AN: I hope no one will be too upset with where I am taking the story.

ERIC AND SOOKIE POV

I stood there in complete stillness, relishing how her lips felt on mine, they were a source of comfort for me, and I had only just realized this.

Pain

Discomfort

Lust

Want

Hurt

As usual her emotions seemed to be seeping out uncontrollably, and whilst uncontrollably they seemed to be in a whirlwind, changing as the seconds passed. I pulled away and noticed her angelic features were draining in pain, was I too hard?

"have I hurt you?" I saw her eyelids flutter before she withdrew a breath, before her sky blue eyes looked up to see me. She shook her head simply.

"Sookie, remember I can feel you"

"I know, but it's just pain from…" she sighed, "well you know…" she added and I did know. The pain I had caused her. I sighed inwardly, another bloody tear fell from my cheek – Godric…I looked up to see Sookie her face was full of concern, her hand slowly and what I noticed – also hesitantly lifted effortlessly moving through the space between us until she wiped the tear from my cheek, I could feel the cold blood spreading over my cheek. An attempt to comfort me? I wondered. ---- Yes. An attempt to comfort me. However did it work at this moment in time? No.

"let me carry you up to bed?" I asked noticing just how much pain she was in by standing there on her own two feet.

"will you explain everything to me?" she asked and I nodded,

"I will" I replied – and I was going to, I wondered if I had honestly made a mistake in doing what I did? Maybe there would have been a way around it.

"Come in Eric" she spoke quietly, I inclined my head; a silent gesture as I thanked her and carefully picked her up bridal style, she hissed and I felt that tug.

Pain.

I concentrated on sending waves of calm, and comfort through her, she merely smiled and looked up at me,

"are you doing that?" she asked quite aware over the sudden change in her,

"mmm, it is acceptable yes? I'd rather just not have you in pain" I shrugged casually before taking a step through the threshold, I cocked my head to the side and there stood three shifters – two of whom I could barely tolerate and one whom I wanted to kill.

"Shifter" I addressed Sam, I saw his lips were pressed together, he replied simply with my name.

"Herveaux" I addressed him, and he nodded replying 'Northman'.

"Quinn" I added before letting my gaze fall on the last shifter – who was seriously beginning to push my buttons. I could smell his scent on her, on my bonded; I could smell all three of them, however his scent seemed to get the better of me.

"Northman" he rolled his eyes before I saw his eyes move to Sookie whom I realized had been watching the interactions between us four males. "Sookie is it such a good idea to be alone with Eric?" Quinn added, I let a quiet growl erupt from within – pushing the buttons Quinn pushing them, and soon I'm going to snap and have your head detached from your fucking body. I guess my anger wasn't surprised; I was having a terrible time keeping my emotions in check as I heard Sookie gasp her attention moving to me.

"What can I say Sookie? He's just adding fuel to the fire, luckily you are in my arms or I would have killed him as soon as the words left his disgusting mouth"

"LOOK HERE NORTMAN" Quinn began just as I was about to put Sookie down on the stairs she instead dug her nails into my arm and looked over at Quinn,

"STOP, please, just stop arguing" she piped out, earning a shocked expression from all three shifters. Whether it was the fact that she lay in my arms now, vulnerable – or that she was standing up for me, gave me the greatest satisfaction regarding the matter which was – Sookie. "Matters concerning what I do with Eric or what I say to Eric will stay in between us both. As I do appreciate your concern I currently am engaged; something has happened which by the look of it is terrible, and private seeing as Eric is here alone; on my property looking for me. Could we please have some time to ourselves? Alone."

"I advise you all to leave before I chuck you out" I added sternly. In no mood to be pissing about I made my way into the kitchen pulling out two TruBloods from the refrigerator, before I took a bottle of water for Sookie holding it up as she nodded, not uttering a single word and held onto all three bottles.

"I want you off the property; go over to the Shifters if necessary. I will make sure to be gone before sunrise, so take it upon yourselves to be here by the time I leave, do I make myself clear?" I looked back to see Quinn and Alcide's faces; they were having a hard time keeping a straight face; I let myself smile at that – just briefly.

"Yes"

"Yes? Do you mean yes sir?" I added watching them both intently, I couldn't let any slip ups go now, not after tonight; tonight would be a change, and tonight I'd be my own man, a man who would protect his bonded at any cost. I would be addressed with the right title by everyone.

"Yes sir" they replied in unison,

"Good to know we're on the same page – or I'm pretty sure more unnecessary blood will be spilled tonight" and with that last sentence I rushed up the stairs, fast, but careful enough to make sure Sookie wasn't moving in my arms; her discomfort was my discomfort.

"Eric…" I began once he set me down on the bed, he held up a finger and I immediately silenced myself, wondering why his head was turned slightly as he stood there silently. And then it clicked to me; he was most likely listening out for the guys were far enough that the conversation would definitely be in private. I took the time to study him, something terrible had happened, and as much as I hated to admit it to myself seeing Eric in such distress saddened me deeply. I was sure there was redeeming qualities about him; he was indeed protective – maybe to an extent where it bordered obsessive and possessive but that was how the vampire world worked right? My eyes made contact with his dark navy jeans, which were matted and stained almost from his waist down to his feet in a darker color – the substance of course was blood, but whose blood? And why on Earth were there so much? It was pretty evident something horrific happened, did he kill Jake? Bill? Was there another person possibly after me? I looked up to see his shirt, it was torn, then again his jeans were too, I could see his white skin underneath the matted bloodstained clothes – his white muscular chest, a peck, a part of his torso, his upper left thigh, a small part of his packs.

"Sookie, I think I've made a terrible mistake" he turned his gaze to me just as I had decided to take a sip of my water. I gulped and looked up placing the bottle besides me as I watched him down a full bottle of TruBlood.

"Eric?" I stood up and I saw another tear roll down his cheek, groaning I tried to ignore the pain and I managed, taking those few needed steps towards him I looked up into those ice blue eyes and he looked back into mine, he seemed so lost. "Tell me, we'll sort it out, oh Eric please don't" I reached up wiping at both his cheeks, the bloody tears just continued to pour out of his eyes, his hands met mine, stopping them in their tracks.

"He made me do it, he told me to do it because it was the only way things would work out, the only way everything would fit into pieces. He commanded me Sookie" I tore my gaze from his momentarily, he couldn't have could he? "He made me kill him, he gave me a direct order that I was to take his life, take it and focus on keeping my bonded safe, and that I was to give you this letter." I looked over and saw two manila envelopes. "He gave me one, and one for you"

"Eric…you – you couldn't have" I couldn't fathom the situation, Eric killed his maker? He actually killed Godric?

"But I did, I said no, I told him to take it back, not to force this situation upon me, I couldn't, I was prepared to kill myself, and I got so clos-"

"ERIC!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, "NO, please don't – you can't"

"I tried, he told me he'd command me to live if I got a second closer to doing what I wanted, we ended up in a vicious fight, of course our intentions weren't to fight or hurt one another – it was to stop one another from committing a horrible crime. We both ended up with tree branches, and we both fought for the other to drop theirs – before any mistake took place" I listened to him in silence, as silent tears streamed their way down my now damp cheeks. "We fought, he commanded me over and over again – 'you will kill me Eric' he repeated those words again and again Sookie, can you imagine what that's like? How much those words stabbed at me, each time it only made that need to fulfil my Maker's wish greater. But I fought it Sookie, I fought it again and again." I let my lips part in hope that something would come out, some sound, some sort of comfort for him; but nothing. No sound; no words; not a single noise. "I fought it until he repeated it again and again, holding me down; my free hand with the branch just over his heart; he made me promise to look after my bonded, and to give you that letter." I felt his cold hand wipe at my cheeks before he hushed me quietly, his own tears spilled mirroring my own; the only difference was color.

"Eric, it's not your fault" it was an honest answer; and he looked up for a moment as if questioning what I had said,

"is it not?"

"no Eric, come sit for a second" I motioned towards the bed, he complied wordlessly, and I handed him another TruBlood, but to my surprise he placed the bottle besides him, stretching out his long arms, which were covered in blood towards me. I placed my hands palm down onto his, which were palm up, his thumb softly caressed over my fingers,

"Sookie he is gone, he made me do it for you,"

"you hate me don't you?" I pulled my hands away but he immediately grabbed onto both of them, and delicately pulled me to him, and onto his lap, as I straddled him he only looked at me, his eyes seemed to seep into me, I closed my eyes and tried my best to remain calm, this wasn't a position I wanted to be in not now, not with Eric while he ws grieving over such a huge loss but he seemed to have other things on his mind; I heard him whisper my name and my eyes slowly opened until my bonded came back into sight, even bloody, battered and tattered he was gorgeous.

"I thought I did – when I did what was told for me to do, I questioned it and I wanted to kill you in return" he admitted to me, what a punch to the stomach. He must have noticed the sudden drop in my emotions, because he couldn't get the words out fast enough, "but I realized he didn't die in vain, Sookie he died for you. And for my Maker to make such a bold decision; how could I hate you?" I shook my head and wiped at my eyes, furious for letting myself get into the position where I showed weakness at such a valid reason.

"How do I know you don't?"

"Do you really want me to show you?" he questioned, I nodded once and he nodded in return. "Brace yourself my lover" and then it hit me, a wave of emotions which weren't mine – they were all Eric's. Overwhelming sadness, grief, and loss, and then there were very few faint hints of love and lust, and…happiness?

"You're happy?" I questioned as he withdrew the bond closing off his side.

"I have you don't I?" he questioned,

"I guess" I replied and he let a brief small smile play upon his lips before he let his face drop again.

"want me to help get you cleaned up? And then we can read the letters together if you'd like?"

"I'd like that" he picked me up effortlessly as I was still wrapped around his waist, his words, were so emotionless, as were his facial features; he was distant grieving by himself, he wouldn't let me in, he wouldn't help share the pain with me, he just bottled it up inside and I had no idea what to do or what to say that could possibly help him.

I placed her down gently on top of the counter, and she smiled at me,

"there's a few washcloths in the drawer behind you" I looked around and they were where she said they would be, pulling out a handful I placed them besides her and I watched her slowly moving, she was in pain – great amount but she didn't want to show it, regardless I could feel her pain and she didn't deserve it. That was also another matter; we had to figure out just what had happened.

"Sookie, take some of my blood it'll help ease your pain"

"Uh-Eric, it's okay really, it's not too bad" I watched her squeeze the washcloth removing the excess water which is when I pulled it softly from her grasp not wanting to cause anymore harm and bit into my wrist, tearing the skin,

"drink now" I commanded simply and she took a breath before latching her lips over the wound which was seconds away from closing, with questioning eyes she took sips of my blood, I couldn't help it; I groaned, Sookie sucking from my wound, drinking my blood, was erotic in many ways; I groaned again as I felt her tongue flick against my skin and she pulled away hesitantly, licking the remnants of blood from her lips.

"sorry" she apologized shyly, looking away,

"don't be, do you feel better?" she nodded and took the washcloth into her hands, I leaned down and I felt the warm wet cloth move down my bicep, I could feel her heart beat quicken and I smiled for the first time in almost what seemed months he did. She looked so fragile and so concerned wiping over my muscles and skin until she was happy. She moved to my neck, I stretched and turned when necessary all in silence until the places where it was visible and bloodstained were clean.

"All done, I think I have some of Jason's old shorts and t-shirts. I'll give you a change of clothes and you can change into them, is that okay?"

"I'll get them myself you tell me where and I'll be back in seconds." I replied,

"The bedroom downstairs, in his wardrobe, oh and um, if you want there should be another TruBlood so help yourself"

I watched him return with a bottle in hand, and in a pair of black shorts, and a white t-shirt which had the slogan 'Not getting laid?' and on the back it continued, "that's because your girlfriends fucking me" I shook my head at him, and he looked down letting out a roar of laughter which ended shortly.

"you look ridiculous, they're a bit too small as we can both tell but it's okay right? You can take a shower if you'd like Eric," I added quietly as he made his way to the dresser picking up both notes and walking towards me. Plopping himself down on the bed, I bounced up and down a few times, reaching for his other TruBlood and my water before turning and crossing my legs as I watched him.

"Yours or mine first?" he asked,

"If you'd rather read it alone or in your own time we can do whatever is most comfortable for you." I didn't want to force him into anything – not that there would be much forcing from me.

"Come to me lover" he whispered holding out both his arms, "come please" he whispered so I crawled over slowly, until I was in reach of him, he immediately pulled me onto his lap.

"Eric, I don't fe-" he only wrapped his arms tighter around me, I sighed defeated and nodded, maybe he needed the closeness? Was it his way of gaining some closure? Maybe it was helping him.

"just stay where I've placed you, and listen to what I have to tell you before we read the letters okay?" I raised an eyebrow questioningly and he placed his finger over his lips, so I complied.

"I once again, while we're both here alone, without any distractions, anyone to ruin or interfere with what's going to be said. Sookie I apologize for putting you in such a position where by my own hands, whatever overcame me, whether it was the bloodlust or something else entirely I regret it deeply; I regret ever laying my hands upon this…" his hands and eyes both roamed over my body making me suddenly feel very self conscience, "this masterpiece God created, I've managed to taint such a beautiful work of art-"

"Eric"

"shh let me finish lover" he pulled me closer and I sighed, "I'd never lay my hands on you intentionally Sookie you have to believe me, if I ever make you do something it'll be because it's the best thing for you in that situation. I will never force myself upon you – I will never physically abuse you, nor will I verbally abuse you either. You are by far the most interesting, intriguing, not to mention beautiful woman I've ever laid my eyes upon, which is why in the beginning I wanted you – you were untouched, completely fresh, you were light in the darkness, I admit my intentions in the beginning were just to fuck you and to feed from you, and then I just wanted to protect you because you were so special, I've wondered if I could change you, but I'd never without your consent, unless it was needed of course and you were in no position to tell me otherwise and I needed to save you I would, but overall I want to apologize and if there is any way I can make it up to you let me know, I will do whatever I can in my power"

I couldn't help it, my emotions had just gotten the better of me and I let the tears slip from my eyes; he watched me with such a curious look on his face which only escalated into confusion.

"Did I hurt you?" he asked quite stupidly, I breathed out and looked up into his eyes,

"You know, I never thought you were capable of that, of such emotion, you do have a humane side to you Eric" I answered him, "I'm very honoured for you to think that way of me, but I know it wasn't you Eric, we've been in situations where…" I blushed and looked away, he let out a quiet breath before his lips touched my forehead, "well you know, and you fed from me in such a high state; nothing happened. That matter is something else; and I think you should look into it, just to be certain it won't happen again"

"of course lover, that is on my list" I pulled the letters from his hands and dropped them onto my lap eyeing both, the elegant scripts on each letter were addressed by name to me and Eric. "would you like me to read mine first?"

"no, let's start with mine, yours will be longer, and much more meaningful then mine"

"Sookie – that is not true – Godric loved you like his own child, believe me – my Maker's love for you was nothing I've seen, he didn't think so highly of Pam" I looked up, quite literally gob smacked and he nodded, "exactly – do not judge that my lover, he cared for you" I smiled briefly and leaned backwards grabbing my box of tissues. He looked down at my hands and I couldn't help but let a soft small smile appear on my face – his face was utterly priceless.

"I'm going to get emotional" he repositioned me on his lap, so I was now facing him, and straddling his lap once again, although it was nothing sexual – we both had the same person on our minds. Tearing the envelope open I pulled out my letter and looked up at Eric, "together we'll be okay" I whispered before I slowly began reading.

"Dear Sookie, my beloved human wonder…"

UNKNOWN POV

The ancient one looked on,

"is it done?" she asked,

"it is your highness" Niall replied turning his gaze to Godric.

"explain what you did to me" she asked,

"we did as told – we found a farely new vampire – one whom did not have a maker present, the same witch who had Eric underneath the spell when he attacked Sookie transformed this newborn into Godric – every part of him was Godric, and only would last for a maximum of two hours. We watched from afar, watched and listened to the battle; as soon as Eric did his part Godric blocked his bond, giving the illusion that he did indeed die"

"excellent, phase one is complete" she smiled briefly, turning her attention to Godric.

"will I see him again?" Godric spoke slowly turning his gaze from Niall to the ancient one.

"you shall, when the time is right, when Eric knows his place in this world. You will see him but for now he needs to let you go…did you make sure to keep that bond closed off? He should not know you are alive, or have a clue as to maybe magic was involved and that you could still be here. Close the bond, we wil help, our magic will seal it for a good few months, maybe a year; however you will also need to shut it off, or he will feel you. There will be indications and we will fail…"

"I know, I will keep my word, and I will honor it, if my child is kept safe, and if his bonded is kept safe. If there is a way for their fate to change, Eric will figure it out, but I am warning you now, my child is not to suffer, not more than he has, today has killed him." Godric choked out; he couldn't believe what he had agreed to, in fact this had been agreed to months ago – a while before he 'gave' himself to the Fellowship of the sun. They all had the feeling that Sookie's good nature would try to convince him to stay; give life another shot, and how right they were.

"was it necessary for you to almost kill him? For him to almost kill her? How could you let it get so far ahead?"

"because it was needed. He needed to know Sookie is protected, that she needs protection from everyone including himself. Sookie needs to learn and forgive – this will be her biggest challenge yet." The ancient one answered shifting slightly in her seat.

"why?" Godric asked, knowing all too well he was pushing his limits but he had a right to know, the matter concerned his child – his only child.

"Sookie needs to learn to trust again, to love. To trust the one person who is the only person capable of protecting her…yes I admit using the witches power over Eric may have been taken too far; but that will show Eric just how special Sookie is; it will open his eyes to this new world, a world where his bonded will be so much more than what they'll believe her to be." The ancient one stood up brushing her long white hair back, before continuing slowly, "Eric's loss over you will give him that chance to see just what he is missing from his life…a love, a love capable enough to soften him up. His darkness, her compassion will join, it'll compliment them both. Much is still in store for them both; but if they are to survive these unfortunate, disasters which will only get worse as time passes, they'll need one another to lean on, to work on it together; without anything to stand in their way clouding their judgement" she finished quietly, letting her hands rest lightly over her lap.

"Now, Godric regarding you, we will send you where ever you please, and you will remain there until Niall or I visit you. Remember, incognito everywhere you go – we will assist you in providing you a cloaking spell, your voice and appearance will change; however, bonds, memories, feelings will last so you will need to cloak those yourself."

"yes ma'am, I will do as told" Godric barely let the smile appear on his face.

"Niall you may take Godric, to where he pleases, I will set everything up for him financially, let me know of where he is and I will provide for you Godric"

"thank you ancient one" Niall placed his hand on Godric's shoulder and they both disappeared leaving the ancient one to herself.

Where I've decided to go with the whole Godric thing is something I've been thinking about for a while.
He is NOT out of the picture, just lessened for the meanwhile until the bond between Sookie and Eric grow.
he will make appearances soon, and believe me, Godric's significance in this story will be great.

I hope you've enjoyed this chapter :)

ALSO 22 reviews? for the last chapter. WOW! thats my most by far so I thank each and everyone of you from the BOTTOM of my heart.
read and review? xD