A/N- So, I need to let everyone know that there is only one more chapter left of this story. It is a killer when you've been following a story for months, and then suddenly it just ends with no warning! Thank you to each and every one of you who have read, reviewed, alerted, and placed this story on their favorites list. I am at a loss for words over the amount of love this story has received, and I think it will actually hit the 1000 review mark! *Gasps*

SouthernLady23 gets all the credit for making this show room quality! Any mistakes remaining are 100% mine. All characters belong to CH.

I hope this chapter answers any questions some of you may have had...

SPOV-

The drive to Felipe's mansion in New Orleans took forever. I kept my eyes closed tightly as I didn't want Victor to know I was awake. The throbbing in my head was making me nauseous, and I could already feel the bruise forming from where he had struck me.

All I could think about was seeing Eric. He was going to be at the mansion, and I would be safe. Felipe would see exactly how crazy Victor was, and he would finally see I wasn't mad in thinking Victor was involved in Eric's disappearance.

Felipe and I had discussed this many times. I had told him over and over again how I was certain Victor was responsible for Eric's murder, and it turns out I was spot on. The problem was, Victor managed to cover his tracks meticulously. Felipe could never find a shred of proof to take my allegations seriously.

I knew Felipe had moments when he wanted to believe me, but punishing your second in command for something you can't prove just isn't something he was willing to do. I couldn't begrudge him for that, he was the King, and if he started to behave in an inappropriate manner, who knows what would happen?

"Miss Stackhouse...I know you're awake. I can hear your heart rate changing, and I would love to know the reason. Are you thinking about your knight in shining armor coming to save you? Do you really think Eric will be able to walk out of Felipe's mansion with you by his side?" Victor taunted me with his words, causing me to curl into myself.

I ignored his questions, hoping he would leave me alone if I refused to answer him. Maybe if I played dead, he would let me be.

"Don't make me repeat my questions, bitch! You will show me some respect! It's bad enough I'm going to have to train you in obedience once we begin our life together. I wish the Viking would have shown you the true meaning of a good punishment. It would do you some good to experience some humility," he snapped.

His words triggered hundreds of memories which bombarded my mind. I had experienced enough punishment and humility, along with torture to last me a life time. The parts of my body which had healed after my kidnapping suddenly began to ache, reminding me just how much punishment I had actually lived through.

"I'm not thinking about Eric saving me, I'm planning on it. He's going to make you suffer for what you've done to him, and I hope you rot in hell!" I was surprised by the forcefulness in which the words left my mouth. It was like I couldn't hold back the venom. Victor's laugh only infuriated me more. "Keep laughing. When Eric has his hands wrapped around your throat, and you're begging him to spare you- I'll be the one laughing."

"Miss Stackhouse, I think I may have to render you speechless again. This conversation has become bothersome, and I hate to be distracted while I drive."

He pulled the car over to the side of the rode and turned around to face me, giving me an evil, sadistic grin. He got out of the car and was quickly opening the back door to slide in next to me. If my hands and feet weren't bound, I would have flung myself at him in the hopes of catching him off guard.

But, when I felt his eyes on me, I was suddenly terrified. He dragged his nose down the side of my neck and inhaled my scent, laced with fear.

"You smell absolutely delicious. I think I need to have a small taste before we get to the mansion and consummate our bonding," he said, actually winking at me.

I watched as his fangs descended and I froze in terror. He pulled me close to his body and roughly palmed my breast, forcing me to swallow down the bile which was quickly creeping up my throat.

I started breathing so hard, the windows became foggy, shielding me from the outside world. My body trembled uncontrollably, remembering the last time I had been tied up and held against my will. Hot tears burned my eyes as I watched him lick his lips in anticipation.

His fingers burned my skin, even though they were cold to the touch. He tore at my shirt, ripping it and my bra, exposing my breasts. His touch was hard and forceful, and he fondled me like he was trying to prove he had absolute control over me. I was too scared to scream, all I could do was squeeze my eyes shut and pray he didn't force himself on me.

In one quick motion, he moved the torn lace of my bra away from my chest and bit into my breast, forcing me to scream in pain. I could feel his fangs penetrate my skin and it was awful. It hurt worse than any other vampire bite I could remember, and I'd had plenty.

He began moaning as he greedily slurped my blood. I remained perfectly still, knowing any type of fight would only excite him further. It took every ounce of energy I had not to flail around and try to get him away from him.

"Mmm... my God! You are simply divine, Miss Stackhouse." He licked his bloody lips as he absently rubbed himself through his pants. "I can't wait to get you somewhere more private and intimate." He smiled at me and slithered out of the back seat.

I couldn't stop shaking as he got back on the highway. I looked down at my torn shirt and bra and saw the fang marks, still dripping blood. Just the sight of another vampires mark on me was enough, I leaned over and threw up all over his black leather seat.

EPOV-

I knew I would make it to Felipe's before Victor. He had the highways and traffic to handle, while I only had to contend with the open sky. I could only think about the last words I heard out of Felipe's mouth, and it actually scared me.

If he was planning on needing the doctor, he must be certain Sookie was going to be hurt. Images of her broken and bloodied body assaulted my memory. All I could see was the way she looked the night I came to her after she was rescued from the fairies. She was in such bad shape as she lay in that hospital bed, unable to move.

I swore to her I would never allow anything to ever hurt her in that way again, and she very well could be being hurt right now. I would never be able to forgive myself if she was hurt, it would just be too much for her to handle.

I thought about all of the opportunities I let pass me by to tell her I loved her. Just tonight I could have told her, but I didn't. Now she's gone, and the thought of not telling her is burning a hole in my stomach.

I had so much time to think when Connor was holding me, and all of my thoughts were about either Sookie, or revenge. But, it was always in the back of my mind that I would get back to her, even when things were at their worst. Now, the terror of knowing Madden had his filthy hands on her was too much for me to handle.

The lights of New Orleans quickly come in to view and I can feel my blood become colder. I swooped down over the mansion and touched down, practically running before my feet could even touch the Earth. I didn't smell Sookie or Victor, so I knew I had made it there before them.

The guard stopped me and forced me to state my business. I was certain he could tell I was ready to rip his throat out as he nervously awaited his orders from Sandy. Once I was cleared he provided me directions on where I could find the king.

If my heart had the ability to beat, I knew it would be beating out of my chest. I needed Felipe's help, and I need him to be the loyal friend Sookie expected him to be. I walked silently into his library, expecting to find it littered with guards. To my surprise, he sat by himself behind a large desk.

I bowed to him out of necessity, and waited for him to greet me.

"Eric, you do not look well. I understand you are concerned, but I can assure you, Sookie is safe." His voice was smooth and calm.

"Your Majesty, I am certain she is in grave danger. Victor is not the vampire you believe he is! He is maneuvering to overthrow you, and has been for months!" My voice echoed off the deep, wood paneled walls. I began to pace, clearly agitated.

"Eric, you understand the seriousness of your accusations? If this information turns out to be false, I will have no choice but to end you for speaking of treason." I could see Felipe's eyes grow dark, and I was regretting trusting Sookie's judgment.

"Your Majesty, Sookie will verify my story. Victor was behind my so-called death and he planned on removing you once I was finally gone. He has been planning to overthrow you ever since you took Louisiana!" My voice escalated, and I could see Felipe was getting concerned with my antics.

"Sheriff, as much as I care for Sookie, you know I cannot use the word of a human against a vampire. The girl is very special, but I can't simply disregard all vampire law because of how I feel about her."

Something about his words didn't sit right with me. What did he mean, how he felt about her?

"What are you saying? What feelings do you dare have for my bonded? The law you speak so highly of also prevents you from even touching her!" I stood right in front of him, practically daring him to answer me.

"Eric, firstly, you are no longer bonded. Secondly, you were officially declared finally dead. Your final death certificate was signed and witnessed by your child and myself. The certificate is on record, and as of this moment, you are still technically gone. The law, which prevents any other vampire from laying claim to Sookie or even touching her, was null and void when your death certificate was signed. Until we do the paperwork which reverses the original documentation, Sookie is not tied to you in any way. Now, in light of the circumstances, I'll look past your insolent tone- just this once. But I will tell you, Sookie is like the daughter I never had as a human. Do not ever presume anything about my relationship with her again, are we clear?" His words were as cold as ice as he stared me down, willing me to make a move.

Fuck, how could I have misjudged Felipe and Sookie so badly? How could I have doubted her about their relationship? "Yes, My King." I nodded my affirmation, still feeling uneasy.

"Now, I think you have been under a great deal of stress lately. This is all understandable considering the trauma of the last few months. I'm concerned about your health, Eric, and I have arranged for Dr. Ludwig to give you a thorough exam. Also, perhaps you should consider taking some time off, to get yourself together." He walked behind his desk, sitting heavily in his brown, leather chair.

To hell with this shit, I have nothing left to lose. "No, I don't want Ludwig! What I need is for you to look at this document you were so eager to see, and help make sure Sookie is safe!" I thrust the signed contract in front of him and waited, expecting him to praise me for my ability to provide such solid proof.

Seconds turned into minutes. I could hear the clock on the wall ticking, as well as the inner gears turning. His silence was deafening, and all I wanted to do was scream. He turned the paper over in his hands, reading it again and again.

"Can you not see I am right!" I yelled, unable to take the silence any longer.

"Eric, this could be a fake. However, it does look rather authentic. I'll call a handwriting specialist and have them compare Victor's signature here to some paperwork I have filed away. I think we should have this all straightened out within a couple of hours. In the mean time, why don't we call Dr. Ludwig?" He looked as though he almost felt sorry for me.

"No! We don't have a couple of hours. Victor said he is bringing Sookie here so he can force her into a bond. I am not willing to gamble with her life!" I was ready to start tearing his library apart.

"Eric, you need to calm down..."

"I can not be calm when the woman I love is being held against her..."

We both suddenly stopped talking. In all of my animation I must have hit a button on my cell phone, because it was playing back the recording of something. I removed it from my pocket and placed it on the desk.

'What do you want?

Ah, so I see you've realized your pet is missing. Shame she was left all alone in that big house, no one around to keep her safe.

Madden! Where is Sookie? As soon as I find you...

You don't threaten me, Viking! I have your precious human. I have the power in this game, understand? But, I'm not a heartless bastard. I will tell you my plans so you can see firsthand just how much power I actually have right now.

Where are you?

We're on our way to New Orleans. I plan on making Sookie mine, both in body and in ceremony. I'm going to take her so many times she'll forget you ever existed. I'll have a bond formed with her before sunrise, and I'll have Felipe unite us with the ceremonial knife.

You're going to New Orleans, with Sookie? And you think she is going to bond with you? Victor, she will stake you before she allows you near her.

Please, I want you to come and witness our bonding. Felipe will be so pleased with my acquisition, he won't question me when I request him to perform the formal ceremony. I will promise him his fill of our special girl. You and the human are no longer bonded, I am breaking no laws in taking her. Of course, as soon as he seals the deal, he'll have to be killed.

You will never have her, Victor. I'll be in New Orleans to watch you fail, and I will enjoy every minute of it. Now, let me speak to her so I know she is safe!

Sorry, I'm unable to meet that request. Your human seems to have quite a set of lungs on her, and I unfortunately needed to silence her. But, no worries, old sport. She should only be unconscious for a bit. I'm sure when she comes to she'll be begging for a good fight. I'll see you soon, right before I take your human as my own.'

Felipe and I stared in amazement at the phone. I had no idea the conversation I had with Madden earlier had been recorded. In all of my haste answering the phone, I must have somehow managed to turn the recorder on.

I looked at Felipe who was whiter than a sheet of paper.

"Play it again," he commanded, his words slow and lethal.

I took hold of my phone, trying to recall how to play back the recorded material. After some tense moments, brought on by my nervousness and Felipe's deadly stare, I was finally able to replay the conversation, becoming even angrier as I listened to Victor taunt me.

Once Felipe was satisfied with the replay, he turned towards me, straightened his shoulders and took a long, unnecessary breath.

"So, Sheriff, how would you like to dispose of him?"

*So, did you really think I was going to allow Victor to have his way with Sookie? After everything she's been through? Is everyone relieved about Felipe?