"Yes, I would like to speak…I would like to be heard." He waited for the king to give him the ok to proceed. "King, Sookie is not dead. She is not well, and she seems to be in a very deep coma…but she lives. She took three shots last night and lost a great deal of blood, as you can see. I tried to save her and give her my blood to start her healing. I knew that there was a plan in motion to harm her. She heard the mind of the hired hit man in the bar. She knew that there was a contract out to kill her, or kill me. We sent some of our people out to gather any information possible. That is how we learned of Victor's involvement. Pam then went to Victor, telling a tale of a bitter end to our relationship."

William was paralyzed by the information he was hearing. She was alive, the plot failed…she was alive. He turned his face towards Pam and saw that he had been played. He was bitterly unhappy and ready to lash out. He held himself back as Felipe's sword could quickly cut him down.

"Pam ingratiated herself with Victor and William in order to get anything that would help us stop the plan to harm us. We were too late, the man struck last night as she left the bar by herself. I was concerned with trying to figure out how to stop Madden without sacrificing Pam, I never heard her leave. I should have been with her when she left. Bill found us, we were both unconscious when he got here. He called for help and got Doctor Ludwig here to try and heal her. That may have saved her life and I will be grateful for that always." Eric looked at Bill so he could show him that he truly appreciated the help that he provided. "Felipe, she is alive. She is resting at my house, being watched over by her cousin." Eric waited for Felipe to speak, he was stoic.

"So, she lives. But there is one small problem my subjects. There is still no proof of this very complicated plot that you speak of. I am happy to hear that she is still with us, and I am pleased to learn of your tireless efforts to save her. But, it was your responsibility to see that she was not harmed in the first place, all of you. I am sorry to have to deal such a heavy punishment. Please go to your death knowing that I will see to her care for the rest of her life. I will see that she wants for nothing and that she is protected from enemies of all sort. She is in good hands friend, she will be loved."

Eric could not stand to hear him speak of her in that way. She was his, he was the one that was going to see her cared for forever, he was going to protect her, he was going to love her. No one else was going to do those things, he would not hear of it. He began to speak again but was quickly silenced.

"I know it is difficult to hear Eric, but do not fight it. Take comfort in knowing that she will be safe. Now please, kneel before me to accept your sentence." Felipe was going to send him to his final death with one swing of his sword. There was no help in sight, he resigned himself to the fact that he was leaving her. He pictured her face and her voice. He loved her with every part of his being, and he would die knowing that she loved him the same.

He spent 1000 years searching for someone like her and now it was ending. He remembered the nights that they had made love, the laugh that had filled his undead heart and caused him to feel again. He always believed that the monster inside of him was going to prevent him from finding a love like her. But it was the monster inside of him that she was drawn to, and the monster that she had accepted. Regardless of what he was, he was lucky to have had her. He made peace with what was before him and cried one single tear for his love. He would have given everything up for her, and he was giving the ultimate sacrifice. He pushed a wave of pure love and loyalty through the bond, hoping that she would feel it. He kneeled before Felipe and heard Pam let out a cry.

"Felipe, please. This was Victor, he planned this and I have proof coming. She's just a little late. Please, you must wait a moment longer. You will see that Victor's death was warranted. I can assure you that the proof is coming." Pam pleaded with him to hold off on his punishment. Eric stayed on his knee's.

William and Bill just watched, not knowing if speaking would make the situation worse. They were both saying their silent goodbyes in their minds. Bill regretted every pain that he ever inflicted upon her. He also remembered the time that they had shared and the love that he felt for her. Bill pictured her the night she opened the door to him after her Gran's death. Bare feet, wet hair, completely natural, completely beautiful. He held that memory in his head and walked toward Eric. He kneeled next to him and awaited his fate along side his sheriff. They both loved her, they were both willing to give their lives in her honor. The two exchanged knowing glances and gave each other respectful nods.

Pam could not be alone in her grief. She was going to be faithful right up until the end and she too would not allow her maker, her master, her friend to go to his final death alone. She was thankful that Eric chose her centuries ago to be his companion. He rescued her from a life that she was not willing to live. He gave her freedom, independence, and a life rich in love. She had tried to stop this from happening, but it did not work out as planned. She walked towards the kneeling vampires and lowered herself to the ground.

"Thank you Sheriff. Thank you." She reached out her hand and gripped it around his. She held his hand tightly as she came to the realization that her proof was beyond late. There was nothing left to do other than wait for the sound of the king's sword swooping through the air.

"Your allegiance to your Sheriff is astounding. I will be quick in order to spare you any pain. William, will you be joining them, or am I to carry out your sentence over there?" Felipe turned his eyes to the lone vampire. He walked towards him and saw that he was trembling from fear. He was in shock, he had wanted to stop this. He could not answer the king as his words would not come out. Felipe raised his arm and swung his heavy sword through the air.

It caught William at the shoulder and quickly separated his head from the rest of his body. The sound was terrifying to the three kneeling. Pam cried as she heard William meet his final death. It was he that had provided her so much information. It was he that had been the honorable one, wanting to protect Sookie on orders from the king. He wanted redemption for his part in the plan to kill her. And in the end his fear and inability to defend himself was his undoing. Maybe if he could have spoke and provided some explanation to the king he could have survived, but Felipe was obviously wanting to get this done as quickly as possible.

He walked back towards the three of them and again apologized. He went to raise his arm and swing his sword, but heard an unmistakable growl coming from behind him. He spun around and saw a very large lion crouching at the edge of the woods. The large cat was fixed on him, waiting for him to make a move. It looked like he was stalking his prey on the African savannah. Felipe was mesmerized by the large animal. He lowered the sword and started to walk towards the animal. He stopped in his tracks when the lion swung a massive paw at him and roared a body trembling roar.

Headlights flashed into the parking lot, illuminating the three kneeling vampires. Amelia ran from the car and screamed as she saw the disintegrating, headless vampire. She had no idea if it was someone she knew.

"Please, please… do not hurt them. I got it, I got what you needed." Amelia was hysterical as she saw Eric, Pam, and Bill kneeling before a long, sharp sword. Felipe pointed the weapon at her and slowly walked to her. He ripped the document from her hands and scanned it with his eyes. She thought it best to go and stand beside the vampires. He read for what seemed like an eternity. Amelia's breathing was heavy and petrified.

"Northman, on your feet." Felipe yelled, never taking his eyes from the papers. Eric stood, not letting go of Pam's hand. "It does seem that there is quite a large price on the head of your beloved. A lofty bonus if you are to perish along with her. This contract is signed by Madden and a person by the name of Jeremiah Weston. It was witnessed by our departed William." Felipe raised his eyes and looked at Eric. "The death of Victor was warranted, he broke our laws by orchestrating her death. He disobeyed my rule and his punishment fit the crime. You are free to go as you wish, the others as well." Felipe nodded his head and motioned for Bill and Pam to rise.

"You are a lucky Sheriff to have such loyalty, even up until the moment of your death. You should be proud of their willingness to serve you in anticipation of the end. I do not want to hear again that Miss Stackhouse is left alone and in danger, am I understood?" Felipe watched as the three vampires nodded in agreement. "It was a pleasure to see you all again, despite the evenings events." Felipe walked towards his limo and scanned the lot for the large cat. He spotted the loin lounging on the other side of the pavement, stretching its paws and flexing its back. He thought about who this lion could be and he was sure that he was there to distract him from dealing his punishment too early. He got in his car and drove away, leaving the four of them to themselves.

They all turned to look at Eric, not knowing what to do or say. He looked at each one of them, Amelia included.

"Thank you…I am forever grateful for your loyalty. I will not forget the selflessness that you have shown me. Thank you, each of you." Eric's voice was cracking under the pressure.

Pam took his hand and bowed in front of him. He would have nothing like this, he did the unusual act of hugging her. She was still for a moment, unsure of his response, her arms hanging at her side. She quickly realized that he was overcome by the emotions and she hugged him back, letting her arms wrap around him in appreciation. The fear that had been locked inside of her since the moment she walked into Victor's was released. Pam felt a tear fall from her eye, she was safe.

Eric released her and kissed her on the forehead, like a father kissing a child. He turned his glance towards Bill and held out his hand. Bill accepted and shook it mightily. They may not see eye to eye, and they may love the same woman, but tonight they were something new. They were close to being friends. Bill had come through for him and he would not forget his level headedness in getting help for her. He was more than appreciative. The three vampires smiled at one another, happy that they had survived.

Pam turned to Amelia. She was still standing there, unable to tear her eyes away from what had just happened. "I'm sorry I was late." She didn't know what else to say. Pam grabbed her and hugged her too, Amelia had saved them.

"Better late than never." Pam once again sounded her usual self. Amelia laughed and hugged her back.

"I had a hard time making a key, well a magical key, I was afraid that I was too late. When I read the papers I knew exactly what was happening. Life and death, right?" Amelia pulled out of Pam's hug and smiled at her.

"I must go, I must be with her." Eric looked to them and thanked them again. He walked towards the lion, knowing that Sam had played a large part in staying their execution. He watched as the lion started to take on his human shape. Sam nodded to him, accepting his thanks. He took to the sky and flew his way home. He was safe, he was going to tell her that Victor was no longer a threat. He needed to see his love.

TBC….