Chapter 52

Eric's POV

Two hours had passed since our family had returned to the compound, my cleaning crew had done their jobs to perfection and we had taken care of the feral werewolf, the human Andy Bellefleur had shown great courage but when it came down to it, he couldn't pull the trigger. Godric had taken pity on him by shooting the werewolf, which I would have been more than happy to do it myself, vermin like that doesn't deserve to live. Godric insisted we wait around for the arrival of Bud Dearborne and the coroner, once the bodies of both the young woman and the now human werewolf had been cleared away, we all clambered into the Police cruiser to collect Ms Holly and reunite her with her children. The drive had been a very uncomfortable one, I was now driving with Godric in the front passenger seat, which amused us both greatly, the human had twitched on the verge of panic at the idea of being locked in the back of a police car with a vampire, to Andy's credit he'd made it very clear that if it wasn't for Godric, myself and our family the children would not have been found. I watched Godric shake his head with a smirk as we turned into the compounds driveway, the music filling the air could be heard from the main road. I pushed out to Sookie to be met with a wonderful feeling of love, happiness and amusement. I watched in the rear view mirror as the human Holly's eyes bulged at the sight of the mansion and grounds, it always surprised me the way humans reacted to wealth. The driveway around the front of the house was filled with cars, some of which I'd never seen before, which I sure Jasper had something to do with this. I pulled into the main garage next to the seven deadly sins new, Ducati Panigale V4. Why they wanted motorbikes was beyond me, if Sookie knew the new toys taking up a large space in the garage came close to $230,000.00 dollars she'd be pulling her hair out. I was hit with a wave of amusement and caution, as I climbed from the police car. Little Belinda from the hot shot pack launched on top of one of the Lamborghinis and attached herself to my back, scrambling around to look me in the eyes. I wasn't sure which was more amusing, Andy's face that the child was using a Lamborghini as a launching pad or Holly's horror that a child would be so excepting of a vampire.

"Can we go into the pool Uncle Eric?"

The echoes of 'Please' from Valliant, Leif, Caitlin and five children I'd never seem before from the garage door, made me smile.

"What does your Parents and Sookie have to say?" I asked

"Um, they said we had to ask you."

"Why?" I had a feeling I was being played by a 5 year old.

"Because Caitlin and Cody's mum was coming, but Caitlin wants to swim and Cody is reading comics with Chow, Boston, Yannick and the others."

"I can't see there being a problem, as long as Caitlin comes in and asks her mother. But let you all be warned, I if I get in trouble I'll sending the Bert's after you." We were treated to squeals of delight, as Caitlin rushed forward bouncing around her mother.

"Can I mum? Please."

"Don't you want to talk about what happened sweetheart?" ask Holly

"No, Rai told me there is scary good and scary bad and since there scary good is really big scary, if the scary bad ever happens again. They'll come save us, see." The sweet child pulled a business card from her pocket and handed it to her mother, screaming 'PLEASE' a little louder than I liked.

"OK, I'll be out in a moment."

Godric and I didn't move as Holly handing the business card to Andy lowering herself to the ground sobbing. Andy looked at the card for a brief second before turning it over for us to view, there on a Fangtasia business card someone had scribbled over the top, Scary Good Super Hero service, this card is good for 3 saves. Godric gave me a small smile and squeezed my shoulder, we truly where blessed to have such creatures in our lives. Don't get me wrong I know we were all killers, but it didn't mean we were cruel, unkind, or vile creatures. The wolves we'd just killer, were exactly that and we had taken pleasure in ending their lives. Holly stood up wiping her eyes, thanking us more times than was truly comfortable when I was saved, in a fashion.

"Eric Northman, you get your arse out her and deal with the mess your children are creating." Yelled Sookie

"Those little shits." I mumbled getting a chuckle from Godric, Holly and Andy.

Godric stopped in the doorway turning back to address both Andy and Holly.

"We are so very happy we have been able to assist in the recovery of the children, but please know this is our home and there may be a few vampires here that are a little more vampire than you are accustom to. I can promise, you are all safe and have nothing to worry about, I just want you to prepare yourself."

I wasn't sure if Holly would believe all the super naturals here tonight where vampires, but it was the best explanation she was going to get. We exited the garaged to be meet with 60 plus people spread around the yard, laughing and enjoying there time together. It was easy for Godric and I to notice the Hot Shot additions as well as a few female werewolves and children obviously from the Shreveport pack. But the looks from Andy and Holly, clearly showed they would never have expected families and children to be part of a vampires home. Jasper was cooking away at the BBQ, Mika was tending to a large open spit with a full pig roasting. Coolers sat spread around the yard with drinks for both the adult humans and child spilling over the top, I could even see a table covered in breads and salads at one end and a mixture of true bloods and bowls with ice and milk bottles obviously for the blood shakes at the other end. We watched Holly quickly scan the groups looking for her son, Godric being the gentle soul he was pointed her towards a grassed area covered with blankets and pillows.

Chow and Cody had taken up a spot mixed in with Aurora, the night fury and her mates, it was actually amusing to see. Each of their bodies was laying again a part of the closest mate and they lazily touched or kissed each other when ever possible. Gerard, Aurora and Kellan had become the centre. Gerard and Kellan where sitting upright, backs to each other, as Stark and Bastian had their heads resting on the demons lap. Aurora was sitting between Gerard legs, the bird moving back and forth between their shoulders as she laid back against Gerard's chest, Yannick and Preston had rested their heads against Aurora's legs, mumbling something to each other obviously content in the moment, Chow and Cody somehow had become trapped in the mix. From the smiles, they were happy to be there. The group looked up as young Boston walked there way arms full of drinks, burgers and chips, the little shifter smiled brightly at Godric once he'd notice our arrival. Before we could approach the group and see to Cody'e well being, I was attacked by a raging Hybrid.

"Eric Northman, did you give those children permission to get in that pool." Snapped Sookie as she smiled at Holly waving hello.

"The devil children told me you where ok with it as long and Holly and I gave them permission."

"Does it sound like I gave them permission, Pam, Piper and I have spent all night keeping them out of that Pool, they keep splashing at Terry's girls." Said Sookie, trying to let me know the gate keepers where getting hell from our twins, gate keepers and water didn't mix. And the boys knew that, I gave a polite nod to Holly and Andy as I called for the Bert's.

Sookie's POV

My anger at Eric quickly vanished as he, Godric and the Bert's circled the pool trying to grab at any child that was within arm's length, unfortunately this only excited the children more, causing water to be slashed everywhere. When Sigbert, captured Leif lifting him up by his leg in a victory roar. Laughter filled the yard, one down, and seven to go. I turned to Holly taking her hand and giving it a squeeze.

"How are you handling everything?"

"It's a lot Sookie, I didn't think I'd ever see my kids again and poor Lacey. I just don't understand why someone would do that and god only knows what the kids have seen?"

"I won't lie, I was there when the kids where found and it got nasty, but there safe now and they've made themselves some pretty great friends that will be there for them if anything bad happens again or if they need to talk about what happened tonight."

"I can't believe Andy called in the vampires, but I'm so glad he did. Did you see the card Caitlin was carrying around?"

"Rai made it for her, he's an ok guy. I think you'd like him." I pointed Rai out of the crowd and he gave Holly and myself a nod. I noticed Holly looking over at Cody for the third time in mere minutes.

"I hope it's ok that we've given him Coke and Burgers. He saw, Boston, Kellan and Preston eating and then it was picnic time."

"Its fine Sookie, I'm just grateful he's eating. Are some of those people the ones that came into Merlotte's when you worked there, half the town has been talking about them?"

I gave Holly a smile and nodded yes, we approached the group in question as my sweet little Valliant, soaking wet came screaming up from behind with Eric in hot pursuit, launched himself at Aurora, if it wasn't for Yannick super reflexes it could have gotten nasty. With his eyes still closed the Death Dealer grabbed the side of Valliant's hip as Preston flinched back avoiding a little foot to the head. Yannick balanced the wiggling terror mid-air as Talon flapped his wings in annoyance giving Valliant a chirp before settling back down, rubbing his beak against Aurora neck. Holly gasped in horror as everyone else started laughed at Valliant's pleas, for sanctuary. Aurora looked down at Yannick and winked at him as he handed Valliant over.

"What have you done to enrage your father little one?" asked Aurora wrapping her arms around Valliant.

"I may have unintentional splashed Lilim, but it truly wasn't in malice, I promise."

"What else" purred Preston as he moved into a sitting position and reached out for the night fury, which happily jumped onto his arm and started devouring a burger he'd been offered by the Fairy.

"I could have escaped capture prior to apologising and helping the others pick up the mess we created." Said Valliant as he hid his face in Aurora's hair hiding from Eric who was staring at him with anger.

"Are you a proud member of this family little one?" Asked Aurora

"Yes" replied Valliant, his lower lip jutting out.

"Do we run?" asked Gerard

"Do we hide" asked Kellan

"No" replied Valliant as the first tears started to fell.

"Do Northman face their battles head on?" asked Bastian

"Stand proud little one, march off to your punishment with your head held high, welcome death if it calls you." Said Stark.

Aurora kissed Valliant's forehead, handing him to Yannick, who wiped the tears from my child's eyes and gave him a firm nod settling him on his feet in front of Eric. Eric gave everyone a stern nod as he reached out his hand for Valliant. My brave little warrior took one last look over everyone, before he took hold of Eric's hand and marched off to his fate.

"Is Valliant getting in big trouble?" asked Cody

"I highly doubt it." I chuckled as I watched Eric trying to hide his smile as his son walked at his side like he was going off to war.

"Cody why don't you give your mother a hug hello and introduce her to everyone." Prompted Chow as he gave the little boy a nudge forward.

Holly bent down and hugged Cody, and unlike his sister the little boy held his mother tightly and soaked up the love only a mother could give, after a few moment he stepped back and gave his introductions, using his little hands as a pointer to identify each person with the name he was giving, no one could hide their smiles, it was so damn cute.

"Mummy, this is Chow he took care of Cat, Aunt Sookie and me after Preston saved us. Oh that's Preston, with Talon the birdie. And Kellan and Stark, oh and Bastian who is Leif and Valliant's daddy's brother. And that's Gerard and Yannick and Aurora, oh and this is Boston, Aurora's little brother and Godric's little boy. Did I do good?" asked Cody a little proud of himself.

"You have done brilliantly Cody, gold stars for you." I replied

Holly looked at Boston, Aurora and then over to Godric who was talking with Calvin and back to me, it was obvious to everyone the ages of everyone mentioned didn't match up with their titles. So I smiled and mouthed adopted, which made her nod and let the pieces fall into place. If she only knew the truth she'd flip out.

"I'd just like to say, thank you to you all for helping bring my babies back safe and sound."

"We are happy to have been of assistance, we just wished we could have also saved the young woman." Replied Yannick

Holly looked a little shocked that they were talking about Lacey's death in front of Cody and the little boy noticed.

"It's ok mummy, Chow said it was bad that Lacey had to die, but she died protecting us so we have to honour her and not forget her. She was brave mummy, now I have to be brave." Said Cody looking over to Chow and the Japanese Yakuza vampire gave him a proud nod.

"Cody, would you like to help Aurora replenish everyone's drinks?" asked Gerard staring at Holly.

The little boy blushed, when Aurora stood and reached out her hand, Stark chuckled saying 'no stealing my girl' Cody's smile was sweat and pure. Hopefully the nightmare they'd suffered tonight wouldn't haunt them for to long.

"Sookie I can see there is something your friend would like to discuss with us?" asked Gerard

"I'm sorry, it's just the way you talk to the children. It's amazing, the little boy before couldn't be any older then Caitlin, but he used a bigger vocabulary then most of the adults I know, he asked for sanctuary, wow, just wow." Said Holly

The True Immortals looked at Holly like she was brain damaged, but I knew what she was going on about, the time my sons and Boston had spent with Erebus and the True immortal had advanced them far beyond their years. Even while in Poseidon's realm they'd spent large portions of their days with private tutors absorbing knowledge faster than I'd thought possible and I hated to admit it but if this kept up they would out surpass me intellectually very soon.

"The boys have had some home schooling, Holly." I replied

"So when or are you going to send them to the local school."

This got a little more attention than I'd like, the sound of a glass smashing behind me got the full attention of Aurora's mates, Boston and Chow. They were all on their feet in seconds. Chow quickly stepped forward and scooped up Cody, laughing that it was there job to get a replacement drink for the one Aurora had dropped, the little boy smiled, happy to help as they walked off. Our problem was Aurora hadn't dropped the glass, it shattered from her crushing it in her hand. I watched her eyes swirling from a sparkling crystal green to a deadly almost black as her words pressed against my mind

"You would send the twins to that vermin infested cesspool, what of Boston. You know if one goes they will all want to go, how are we to protect them. Will the humans teaching there even be capable of sharing knowledge with children as advanced as our?"

God I loved this woman, big bad death machine one second, the next she was a bundle of nerves about kids going off to school, this was always going to happen. Eric and I had spoken of it often. I guess I just hadn't put into account how protective Aurora would be of the children doing something as normal as going to school, I smiled brightly, walked up removing the non-broken glasses from Aurora's arms, handing them to Yannick before I lent forward and hugged my dear friend.

"Aurora is worried about the boys being away from us for the first time?" I said to Holly as she stared at Aurora

"OMG, I was the same way. I cried the whole day the first time Cody went off to school all on his own. Caitlin is only on half days and I still tear up dropping her off some days. It gets better, but you still have some bad day, there your babies after all. Boston is so lucky to have a big sister that loves him so much."

"I am, and if you want me to stay home with you, I will. I don't need to go to human school." Said Boston as he dashed to Aurora side and wrapped his arms around her.

"Human school?" asked Holly

"The Boys have had a vampire tutor to date." We need to get off this conversation quickly.

"OK, a little odd but who am I to judge. If Caitlin and Cody are up to going to school tomorrow why don't you bring the boys down for an orientation day?" Said Holly

Boston hit Aurora, myself and her mates with his best puppy dog eyes. And as expected Aurora folded looking to Yannick, then Gerard.

"Let us go discuss this with your father." Said Yannick, as he kissed Aurora and took an overly excited Boston off to talk with Godric.

"If you'll excuses us for a moment, we wish to talk with The Viking." Said Gerard, as he and the rest of the deadly sins gave a small nod, and strolled away.

Holly watched them carefully and confusion flashed across her face and filled her mind as Stark put his arm over Aurora's shoulders kissing her cheek, Bastian grabbed the Angels other hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing his palm.

"There all together aren't they?" asked Holly

"They are, is that going to be a problem for you?"

"Not at all, I won't lie I'm intrigued how it works and a little envious. But I can't stop thinking how all the single mothers and gold digger at Bon Temp Jnr School are going to feel knowing all that hot man flesh is being keep by one ridiculously stunning woman, seriously no one should look that sexy. Damn Sookie" Said Holly covering her mouth trying to hide her laughter.

I couldn't help myself, I howled with laughter because she was so right, Aurora and her mates where going to cause some heated reactions from the mothers and fathers at the school drop offs. It was only another 30 minutes before Andy, Holly and the kids where saying there goodbye. Cody and Caitlin promising to wait for Valiant, Leif and Boston near the kids drop off area at school tomorrow. Andy also promised to keep us in the loop as to how the investigation was going into Lacey's death. For the rest of the night, Pam and Piper made lists and calls collecting bits and pieces for the kids first day at school, I was also a little horrified that they where doing background checks on parents and teaching staff as well. Aurora and Gerard vanished in search of Nyx refusing to let Boston out of there sight if not blood tied to them.

Yannick keep insisting Aurora or himself could simply, magical provided all the needed items a child would need for school, but Pam was being Pam and on a roll. We just had to let her go and chuckle when she'd remember something else barking orders over the phone to some poor human. It was decided, Myself, Piper, Aurora and all her mates would be attending tomorrows outing to the school. I tried to push the fact that Bastian coming along would cause too many question, but Godric, Eric and Pam, refused to allow the children to not have all possible protections available, with Gerard agreeing and Kellan making a point that with all the deadly sin being present, Bastian being a vampire wouldn't be as noticeable as one would think. Most of our guests where saying there good byes and heading out when Aurora, Gerard, Nyx and a stunning Hispanic looking supernatural returned. Erebus appeared striding to the new arrival with haste wrapping her into a passionate embrace, the god was so happy I swear he was glowing.

"Sookie please allow me the honour of introducing you to my beautiful mate, Marigold."

I was telling Marigold it was an honour to meet her when the beauty started to blush and crystal tears began falling from her eyes, I turned to look at what had her attention as Aurora, Yannick, Gerard, Kellan, Stark and Preston all dropped to one knee bowing low. Bastian was off to one side also bowing low and breaking eye contact, which was huge for a vampire. My look of confusion must have shown as Nyx approached me, her eyes glassing over as if she was fighting back tears herself.

"They are showing there gratitude and respect, to Marigold. She allowed Erebus to leave and take up the binding and protection of the twins. Being apart from ones mate is painful for our kind. For a true immortal to take a knee and bow is a huge honour, they are grateful for the sacrifice Erebus and Marigold have made for them."

Erebus and Marigold approached Aurora and her mates asking them to rise, again I was left speechless at the amazing creatures that had given up so much to allow myself and my family to thrive and be safe. After a long discussion it was decided Kellan would merge with Boston when receiving the gift to ensure Boston wouldn't suffer the pain Erebus had, it was a better safe then sorry situation. And I was grateful they did, because as soon as Boston and Kellan drank from the goblet which held Erebus and Aurora's blood, Kellan buckled to the ground as his bones cracked and began reforming giving him wings. The only side effect Boston seem to suffer was a headache and sleepiness, but as Godric was wishing everyone a good night ready to take Boston to bed. The little shifter whimpered grabbing his head as his eyes flashed with fired and settled back to the same crystal green as Aurora's. Aurora had stopped mid stride as she and her mates where taking Kellan inside to rest, once she saw Boston's eyes, the smile that spread across her face let me know, we truly had some adventures in our future where Boston was concerned.

A/N I would like to thank everyone for the kind reviews. They keep me motivated, I know I still have much to learn when correcting my spelling and punctuation, Thank you for your patients and I look forward to providing better work in the future.