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Eric's POV

Sookie and I moved a selection of her clothes and toiletries to the newly renovated panic room a few hours ago. It's as secure as our bedroom, a fact I intend to point out to the agents tomorrow. Not that it mattered; they'll remove Sookie to Washington over my dead body.

The moment I felt Godric on our property I resisted the urge to rush out and hug him. I didn't for many reasons; the main one is that Godric isn't the type of vampire that enjoys public displays of emotion. I don't either, Godric and Sookie were the only exceptions to that rule.

I tucked Sookie in my arms to greet Godric as soon as he opened the door. Godric dumped his bags at the front door and smiled at us, "Eric, Sookie, I missed you. Have you missed me?"

Walking slowly to Godric I pulled him close, pressing my forehead to his before linking our fingers.

"We're so glad your home again."

Sookie moved closer and linked her hands with ours, her warm forehead joining our cooler ones. After that time slowed. Nobody wanted to move; the only sound was Sookie's heartbeat.

Godric finally pulled away, to lighten the mood he gave Sookie a teasing grin.

"I'd ask how your night went but I already know. Even a mooted bond can't bury passion; I felt your activities all the way from Washington. I'm happy that you found you way back together. We've lost so much time; I won't allow that to happen again, you're our light Sookie."

Sookie blushed and looked away but Godric stroked her fingers gently, "Sookie, there's no shame in loving Eric; he's very easy to love. You deserve nothing but happiness little one."

I grinned at Godric, ever the diplomat,

"I'm sure you're disappointed you missed our reunion Godric, it was well worth the wait."

I felt Godric's desire as he held Sookie, but he hid it well, Sookie didn't detect it. However, after a thousand years I knew Godric better than anyone else. He'd rather suffer than tell Sookie he was attracted to her; he didn't want to scare her away. It's been just the two of us for so long, Godric didn't know how to change things. In fact, I doubt Godric ever sought a woman's attention in his life.

I learned one thing from the last Time-line, keeping secrets from Sookie never ends well. I won't allow us to bury our feelings this time around. Sookie has the right to know how we feel about her, but it must be done with zero presser or expectation. Frankly, talking to her about this wasn't the right time. However, giving the chaos of our lives, waiting for the right time was a fool's errand.

Godric quickly understood my intent, after a brief pause he nodded his approval. He allowed me to take the lead; it was the best plan to avoid Sookie misunderstanding his behavior. I wasn't sure how she'd react, but she has a right to make her own mind regarding us.

Sookie studied us in confusion, as we let our romantic longings flow inside the bond. I gave her an encouraging nod, assuring that she read the bond correctly. "Sookie what happens next is your choice alone. We promised you no secrets and we meant it."

Godric stood perfectly still unsure how to proceed. He certainly didn't expect this homecoming, but I knew he wouldn't object, I felt his longing for Sookie for months now. Tonight when I saw them both, all I could think about is the possibilities.

Sookie reached up her left hand and touched Godric's cheek; I could almost taste her nervous excitement. Godric wasn't much taller than Sookie; his boyish face followed her fingers over his pale skin. His gaze never left hers, as he studied her expressions.

Godric linked their fingers and leaned slowly forward, giving her to chance to say no, to change her mind, but Sookie didn't reject him, if anything she arched her lips in anticipation.

When Godric's lips touched Sookie I smiled, it was beautiful to watch. He was hesitant at first but slowly deepened their kiss. I positioned myself behind Sookie and began to nibble and suck her neck, whispering words of love and devotion. Her tattooing heart and moan of pleasure was a welcome relief, this was new to all of us. It felt so amazing; I never wanted it to end.

Far too soon Godric pulled back and admired Sookie's kiss swollen lips. I moved back as well as we examined her emotions, Sookie happiness remained our priority. I knew Godric felt the same way, if she doesn't want him, we'll accept her choice.

Godric lifted Sookie's chin and smiled at her encouragingly,

"Sookie did you enjoy my kiss, are you ok with how I feel about you? Please be honest, there's no wrong answer."

Sookie licked her lips nervously shifting her eyes between us, "Yes I enjoyed your kiss Godric, but I'm confused, vampires are far too jealous to share anyone. I felt both your emotions in the bond; I don't sense any conflict, just concern about my reaction."

I switched my gaze back to Sookie,

"You're correct, if this was anyone other than Godric, I would've torn him to shreds by now. I know he won't try and take you away, and I enjoyed this also. He respects you're my bonded Mate, the only question is do you want him as well Sookie?"

Sookie mouth opened then closed again, as her mind swirled in confusion, "I don't know, I've never thought about Godric that way, but I admit I always thought he was cute. I also really enjoyed his kiss. I need a second, my minds gone to mush for the moment."

Godric gave Sookie a gentle hug and thankfully she seemed to relax at his touch,

"Sookie you're Eric's bonded Mate that will never change. There's no greater connection than a Mate. I assure you that including me as part of your relationship is an option, it's not a requirement. We won't bring this up again unless you do, I promise."

Sookie smiled at us both, the nervous tension vanishing from her body.

"I'm sure of one thing; my life around you both isn't dull. Give me time to think about it, but for now let's see how it goes."

I brushed my lips across Sookie's soft cheek,

"Now seems the perfect opportunity to change the subject, Godric told me he had a gift for you before he left town."

Godric grinned and reached into his pocket, "Yes I do, I intended to give this as a gift after I turned you Sookie. However, after everything you endured this year, I wish to offer it now."

Godric opened his jacket pocket and removed a small jewel encrusted box and handed it to Sookie. After she opened it she looked up in confusion, "It's a beautiful key, what does it belong to?"

If I still breathed my heart would've stopped, I knew what doors the key opened. Godric only made three keys, we both had one; I always wondered what happened to the third. "Sookie I made this key over a thousand years ago in case I created another child. This is for you."

Before Sookie could lift the key Godric covered her hands,

"This key will allow you to unlock the door to every property I own, including all the internal doors. I offer this gift to reaffirm my love, devotion and trust. I hope this shows that you're a part of my nest and my heart."

Sookie kissed Godric's cheek, her infectious smile hard to resist.

"Thank you, I promise I won't lose it." Sookie picked up the silver key and gasped when the Celtic writing started to glow. Within seconds the key turned bright yellow then seemed to almost melt in her palm before vanishing.

I chuckled at her bugged eyed expression of shock.

"Sookie, you don't have to worry about anyone stealing or losing the key. It's now apart of your hand. For it to work just think about opening any door in the house, place your palm on the door and gain instant access."

Godric rubbed Sookie's warm palm,

"Sookie for your own protection never tell anyone you have this key or let them see you use it. Many would love a key to my homes, none for good reasons. Until I turn you, use this key is for emergencies only, such as to save your life from intruders."

Sookie nodded still looking at the glow slowly fading from her palm,

"I understand Godric; I'll use our normal security system to move around unless it's an emergency. Thank you for the trust you've place in me. As you requested when I moved in, I won't enter a room without asking first, I promise."

Godric smiled at Sookie, stroking her cheek,

"Sookie you have no idea what you mean to Eric and I. You have our love and our trust. We promise to protect you always."

Sookie smiled at Godric in concern, she could tell from our link that he was distressed, "Godric please tell me what's troubling you. Something happened in Washington, the fear you're burying is like an open book in our bond. They still have Sebastian yes?"

Godric sighed and ran his hand inside his hair,

"The human police have Sebastian, and some of his team, but his brother and most of his children escape thanks to Homeland Security arresting my squad. You're not safe yet, but I have a plan, we're just waiting on Orion to appear."

I could feel the fear rolling of Sookie at the news. I pulled her closer rubbing my nose against hers as I gripped her icy fingers. "Sookie things are getting better, just hang in there."

Godric looked up as the house alarm system notified him of a visitor request for Orion, "Home System I permit Orion entrance for the next 8 hours, run the usual scans. If more time is required I'll resubmit."

I tried to look supportive but if he wanted Orion's help, his plan was likely dangerous. However, I knew Godric would do his best to protect Sookie. I just wish my uneasy feeling would go away, but the pit in my stomach grew bigger by the minute.