of him.
"Surely you can't mean to govern in such a way sheriff?" One of them said.
I stopped by the window unsure if I should enter further.
"I have always governed in such a way underling. If you do not like it you are free to leave my area." Godric was still calm he had made no move to acknowledge me yet so I knew I should probably head back into our bedroom. Usually he would call me to him.
The other vampire turned and raised an eyebrow, "You have a human pet?"
I stopped in my tracks.
The other vampire looked as well and then turned back to Godric, "How interesting that you keep a human in your household yet you do not wish for others to have pets."
I knew that was striking a nerve with Godric. He did not like me to be disrespected I knew these vampires were obviously new to the area they had no idea who I was. I walked over to Godric then even without his consent, standing behind his chair and placing my hands on his shoulders. He reached up holding my hands.
I knew one thing was certain, they saw our rings.
"She is your mate?" One of them asked in surprise.
"Yes, she is. My personal life is not in question, however, your eating habits are." Godric reminded him.
"Killing a few humans is not going to hurt the economy there really are so many of them." The same one said smirking.
I couldn't believe the nerve of this guy. He was going to dare say this to Godric? Did he have a death wish?
Godric was silent for a moment then sighed.
"I'm sorry you feel that way."
"It is what we are. I refused to drink synthetic blood and pretend we are anything else." He argued. "No other state has had a problem with this."
"You were not in my state. Perhaps you should go back to those states." Godric reinstated.
I knew this was not a good situation. I felt Godric pulling my hands down and I leaned to him.
"Why don't you go and fix yourself something to eat." He whispered.
I looked into his eyes and nodded. He smiled stroking my cheek softly as I turned and walked out of the room. I didn't want to know why he wanted me to leave. I had a pretty good idea and I didn't want to have that mental image in my head.
I turned on the radio just in case and fixed myself an omelet heavy on the bacon, cheese, mushrooms, bell pepper, and green onion yummy! I was humming to myself finishing up when I felt his cool arms grace my waist.
"Smells good." He said kissing my shoulder.
"Really?" I was surprised.
He laughed, "Just because I can't eat it doesn't mean I don't like certain smells. I like the smell of bacon."
I could see that I guess. He sat at the table drinking a true blood while I ate. I don't know why he was drinking it when he fed off of me but maybe it was habit. I noticed he was looking out the window at the moon seemingly lost in thought.
"What are you thinking?" I questioned him.
He looked back at me and smiled.
"I was just noticing how beautiful the moon is tonight. I was remembering how you came into my life and now I have someone to share it with."
I couldn't help but smile. I can imagine living as long as he has it was quite lonely.
"I spoke with Eric…about the details of turning me." I told him. I don't know why I said that now it just seemed to come out. His face remained unchanged.
"Is it what you expected?"
"No, not really. It could be worse I suppose then lying in the ground for a few days."
He smiled, "Yes, there is a certain drawback to that. In our case maybe not I don't know that I wouldn't mind lying next to you for three days alone, no interruptions it could be very cozy."
I smiled standing and rinsing off my plate.
"Except that I will be changing into a vampire. I doubt I will be in the mood for much touching."
He laughed, "I will be holding you make no mistake my love."
"That's definitely a plus."
I felt him at my back, his cool breath on my neck. I shivered breathing in the scent of him and closed my eyes how can one man ooze so much sexuality so easily?
"Is there a reason you mention this?" He questioned running his hand down my spine then gripping my hips. "Are you perhaps thinking of changing?"
Changing? I can't even concentrate at this moment. I could feel his power seeping into me and taking over my very soul. I wanted whatever he wanted and I knew this was not how I wanted this to be.
"I…I'm not sure." My head fell back onto his chest. I could feel the emotion rolling off of him in waves.
"You're not sure? You either are or you are not. It really isn't a hard question my love." His lips touched that sensitive spot behind my ear and I cried out gripping the sink.
"You have to stop…" I begged. He bit my ear softly. I did not want him to make my decision for me.
"Please Godric… you are manipulating me. If it were about anything else it would be fine this is different."
He turned me cupping my cheeks and smiled. I felt myself calm down and I knew he had let go.
"I like when you do that in passion but not like this." I ran my fingers over his lips.
He sighed, "I'm sorry. I just want so badly…" He stopped speaking and turned walking to the window. He didn't have to say it. I knew.
"Why is this so important?" I questioned. "I know you Godric you're trying to be ok with me taking my time but you're not. Something is wrong there is something you aren't telling me."
He didn't look at me it was as if he didn't even hear me.
"You know if I wanted to be invisible I would have stayed single."
I turned walking into the living room angrily seeing Isabel and Roman on the couch. He was frequently around as well. I didn't mind him he was usually very quiet.
"Daniella wait." I heard Godric behind me but I did not turn.
"Isabel, could we have time please." He asked politely.
"Yes sheriff." She rose and both were out the door quickly. I was angry and I knew he felt it. I could feel he was closer but he didn't chance touching me.
"I am sorry. I was a fool to think you would not know something was wrong and an even bigger fool not to tell you."
I sighed looking down how could I stay mad at him when he said such things?
I felt his hand on my shoulder.
"I never meant to hurt you. I wanted to keep you safe and protected and somehow I thought I could keep you from worrying." He moved his hand and I heard him sit on the couch.
"I do not regret wanting to keep you from worry. I cannot I love you too much."
I turned to see his face in his hands. He looked broken I hated when he looked this way because of me. I walked over to him and lifted his face forcing him back to sit on his lap. He wrapped me in his arms and held me close.
"I don't know what I will do if something happens to you Daniella there will be little point in my existence."
"Don't say that. You have to bring peace between the humans and vampires." I insisted stroking his cheek.
"I can't do that without you. I am afraid I won't have the heart." I brushed the red tear from his cheek and pulled his head to my chest. I don't know what had him so worried but whatever it was couldn't be little. I ran my fingers through his hair gently. I looked up startled and jumped frozen as fear ripped through me.
He was up in an instant setting me down gently.
"What's wrong?" He looked at me intently.
"I saw something at the window."
"Do not move." He ordered walking to the back door. I say walking more like flying at vampire speed. It's something all its own. I curled up into myself waiting silently was he was gone. He returned a few moments later.
"I did not see anything are you certain?"
"I don't know it could have been a shadow. I'm a little nervous after all." I sat down and he sat in front of me.
"No you would not have reacted that way. What is it you thought you saw?" He questioned taking my hand in his.
"I'm not sure a lady it's so dark out. She seemed to be watching us."
He shook his head standing.
"Perhaps it was nothing."
"Oh, she was wearing this necklace. It had this odd colored stone."
He stopped walking and turned to me. I could see in his eyes I had seen something and it was something he was not wanted me to see. He picked up his cell phone from the table.
"Isabel, I need you here immediately."
She walked in hurriedly and met his eyes. It was if she knew before he said a thing. She nodded, "I have already put security in place. Everyone has been alerted of her presence."
"I don't know that it will be enough." He looked at me and back to her.
"The rest?"
She shook her head and he sat down running his hands through his hair.
Isabel sat beside him, "The last one was is Sicily and she was found last week. Daniella is the last."
I looked at her, "I am the last what?"
She looked at him and then me.
"You have not told her?"
"No I have not." He replied.
"Godric, what are you waiting for she needs…"
He interrupted her, "I know what she needs to know I do not need to be told." He said harshly. I felt bad for her I've never seen him jump on Isabel.
She bowed her head.
"Yes sheriff. What would you have me do?" She looked at me sadly.
"Make sure the perimeter is safe and the day guards are in place. That is all."
She stood walking out.
"You didn't have to bite her head off." I said in passing.
"Daniella please I need to think." He cast me a look.
I stood, "Fine I'm going to lay down sheriff. Let me know if I can bow to you later."
He sighed reaching for me as I walked past but I moved away from his grasp. I slammed our bedroom door and flung myself on the bed. He is so irritating sometimes. I heard a noise and stood making my way into the bathroom. The shower was dripping and I realized I must have somehow left it on a little.
I turned it off and exhaled turning only to see her. It was the woman from the window. Oddly enough I could not scream. I was fascinated with her. She smiled at me.
"So you are the lovely little healer. The special one I am told because you are different. You are the last you know. I took care of the rest and now there is only you and I. I shivered as she ran her finger down the side of my face.
"Strong one you are. His blood runs in your veins he protects you well but it won't protect you forever. I will have your soul and I will start tonight."
I felt a gentle push against my forehead and all I could hear was a crashing sound before all went black.
I could hear faint voices they seemed distant but they were there all the same.
"Daniella." I could hear an angel's voice. I knew this voice from somewhere he was familiar to me. I moaned turning my head but my entire body seared with hot pain.
"She is waking." I heard a female with a distinct accent speak.
I felt a cool hand on my cheek and felt my eyes flutter open slowly. I tried to focus for a moment on the soft light around me.
"My love." A soft voice spoke. I looked to my right to see him, my Godric so beautiful. I tried to move but the pain stopped me. He shook his head.
"Don't move Daniella. You are injured."
"How?"
"You fell through the shower."
"What?" I frowned trying to remember.
"The shower Daniella it's glass you went through it. Do you remember what happened?"
I tried but I couldn't. I shook my head and he kissed my cheek.
"It's ok. I need you to feed in order to heal."
He bit into his wrist and held it to my lips. I was so tired it took great effort to even drink from him. He smiled rubbing my face gently.
"Nice and easy love it will all be ok."
I don't remember falling back asleep but I did. I could still hear them talking.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Godric she did not fall through that glass you know this." Isabel warned him. I could hear him beside me on the bed.
"I know. I do not know what you would have me do. She is starting to run a fever her body will reject my blood soon."
"You cannot let that happen."
"Do you have an alternative?" He argued.
"Turn her Godric before it is too late. The witch can't take her soul unless she is human."
"And I can't take her life when she can't consent. She didn't want this I'm taking her choice away." He argued.
"You're giving her life!" She said with purpose.
"Am I? Or am I condemning her to darkness?"
"If you do not you are condemning her to death is that what you wish? Tell me can you life with that decision?"
The bedroom door opened and Sookie ran in followed by Eric.
"Oh no." She gasped placing her hands on her mouth.
She was going to run to the bed but Eric grabbed her.
"Sookie she is gravely injured you shouldn't just yet." He met Godric's eyes for a moment as Godric past him walking out.
"I need to speak with him." Sookie said suddenly.
Eric looked at her curious, "Who?"
"Godric, he feels all alone. I can hear it." She patted his chest, "Please."
He nodded as she walked out of the room to find him. Eric looked over at Daniella's frail body this was exactly what he did not want to happen. He sat beside her taking her hand in his.
Godric was sitting alone in her garden when Sookie found him. She sat beside him quietly.
"I can't lose her Sookie." He whispered. "It took me so long to find her."
"Why do you think you will lose her?"
"Part of the witch's spell. My blood will soon no longer heal her. It will make her vulnerable which is what she needs. I won't be able to heal her from there. She'll be wide open to her."
"How do you stop it then?" Sookie questioned.
Godric looked down in pain.
"I would have to change her."
"So what's stopping you?" Sookie asked confused her beautiful face full of worry for her friend.
He looked up meeting her eyes. "She didn't want it like this." He then looked back down clasping his hands.
Sookie took his hand in hers. "Maybe she didn't who's to say. I do know she loved you and she wanted to be with you for a very long time. If she were making the decision today on dying and being with you she would be with you. I know her and you do too."
"I don't want her to hate me for this. She just told me this morning I was taking her option away and that's what I feel I am doing."
"Godric her choice was taken and it wasn't by you. Now it is your choice to make the best of it and spend your life with her or to spend it alone. I think she would want to be with you in fact, I know she would she has told me so.
"I love her."
"I know you do."
"Will she hate me for this Sookie? I wouldn't care if I could see her beautiful face and know she was safe and happy. I think that would be enough. I just…It's so hard given our talks."
"You will be making her happy. She knows you would never do this unless you have no other choice. You must do this."
"I will think on this matter." He answered looking at the floor.
Sookie smiled sadly leaving him alone. Perhaps that was best for him to decide what he needed to do.