Yes, I'm back. Nothing like a two year mojo hiatus right? Yeah...sorry about that, long story. I'm not promising that I will post these updates frequently, but I will try. I have been wanting to finish this story to prove I could, and mark my words, I will.

I do not own any of the characters from Southern Vampire Mysteries. They all belong to Charlaine Harris. Bless her for sharing them with us. Mattie is my very own.

Chapter 21

"I'm not letting you be in charge of this! She's my sister; my family and I will handle it!" I was nose to...mid chest level with Eric in front of the fireplace, screaming.

"She was taken in my territory, Matilda, by a Vampire, which makes this my business as sheriff and therefore, in charge." He smirked at me as though he had won, which only made me angrier. I was about to let him have it again when a soft voice spoke from over my shoulder.

"Matilda, let the man do his job. I'm certain he and Bill can determine who took Grace and why." My father was sitting in Bill's chair, head in his hands. "You will have to contact your aunts and Mr. Northman will no doubt understand that."

I took a step back and and a deep breath. "Ok, daddy. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you and I know this is hardest on you." Bill took my hand and set the other on my father's shoulder "We will find her Noah, I promise you. The Sheriff has excellent trackers at his disposal who will have her located before the night is over." I gave Bill the side eye as he squeezed my hand.

To me, that seemed a bit premature of Bill to be promising, but what did I know? All Vampires have their special traits and how did I know there wasn't one that could track an asshole kidnapper in no time flat. Though Bill had been the first to take off after him, he was able to mask his scent remarkably well and Bill lost the trail in mere miles. The look on his face when he returned was painful to see; I could tell he felt like he had failed my parents.

My mother had been holding herself together remarkably well considering her youngest child had been taken. She was telling Eric's trackers as much information about Grace as possible and letting them rummage through her things; not exactly the sort of mother in distress behavior I was expecting from her. She was rising to the occasion much like any of our family should and it made me feel even worse for my dad. I knew he was going to want to crawl away and hide when my aunts arrived. Maybe I should have Bill take him to Merlotte's and leave him there? It would be good for him to be around his people and maybe he wouldn't feel so useless, as I could clearly tell he was here.

I took a moment to ask Bill to remove my father from this before my phone rang. It was Victor.

"This really isn't a good time, You Majesty. We're having a bit of a family crisis. May I please call you back?"

"So I've heard. Perhaps I can be of some service."

A lump rose up in my throat. "Come again? You knew? But how? It's only just happened in the last few hours and Bill and I told no one other than Eric Northman."

"I am your King, Mattie. I make it my business to know everything in the territories that belong to me. I thought you knew quite well by this point that nothing escapes my watchful eye. If there is anything I may do to assist you, I am at your disposal."

I was well aware Victor had eyes in every part of Louisiana, but the time frame here was less than encouraging. I tried to believe him, but it was too convenient for my taste and if there was anything I had learned from Bill, it was to be weary of situations that seemed too perfect. To my credit, I played dumb.

"Of course, Victor. I didn't mean to imply that you wouldn't know what was going on in your kingdom. My apologies. I'm letting Eric run the show right now so I can take care of my parents. I will have him contact you if we need any assistance." I hung up the phone and screamed.

"That bastard! He knows something, Eric, I know he does!"

"I certainly didn't think you would tell him I was in charge unless you thought so. I know you better than that." He was suppressing a smile. "Are you surprised? He is not the sort to give up on something he wants so easily and that something is you. He's banking on you coming to her rescue, you know this."

I slumped down into the couch. Eric was right. Victor knew how to get to me; my family and Bill. If he hurts them, I come running. Now the question was how to beat him at his own game. I picked up the phone to call my aunts. I didn't want to open that can of worms, but they were the only way to be certain that we could save Grace. Eric folded himself down beside me and took my hand while I recounted the situation to my aunt Anneke. She wasn't excited in the least about assisting me as I was already considered the black sheep of the family for my associations with Vampires, but Grace was an innocent. She promised they would be at Fangtasia to meet us tomorrow evening and create a plan of attack. That oughta be a real good time!