Chapter Thirty Seven:

"How in the world did I accumulate this much crap?" I huffed, flopping down onto my bed after zipping up my last suitcase. It took a good couple of hours of scrounging around, looking in every nook and cranny until I finally had everything I could find packed away. I was amazed at all the useless trinkets and the vast amount of clothes I had found myself in the possession of. I hadn't been here very long and I had somehow collected more things than I had my entire life!

"So my child wasn't lying." A soft voice sounded from the hallway.

I propped myself up onto my elbows and smiled at Godric. "No, he wasn't lying."

"You are truly leaving then?" he took a step into the room, looking around at the empty closet and shelves. He looked absolutely lost.

"I'm afraid so." I nodded, pushing myself up into a sitting position. "It's just the right time. I need to do this."

Godric frowned as his eyes found mine. "I will miss you greatly."

"I'll miss you too, Godric. I know we've gone through a lot in the past few weeks, but you'll always be one of the most important people in my life." I felt tears pop into my eyes. I really was going to miss Godric. We've had some hardships lately, but he will always be that vampire who saved my life when no one else seemed to care.

"I still remember the lost girl who I saved almost a year ago." Godric grew closer to my bed, his hand lightly dancing over my suitcases. "You have certainly grown, Elizabeth."

"I'd like to think so." I crossed my legs underneath me and patted the bed for him to sit. He did so, his hands instantly taking mine. "Have I thanked you enough for everything you've done for me? You saved my life, gave me a home, gave me more than I ever needed. You cared for me when you didn't have to, saved my life a little more, and made me believe that I could do anything. I wouldn't have made it through this past year without you, Godric."

"You owe everything to yourself." He shook his head. "You have always been a strong woman, Elizabeth. You only needed to believe in yourself."

"I do now, and that's mostly because of you."

"I take no credit."

"Well I'm giving it to you anyways." I laughed, squeezing his hands. "By the way, I forgot in all the chaos, but I have a message for you."

"For me?" he raised an eyebrow.

I nodded. "From Kyra."

A mixture of pain and anger crossed his face. "Please, Elizabeth, I cannot..."

"Just give me two seconds, please." I held onto his hands tightly as he tried to pull away. "I won't be able to see her again, and I promised I would send her message along."

Godric sighed, his eyes falling to his lap. "Very well."

I shifted closer to the vampire, remembering the many times we had just sat and talked all night both here and in Dallas. He had been my confidant, my shoulder to cry on. I would never forget that, not in a million years.

"She loves you." I began, watching his reaction closely. "She loves you more than anything in the world. She wants you to know that she will never stop loving you."

There was a rim of bloody tears around his eyes and I squeezed his hands affectionately.

"She doesn't want you to hate yourself for what happened. She wants you to forgive yourself, to let yourself move on. She doesn't hate you. Far from it. She just wants to see you happy. None of it was your fault."

Godric opened his mouth to argue, but I simply gave him a sharp look before continuing.

"She wants you to move on, Godric. It's been 1400 years and you haven't let her go. You've been filled with so much pain and guilt that it's eating away at you. You need to let her go. She wants you to."

He looked to the side, a single tear running down his pale cheek. I raised a hand up, brushing it away.

"I know it's hard. Believe me, I've gone through losing people, I know just how hard it is. But when you do let them go, move on, it's the greatest feeling in the world. We will never truly forget the ones we've lost, that will never happen. But if we hold onto them too much, it becomes unhealthy. You love her, but it's been 1400 years, Godric. You need to let her go. It's time. It's what she wants."

Godric looked like a sad little boy whose toy was just taken away. It pained me to see him such a way. No matter what happened between us, the good and the bad, he still meant the world to me. He always would. He's been there for me more times than I can count in the past year. I meant what I had said days ago in Fangtasia; I would sacrifice myself for him. I was willing to do it in Dallas, to die right alongside of him, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Seeing him so broken, in so much pain, all I wanted to do was hug him and wish it all away.

And that's exactly what I did. I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tightly. It took a moment before his own arms found their way around me, a comfortable silence falling around us. I ran a hand up and down his back soothingly, whispering words of comfort in his ear. It felt odd at first, being the one to comfort him when it was usually the other way around. But I didn't mind at all. It was the least I could do.

"1400 years." Godric's voice was soft and barely audible. "I've been missing her for 1400 years."

"It's time to face reality, Godric." I pulled away, cupping his cheeks. "She doesn't want to see you like this. She wanted you to live, to be happy. Do that for her."

"I...I don't believe I know how." He replied honestly, bloodied tears rolling down his cheeks.

"Well it's a good thing you have a progeny who seems to have more fun than anything else." I offered him a smile. "You and Eric...I think I put a wedge in your relationship and I don't want that. You two are closer than anyone I've ever seen before. Maybe I need to leave in order for you two to remember that. Eric would do anything for you, Godric. You can lean on him."

Godric sighed. "I know. My child...I could not have asked for a better progeny."

"I think you two need to get back to how it used to be. Just maybe without the blood and guts." I laughed lightly. "Just live, Godric. You deserve it. She would want it."

He looked to the side for a moment, his eyes closing. I caressed his cheek before letting my hands fall down to my lap.

"Perhaps you are right." Godric nodded, turning his gaze back onto me. "Perhaps we both need to find ourselves."

"It's not like this is goodbye." I shrugged. "We're all going to be living for a long time. I'm not going to say we're never going to see each other again, because the odds are we will. But we all just need some time."

"I will miss you." He raised his hand, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.

"I'll miss you too Godric. Just like stupidly I'll miss Eric." My smile widened. "But the more you miss someone, the more likely it is that you'll see them again, that you'll find your way back to them."

"You love him." his own smile crept onto his pale lips. "You love him greatly."

A blush rose on my cheeks as I nodded. "I do. I wanted to deny it for so long, but I just can't anymore. I shouldn't love him, but I do."

"We cannot help who we fall in love with."

"Don't I know it?" I rolled my eyes before checking the time. "I should get some sleep. I promised Eric one last night, but I'm going to leave once the sun rises."

Godric nodded sadly. "I understand. You will say goodbye before you leave?"

"Of course, Godric." I hugged him tightly once more.

"Goodnight then, my dear Elizabeth." He lightly kissed my forehead before standing.

"Goodnight Godric." I watched as he left the room, feeling like my decision was most definitely for the better, for all of us.

The day went by quicker than I would have liked. I wasn't sure what to expect out of Eric tonight, what he possible could have planned in less than 24 hours. Just my luck, he'd literally try to tie me down so I wouldn't go. I snorted at the idea as I left my bedroom an hour after the sun had set. I could hear the other vampires roaming about, and I decided it was time to pull myself out of my room. I would be on my own for awhile, I may as well enjoy the company for the time being.

"There you are little phoenix."

I smiled as Andre appeared around the corner.

"Hey, I thought I heard you." I greeted him. "Have you talked to Sophie-Anne yet?"

Andre nodded, his blue eyes sparkling with happiness. "She is well. The authority has declared her the Queen of Mississippi now that Russell has been killed."

"Well I feel a little safer in Mississippi now." I chuckled. "That's good though, I'm glad she's alright."

"I told her what happened. She was very intrigued and excited about your growing powers." Andre tilted his head to the side. "She also asked me to remind you of..."

"The deal we made. I know." I nodded. "Where is she now?"

"Still in Jackson."

"Well I've never been to Mississippi before. I think I might just have to visit." I grinned. "So this won't be the last you see of me."

"I hope to see you many more times, little phoenix." Andre grasped my hand and brought it up to his lips, softly kissing the top of my hand. "You are an exquisite woman. Stupid, but exquisite."

I laughed. "I'm stupid in so many ways. I'm glad I met you Andre."

"I am honoured." He bowed his head.

I rolled my eyes before wrapping my arms around him, surprising him with an unexpected embrace. He relaxed after a moment however, and returned the hug. I hadn't known Andre very well, but I felt like he would most definitely be a friend I would keep in touch with. As with Sophie-Anne. I had lost my family years ago, but I felt like I was slowly gaining new estranged family members every day, and that thrilled me.

"I must say goodbye." Andre pulled away. "I'm leaving for Jackson shortly."

"Drive safely. No more crazy driving." I wagged my finger at him.

Andre chuckled. "I make no promises."

I smiled as he nodded at me before turning and heading down the stairs. I followed, leaning against the railing and waving as he left. It was while I was standing there that I felt a presence behind me. I nearly jumped when I felt a hand on my shoulder, spinning around and squealing like a little girl.

"Don't do that!" I slapped Eric's chest, glaring up at him as I held my thumping chest.

"I apologize." He looked anything but sorry though, a smirk crossing his lips. "Are you ready?"

"Ready for what exactly?" I eyed him closely. "What's with that look?"

"What look?" He asked innocently.

"The 'I have something planned' look. And usually with you, it's never good." I crossed my arms over my chest. "Eric..."

Eric's smirk widened and before I knew it, I was being thrown over his shoulder as he began to descend down the stairs.

"Eric!" I screeched. "What the hell!"

"I told you I wasn't going to let you go. Not without a fight anyways." Eric answered simply, taking a sharp turn once on the first floor and heading towards the basement.

"Let me down right now!" I demanded. "Eric!"

"I'm sorry, Ellie, but I can't do that." He lightly patted my bottom, causing another screech to emit from my lips.

"I can fry you to a crisp, remember?" I pounded my fists into his back.

"You wouldn't want to destroy what you so desperately want."

"I'm sure it'll grow back." I grumbled as we came to a halt. "Let me down Eric. Whatever you plan to do, it's not going to work."

"Oh it will. I will ensure that it does." He assured as he pulled open the metal door leading to his resting place and walked through.

I groaned as I felt myself being tossed onto the ground, not enjoying the hard landing. I glared up at Eric as he locked the door, turning back around to smirk down at me before grasping a handful of hair and yanking me to my feet.

"Ugh, what the hell!" I yelled, my hands flying to where he had a hold on my hair, pulling me towards the other side of the room.

"You are mine, Ellie. If you thought I was just going to let you walk out that door, you clearly do not know me."

I gulped when my eyes fell on the chains that fell from the ceiling of the room, dangling down just waiting for somewhat to be trapped in them. I struggled as Eric brought me closer, forcing one of my wrists into the air.

"Don't even think about fighting, my little phoenix. I don't want to hurt you." He whispered huskily into my ear, successfully closing the metal cuff around one of my wrists, forcing it up into the air by the chains.

I tried kicking at him but it was inevitable, soon both my hands were high above me, just about lifting me into the air with only the tips of my toes grazing the floor.

"Yeah, because this is making me want to stay." I tried tugging on the chains, trying to find a weak spot. "This is exactly why I want to go!"

"Ellie, Ellie, Ellie. My sweet Ellie." He grazed my jaw with a finger, lightly brushing my lips and causing me to shudder. "I always get what I want. And what I want is you. I would suggest relaxing. You will enjoy this."

"Enjoy what?" I asked sceptically, watching as he stepped away from me only to peel his shirt off. My eyes widened when I began to realize what he was going to do. "Eric...Eric no. Come on. I told you I'd give you a night. You don't have to do this. Chaining me up, is that really how you want to do this?"

Eric silently undid his jeans, pulling them down in one swift movement. I wasn't surprised to find that he wasn't wearing anything underneath, now standing before me in all his glory. And how glorious it was! I almost forgot just how well endowed the vampire was. My eyes were just about bugging out as my gaze zeroed in on his erection, not able to stare at anything else. It had felt like ages since the last time Eric and I had sex.

"I-I still have my sex ban." I reminded him, swallowing hard.

"When have I ever played by the rules, Ellie?" he slowly sauntered towards me.

"Eric...come on, we can do this without me being chained." I went back to tugging on the chains, a bead of sweat sliding down my forehead as I nervously stared at his arousal. Had it always been that big? "Eric?"

"I can't let you go, Ellie." He shook his head, raising a hand up to caress my cheek. "Trust me, you will be begging for more shortly."

Unfortunately, I knew he was right.

"Eric, please..."

He silenced me with a kiss however. The kiss was much different than the one we last shared in his office. That had been needy and desperate; a last kiss. This was rough, like he was showing the control he held. I couldn't stop myself from responding, pushing myself as best as I could against him, my arms still stretched high above me. Eric snickered as he pulled away suddenly, his eyes dancing over my body.

"I believe your overdressed." His fingers ran over the neckline of the old t-shirt I had thrown on before just ripping it down the middle and right off of me. I was speechless as his hands roamed every inch of me, his cold hand sending shivers up my spine. My eyes closed as he kneaded my bra covered breasts before quickly taking care of that article of clothing as well. The moment I felt his cool fingers teasing my nipples, I couldn't help but moan out loud. "Hm, already enjoying yourself, aren't you?"

I didn't respond as my head fell back, his lips soon attacking my one nipple while his hand took care of the other. I had forgotten the sensations I felt whenever I was with Eric. He drove me insane, made me want to stake him most of the time, but damnit, there was just no one better when it came to sex. Sure I haven't exactly had much experience, but I knew Eric Northman had forever ruined me from enjoying sex with anyone else. No one could possibly compare.

I had lost all sense of time, only caring about the pleasurable feeling running through my veins. Every touch, every kiss, every flick of the tongue, seemed to be heightened since transitioning into a full Phoenix. I wasn't sure if this was usual, but I really didn't care. I barely even paid a heed of attention when Eric pulled my jeans right off of me, leaving me in only my panties. It felt torturous as I just hung there, unable to touch his perfectly moulded body. He drew everything out, making sure I felt every possibly pleasure there was. As Eric knelt before me, his fangs extended, he began raising his hands up and down my bare legs. I shuddered at the cold touch, moaning as his hands grew higher and higher and once in awhile brushed over the crotch of my panties. I squirmed, wishing he would just hurry up already. I could feel my arousal growing the moment he took his clothes off, and now it was only heightened further. I felt like I was about to burst!

"Eric..." I moaned. "Please..."

"Please what?" He slyly asked between my legs as he slowly slid my panties down off of my hips.

I was too stubborn to beg, though I knew it was exactly what he wanted. I bit down hard on my bottom lip, forcing down the moan that was trying desperately to escape as Eric parted my legs painfully slow.

"Say it."

"Let me go." I tugged on the chains.

Eric's eyes flashed and he was on his feet in seconds. He grabbed a fist full of hair and yanked my head back painfully.

"You can yell, you can scream, but I will not let you go." He growled into my ear. "If you wanted to use your fancy powers, you would have. You want this, Ellie. Just admit that and let yourself go."

There was a sharp intake of breathe as his fingers tweaked my nipples a bit too hard. I knew he was right. If I truly was scared, if I really did want to escape, I could have already. The power that flowed through my veins, it was enough to get myself out of these confines. But I hadn't even attempted to use the strength and power I had been born with. I hadn't wanted to. Somewhere deep down inside, I wanted this. I wanted Eric to keep me tied up here for the rest of my life, to keep me his forever. That part of me overpowered the logical at the moment. Maybe in the morning that rational side of me would make a comeback. But right now, I just didn't give a fuck.

"Now, tell me what you want?" His fangs grazed over my neck.

I was still too stubborn however, to admit out loud to him what I wanted. "Let. Me. Go."

His fangs sunk into my neck at the exact time that his erection suddenly plunged right into me. I let out a scream in both pleasure and pain, Eric beginning to pound into me while he hungrily sucked my blood. He slid one arm tightly around my waist while he used the other to feel every inch of my body, his short fingernails digging into my skin, nearly causing a trail of blood.

"Oh god!" I panted. "Eric...oh...oh god!"

My body felt exhausted and spent already, but that didn't stop my hips from meeting his thrusts, taking him in deeper, if that was even possible. I could feel my orgasm growing, the peak nearing. But in an act of torture, Eric slowed down his pace, nearly stopping all together. I let out a frustrated groan, throwing my head back as Eric slowly withdrew his fangs.

"Beg." He whispered. "Beg for it."

"No." I refused, shaking my head.

Eric smirked down at me as he ever so slowly pushed back into me before withdrawing completely. He did this for a second time, and for a third, but did not pick up the pace at all. I groaned, feeling myself on the edge, so close to feeling pure pleasure.

"If that's how it's going to be, then I'm going to fuck you senseless." He threatened in my ear before slamming back into me.

A groan passed through my lips as my eyes began to flutter open. I wasn't sure what time it was, or even where I was. What I was sure of however, was how incredibly fucked I had been. There was no denying that. As I began to blink back the exhaustion, I could feel just how sore my body felt. It was a welcoming feeling though, still riding a cloud of blissfulness.

"God that was good." I admitted out loud.

A smile tugged on my lips as I moved my head, realizing for the first time that I was now in a bed, no longer chained up, and lying beside Eric himself. I attempted to move, but felt a stony arm around me, not letting me budge at all. I chuckled as I turned my attention to the clock that was in the room and saw that it wasn't even an hour passed dawn yet. I thought about settling back, sleeping for a few more hours and enjoying this moment. But I knew better. If I went back to sleep, then I would never get the courage to leave. Despite the fact that last night had been amazing...incredibly amazing...I still had to go. That had not changed. Eric must have known that, or he wouldn't have unchained me. Not that it would have done much; I would have escaped out of them eventually.

"Oh Eric." I whispered. Though as I moved over onto my side, it was obvious that Eric was dead to the world. His hair was out of place, a strand falling into his eye. I smiled to myself as I slicked it back, loving the way he looked when he wasn't so done up, when he wasn't trying to seem tough and ferocious. He looked so peaceful when he was asleep, like there were no troubles in the world. He looked like an angel, so happy and content. If I had a camera near, I would have taken a dozen photos just to remember how handsome he was like this.

"I have to go." I spoke softly to his sleeping form, caressing his cheek.

I didn't want to just leave, just like that. He wasn't even awake. But I couldn't wait until dusk. If I did, it would be harder to leave. I had to go now, when I was still strong enough.

"I will always love you, Eric." I felt tears in my eyes as my thumb brushed across his full lips. "You'll always be my only love. I will never forget you."

I shifted until my lips were only an inch from his, slowly pressing them together. I squeezed my eyes closed as I kissed him lightly and pulled away. I grasped onto his arm and somehow managed to slide myself from under his tight embrace. I slipped out of the bed, grabbing his shirt that had been thrown nearby and my jeans which happened to be close enough and pulled them on. As I stood, I glanced over my shoulder at the blonde vampire, taking in every single detail.

"Goodbye, Eric. I love you."

I felt myself beginning to choke up and I knew I had to leave quickly. I sniffed, rubbing at my eyes, as I made my way over to the door. I noticed that Eric had unlocked it sometime after our exhausting fiasco. I smiled, realizing that Eric had never intended on using force to keep me here. He merely wanted one night to remind me of him, to make sure I knew that no matter where in the world I was, I was still his and always would be.

I left Eric's resting place, closing the door behind me, and began up the basement stairs to the main level. I was barely paying any attention as I found myself upstairs, standing right outside my bedroom. There was a peaceful expression on my face as I remembered last night, though a light flush crossed my cheeks as I walked into my bedroom. That flush darkened quickly when I found Godric sitting on my bed, a smirk plastered across his face.

"Have a nice evening?"

"Oh god." I hid my face in my hands, embarrassed that he had heard the entire thing. "I'm so embarrassed."

"I took a long long walk, but it seems you both have more stamina that I originally thought." There was a spark in his eyes as he stood. He sounded like the 16 year old boy that he appeared to be for the first time since knowing him.

"Oh shush."

"I am glad you enjoyed yourself." He walked over, cupping my cheek. "But it's time you left, is it not?"

I nodded, my embarrassed smile fading. "It'll be easier to just leave now."

Godric nodded in understanding. "You will be careful?"

"Of course. I'll try and keep the stupid ideas to a minimum."

"I unfortunately do not think that is possible." He playfully pinched my cheek, his smirk growing into a simple smile. "I will miss you greatly. But I know this is for the best, for all of us."

"It is." I nodded, hugging him suddenly. It felt weird to think that I wouldn't have Godric there to comfort me when I needed it. It just wouldn't feel right. "It's not forever. We'll see each other again."

"Keep in touch." He pressed me against him, his arms tightening as if he never wanted to let go. "I will hunt you down if you do not."

I chuckled. "I don't doubt that. You and Eric have that in common."

"Come back to us on day." Godric pulled away slightly, tilting my head up.

"One day." I nodded. "Maybe I won't be as big of an idiot then."

"One can hope." He laid a soft kiss on my forehead, dodging my playful slap to his chest. "Go now, Elizabeth. Be safe but have fun. You deserve that after everything."

"The same goes for you." I wagged my finger at him. "1400 years, you deserve a little bit of fun and mischief. Channel your inner 16 year old."

"I will." Godric nodded in assurance. "Goodbye Elizabeth. I am honoured to have met you, to have been able to help your grow."

"I'm thankful to god for guiding you to me." I squeezed him tightly, a tear slipping down my cheek. "I'll never forget you."

"I should hope not." He offered a smile. "Go, before Eric's ideas of tying you down become too luring."

I laughed but nodded, my hand grasping the handle of one of my suitcases. I flicked my wrists and the others were floating in the air, moving alongside of me with ease. I smiled at the amount of power I held, the simple act not exhausting me at all. Godric, my bags and I, left the room and stopped in the hallway. I looked up at the 2000 year old vampire and tried to imagine what my life would have been like if I hadn't met him. Shaking my head, I realized that it wasn't even an option. I needed to have Godric in my life, even if it was just a security blanket to know that wherever I was in the world, I would always have him to lean on.

"Goodbye, Godric."

He nodded at me, and I could tell by the ring of red around his eyes that the emotions were getting to the vampire. I simply kissed him on the cheek before turning and beginning towards the stairs. My own emotions were getting the better of me as I directed my things downward. I didn't stop once I reached the bottom, knowing that if I looked back now I wouldn't want to leave. I could feel the lump rising in my throat as I grasped the door handle after unlocking the front door, slowly opening it. The morning air was cool, a light frost on the grass as I flicked my wrist for the suitcases to leave the house before me. As I stepped onto the porch, everything began to feel real.

I was actually leaving. I had yelled it, threatened it, but I never actually thought I would follow through with it. But here I was, working my way down the driveway to my car, thankful that there was no neighbouring houses close enough to witness my powers being used. I quickly wiped away a tear as I opened the trunk, beginning to process of hauling each bag in. I tried to steer my thoughts clear of the vampires inside of that house, but it was no use. Images of Godric and Eric flashed before my eyes and I was nearly knocked over by all of the emotions. I didn't think leaving would be so hard. I suppose I cared for them greater than I had first expected.

"You're doing the right thing." I reminded myself, slamming the trunk door closed and manoeuvring my way to the driver's seat.

I closed my eyes for a brief moment as I just stood there, letting the light wind whip at my hair. When I opened my eyes and stared up at the house, a fresh batch of tears began rolling down my cheeks. I knew I was doing the right thing. I needed to do this for not only my sake, but both of theirs. It was just hard to part with the memories, the lifestyle I had been accustomed to for the past year. I thought I would hate coming to Louisiana when Godric first asked Eric to take me. But I had come to love this state, this city. It was a home to me, just like Dallas would always be. But it was time to leave, even just for a little while, to spread my wings and fly.

"I love you both." I murmured before sliding into the car, not wanting to stay for another minute.

I started the car up and without a second thought, pulled out of the driveway and began on my way. I wasn't sure where I was headed in the long run. Maybe I would just travel for awhile. My brother and I had always talked about jumping into the car and just driving once I was done school. It of course never happened; he had died before it could. But it felt like a good idea, to explore the country I called home. But first, I had to make a pit stop in Jackson Mississippi, to give Sophie-Anne the gift she had asked for when she promised me protection. I wasn't sure back then how I would do such a thing; allow her heart to beat just for a fraction of a second. As I drove through the silent streets of Shreveport, Louisiana, however, I knew without a doubt that I could it.

"Time to start a new life." I checked the rear-view mirror. "Time to start over."

I never saw the transport truck that couldn't slow down as I passed through an intersection, the lights green. I never saw as it came ploughing towards me, slamming straight into the side of my car. I was nearly unconscious when the car rolled over and over again before finally settling upside down. Everything went black before sirens could even be heard.