AN: I apologize for my lack of updates. I know I used to update fairly quickly. Every few days or so. But life has gotten a bit more hectic for me. So I think I'll be updating once a week now, maybe more if I have time to write and of course I do not have writers block.
I want to thank EACH and EVERYONE of you for reviewing, PM's, and voting in the poll - which is STILL UP BTW FOR ANOTHER WEEK UNTIL I UPDATE. so if you haven't voted please go do, it's on my profile!
This is a slightly longer chapter than the previous few due to the new information overload I apologize if it isn't once again action packed, but there are a few grounds we all need to cover and make sure it's out in the open. :)
I ALSO HAVE CHANGED THE NAME OF THIS STORY; it is now named THE KEY so just for everyone to know once again.
As always my lovely reviewers, please enjoy and read and review. xoxo

Shooting up out of bed breathlessly she struggled to regain her breaths, hard and harsh she clutched her chest just where her heart was gulping for air trying so desperately to fill her lungs with the needed air. She had never had such a dream like that…her recent dreams had been consumed of Eric and only Eric, whether they were making love, sprawled in each others limbs, at his home, hers or Fangtasia, she was with him. What had this dream meant? Was it an indication of something? Or was it just her feelings...? How alone she felt?

How normal she wasn't any more her life was complicated, full with Supes, Vampires – anything supernatural came to her, stuck to her like white on rice. Sighing she wiped at the sweat on her face, her body drenched in a layer of sweat, as was her bed sheets. Sighing she stood up and headed straight to her bathroom before taking a glance at the clock 6:32 AM. She had enough time to shower, dress and tidy up around her bedroom and change the bed sheets before she headed down knowing Alcide and Quinn would both be waiting where a long over due conversation would be taking place. She had only gotten a few hours sleep – however she felt completely rested, maybe it was the vampire blood?

Yeah it certainly was, it kept her refreshed – she felt keener, more alert, just barely making out a few mumbles and groans down below where Alcide and Quinn were asleep – their brain waves were humming and they would have been easier to read but she didn't pry into their minds. Clearing her head of the thoughts she headed towards her bathroom before noticing a note on her bedroom door. This was the second time something had been pinned up there and she questioned who had written it this time as she unfolded it.

My Lover,

I know last night our conversation was digressed and we didn't talk how we needed to but we will tonight, granted things go our way. I'm not entirely sure if you remember what we said last night, but keep the witches over at yours until I arrive. I left you a few things around your house. You will be mine Sookie, sooner rather than later you will claim even to yourself that you do belong to me.

Oh I took the letters Godric wrote for us both, I'm going to keep them somewhere safe in my home, so in case you do start looking for them, and Sookie don't mention him to anyone, lie if needed – I will be making the arrangements necessary to tell those needed of Godric's departure.

Last night lover was amazing, you were a vision a true beauty, I hope you'll yield to me soon – one can only hope right? I have a surprise for you; I am sure it will be one you will enjoy and you'll accept the gift on my behalf, my day man should be coming around by noon with it. Also he will have the cheque for you for the work you did in Dallas lover. Be safe today, and have a fantastic day lover, Quinn and Alcide will be with you all day if you do decide to leave, I'll see you later tonight.

Your Viking.

She sighed outwardly, somewhat feeling like a huge weight had been lifted off of her shoulders however her dream kept replaying itself in her mind, it was…her destiny to die? What had that meant? Taking a deep breath she noticed her room had in fact smelt of sex…the event of last night reddened her cheeks before she shook her head clean of those thoughts, Eric had killed his Maker…would he be punished? Surely he wouldn't be, she remembered the case just barely – Longshadow had attacked her, Bill had killed him to save her and in return made Jessica. Stripping she jumped into the shower lathering up her blonde hair before continuing her train of thought…

And where had Bill been? Since the night she returned the ring and the roses he had become MIA, literally, no calls, no stopping by, had Eric heard from him? Surely something was up or maybe he had just felt betrayed and hurt...And what was she supposed to do with Eric? His thoughts had been invading her mind lately, had it been the second or third time it had happened…sure she caught a glimpse once, but it wasn't enough for her to make out anything…and now? She was hearing him clear as a human who broadcasted no trouble, no haziness no nothing. Could she risk telling him? Vampires weren't fond or keen at all with people knowing their persona things, thoughts? Now that would have been a very big invasion of privacy…but she was his bonded, he'd protect her right? At all costs?

Sookie brushed her golden locks, her dream replaying in her mind over and over like a bad record stuck on play, it had honestly chilled her to the bone, and her skin broke out in goose pimples once more. What had made it all the more surreal was that she had claimed herself she was his. That she belonged to Eric. She'd made herself his possession, a toy, something he could throw away once bored with. He vanished, died right before her turned into ash as the guys she knew and some she didn't came after her. Shuddering she tied her hair up into a high ponytail before noticing she wasn't alone.

"Hi Sookie!" Chimed in Claudine, unusually happy, as she was sat on Sookie's bed crossed leg, in sea green khaki pants with a white tank top and white sandals. Her hair long, straight and dark as ever hung past her shoulders.

"I've just come by to see how things are." Claudine giggled earning a sceptical look from Sookie.

"Just fine" she replied sweetly as she headed towards her drawer pulling out a new bedspread, pillow cases and mattress cover. Claudine of course understood and was up instantly standing by the wall as Sookie stripped the bed, "anything I can help you with Claudine?" Sookie asked the fairy that seemed to be lost in her own little world standing still, her chest softly lifting and falling was the only indication that she indeed was alive.

"Well…I already know what you and Eric…" she began,

"you were spying on us?"

"no…just doing my part as your fairy godmother…" Claudine replied almost appalled,

"I'm sorry it's just what we did is private for us only" Sookie added noticing the sudden drop in Claudine's voice.

"I know which is why I didn't watch however I did learn something…" twirling a piece of her black hair before tucking it back behind her pointed ear as Sookie stuffed the pillows into their cases she continued, "we're one vampire less now is that so?" Sookie's eyes met hers instantly and she shrugged casually gulping before working on the other pillow.

"Oh come on Sookie! You can't expect me to believe that little white lie, Eric killed his Maker, it's not like anybody knows why or what happened between them" Claudine spoke all the while staring into the mirror when Sookie noticed her ears unable to pull her gaze away from them Claudine let out a soft giggle,

"part of being a fairy, our ears are pointed" she smiled sweetly, "your hair looks brighter…have you dyed it recently?"

"No" Sookie spoke for what seemed like the first time in an hour,

"Vampire blood" Claudine answered in her place, "their blood has some upsides just don't become an addict now Sookie!" she held out her finger as if she was ready to tell off a child, "godmother cannot save you from ravenous vampires all the time" she giggled twirling on her feet just as Sookie finished setting up her bed not in the best of moods to be gossiping or giggling with anyone who she didn't know.

"I'll be back later see ya!" Claudine smiled brightly

"look forward to it" Sookie replied sweetly, a small smile appearing on her full lips before she vanishing with a distinct pop and leaving Sookie alone as she put her clothes into the hamper, opening her window before she headed downstairs in jean shorts, and a plain white v neck tank top. She could hear faint noises of people speaking, and as she appeared into the doorway of the kitchen she saw both Quinn and Alcide sitting with a cup of coffee – their conversation coming to an immediate halt once they spotted her. Not a word was uttered between the three as she reached for the multi-vitamins on the counter popping three into her mouth and swallowing.

Turning with a smile on her face hoping to ease the tension she noticed their eyes fixed on her, waves of rage were towering her, their eyes still locked on the same spot, lifting her hand and grazing it over her neck her eyes closed momentarily. Of course she thought. Eric had fed from her last night during their time together.

"so what now you're his?" Quinn spat out with disgust, Alcide's own head shaking in disbelief,

"you think this is the first time he's fed from me?" Sookie retaliated back with just as enough venom in her voice, "I was hoping it wouldn't have to be this way, you know?" taking a sip of her water she sat across to the two men,

"I can make my own decisions, and as for that" she indicated the bite mark, "I let him, made him do it…which ever you'd prefer pick one. It's my choice and my choice alone." She finished off softly feeling slightly guilty for having ripped into the pair.

"I understand your concern" Sookie continued before anyone could jump in, "but we have bigger things on our plates to discuss, so if we could put aside the feelings we're feeling" her eyes shifted towards Quinn, "and the problems we're having in our own lives" now they were set on Alcide, "maybe we can figure out just what Jake wants, and when the witches arrive what on Earth had gotten to Eric resulting in the incident." Leaning back in her chair she heard her stomach growl – a clear indication of just how hungry she was. And she was craving red meat, something big and succulent.

"Sure Sookie we're both sorry aren't we Quinn?"

"Yeah babe, didn't mean to make you feel down or anything, it's just I don't trust Northman, guy creeps me out."

"I didn't trust him in the beginning either, but there's more to Eric than what meets the eye, all you need to do is trust me" she smiled.

"Now we have all of that out of the way, who wants to help make breakfast as we discuss the topic's I've brought up?" smirking and making her way towards the refrigerator taking out eggs, cheese, bacon and sausages she turned around, "how about we have bacon and veg. omelettes with sausages and toast" their reaction's were slow nods, their mouths hanging, "glad it sounds good, now help" she giggled and they each did their part within thirty minutes the table had been full, a plate of seven omelettes, another plate with 12 sausages, a stack of buttered toast orange juice and coffee.

"Dig in guys" she smiled as she took a bite from her sausage savouring the meaty taste in her mouth before swallowing.

The conversation had gone better than she had expected, every now and again there had been a few moments of awkward silence, or glances that made her rethink what they were discussing but she learned a little more about the pair. Alcide's on and off girlfriend Debbie had left him – and was now engaged to their pack leader. He had agreed to protect her due to the loans his father owned for his gambling problem; Eric would pay it off if of course Sookie was kept safe from the attacks, until they had found out why the Werewolves had wanted her their duty wouldn't lie elsewhere. As for Quinn his story was much deeper, he hadn't given much away only that his mother and sister had needed him to do this. Sookie had a dreadful feeling in the pit of her stomach, something terrible had happened to his family and for some reason she felt the need to help. So somehow she would, she decided that as she finished washing up the dishes.

Jake Purifoy had been the first topic of discussion; he was Quinn's best friend, or one of the lot. Then again Sookie assumed she should have been using the past tense. He had been his best friend, his loyalty was now to her, and if Jake had wanted Sookie she had no doubt in her mind Quinn wouldn't have protected her, with his life? Perhaps not that far down the line but he had obligations to carry out. There had been something left out, whether it was instructed by Eric because they had definitely most likely talked, or because the matter was private the whole situation with Jake hadn't been sorted out, nothing had fit perfectly like puzzle pieces explaining just how he knew what she was, what she did, or why he wanted her. One case was definitely unsolved.

Of course the second had been Eric, something or someone magical very powerful had indeed taken over Eric, and forced him to do what he did. Finally loading the washing machine she continued about her house chores, Quinn and Alcide were both watching TV in her living room out of her way as she cleaned humming to herself as she drank another cup of coffee. Glancing up towards the clock she noticed it was almost noon, and just like clockwork there was a knock on her door, both of the guys up and by her instantly.

"It's fine I think it's Bobby, Mr. Northman's day man" she smiled, "who is it?" she asked peering into the small peephole,

"It's Bobby, I'm here to hand Miss Stackhouse's gift and her cheque." Looking over her shoulder she smiled and they nodded giving her space.

"Hi Bobby, would you like to come in?" Sookie smiled sweetly, remembering not to forget her manners – they were one thing that made a true southern girl if nothing else mattered.

"No ma'am I have a lot of errands to run for Mr. Northman, I was instructed to hand these over to you personally, to his bonded Miss Stackhouse as he told me" handing over a pale blue thin box tied up with a white bow, and another small bag on top. He seemed nervous so deciding to check him out she probed into his mind,

Is this his new girl? Pretty, big tits, nice face, not too surprised of course she'll be taking his gifts, who wouldn't?

"excuse me?" Sookie raised an eyebrow, "I'm not his new girl, and these gifts, one of which is my cheque for work I did…and before you go thinking it was a sexual favour I suggest your thoughts aren't what I've just heard again Bobby. I'm a decent girl and I don't take kindly to those who've known me for less than a minute to judge me based on who I'm friends with and who I'm not"

She can read my mind? FUCK MAN. Eric didn't say shit 'bout that. Fuck fuck fuck. I'm so getting fired!

"If you make sure the next time we meet your thoughts aren't as crude I won't tell Eric about what I've heard" Sookie added in,

"really?" his eyes widened and she nodded honestly,

"thank you ma'am, I'm sorry I assumed the worst, I'll er I'll be going now, you have a good day" he stumbled down her porch steps, risking a glance back,

"you have a good day too Bobby" she replied watching him climb into his black Nissan before driving away from her house.

"I'd have happily knocked him down off his feet" she turned to see Alcide and shrugged it off,

"I'm used to thoughts like that, but assuming I was being brought by gifts wasn't what I wanted to hear" she made her way into the kitchen placing the box on top of the table and checking in the bag to see a note and a cheque. Taking both out and untying the box she heard another knock on the door and left the gifts there before being followed by both men as she opened the door.

"Hello" the older woman spoke, "I am Octavia, and this is Amelia" she had a strong presence about her, stood high and confident her shoulders back and her head up, although she didn't smile she was beautiful for a woman of her age, which appeared to be mid thirties to early forties. The younger woman was just as beautiful, in her twenties Sookie assumed, but she tore her mind from the thoughts deciding to assess the pair later.

"We're here because Jake Purifoy contacted us you are Miss Stackhouse I assume?" Octavia asked,

"yes, please call me Sookie and come in can I get you a coffee or anything else you'd like?" she asked motioning towards the kitchen.

"I'll have a tea, one sugar and milk please" Octavia spoke her eyes ghosting over the house,

"same please" Amelia smoke shyly and sat down besides Octavia who was now across Quinn and Alcide leaving a chair in between the pair where evidently Sookie was going to sit.

Once she sat down pouring each person coffee or tea she took a deep breath unsure of what to say,

"we're witches of course, you are a were, werewolf to be precise" she pointed to Alcide who raised an eyebrow, "and you a were, but you smell different, a cat I assume?"

"close…a tiger" Quinn winked earning an apologetic smile from Octavia,

"you however…I cannot determine"

"human" Sookie added sweetly, "or well I'm part Fae" she added glancing down at her hands,

"ah" Octavia spoke before sipping at her tea, "and the plot just thickens" she added, "no wonder these were's seem so attatched to you, and I see a vampire too?"

Sookie bit the inside of her cheek, nodding,

"my bonded actually" she added earning a sceptical look from Amelia, but Octavia's eyes widened,

"bonded?"

"yes" Sookie replied,

"to whom?"

"Eric N-" Sookie couldn't finish her sentence before Octavia rudely interrupted yet again,

"Eric Northman, Sheriff of this area, area five?" Octavia asked incredulously "he has never been known to do such things with humans, then again part Fae I guess we know why, but still Eric Northman doesn't associate himself with humans." She looked puzzled for a few moments before continuing almost in a trans like state "the God's must be behind this, something of this calibre must have more reason behind it" Octavia looked back towards Sookie, "so what may we be assistance of Sookie?"

Taking a deep breath she ran her finger over the rim of her mug before peeking up and settling her eyes on Octavia.

"I want to find out how to break a blood bond, without death. If it's possible, how it's possible and what the outcome will be…" she added closing her eyes briefly before her eyes set on the amused smirk Octavia's lips formed into.

I also just want to clear up that my Sookie isn't as naive, stupid or whiny like in the books/TV. I will keep that part of her because of course it's what makes her, however mine is a strong, indepedant woman who from time to time will shock y'all with her thoughts and actions.