Author's note.

First off, I would like to thank..

Acelticdream, ArchangleFemme, Dhalia89, Evedarling84, FalloutAngel, Ilovefanfic102, Jasminahmed, Kunoichi, Maladdict, Merlin2219, Midnight Living, Miss LuLu2010, Tanyavn and Tricia911114.

For favoriting If Only.

Secondly I would like to thank

DownBelowGirl; I am glad that you are finding my story interesting. This is seriously all that I thrive on. The plot is thickening and the following chapter is an important one. Godric was an amazing character in the series and I think the makers also realized that they made a huge mistake by killing him off when he had so much potential. In my story this is how I have always visualized Godric. You will see a new facet of Godric's in this chapter. I hope you keep on liking this story..and Keep on reviewing. You are awesome!

For "SomebodyWhoCares"; you wanted Eric? You Got Eric! I think it's quite a talent you got there expressing yourself fully by a single word. I am not as talented as you, so I will express myself in 4 words. Thanks….ENJOY…. KEEP REVIEWING! :D neat huh?

So guys! Enjoy, Comment or Review. Love you all for appreciation!

38. If Only – Chapter 37

- the noble gift-

Eric's POV

I don't care what you think as long as it's about me,

The best of us can find happiness in Misery…

Guilt. Loss. Despair. Worry. Curiosity.

Anna's emotions were changing so suddenly I could hardly keep track of them. I sighed. Earning a sideways worried look from Godric. I winked at him reassuringly. The last thing I wanted was Godric having a panic-attack which he was more and more prone too since Anna had arrived in our…Existences.

"Eric." I felt Isabel reaching me.

"Sheriff." I nodded curtly.

"Quite a gruesome night you must be having! One mystery has not solved itself yet and circumstances present another."

"What would be existence without mystery my good friend?" I smirked turning to face her and saw her scanning me appraisingly, was she trying to proposition me, again? I had sincerely thought she was past that phase. Isabel tended to be a very clingy sort of lover. Last time we had had sex, she had stalked me for a few years before she gave up the chase and then she had found that absolutely idiotic human, Hugo and had petted him severely until he bit her dead heart out, making me almost lose my telepath during the process. I scanned the premises again my eyes finding Sookie whose face was scrunched up in concentration her hand placed on the shoulder of one of the Were-wolves up for interrogation.

"I see you do not desire her anymore. At least not the way you did a year ago and with separated from her, you still haven't bonded with her, even when your blood connection with her is almost depleted."

"Desire is a fickle foundation, no, necessity and usefulness are much better foundations. Sookie will be mine and very soon, I assure you."

"You know when you make claims like that is when one realizes that you are truly a child of Godric's. Otherwise you are poles apart."

" Thank you." I said giving her my most charming yet devious smile.

"But, you called me an Old friend, so I must play my part as such." She paused a moment when I looked at her intently, knowing very well where she was going with this.

"Sooner or later, people will find out about 'her' and what she is capable of, you know well of who I speak Eric, I've seen how you look at her, I suggest you make allies for that time Eric because there are always thieves after precious things. Wouldn't you say?" She whispered in my ear, before I could respond to her, the main entrance to the warehouse was being lifted with automatic pulleys. I peeked outside seeing a few limousines parking swiftly in front of the entrance. There must have been 4 of them that had just arrived. I looked towards Edgar, the king of Texas who was frowning. I stepped closer to Godric who was also looking at the commotion with eyes narrowed. I felt Pam immediately coming to my side dragging Sookie along with her.

"I did not know the whole AVC was coming for the interrogation." I whispered to Godric.

"This is not the AVC." Godric's narrowed eyes turned to me, with a solemn expression. I turned to face the entrance. There were vampires swiftly getting out of the parked limos dressed in security gear. I recognized Nan Flanagan getting out from one of the vehicles. Her usually sneering and arrogant face looking unsure and timid for the first time, I saw her walking towards one of the limos parked in the center and coming to stand next to its door like an obedient servant. The door to the Limo opened and a very tall and bald vampire stepped out of it dressed in a sleek suit. I felt myself freezing as I recognized the particular vampire. I felt Godric's hand closing in a steel grip around my bicep as an old but familiar fire started to burn in my temples. I warned Pam to be cautious through our maker child bond and felt her moving close to me.

The bald vampire who was even taller than me stood a few steps away from the door of the limo, Next came a petit Hispanic vampire I had never seen before. Her dark skin and Caramel eyes scanned the area carefully. Dressed in a black silk pant suit, she looked alert and fierce. Side stepping elegantly she made way for the next passenger. The flash of raven black hair with golden strands, a creamy white skin and slate grey eyes was very telling of who the vampire was, recognition came to me in seconds and I felt Godric's steel grip on my arm tighten even more. Any moment my arm was going to come out of its socket, but I did not care. Rage boiled in my temples as those grey eyes met mine directly. I felt rather than saw first the king of Texas going down and kneeling followed by Queen Sophie-Anne, Isabel and in 2-3 seconds every vampire in the premises was down on their knees in front of the new arrivals. I felt Isabel nudge at my leg asking me to do the same, but I did not. Neither did Godric or Pam for that matter. Sookie on the other hand was almost hiding behind my back.

The Raven haired Silver eyed vampire walked towards us slowly followed by all new comers. Nan Flanagan and the bald vampire flanking him immediately. I felt myself calming down suddenly. The heat behind my temples cooling down some. I knew it was Godric's doing. He was very rigid and unflinching standing next to me. The whole entourage which also had a few female vampires was moving slowly towards where me and Godric were standing. I saw the kneeling vampires shooting puzzled looks at the oncoming vampires. Most of them including my own present child, I was sure were not even aware of who had just arrived. I analyzed the leader who lit the fire of rage in my temples so easily. He was wearing a white dress shirt, accompanied by a charcoal grey silk vest and trousers. His sleeves rolled up showing off a tribal tattoo on his left wrist. His collar button opened and a dark mauve tie loosened around his neck. He had an Onyx cane in one hand with a platinum head in shape of a five petal flower which he twirled in his hands as he made his way towards us. His hair was shorter than I remembered, in a very messy surfer cut yet coiffed messily to stay off his face. A scar that looked more like a dimple on his left cheek. I saw his densely defined lips upturn into a pleased expression as he saw Godric and then me. Coming closer every second his stride full of power and assurance. He was not the tallest of the group, standing at about 6'1", but his presence was towering. Undeniable power radiated off him in waves. I non-chalantly counted the vampires in his entourage. 14 in total, if one counted Nan Flanagan and her detail. A rather small entourage for someone like him. He came to a stop only two steps away from me and Godric.

" We meet again My elusive Godfrey, I must say I have been waiting for this night for a few centuries… I hope you have forgiven me by now?" Godric let go of my arm. I saw him looking away towards the kneeling king of Texas and Queen of Louisiana. Godric, though was quite under-dressed as always for a occasion such as this, His white shirt fluttering lightly as a breeze came through the opening. I was once again awed at Godric's composure and authority, especially in front of a vampire more than twice his age. He spoke in a firm but polite voice his expression pensive. Making full eye contact with his enquirer.

"A mutual friend once said to me that forgiveness is the most noble gift one can bestow upon you, hence it should only be gifted when there is assurance that it won't be taken for granted." He paused for a moment "Can you assure me? Theo?" Godric said softly. It was madness what Godric was saying. I could not help but turn to look at Godric incredulously. How could Godric even think about forgiving, and what in the world was Theo doing asking for forgiveness from Godric, when it had been I who had been wronged.

"I can, My beautiful and wise Godfrey, I definitely can!" said Theo beaming at Godric his mercurial grey eyes sparkling as he stepped forward and raised his hand to cup Godric's cheek affectionately.

"Then I Godfrey Helico, of the House of Plumeria, Child of Ziva Nerava, Welcome you to America Theodolus the Infallible, High King of All Vampires." Godric said taking Theo's hand that was touching his cheek and bowed in front of Theo ordering me silently to do the same.

"Sire." I bowed curtly. Silently ordering Pam to do so as well. Before realizing what exactly I had done.

But I knew what I was going to do. I was going to fucking kill Godric!

" It is no trouble at all sire. We are all at your service. I am sure I can spare Eric for a few days. Naturally." Sophie-Anne was laying it on rather thick. No wonder Anahita always made such a bad face when she was told that Felipe De Castro was marrying Sophie-Anne. Theo looked distracted and annoyed at the same time and I was just simply outraged, and I knew beyond doubt that Godric knew exactly how outraged I was right now. I had been trying to catch his eye for past few minutes, no wonder Theo called him My Elusive Godric.

"I think we should take our leave now. There are other places I need to be. I am very pleased with how this matter of the were-wolves was addressed. Glad to see that Americans are doing rather well on their own." Theo suddenly turned towards me switching to old norse. Surprised as I was that he would address me and that too so intimately. His casual and trusting expression was disarming.

"If she says one more sentence I think my face with the fake smile is going to melt off. Will she fucking stop?"

I just simply shook my head. Wondering why the High-king of all vampires would try to be courteous enough to endure the torture of Sophie-Anne's incessantly annoying conversation. I did not trust this new attitude. I wondered what he was playing at. Theo never did anything without a reason.

"So I thought…" he clicked his tongue disappointedly. Nodding in answer of the farewell bows he turned on his heel and started to walk back towards the Limo waiting to receive him.

I finally caught up with Godric, who said without even glancing at me.

"Not now Eric…"

"Yes now Godric! Just like that? You let go everything just like that?" I was seething. He finally turned towards me, his expression cold and determined.

"You are not my master Eric, I am yours. So, You bow, where I bow… I do not think I need to explain my actions here, but still I will nonetheless when I can. You should be grateful for what I give you. Now look sharp, we have a lot on our plate right now and there is no time for lengthy explanations, so stop acting like a petulant child!" to say I was taken aback would be an understatement. I saw that the best thing to do would be to obey Godric as it was. I simple nodded in compliance, which eased his stance somewhat immediately.

"Just trust me Eric, everything I am doing, will be doing, is all for you and yours! I need the blind faith you have always shone me…" the pleading in his eyes melted some of the frozen fury that was clasping my mind. I nodded assuring him with my eyes that I would support him, though it won't be easy or flawless.

As we were about to turn away to go sit in the SUV we had arrived in I heard Theo say.

"Godfrey, please join me and ask Eric to come along too."

Well..that settled it.

"Where is she?" Theo asked Godric as soon as the car reached the main highway. We were going back towards the city. There were 5 of us in the car. Theo and the Hispanic female vampire whose name I learnt was Maria Salazar were sitting opposite us, whilst I, Godric and Rocco, the bald vampire, who was Theo's last surviving child were sitting on the seat backed against the drivers compartment.

Godric simply raised his eye brows pointing at the Hispanic Vampiress, asking silently if she was trustworthy.

"This is Maria Salazar, she is one of Dario's 3. She is assistant to Rocco. Since I had to leave Rocco's Child Albaer in Berlin to keep the ropes tight alongside your blood brother Marcus.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, I have heard so much about you and Eric." Maria spoke reverently. Her Spanish accent alluring as I noticed her eyeing me very closely. I raised an eye brow at her at her unrestrained yet non-verbal appreciation of my anatomy and Godric claimed I was conceited. A week ago such a signal would have meant show-time for me. As beautiful as the vampiress was, I somehow did not find myself interested. What was wrong with me? Godric nodded at her and smiled politely before turning to Theo again.

"She is with Simion." Godric answered.

Oh yes, that was what was wrong with me. My problem was with Simion.

"She is with Simion? Is she aware of it as well?" Theo's expression was incredulous. A sudden panic filled me, was Simion not trustworthy? Had we been tricked? I groped inside myself for my bond with Anahita immediately. She was… calm, pensive and slightly sad. I nodded at Godric, at which he looked calm again.

"She chose to leave with him." Godric said softly.

"She chose? To leave with Simion?" Theo asked with more incredulity. His eyes wide with disbelief.

"Yes, after the attack tonight, we decided that it was not safe for her to come with us so she herself suggested leaving with Simion." Godric too looked worried.

"How extraordinary! Rocco! Did you hear that? Anahita is with Simion right now, by her own choice.. and I thought I had heard and seen everything there was to be seen in my 45 centuries! I always thought the only way she would remain in Simion's presence was if she was unconscious. After troubling me for 200 years with never wanting to see Simion's face or making me promise that I would never hand her over to him or force her to work with him, she is now with him, on her own accord." He looked amused now. His eyes mirthful. Rocco was looking sideways at Godric, eyes sparkling a smile playing on the 2500 years old vampire's lips, who I knew was more keen on listening than speaking.

"He does not jest sire. It is a miracle!" Rocco said in his deep voice.

"I do not claim to understand their relationship dynamic myself, Eric is downright suspicious of Simion…" Theo interrupted Godric mid-sentence.

"You need not be suspicious of Simion… Anahita might loathe him severely but he has been her protector bonded for past 200 years and quite successfully at that. I trust him as implicitly as I trust you. You should not doubt my judgment."

I felt Godric tense next to me. Looked like someone had a little explaining to do.

I could see no reason why Anahita would keep that information from us. It's not like we had never given her chances. This was not good. I could feel Godric's disappointment. Apparently so did Theo. Reminding me how one should never under-estimate him by looking at his small entourage or easy demeanor. There was a reason Theo was High king of all vampires and had been for the past 200 years.

"She must've had her reasons for not telling you, Over the centuries that she has been by my side, I have learnt that if there is one person who's actions can be trusted blindly, no matter what they look like, it is Anahita. You will learn this on your own as time progresses." Theo was staring out the window at the rushing landscape. The statement was somewhat reassuring. It meant that he did not intend to whisk her away from us.

"So, may I ask what is the purpose of this surprise visit?" Godric asked.

"There are many purposes to this surprise visit. I have quite an extensive mission to accomplish while I am here. Old relationships to mend, new ones to forge, find who stole from me, steal back from whoever stole from me but above all else, it's my heart that brings me to Dallas. I cannot stand the idea of her thinking that I have abandoned her. We did not part on Good terms, but I will do whatever necessary…to fix things."

"You do have a knack for parting on bad terms don't you?" I found myself saying. I had not planned on it.

"Eric!" Godric snapped at me.

"No Godfrey. He has every right to his anger. It is one of the reasons I am here. I always knew that I did you wrong, but I had my reasons for doing so. It's true that I could have gone about things much differently and appropriately, but, I was desperate and in despair. I had recently lost Ziva. I just needed to fill the void. I cannot bring back the time, but, had you known what I knew then i am sure you would have done the same. Even though I have devoted 700 years in caring of your child, I still do not claim any ownership on her Eric. She is yours. She always will be. Lest she chooses otherwise."

She had chosen otherwise. Had she not? She had chosen Godric. I blew my chance. It did not matter that she was made of my essence.

New Characters.

Rocco; is the last and only surviving vampire child of Theo's. He is approximately 2532 years old. He is head of High king's security and has only one child known as Albaer.

Maria Salazar; is the Child of Darius, who is child of Godric's Blood brother Markus Corelea. Maria is just above 230 years. She is blood sister of Felipe de Castro and assistant to Rocco.

Sooo...Theo has finally arrived...what do you think? like him? dislike him? confused? leave a comment and let me know! Review:D